Please Say No

Chapter Four: Comfort

Once the call ended, June flung his phone onto the other side of the bed and watched as it bounced off and fell to the floor. He huffed in frustration and struck out his arm, sending the pile of books on his bedside table to the floor. The tears were coming, he could feel his eyes burn, so he curled into himself, putting his head on his knees and letting them flow.

Ren, upon hearing a thud coming from June’s room, got up from the couch and went to investigate. He opened the door cautiously, peering inside.

“June, you okay?”

When he received no reply, he stepped into the room fully. He found the discarded phone on the floor and picked it up, setting it on the bedside table before shuffling onto the bed and pulling his friend into a hug. June leaned into him, openly crying now.

“She’s gonna go on a date with him,” June sniffled, using his sleeve to wipe away some of the tears.

“Oh no,” Ren sighed, “I’m sorry, June.”

Ren pulled his friend in closer, letting his head rest on June’s as he stroked the back of his head. The door opened again and Lucas walked into the room, peering at the two. Once he saw June bundled up against Ren, tears falling onto his shirt, Lucas walked over to the other side of the bed, shuffled on and hugged June’s other side.

They sat like that for an hour, June crying into his sleeve as Ren and Lucas both tried to comfort their distressed friend.  Lucas still didn’t know what was wrong, and kept sending June worried glances every now and then. When June expressed his tired state, Lucas and Ren shuffled themselves under the covers, not wanting to leave their friend alone. The three fell asleep like that, June curled into Ren’s side as  Lucas curled around him.

Aria hadn’t been able to sleep that night, tossing and turning until she eventually gave up trying and reached for her phone.

Me: You up?

Jin: Yeah. Joon’s busy with some songs so I thought I’d keep him company.

Me: I can’t sleep L

Jin: give me five minutes and I’ll call you.

“Hello?” Aria said into the phone as it lit up Jin’s caller ID.

“Hey,” Jin said lightly, “what’s up?”

“I’m just restless.”

“You sound a bit odd. Is something wrong?”

Aria sighed, knowing Jin would be able to pick up on the tension in her voice.

“It’s June .”

“Yeah, I’ve been meaning to ask you,” said Jin, “who was that guy clinging to you tonight?”

“That’s the guy I saw yesterday, the cute one, that Ren’s been going on and on about.”

“Oh,” Jin said, understanding dawning, “he seems to really like you.”

“I guess.”

“You don’t sound happy about that.”

“I don’t know how to feel about it,” Aria shrugged, playing with the sleeve of her pajama shirt.

“Because of June?” Jin asked. Of course he’d be able to instantly pick up on the issue.

“Because June said I should go out with him and because that doesn’t make me happy and I don’t really want to admit that to myself.”

“Are you still trying to avoid your feelings?” Jin deadpanned. The silence on the other end of the line confirmed Jin’s suspicions.

“You two keep dancing around each other and it’s not going to end very well. The both of you are so sensitive when it comes to feelings and I know you’re a little terrified because of that, because you’re scared it won’t end well, but this avoiding the problem deal won’t help anything. It’s just going to make you sadder when reality hits.”

“You’ve told me all of this before,” Aria sighed, tears prickling her eyes.

“And you don’t listen to me because you’re stubborn.”

“Point taken,” she chuckled. She heard shuffling on Jin’s end and a muffled voice asking who he was talking to.

“It’s Aria, I’ll come to bed as soon as I’m done. Yeah, I will,” Jin said to the voice, obviously Jaehun’s, “Joon says hi.”

“You’re both so cute,” Aria  sighed, “I want someone who looks at me the way Joon looks at you.”

“I’m not going to say what I want to say because you’ll just get mad, but thank you,” Jin chuckled.

“Go cuddle with your boyfriend, I want to angst some more,” she smiled sadly.

“Night, Aria,” Jin sighed, “we’re always here if you need anything.”

“Night Jin. Tell Jaehun I want to hear some of his songs when he’s done.”

She hit the end call button and sighed, sliding down her headboard until she lay flat on her back. It was around 2AM and sleep continued to evade her so she got out her sketchbook and charcoal, drawing to pass the time.

When it came time for her to get ready for lectures, she stuffed the sketchbook into her bag before she began shuffling about the room.

“You look like hell,” Hannah commented as she got into the car.

