During the train trip, I reflected on a few things. Many of them were questions directed to the secrets that I could never slip- especially at Ms. Socialite. She manipulated him but was it because of his popularity or for it? If she gave it to him, why would she take it back? Is there more than even Heeseung doesn't know? Could she be going for not only his "love" but for another ulterior motive that could break them all?

And why doesn't it seem like the other six know? Could it have happened way before they ever became a group? Sunghoon told me about them getting together five years ago... So could it happened way back in their youth? Is that why she is still taunting him about it- and why they have no clear understanding of it? They know who Ji-Hun is, they know that she's hurt him... but there's nothing that they know.

Would they forgive Heeseung for using Sunghoon? Almost getting Jake imprisoned? Telling on Jungwon to his disapproving parents? That he bullied Sunoo to death for him to join the group? For almost killing Ni-Ki and Jay? 

Would they forgive him for almost disbanding their group... when all he wanted to do was keep them together?

They're literal family at this point, so would they? Because I know... that I wouldn't be able to decide.

"We're here!" Sunoo squeals slightly, clapping as they start to point at the winter trees. Snow piles and shakes against the trees as the streets are bustling with people in jackets and snow hats, causing me to smile. Everyone's so lovey-dovey this season, and I love watching it. It's better than watching old tv series, with sappy romance and whatnot.

"Are you excited?" Jake inquiries, prompting me to turn around. I nod slightly, trying to get away from my suffocating feeling. "Christmas is one of the best events. Everyone looks so happy."

"Yeah. Even when things happen- you can't be sad on Christmas," More of reassurance towards me than a reply, I stop playing my music. Jake hands me my earbud, to which I kindly and quietly send him a 'thank you.' The train stops as people pile off, gathering into groups. Brushing my hair back a bit, I keep my eyes low, looking at the floor.

Finally, the seven all group where I am, making sure nothing was robbed. "Since it's only 12, I'll go check into our hotel. If you all want to go get coffee or go somewhere, I'll send you the location."

"Is it safe for you to go by yourself, Iseul?" Sunoo asks, frowning. "I'll come with you."

I try to intervene because I know damn well I need time alone, but Sunoo's already pushing me away from the crowd. We head down the escalator, my head low. 

"Upset, aren't you?" Sunoo mentions quietly, sighing. "I'm sorry Jake hyung is clueless about these things, I-"

"It's no problem. Not your fault, not Jake's fault, not anyone's-" I cut short, gulping. "I should've guessed this light rejection was coming."

"Jake hyung will realize it all eventually, especially when it's too late," Sunoo chuckles, rubbing his temples. "It might be a bit of foreshadowing at this point, but... do you think you'll ever get to be with him?"

"I never thought about it either," I reply, stepping off the escalator before walking out of the station. "Of course, my first love has always been him. Of course, I've dreamt about dating him and him being in love with me... but I've never thought that it would come true. So, I don't think that I should be too sad over it."

"I mean, you always have the duo if hyung doesn't take it into consideration."

"The duo?" 

"Sunghoon hyung and Heeseung hyung." Do they like me? I think Sunoo's mistaken at this point- Sunghoon is a flirtatious freak while Heeseung is doing this for the bet.

It's always been for our bet.

Right?

"Pfft. Sunoo, c'mon!" I assert, pushing him slightly. He rolls his eyes playfully, settling out his hand. "Why would they like me?"

"Iseul, you tell me," Sunoo puts his arm around me, using his free hand to have us presuming a scene. "Sunghoon hyung has been there for you since day one- and you have simply done the same for him. However, for Heeseung, we both know that there is something you have kept for him."

How does he know?

"I-"

"Before you ask, I was passing by the night of the party- I saw you leave his bedroom. Even for us, we're not allowed inside- so you must've done something good or bad for him to even allow you in." Sunoo explains, tapping his lip. "Heeseung's the more.. reserved type, so I don't know if he'd tell you if you did something wrong. From all I know, is that he told you something- and from the look on your face, it doesn't look like it was something good.

"Well, you're obviously correct."

"Then, mind telling me what it is?"

"Obviously incorrect," I push past him, walking faster than him. He whines, jogging over to me. "Listen, Sunoo, I'd tell you if it was something good- but it's um, about me."

