Why So Lonely? || Minsung 1/3 ✔️

124

"So, Gi-" Heetuk starts until I cut him off.

"Don't call me that, please," I say softly, digging my chopstick into the meat.

It goes silent for a second before he clears his throat. "How's school? Still Mrs.Im's favorite?"

"I was never her favorite, but yeah, I'm in her class still." Slow, but steady.

You're doing good.

My heart pounds as I feel a vibration in my pocket. Then another. I knew it was Minho, but I didn't want to piss my dad off more by being on my phone. I hadn't told my boyfriend either about the dinner. My phone was down by the time I got home, not getting the chance to look at it. Or maybe I was just scared to. I didn't want to lean on people anymore.

"That's good. Tell her I said hi."

"Okay."

"What about a job? You got that yet?"

"No."

"You should look for one. Earn some spending money while you're a teen."

"I'd rather focus on school right now."

"Just saying," he shrugs, drinking his water.

I wanted so bad to say something. Yell at him. Scream at him. Something. But I couldn't. No arguments tonight, Jisung.

Our doorbell rings, making me jump up. "I'll get it." My dad nods at me, starting another conversation up.

I walk to the front door, feeling sweat build from the sudden rush. Opening it, I look at my boyfriend who stares back at me.

"U-um," I look behind me, stepping outside and closing the door. "Yeah?"

"Are..." he breathes heavily. "Are you okay? I tried texting you when I got home from work."

"Yeah," I look down. "Yeah, I am. Sorry, I, um, another family dinner. I wasn't on my phone."

He steps forward, grasping my face in his hands. "Are you really okay? Do you want me to take you away?"

"Yeah, I'm... I'm alright. But no," I shake my head. "I-I mean, I'd like that, but I'm not allowed out for a week."

"You're grounded?"

"No, just... held captive. People are allowed over still, but I just can't go. My dad said that my br- Heetuk will be over a lot this week."

His eyebrow raises, but I cover it up with a smile. "I have to go. I'm sorry you had to drive all the way here. I'll text back next time."

"No, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have driven here without permission. It's just... last time I didn't, you... you were alone."

I grasp his hands tightly. "Lovely, thank you for checking on me. Next time if I don't respond, just leave it for a day. I'll try my best to message back next time, okay? You should get home, though. It's late."

"Okay. Deal. Yeah, I should get going. Are you sure you're going to be okay?"

"Yes, I'll text you if anything happens. I love you a lot Minho. Thank you."

"I love you, too. I'll see you tomorrow."

I walk back inside after he pulls out of my driveway. I silently sit back at the table, picking up where we left off.

"Who was here, son?"

"Minho. He left his sweatshirt here and needed it back."

"Who's Minho?" Heetuk questions.

"A friend." No hesitation. He doesn't need to know anything about me or my love life. My parents both eye me. I try not to meet their gaze.

"Oh, okay."