I thought you are  just a friend.

"Good morning Aunt!"

"Jeonghan-ah~"

"(Y/n) is still sleeping right? I'll go wake her u-"

"(Y/n)? She woke up already."

"Ehh? This early?!"

"Yes. I rarely see my own daughter woke up this early.  So I wonder what the occasion might be. How about you? Are you going to school by this hour? It's  still 5:30 am."

"Ahhh. I have a game right now  Auntie. It's our semi-final."

"Really?!  (Y/n) didn't say anything about it. Ahuh! Now I get it. My daughter is making a lunch box at the kitchen. Maybe she is preparing it for you. That's why she woke up this early."

(Y/n) and I are childhood friends. We've been together for years  as neighbors.  Attending kinder and elementary with this idiot wasn't hard not until we turned into  highschoolers. Main reason is because of my undeniable good looks. Then I entered the basketball club and gained popularity so other girls keep bugging her. Thence, we decided to keep a good distance when we are at school for her to have a peaceful highschool life.

F*ck that peaceful life. If she really wants it,  then why did I see her in front of their house last night together with that troublemaker dude, Seungcheol?

"Go and see her," (y/n)'s mom said as she points her finger toward the kitchen.

I dropped my bag on the couch and  walk to the kitchen with silent footstep. There I saw you, smiling so wide as you gently put the kimbap to the lunchbox. My pace stopped, hiding somewhere out of your sight as I secretly peek at you. 

The first thing I want to talk with you is about the scene I saw last night.
However, those thoughts  vanished as soon as I saw you packing that lunch in good-humored.

Maybe she has a good reason and will tell it when the right time comes. If she is in danger, there's no way she'll  remain calm as she is right now.

I stepped out and got my bag back without letting you know my visit.

"Oh? Jeonghan are you going n-?" Aunt noticed but I hushed her.

"Shssh~"

"Why?" She whispered.

In low voice, I replied, "can you please keep a secret that I went here? (Y/n) must be doing that to surprise me. So don't tell her that I figured it out. Also, pretend that  aunt doesn't know that today is my semi -final game unless she told it herself. Promise?"

Aunt  laughed as she promised,  "all right. You guys are still so sweet and cute." Then she pinched my cheek.

"Aunt, stop this. I'm a grown up now."

"When will you grow up enough to by my son in law?"

"Did you have another daughter?" I removed  her hand away from my cheek.

"(Y/n) is my only daughter you punk. How dare you push her away in front of my face?"

"Still marrying me off to your daughter is like a death sentence. Don't  be like this aunt."

Aunt just laugh as she tapped my shoulder. "I know I know. So good luck on your game my son. "

I smiled. "Thanks my beautiful aunt. I'll go now. Bye~"

Marrying (y/n) huh?

This never came in my mind over a million thoughts. Can't even imagine it.

It's true that she is the only girl I hanged out with, a special one. She is my inspiration why I choose to play basketball. But liking her as a girl? I doubt it could be possible.

I wonder; Can a friend stays a friend forever?

"You seem to be in good mood Jeonghan," coach noticed as I tie my shoelace. Am I?

"Really? Maybe because I'm in a full energy today coach.  This is our semi-final."

"That's great." He tapped my back, then he said, "I'm counting on you kid. Let's go until championship." He looked at the other player before he shouted, "today let's do our best! Think about the training we had all those weeks. We trained as if we are on the real game, and now we will play like how we trained. Phoenix Diamond team, LET'S GO!"

"Let's go!" We all cheered.

When we entered the basketball gym where the game will held, lot of students from both school are here to watch the game. The school allow these students who want to watch and support our team. (Y/n) promised  she will watch my game.

 Where  are you (y/n)? You are watching right?

"Who are you looking for Jeonghan?" Kevin, our point guard asked me while we are practicing of shooting together before the game start. "You keep looking around."

"Ahh, I'm thinking if my friend is out there on the crowd, watching. She's a dwarf so it's  hard to find her."

"You mean (y/n)?" Kevin dribbled the ball and shoot it from the free throw line.

"Yes. " I caught the ball from the other player and dribble it.

"Don't worry. I'm sure your girlfriend  is watching you out there." His statement made me dropped the ball I was dribbling.

"Hey! W-what? G-Girlfriend? S-She is not my girlfriend."

SERIOUSLY!

"Then why did you do it? Yesterday, you almost punch that creepy looking pale guy, Seungcheol."

"Of course I'll save my friend. Should  I let her be in danger with that freak?" I picked up the ball and tried to shoot it from the free throw area. But it failed.

"Tsss, Jeonghan you... are a handsome talented idiot." Then Kevin ran away back to our bench.

"Hey!"

Girlfriend?!

OVER MY DEAD BODY.

The first and second half of the game ended with 56-40 score favor with us.

"Yoon Jeonghan's hands must be blazing in fire," my co-player joked while we are at our resting room.

"He made almost half of our score," Kevin added as he wipes his sweat with a towel.

"If this continue, we might win this game," other player responded.