"About you?" He questions.

How do I make it less obvious that I'm lying?

"Yeah... he personally told me something I should change about myself- and also, there's going to be a big event on Christmas day- wherever we're going, at least." His eyes sparkle before I widen my eyes, pointing at him. "But you can't tell anyone! Or else I won't give you anything."

"Ugh, fine!" He crosses his arms, pouting. "But still, my point- Heeseung hyung likes you. He's never appropriately met you, which has me thinking. Why would he like you if he knows nothing about you?"

"Entirely my point, too," I contradict, rolling my eyes. "No person will fall in love with someone they don't know. So, get your head out of the gutter. I'm fine with being single."

"Sure doesn't seem like it when your crush rejected you."

"Shut up," We walk farther and farther- slowly making it to the hotel. In a few minutes, we're already checked in, Sunoo yawns as we take a seat. Sending the boys the location of the hotel, I count my money and count hotel cards, sighing. "I think she only gave us four rooms- which means we have to share."

"Will you rig it so you can share one with Jake?"

"Hell no. I'll room with any of you except Jake... At least, most of you."

"I take that with the full offense, Jae Iseul."

"Shut up, Sunoo! I'm older than you by a year. Respect me!" He rolls his eyes at me- what a self-centered brat. I pay for your tickets, I pay for this hotel! And he's still disrespecting me!

"We're here!" Jungwon waves from the entrance, causing Sunoo and me to look up. We wave back, Sunoo grabbing the cards as we all settle around the seating area. He turns them over so we can't see the room numbers- and we all start picking.

pleasedon'tbejakepleasedon'tbejakepleasedon'tbejake-

Oo! Room 302. I wonder who has the same one. Again, not Jake.

"I got room 303," Jake mentions, Jay, agreeing. I'm safe.

"I got room 302-" I instantly look up to see Heeseung- and I know this is karma hitting back at me. "...You too?" Everyone watches between Heeseung and me. As I look around, all I see are widened eyes on everyone's face.

"What a doomed pair," Sunghoon laments, rubbing his temples. "I'll never hear the end of it."

"More like a fated one," Jay taunts, making me roll my eyes. Sunoo smirks, stifling back his laughter. I pinch the younger, making him yelp.

"Hey, Iseul!"

"Did you rig it?!"

"Did you see me rig it?!" Sunoo hisses back, crossing his arms. "I haven't moved the cards- this is just destiny at its finest." I roll my eyes, frowning. Heeseung chuckles, shaking his head.

"It's fine, we'll be okay. Let's go?" Heeseung questions, myself avoiding his stare. Nodding, we all go on the elevator. Heeseung's all up in my space, both of us gulping as I dare not say anything. Finally, we're not far from the third floor, everyone exiting the elevator and going into their rooms.

"We can go out for dinner in a few hours- let's just get ourselves situated," Jungwon says before entering his room, all of us agreeing. Heeseung follows me in- and I don't even care anymore. I run over to the balcony, eyes sparkling.

"The view is so pretty..." I compliment, whispering to myself. I hear Heeseung shuffling behind me, his footsteps coming closer before I can feel his heat radiate off him.

"It definitely is. Seoul is a pretty place," He adds, agreeing. "Thanks for finding us this hotel- and coming with us. It'll be good to get to know everyone better."

"It's no problem-" I turn around until I face his tall physique, my eyes immediately scanning up to see his scanning down. I blink a bit as he continues to tower over me, slowly walking up to me. Soon, he traps me between his arms (and I'm freaking out like crazy), sliding them down slowly before his eyes are aligned with mine. He tilts his head slightly to the right, a frown on his face.

"It's a pity Jake doesn't want you. You're quite pretty up close."

"S-Stop messing around, Heeseung." He raises an eyebrow before smirking softly, pursing his lips. 

"Too bad..." He murmurs, gradually leaning back up and shoving his hands in his pockets. "Too, too bad..." He turns away, walking to his side of the room.

I'm doomed.

This boy wasn't playing around with me- and I don't know if I wanted him to either... 

Could Sunoo be right? Could Heeseung really... be into me?