edited 23aug21
• chapter 32: two hot chocolates
I didn't know how we get to this situation. Suddenly since that day, Seungmin dragged me everywhere.
The carnival was in two weeks, and for two weeks Jeonghoon would be at the school most of the days. Probably that's why.
Yeah, maybe that's why.
But when he acted like this he looked... cute. I've never seen this side of him.
"We're having exams after the carnival. That's why the alumni do all the works." Seungmin stated as he stood on his tip toe, reaching out a book.
I leaned my back on the shelf, a pout forming on my face. The library was so quiet and books were everywhere. Ugh, books.
"And you, if you want to reach your parents' expectations you have to study." He pressed the word 'have' and gave me a Chemistry reference book since I left mine in the classroom.
I took it while puffing my cheeks with the air. "I hate studying."
"That's not the reason you'll give to them when showing the grades." He said, taking out another reference book. "Instead try to say, Seungmin was being a kind human being for once and helped me. Surely your parents will feel proud."
I frowned, "How does that work?"
"It's obvious, they like me." He shrugged and glanced towards me with a mischievous glint.
"It's obvious, they like me," I mimicked him and walk to our place. "They just invited you to another dinner tonight not because they like you, but because they want you to tutor me. Don't get that wrong."
I didn't know when they exchanged numbers, but suddenly Seungmin told me my parents want him to tutor me on weekend, which will start tomorrow, and TMI, has prepared a room for him to sleepover.
Honestly I don't know what to say.
"I still need to take my clothes at home though," he muttered. "But isn't your cousin staying?"
"No. Chenle has exams as well. He needs to stay home."
"I wonder how curfew works."
"You want to feel it?"
"No thanks. Just wondering." He replied as he flipped through the pages. "Let's get started."
"I'm skipping my meal because of this. You better teach me well." I grumbled as I sat up straight and open my book. Actually I don't mind when he brought me here because this was the only place where Jeonghoon wouldn't go. He was disturbing us for these past days and we got uncomfortable. Why can't he just leave us alone?
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"Sorry, I'm late." Seungmin bowed as my mother opened the door. I could see her face lit up seeing the guy.
"It's fine! My husband and I just finished eating but Hyemi haven't had her dinner yet. Come on in!"
I mentally facepalm myself when my mother wanted to help carrying his backpack but he politely refused to it. I pull her hand away. "Eomma it's fine, you're scaring him." I whispered to her and she giggled.
"He's so cute!" she quietly squealed. "Show him the guest room upstairs and go have a dinner together."
A blush appeared on my face. Is she playing the role of matchmaker like Jeongin did? If so then I'm outta here.
Seungmin was a bit awkward when we both went upstairs. My twin brothers were too excited and Hyunjae clung on him. "Hyung! You're noona's friend?"
The guy nodded, patting his hair softly.
"Hyunjae get off him, you're heavy." I said while opening the door for him. "This is your room and next to this are theirs. Sorry in advance if they make noise."
"Hyunjae is the noisy one. I only sleep." Hongjoong crossed his arms over his chest and pouted.
"No way! You always sleep on my bed when I'm sleeping!" Hyunjae retorted.
"Then just continue to sleep!"
Seungmin giggled watching them bickering. "Come down later to have dinner." Then I bring the nosy boys downstairs. "Alright boys, no loud noise when a guest is here, understand?"
They both nodded did the salute sign. "But no promise. If Hongjoong comes on my bed maybe I'll scream."
Seriously?
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After the not so peaceful dinner, Seungmin had to stay at the living room. The two boys forced him to play their toys with them and willingly, he played with them.
I only watched them playing from the kitchen. It was already late and my parents went to bed. I didn't know where these boys get their energy from.
He genuinely looks happy. When one of them attacks him he'd pretend to hurt or play dead before laughing afterwards. Honestly I've never seen him like this even we already hung out a few times.
Watching people having fun is a cure for my heart.
After a few minutes the twins grew tired and finally decided to sleep. I turned off the kitchen lights before Seungmin switched them on again.
"I'm- uh.. I'm thirsty." he quietly said.
"Oh, sure." He made his way to the jugs and poured himself the drink.
"Are you going to sleep now?" he asked and I shook my head. "Same."
Oh.
"Then..." I trailed off to find the correct sentence. how do i ask him to hang out in the balcOny?! "If... if you want to roam around outside then you can. I'll be at the balcony." then I left to my room. Was that clear? Or was the hint too subtle to tell him I want to spend time with him at the balcony? I mean- this is embarrassing!
I slipped on my black hoodie and grabbed my english literature exercise book. It would be awkward if I stay there without doing anything and it'd be obvious that I'm waiting for him. At least doing the exercise would lessen it a bit.
I can't believe he's sleeping over.
As I opened the sliding door the cold breeze hit my skin and I shivered. The night was still young so I could see the lights from other houses. Hugging my body, I sat on the chair and placed my book and pen on the table.
Time passed by and it was getting colder. I was too immersed in doing the exercise, completely had forgotten about Seungmin. When I hugged my legs to my chest and brought the book on my knees, the sliding door opened.
"It's too cold!" he exclaimed, stayed frozen in front of the door while holding two mugs. I stifled a laugh as he penguin-walked to put the mugs on the table and ran back inside.
hot chocolate.
Soon he returned in his grey university hoodie and covered his hands with the sleeves. "Aren't you cold?"
"I'm used to it."
He shivered while giving me one of the drinks.
"Thank you."
Seungmin hummed before sipping his drink. The warm liquid ran down my throat, warming my body as well. He made my favourite drink, the cadbury hot chocolate.
His eyes travelled to the book on my lap and furrowed his eyebrows. "You're studying?"
"I don't have better things to do."
He stifled a laugh, "I thought you don't like english."
"It's not like I can run away from it." I internally sighed. I do hate this subject. "My dad is not proud of my english results, I guess that's why."
"Don't live too much to their expectations. You will get tired."
I half heartedly laughed, "I already am. I'm their highest expectation. Wonder how it feels without it."
There was silent for a few minutes and I returned to do my english exercise while he checked his phone once in a while and looked up to the sky.
"This is nice." he broke the silence. "For having a family and living with them. It's really nice."
My heart dropped when hearing that. Now I remember that he lost his parents.
From his side profile, I could see he smiled sadly. "Even if your family look down on you, just know they want the best for you. It's better than there's no one to look after you. Treasure them and your brothers. They are the most important people in your lives. "
I felt a lump in my throat as he said that.
I've always wanted parents who don't compare me with others.
"I'm not saying this to be sarcastic with you, but just want to make you feel they love you."
I'm loved by them..?
"You ever wonder why I wasn't with them when the accident happened?" He turned to me and I shook my head. "They were just like Jeno's parents. Almost every time they are away because of work and sometimes I felt it's better to live with my cousins at that moment. But when it happened, it's no more almost. It's every time. And I regret for feeling like that."
A tear fell.
From his eye.
He looked away and wiped his tears with a small chuckle, "Why am I crying?"
I remained silent, suddenly regretting what I said earlier.
"I've lost them and as I grow older I started to feel empty. It fears me more if I loose more people in my life. And about Minha,"
He paused for awhile.
I could hear him sniffling and the urge to hug him was killing me.
"I'm disappointed with myself. I knew she won't like me back but I put too much hope and when she's with Minho hyung, it's almost feel like losing my parents in the past."
My heart clenched a bit but I ignored it. "You still like her?" I asked when there was another long silence.
He looked down to his hands. "I don't know. It's confusing me."
"You mean your feelings?"
He nodded, "It's frustrating to have the feeling. I hate it."
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