But What Else Can I Do?

You Are

They all sat in the uncomfortable silence, fidgeting every now and then. "When even is it?" Mark suddenly asked confused, "Two months away, we go August sixteenth" Jaebeom confirmed, not lifting his head to make eye contact. "Then I couldn't have gone with either of you anyway, it's my sister's wedding on the twenty-second" he shrugged and threw himself back once more.

 Jaebeom let out a growl of annoyance and rubbed his face in exasperation. "Then I have no other choice but to go alone" he let out a laugh that was fuelled by sadness. "Oh well" he shrugged trying to act casual whilst his heart had sunk. "I could go with you" a small voice cracked from the other corner of the sofa.

Jaebeom looked up, Youngjae had shifted forward sitting with his legs crossed on the edge of the chair, the blue lighting illuminating his face. "I know you don't know me well but I've known Mark for months and I've heard a lot about you all and I wouldn't mind, I mean if you'd want to, I mean, if you'd like I'll be your boyfriend, your fake boyfriend" he rambled incoherently, not making eye contact with anyone. 

Jaebeom's heart suddenly soared, he fought the smile away, trying to keep his emotions under control. "Are you sure?" he said and Youngjae nodded, "Yeah it'll be like a little adventure and it'll be good for me to have a holiday" he beamed at Jaebeom "There, it's settled!" Jackson yelled, "Jinyoung will be my date and Youngjae will be Jay B's! we're going to have the best trip ever" he grinned at them, a glint of mischief in his eyes.

After a few more songs they decided to call it a day. They all hugged and said their goodbyes. Mark slipped off getting into his car waving wildly before driving away, Jackson made a lewd comment about taking his 'new boyfriend' home to 'get to know him better' before dragging a blushing, giddy Jinyoung off into his car, leaving Jaebeom and Youngjae alone together for the first time.

 "My apartments not far so I walk" Jaebeom stated, scuffing his shoes against the pavement, "I walk this way" he said pointing. "I live that way too" Youngjae smiled up at him. "Want to walk together?" Jaebeom said shyly and Youngjae nodded eagerly. They walked home, making small talk here and there, Jaebeom learnt he had met Mark through a puppy training class, and they became friends over an online game.

He explained how the other six were all intertwined and how they'd all inevitably become best friends. Jaebeom stole glances at Youngjae whenever he could, he was as beautiful as he remembered. "It was really nice of you to offer, but you don't have to come with me" Jaebeom said suddenly, his pride getting in the way again.

 "It's fine, if you want someone to come with you, I will" Youngjae said, his large smile melting away Jaebeom's worries. "I'd love that" he said finally, returning the smile, with butterflies fluttering madly in his stomach. "Looks like we've got some time to get to know each other" Youngjae giggled, "future fake boyfriend". He stopped suddenly, "This is my road" he said shyly pointing over his shoulder, "Lovely to meet you Youngjae" he said grinning ear to ear before bowing and waving goodbye.

He strolled down the street, he felt lighter all of a sudden, his better judgement suppressed by emotions. At worst, he thought, at least he will make a new friend and at best, who knows? He smiled foolishly to himself, Youngjae had entered his world and flipped it upside down but for some reason he wasn't scared.