“I feel like hell,” Aria sighed, clutching onto the mug of hot coffee in her hands.

“What happened?” Hannah asked.

“I have a date with Cedric on Saturday.”

“Is that a good thing?”

“I don’t know,” Aria sighed, “I think so.”

“Well then why aren’t you happy about it?” Aria kept silent, staring out of the window at the passing buildings.

“Does June have something to do with this?” Hannah pressed on. More silence.

“Okay, let’s talk about something else,” Hannah offered. The conversation drifted onto trivial things before dying away completely, neither one really knowing how to defuse the tension.

When they’d reached the campus, Aria made her way directly to the class, even though she was an hour early, and sat listening to music to ease her mood. The class passed by drearily, something about communication patterns in traditional media organizations. Halfway through, Aria had given up trying to concentrate and had taken down notes robotically.

When it had finally ended, she made her way to the student centre, needing another caffeine fix to get through the rest of her lectures. She had been so preoccupied with getting her coffee that she had walked passed both Soran and Cedric in her daze. Soran glanced her way for a second, worry evident on his face.

“She doesn’t look okay,” Soran said, getting up from the table, “I’m going to go get her.”

He left Cedric at their table and followed Aria into the building, making his way to their regular coffee shop instinctively. Aria had jumped when he’d put his hands on her waist, turning her around.

“Chill, it’s just me.”

“You gave me a heart attack,” Aria sighed, clutching her heart.

“You walked straight passed us,” Soran shrugged, “you never do that so I thought something was wrong,” a glance at her dark eye bags confirmed his suspicions.

“Rough night?”

“Couldn’t sleep,” Aria sighed, “I got some sketches done, though.”

“You only sketch like that when something’s really wrong,” Soran grimaced.

“I’m fine, just stressed about the semester,” she shrugged. Soran hadn’t believed her but dropped the subject when he spotted the distressed look in her eye. She wouldn’t want to talk now; he’d have to press the issue later.

“I’m getting you something to eat,” Soran said, pushing passed her and ordering a pie and coffee.

“You don’t have to do that, I had breakfast.”

“Shut up,” Soran said casually. Aria rolled her eyes, knowing she wouldn’t win this argument.

When they’d received their order, they made their way back to the tables when Aria  had spotted Cedric. She’d almost turned and ran before Soran grabbed her sleeve and towed her to the table.

“Hi,” Cedric smiled when they reached him.

“Um, hey,” Aria grinned awkwardly, letting her eyes fall to the coffee cup in her hands.

“You look really tired,” Cedric commented, worry in his eyes.

“Had some work to do for a class today,” Aria brushed him off, still staring at her coffee as they sat down. Thankfully, Soran had sat next to Cedric, sparing Aria another awkward situation.

“Cedric told me you guys have a date on Saturday,” Soran said, glancing Aria’s way just in time to see her cringe lightly.

“Um,” her face heated up again, making her feel sick in her tired haze.

“Shut up,” Cedric nudged Soran, blush coating his face as well.

“I told him that if he touches you inappropriately, I’d cut off his d**k,” Soran said.

“Oh my gosh, Soran, shut up,” Aria  hid her face in her hands, praying that the ground would open up and swallow her whole so she wouldn’t have to deal with this situation.

“I’m just saying,” Soran shrugged, “he needs to know that you have a troupe of older brothers that will end him if he hurts you.”

“None of you are related to me,” she sighed, rolling her eyes.

“That’s irrelevant.”

“Okay, I think a change of topic is needed,” Cedric cut in, cheeks a bright pink now.

 They lapsed into small talk, Soran and Cedric talking about their classes and their projects. Aria had zoned out a few minutes into it, drawing patterns into the table aimlessly. They’d sat like that until Hannah and Lucas had joined them.

“You look like crap,” Lucas commented, ruffling Aria’s hair.

“Thanks,” she shot back sarcastically.

“Ren wants you to come over after class,” Lucas shrugged, “something about helping Matt with some shopping.”

“Matt wants me to help him pick out a book for Sola because she did really well in her test,” Aria chuckled.

“They’re so gross sometimes,” Lucas rolled his eyes, a smile on his face.

“Well, you can come home with me after lectures and Ren can drop you off at home afterwards.”

“Why is Ren involved? I thought Matt and I were just going to go to the bookstore.”