"Hey, we have two hours break. Should we eat lunch together at the canteen?" Kevin suggested and others agreed.

"I'm pass," I said.

"Why would our star player declined us?" Kevin laughed.

"I'm going to have a lunch with someone," I said, and they noticed how happy my voice was.

"Oooooooooooohhhhhhh," all teased with narrow eyes.

"Who is that someone?" They continued but Kevin blocked them.

"Don't ask any further. Or this guy will freak out again as he denies that she isn't his girlfriend,"Kevin said while pushing them away.

I just shook my head and laughed until they all left.

Anyway...

Why is she not here? I thought we are going to eat lunch together.

I went outside the gym to look for her. When some girls from our school and other school saw me walking around with my jersey, they are all screaming and fangirling. Guess I gained more fans after that game.

And this made it more difficult to find her.

"I saw your game before. You are so amazing," students blocked me. "Can I get an autograph from you? I am your fan."

"Me too!"

"Can I get one too? Please!"

"Yoon Jeonghan I love you!"

Did she go back to our room? Maybe she is waiting for me there.

"I'm sorry. I'll give it next time," I apologized and run inside our school building.

Students at the hallway are glancing over me who is running with jersey and all wet by sweats. Finally I arrived at the entrance of our room, gasping. I took a deep breath, before I entered the room.

"(Y/n)!" I shouted. Of course, all of our classmates looked at me. Except you, because you are not here.

"Bro did you go here after your game? I heard you rock it man," my guy classmate approached me.

But I responded, "Where is (y/n)?"

Suddenly, he turned pale. What's with his reaction? I mean, everyone here suddenly became anxious after I asked that question.

"Jeonghan, actually, S-Seungcheol asked her to go out for a talk," one of them spilled it and my eyes just widened in surprise.

"I heard she made a mistake with him at the canteen yesterday. Do you think she'll be alright? Seugcheol is a gangster."

"What if he hit her?"

"Should we tell this to the guidance?!"

They all worried. 

Wait. Seungcheol took her out?! Does it mean (y/n) is in danger? That idiot! Why did she follow him that easy?!

And so I ran to find them.

"WHERE ARE YOU GOING!?" my classmate shouted but I didn't care.

All I think for now is her safety. And that I won't be late to regret not being on her side even just a minute.

Choi Seungcheol you...

If you ever lay hands on her, I will really kill you.

I checked every place around our school: the comfort room, library, canteen and every buildings, but there are nowhere to be found.

Sh*t.

I have only an hour left before the game for 3rd quarter starts.

Did I miss something to check?

There is!

"Ahh, that place!"

That area behind the 2nd year building. We used to study beneath the shade of the tree, because it was quiet there. And no one uses that building anymore because it is under repair. That's it!

I dashed toward that place, hoping I can see her doing okay.

After a few runs, I've arrived.

My heart is about to explode. This is much tiring than our game before.

"Please don't do this," (y/n)'s voice.

That's your voice!

"You are the one who suggested this," and this one is Seungcheol's voice.

"Are you really going to hit a girl?" You replied.

What?! Hit?! So he is really going to hurt her!

You punk!

You are a dead meat toda-

Oh?

What's this?

When I walk toward to check them out, I saw them eating a lunch while sitting on the grass.

"You said the one who wins will flick the loser's forehead," Seungcheol replied as he eats the kimbap from your lunchbox.

"I said that. Yes I did. But that's only applied if I'm the winner. If you flick my forehead, then I'll call you gay."

"I'm not gay."

They looked at each other with serious gaze.

"I-I know. How can as manly as you became gay? I'm just joking," you stuttered as you avoided his gaze with blushing cheeks.

Seungcheol smiled, I bet you didn't saw how he did it sweetly behind you.

When you stared back, his smile faded, composing a usual poker face.

"I won't flick you," he said. "How could I hurt that someone who made this lunch for me?'

I see.

You woke up early just to make lunch for him.

And there's me who expected like an idiot.

Again, I stepped back and walked away.

"So how was your lunch with that someone?" Kevin asked as soon as I entered our locker room.

No reply, I only smiled.

He knew that something is off.

The 3rd quarter started. My mind is still in the scene where I saw (y/n) and Seungcheol together.

What exactly happened between them?

Why are they eating together?

She made a lunch for another guy?

Is she friend with that thug?

Or is she just being threatened?

No way. She can't smile like that if she was being threatened.

Then why? How?

And most of all, why do I feel bullsh*t over this?

Why do I feel betrayed?

Why can't I get this out of my mind?

Why? Why?!

"Yoon Jeonghan!!!" That shout from my co-players woke me up. Then I found out myself holding the ball while looking at the time. 0.00, the buzzer rings.

The game ended with 100-99 favor on our oppenent. We lose.

There's silence inside our locker room. Despite of doing our best, we lose the game. No. It wasn't us doing our best. They did their best.

I am the reason why we lose. Disappointment, anger, sadness; I can't lift my head to witness it draws on their face.

All I can say is... "I'm sorry." Before I stood up, got my belongings and left.

