Jae Hyun woke up to someone tapping his body. He groaned, not wanting to get up. He still felt slightly dizzy from all the alcohol he had taken the night before.
"Yah, Jae Hyun, you better get up. We've got practice this morning, and our schedule is packed today, you know?" his roommate Kelly complained as he hovered over him.
"Arasseo, I'm coming," Jae Hyun mumbled lazily, burying his face deeper into the pillow.
"Ppalli! We're eating breakfast," Kelly said, then left the room.
Jae Hyun groggily got up and dragged himself into the bathroom. He washed his face and brushed his teeth. They had intense practice ahead, so he figured there was no need to shower just yet. He threw on a fresh, loose gray sweater and a pair of ripped jeans, then stepped out.
The sweet aroma of food filled the air immediately. His stomach growled, and he realized just how hungry he was. He followed the scent to the kitchen where the members were already gathered, eating breakfast made by Do Hyun, the oldest in the group. But one seat was noticeably empty. A wave of sadness hit him as he quietly slid into his usual seat—right next to the vacant chair.
"Yah, Jae Hyun, you need to stay focused today. We're performing next week. Don't let your mind drift," Do Hyun said as he looked over at him.
Jae Hyun nodded. "Okay, hyung."
With his mouth full of toast, Ki Tae chimed in. "Anyone heard from Seo Joon?"
"He called me this morning," Jace, the youngest, replied. "He said he'll be back this afternoon."
Jae Hyun scoffed suddenly, stabbing his toast so hard with his fork that everyone flinched and turned to stare at him.
"Jae Hyun, are you okay?" Kelly asked, concerned.
Jae Hyun smiled bitterly. "Oh, I'm fine, Kelly. Really fine," he muttered, forcing pieces of toast into his mouth and chewing harshly. His thoughts raced. How could Seo Joon not have called at all yesterday, or even this morning? Was he seriously out there having the time of his life with his Beautiful castmates?
Pushing his plate aside, he stood up.
"Yah, Choi Jae Hyun, finish your food!" Do Hyun called out.
"I've lost my appetite," he responded flatly and walked away.
No one said a word. They all just watched him leave, silently understanding what was eating him up inside.
Jae Hyun went to the practice room alone and put on their solo track CRAZY FOR YOU. Cranking the volume to the max, he began dancing aggressively, hoping the movement would burn away the jealousy and frustration twisting in his chest.
Maybe I've become old news. Maybe he doesn't want to hang out with me anymore.
Fine. He should enjoy his time with his new friends. What do I care?
He didn't even notice the rest of the members walking into the room, watching him from the doorway. Just as he attempted a difficult move, the music cut out, and his ankle twisted. He hit the ground with a hard thud, crying out in pain.
They all rushed to him.
"Jae Hyun-ah, are you okay?" Jace asked, worried.
The pink-haired boy didn't respond. He just groaned, clutching his ankle.
"Get him to his room and bring the first aid kit," Do Hyun instructed quickly.
Jace scooped Jae Hyun into his arms without hesitation and carried him out, followed by the rest. In his room, Jace gently laid him on the bed while the others gathered around.
"Jace, I'm fine," Jae Hyun protested, trying to sit up. But as soon as his foot hit the ground, a sharp pain shot through him and he winced.
Jace lifted his leg. "See? It's already swollen."
Do Hyun returned with the first aid kit. "Jae Hyun, I told you to be energetic—not reckless," he scolded, sitting beside him and rubbing his ankle with a pungent-smelling ointment.
Jae Hyun clenched his jaw, enduring the sting without a word. When Do Hyun finished, he smiled in satisfaction.
Ki Tae sighed. "Just rest for today. Hopefully, your leg will be better by tomorrow so you can get back to practice."
Jae Hyun tried to argue. "No, I'm fine..."
"Hyung, it's swollen. Listen to Ki Tae," Jace insisted.
Jae Hyun exhaled deeply. The last thing he wanted was to lie in bed, giving his brain the chance to spiral. But he nodded and turned away from them, pulling the blanket over his head.
"Bye, hyung," Jace said.
"Try to sleep, roomie," Kelly added.
The others mumbled their farewells as well, and Jae Hyun nodded under the blanket. He heard their footsteps fade from the room, and sighed softly for what felt like the hundredth time, closing his eyes.
When he woke up, he felt a warm arm draped over him and a familiar breath against his neck. He shivered, startled by how fast his heart started racing. The betrayer was sleeping peacefully beside him.
He wanted to jab him in the stomach but held himself back. Instead, he turned to face him, Seo Joon's hand falling limply off his waist.
Jae Hyun held his breath.
God, he was still so beautiful. His sculpted face, messy brown hair brushing against those long lashes—it was unfair. How could he feel so angry and happy at the same time?
He reached out and gently traced his chin.
"Na pabo ya (jerk)," he muttered under his breath.
Seo Joon's eyes fluttered open, and he smirked.
"Hello, beautiful," he whispered in that deep, sultry voice of his.
Jae Hyun rolled his eyes, trying to play it cool even as his heart betrayed him.
"You've got a lot of explaining to do, Kim Seo Joon," he said.
Thanks for Reading. Hope you enjoyed. You can purchase the full print copy of this book, available on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FJ1QB1DV
You can also enjoy my Ai animated Bl stories on my youtube channell: https://www.youtube.com/@Blstories4u
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