“I don’t know,”  Lucas shrugged, “I just know that he said he’d drag you there if you didn’t go.”

“He’s so overdramatic,” Aria  sighed.

Her second session of lectures went by in the same tired haze, this time doodles taking the place of notes. She aimlessly drew cartoons into the column of her page, each one with a different facial expression. Her favourite so far was the orange haired one with the small eyes and big cheeks. When her lectures were over, she and Lucas walked Hannah over to her car to say goodbye.

“We’ll talk when you’re ready,” Hannah muttered as they hugged. Aria sent her a weak smile, feeling guilty about this morning.

“I’m sorry I’ve been so emo.”

“It’s fine,” Hannah chuckled, “I’ll see you on Friday.”

Once Hannah had left, they made their way to the entrance Ren was waiting at.  Lucas got into the front seat and Aria slid into the back.

“Where’s June?” she asked. He was usually with Ren.

“He stayed at the dance studio on campus so that he could practice a bit more,” Ren explained, “I’ll go pick him up later.”

“Oh,” Aria said, trying not to let the disappointment come through. 

The drive to Matt and Sola’s apartment cheered Aria’s mood a bit, Ren and Lucas belting out lyrics to the songs that played in dorky tones, exaggerating their voices.

“You guys are such dorks,” Aria chuckled as they got out of the car and headed towards Matt’s apartment.

“Yeah, but we’re your dorks,” Ren grinned, throwing an arm around her. He’d seen the sad look in her eyes when she’d entered the car, knowing it was his doing, and his heart ached, knowing that two of his closest friends were hurting so much. He could only offer his support and make them laugh when they needed it.

“Hey guys,” Matt greeted as they walked through the door. Matt and Sola’s apartment was one of Aria’s favourite places, cozy and minimalistic in design with paintings littered all over. Photos of the couple, of their friends and family were strewn about and Aria smiled at the obvious sentimentality, affection bubbling in her stomach. Just being here made her feel comforted.

“So I got this book on Dali and his artworks because Sola’s weak for him,” Matt explained, “and I got the Fantastic Beasts DVD just in case she doesn’t like the book.”

“You’re over-thinking things way too much,” Aria  chuckled, “she’d love anything you gave her because she’s absolutely weak for you.”

“Aria’s right,” Ren chuckled, “but I got the pasta recipe from Jin anyway, because I know that’s her favourite and you’re going to be cliché and try cook it for her.”

“Thank you,” Matt beamed and his heart smile made the ache in Aria’s chest a little lighter.

Seeing the people she cared about happy made her happy. When did she become such a lame dork?

They set to work in the kitchen, Ren and Lucas finding all the necessary ingredients while Aria and Matt found the appliances and bowls.

They face-timed Jin just in case, to get his input on things. Soran had also showed up a few minutes into it, setting about making the food edible. The finished product had actually turned out rather well and the process, the play fighting and joking around, had made Aria feel a lot better. Ren had managed to burn one of the pots but that had been a minor setback, all things considered.

“Jaehun’s keeping her at campus for me,” Matt explained, “maybe I should tell him that we’re finished.”

“It’s fine, I’ll send Joon a text,” Jin replied, smiling before ending the call.

“I need flowers!” Matt panicked, eyes blowing wide.

“Already got them,” Ren grinned. He walked into the lounge and returned a moment later with a small bouquet of white tulips.

“You’re a lifesaver,” Matt sighed, relieved smile coating his face.

“Good luck Matt,” Aria grinned, “she’ll love it.”

They waited until Jaehun and Sola had arrived, wanting to see the look on her face. She’d basically sobbed into Matt’s neck as he handed her the flowers and book, clinging to him and smothering him with light pecks.

“They’re so gross,” Lucas grimaced.

“Shut up, they’re cute,” Aria nudged him, smile plastered onto his face.

“You’re such a dork, babe,” Sola smiled, “I just passed my test.”

“I’m proud of you, though,” Matt grinned, heart smile making Sola melt a little more.

“We should leave before they start sucking face,” Ren grinned. They let themselves out, closing the door sneakily and making their way over to the cars.

“I’m gonna head to campus to bring June dinner,” Ren said.

“I could come with you,” Aria said, the warm feeling she’d felt in that apartment following her as she left it.