I want to blame (y/n) for being  the reason why I couldn't focus. But a  part of me believes it was  my fault alone. Asking her for an answer even if the excuse was unclear was a choice in the first place.

I let a deep sigh before I realized where my feet took me to. I am in front of the convenience store where (y/n)'s work at!

It is mainly because I'm used to walk her here after school, that I involuntary arrived in this place.

But, it's not like we won't see each other tomorrow. So...

I went it, bells on the door rings. You are looking at the blank space like your mind is somewhere else. I picked an instant ramen cup and put it on the cashier table.

"Ahh, good evening," you greeted. "This is..." and finally saw me. "Oh! Yoon Jeonghan!"

Calling my name suddenly makes me misses you.

Weird.

"I'm in a bad mood. So treat me this ramen. Okay?" I said before getting the ramen, opened the lid and put hot water on it. Then I sat down in front of the glass window. (Y/n) followed and sat beside.

"Why are you in a bad mood?"

I just looked at you without replying.

"What happened to your game?" you added with a worried face.

"Coming from the person who promised she'll watch my game but she did not," I said, brows are raising.

"Hey, I am really sorry about that. I really really want to watch your game. But teacher gave me a task so I could not."

"That's not that only reason why I'm in a bad mood."

"T-Then what is it?"

"I'm mad at you."

"Me?" You pointed yourself. "Why?!"

"Do you really think you don't have anything to confess  to your one and only close friend?"

"Well," you looked down and played with your thumbs. "I have important things to say to you. But I did not because I don't want you to get worried before your game. And I was afraid you'll scold after hearing this."

"Can I do it now? SCOLDING you."

"Hmm?"

"First, you lied to me last night. You said you are inside your room but I saw you standing in front of your house with Seungcheol. Second, you didn't watch my game. It's true that you have your reason but I'm still sulking. Third, you made me expect something that wasn't for me. I won't explain what was that. Anyway, fourth, I saw you eating lunch with Seungcheol. Are you thinking of befriending a thug? Are you tired of hanging out with an angel like me and decided to be friends with a bad boy? And last..."

I can't keep you out of my mind and it's make me feel weird.

"Nevermind my last reason. Well, all in all, I am disappointed at you," I continued.

"Y-Yoon Jeonghan," you said in apologetic tone.

"What?"

"Your ramen, I think it is already done."

"Don't change the topic."

"Okay okay. Here, again I wanna say sorry. Sorry I lied to you. But about Seungcheol, I know it is hard to believe but he is a good guy. That's why I want to be his friend."

"That fast? It just happened overnight after you were trembling in front of him at the canteen. And you're friends already? What exactly happened between him and you?"

"That..."

"That?"

"I can't tell. I won't. I made a promise that I will keep everything that happened last night a secret. Can you just trust me?"

You never hid a thing from me.

I know your life, your favorite, your mood, your weakness and even the names of your teddy bears. Yet  this will be the first thing you'll hid something from me.

"Okay," I said. "Then I'll continue being mad at you."

"Oh come on Jeonghan. Let's reconcile already. I can't stand it when you're mad at me. Please? Please?" You said while pouting.

My eyes went to your lips. Weirdly, it looks tasty than this cup of ramen. What's wrong with me?

"They said, when you lie, you need to get your tongue cut." I said while looking at your lips.

"Eh?! Do you want to cut my tongue?!"

"No. I'll show you another punishment. Stick out your tongue."

"If I do it, you'll forgive me?"

"Maybe."

You stick out your tongue obediently. I  fixed my eyes on it, before I leaned closer and gently lick your tongue with mine.

"Ahh!" you gasped as you pushed ne away.

Shock registered on your face, along with your blushing cheeks and widened eyes.

"A-Are you c-crazy?!" You shouted.

I think I really am. Sh*t.

"Are you mad?" I asked.

"O-Of course! That's not a n-normal thing to do with a friend."

"I know. Then should we not be?"

"Huh?"

"Should we stop being friends?"

"Why are you being like this Jeonghan?"

"I don't know. Im just so mad I wanna kiss you right now."

You went speechless by my words and stared at my eyes.

"That's not a good joke. I'll pretend I didn't hear it," you responded, avoiding my gaze.

"After what I did a moment ago, does it look like Im joking?"

I can see your hands tremble, your pupils shake and your shallow breaths. If you are scared, then you are not alone. I am also afraid that this single mistake can ruined everything between us.

"Of course I'm joking! Hahahha your face looks very funny! Do you think I'll really kiss you? Eeew, yuck! I am trying to pull a prank but it makes me feel so so so gross. Anyway, I'll eat this ramen at home. Pay for this okay? Then see you at school. Bye monkey!" I quickly stood up, got my bag and ramen then dashed out.

When I got out from your sight it was as if every ounce of breath was taken from my lungs floating into the air like midnight smoke.

Is this what falling in love with a long time friend like? A kind of story I never wanted to end.

For so long I had longed for it, and now I can't bare to lose it - lose this thing that makes me feel so complete over that guy who just came by on your life.

I found it first. So back off.

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