The Boy Next Door

31.

Chaewon's POV:

I walk off with my boyfriend in a pool of regret and terrible remorse for myself. Why would I say that?

I guess I was really mad at him. And that girl seems so familiar. She must be someone from school or something.

"Babe. Babe!!" I hear Minwoo from beside me say, making me flinch due to the loudness of his voice.

"Finally. Geez we might need to get you a hearing aid. Let's go." he says while starting the car.

We go in silence and I realize the neighborhood were in is Jiwoo's neighborhood. I tilt my head in confusion but I'm guessing the café we are going to is in this neighborhood.

"Okay we're here." he says. I look around and see we are literally parked in front of Jiwoo's house.

"Why are we here?" I say in a sullen tone.

"Oh I didn't tell you we were going to pick her up? Huh. Well she wanted to spend the day with me- us." he says while keeping his full eyes on the door.

"Are you serious? After what I told you? You have got to be joking, Minwoo." I say while banging my head on the back of the seat.

"Chill it's not like she's the one who did it to you. She can apologize or something." he says.

"Minwoo that's not- pick. Me or her, Minwoo. Cause I am not going to be in the same car as her." I say to him, firmly.

"I- don't make me choose, Chaewon. It's not a big deal. Your my girlfriend." he says making me even more agitated that he hesitated.

"Fine. Have a jolly time together. We can meet up another day." I say while getting out of the car.

I watch as Jiwoo happily walks out of her house, in her beautiful makeup. How can she be so perfect?

"Chaewon! Where are you going?" she says, acting innocent.

"Anywhere your not." I say before walking down the sidewalk.

I don't have the energy to cry or whatnot so I just keep walking until the skies turn dark.

I end up in front of a small convenience store so with nothing to do, I walk in. I'm in no mood to eat or drink so I just buy a bottle of water and candies so I don't just sit around the convenience store with nothing in hand.

I sit and watch the happy couples, students, and various people walk by the large window. I wish I could be with friends, my family, or whoever right now. I just can't. Am I embarrassed?

I'm half embarrassed and ashamed to face anyone. Anyone would think I'm just being a justified spoiled brat, who whines over small things. Pull it together Chaewon! You didn't even get raped, stop being dramatic.

~

I eventually walk home as it turns quite late, and my parents are already worried as is. I walk by the playground and see a girl, no older then me, sitting on the swing, with her head down.

I walk past, since it's not my business but then I hear my name being called. Can they even see me in this darkness?

I turn to see the same girl from the swing, now holding onto my jacket.

"Who are you?" I say awkwardly.

"Yookyung. We've met before. And earlier today." she says with a bright smile anyone can see in this darkness.

"Oh, the daughter of Jang foods, yes. What are you doing here?" I ask while being more relaxed, now knowing who she is.

"Well, my parents brought me to Heeseung's house cause they want us to get married." she responds. I feel my knees becoming weak and my throat becomes as dry as sawdust but I manager to utter a sentence.

"Oh. Mr. Lee wasn't joking." I mumble to myself. I stare down at my shoes now, feeling heavy.

"Yes. They seem set on our marriage." she says while taking her smile off but just giving a nod.

"Do you even want to get married to him?" I ask in the most docile tone.

"He seems sweet. And as you must know, he is a real charmer. On top of that he is a top student with good looks. He's basically perfect." she says making me almost laugh.

"But it seems like Heeseung is set on messing up this whole marriage." she says making me display a shocked expression on my face.

"What? Why would he..." I mumble to myself again, but loud enough for her to hear.

"Cause he likes you, idiot. You both as as slow as a snail aren't you?" she says while giggling.

"Me? No, you've got it all wrong. He hates me now. And he's already probably dating some chick from school." I respond.

"Hates you? Have you seen the way he looks and speaks to you? He only treats you like this, Chaewon. With such love and adoration." she says.

"Well nice meeting you. I have to go. My driver is waiting." she says, shortly after leaving. Why does everyone think we are in love or something?

"I literally have a boyfriend..." I mutter to myself while swinging on the swing set. Soon after I head back home since my phone died and it's quite dark now.

"Chaewon!! Your home!" my parents say while running up to me.

"How was it? Did your boyfriend treat you well?" my mom asks.

"It was fine. I'm tired. I think I'll go to bed now." I say to my parents while trying to walk away.

"Oh Chaewon! Your friends left these gifts!" my dad yells making me turn around and I finally notice the silk wrapped gifts on the table.

There's a whole pile of boxes, bags, and different types of gifts. I slowly walk to them, and I pick out the cards.

I go to my room, turn off the lights, and turn on the nightlight beside my bed. I read through the cards, with a emotionless face, but I truly appreciate them.

Mostly Namjin and Boram write thoughtful cards but Jake wrote his card in his normal cocky way which somehow cheers me up the slightest bit.

I don't know what's with him and nicknames but the card is full of them. Darling, my love, pumpkin, etc. Is he okay?

I finally get to the last card that is obviously from the person I least expected, or I guess wanted.

Jiwoo~

Hey. I don't know what's wrong with you but I'm sorry I made you feel that way. In no way was I actually trying to get Hyunwoo to rape you haha ;) Your my bestfriend, and I hope you won't get into one of your depressed moods again. Well bye.

She's changed. Or maybe I've changed. No matter the reason, she isn't the same. Why is she so secretive and suspicious with me now? Even at school, she hides her phone, bag, and whatever she can possibly do.

I respect her space so I don't get nosey but sometimes I wonder what's going on in her life. She's my best best friend and I don't think she would keep any major secrets. Maybe she has a secret boyfriend...

~

Word count: 1182❤️❤️❤️