Faded // Bang Chan

Chapter 9 - Bo Ra's Boyfriend

Na Ri let out a frustrated groan whilst tugging at her hair roots. She really hated maths and her lack of understanding for it. She threw her pencil down on the kitchen table in defeat earning a small chuckle from her dad who had been busy reading the newspaper.

"Maths huh?" He teased his only daughter. She nodded and tossed her copy book of sums to him. "I'm no smarter than you when it comes to maths." Her father admitted with a look of concern as he read through the sums. He scratched the back of his neck before sliding the copy across the table back to her. "Sorry, sweetie."

She excused herself and went upstairs to her room to avoid taking her bad mood out on her dad. Na Ri had been stuck in a rut for two weeks now, ever since Chan disappeared. Nobody had seen Chan for two weeks and many rumours of Chan's whereabouts had surfaced. Na Ri had heard everything from prison to dropping out to death and she was beginning to get scared for his well being. She wasn't sure how to think or feel when it came to Chan anymore. She knew hating him seemed like the best option but no matter how much she wanted to hate him, she couldn't. She saw too much of her past self in him and she just couldn't let him go.

Na Ri flopped herself onto her bed and focused her attention onto the ceiling. She was beginning to get sick of being trapped with her thoughts of him yet she couldn't stop no matter how hard she tried. Na Ri sat up as an idea popped into her head. She grabbed her phone and dialled Bo Ra's number. Despite the incident between the pair two weeks ago Bo Ra had returned to school the following week and acted as though it'd never happened.

"Hey!" Bo Ra greeted warmly. "Remember a few weeks ago when you mentioned showing me around one weekend? Well, would today be okay?" She asked politely, praying Bo Ra doesn't decline. "Sounds good! I'll start walking to your house now. I'll be like-20 minutes, okay?" Bo Ra replied to her newest friend. Na Ri hung up, feeling quite content with her plan. She put on a light jacket and made her way back downstairs to where her father was.

She stood at the doorway of the kitchen, waiting to gain his attention. He glanced up at her before setting down his newspaper and smiling. "A friend from school offered to show me around so I'm gonna head out soon. Is that okay?" Na Ri explained to him. "Anyone I might know?" He questioned. He was thrilled to hear she'd even made a friend but couldn't help but be sceptical, especially considering her past friendships that led her down a dangerous path.

"Lee Bo Ra." She answered him. Honestly, she was surprised at how quickly she made decent friends. Usually she falls into bad crowds without realising it until the damage is done. She noticed the troubled look on her father's face but he didn't comment on the matter.

"So...can I go?" She asked hopefully. He nodded and she turned to walk away but her name being called stopped her. "I trust you. Stay safe and don't cause trouble." He warned with a stern look. Na Ri shot him a smile and put his odd behaviour down to her past experiences that would disappoint any parent. "Will do." She responded before walking upstairs to apply some light make up.

"I'll be home in roughly an hour. I'm just getting off the bus now and I have some errands to run." Chan informed his dad over the phone. Chan's dad couldn't help but worry about his son whenever he leaves home to earn money. In fact, more often then not he'd beg Chan not to go but he knew his stubborn son would never listen. "Stay safe. Your mother can't wait to see you." His dad replied before ending the call. Chan smiled down at his phone before stuffing the device into his pocket and striding towards the convenience store where he sometimes worked. His dad was good friends with the owner which is why it's the only local place that will hire him so Chan ensures that he's a loyal customer.

He was surprised to see that Kang Dae and his gang weren't lingering nearby for once but once he stepped inside the store he tensed at the sight of Na Ri who was searching through the different milk flavours. He debated on just leaving the store before he was noticed but something stopped him. He wanted to move but he couldn't. He was frozen to the spot and just stared at her from behind as she unknowingly continued to browse.