“Um,” Ren hesitated, not knowing if June  would want to see Aria  so soon, “June ’s going to be really snappy, he kept messing up his dance moves and he’s really frustrated.”

“Well then you should obviously send Aria,” Jaehun grinned, “June  could never stay angry while she was around.”

“I don’t know,” Ren huffed.

“I can drop her off there,” Jaehun offered, “I’m heading that way anyway.”

 Lucas and Ren shared a look, both looking apprehensive.

“That might not be the best idea,” Lucas said warily.

“Is something wrong?” Aria asked, “You’re both acting as though something’s wrong.”

"June’s just not in the best mood today,” Ren shrugged.

“I’m sure Aria can handle it,” Jaehun said, “let’s go.”

Protesting seemed useless, so Ren and Lucas let it be, sharing a wary glance before getting into their car and setting off for their apartment.

“Jin’s cooking dinner, if you guys want to come over,” Jaehun said once the two were in his car, on the way to the campus.

“Um, okay,” Aria smiled, “I haven’t had Jin’s cooking in a while.”

They lapsed into silence, smiles on both their faces as music played softly in the background. Spending time with Jaehun had always been like this, the both of them not needing to speak to pass the time. Sometimes they had the silliest conversations about aliens and zombies and Jaehun being a perv, and other times they’d share their fears, their anxieties. They knew each other pretty well and Jaehun could tell that something had been bothering Aria because he could see a glimpse of it in the way she held herself, completely within her own mind, scrunched in on herself and not really letting anyone in. He wouldn’t push the issue, knowing she’d tell him when she was ready.

“I’m working on a new song,” he said instead.

“I want to hear it when you’re done,” Aria beamed. She’d always been his biggest fan, supporting his dream to pursue rap along with a business degree.

“There’s a part I’d like you to help me with,” Jaehun said, “It’s a melody and I think your voice would suit it.”

“Oh my gosh, of course,” Aria beamed.

They’d reached the campus now, and Aria had gotten out of the car, shivering as a gust of wind hit her. It was evening, the light fading faster and making the building all the more scary.

“I’ll go with you,” Jaehun said, getting out of the car setting off in the direction of the dance studio. Aria held onto the back of Jaehun’s shirt as they walked through the halls, the dark making her uneasy. When they’d neared the room June was in they could hear muffled music coming from it.

“I’ll go get him water from the vending machine down the hall,” Jaehun explained, “You go check if he’s done,” Aria nodded, opening the door and peering inside.

June sat with his on his knees, hunched dejectedly.

“June?” Aria called, “what’s wrong?”

His head shot up, eyes going wide as stray tears fell.

“Aria?” his tone was questioning, “What are you doing here?”

“Why are you crying?” Aria asked, walking into the room and to his figure sat on the floor. She crouched when she neared him, using her sleeve to wipe the tears that fell.

“I keep messing up my dance moves,” June sniffled and Aria’s heart broke. She pulled him into a hug, leaning back as he moved forward, letting his head rest in the crook of her neck. His arms wrapped around her waist loosely.

“You’re probably just tired,” she sighed, running a hand through his hair.

“That’s not a good enough excuse,” June mumbled.

“You’re too hard on yourself,” Aria chastised, “you’re one of the best dancers here, you’re just having an off day.”

“You’re coddling me too much,” June chuckled. He held onto her waist a little tighter, knowing he probably shouldn’t but not caring either way.

“Jin’s made dinner and Joon’s invited us over,” Aria said, “come with?”

“Yeah, sure,” June replied, burrowing himself further, not making any move to stand.

Jaehun found them like that on the floor and rolled his eyes.

“You two can go cuddle at home,” he said, “I want to eat.”

The drive to Jin and Jaehun’s apartment was short, the university a few minutes away from it. June and Aria sat in the back, curled around each other to keep the cold at bay. Jaehun glanced at them from time to time, soft smile on his lips. When they’d reached the apartment, Jaehun sprinted up the staircase, almost falling in the process.

“Don’t tell Jin that I almost died,” Jaehun shot Aria and June  a pleading look.

“Sure,” Aria chuckled. Jaehun had made a straight line for the kitchen as soon as they’d entered the apartment, knowing Jin would be there. He found his boyfriend at the stove, stirring the noodles on one of the plates.

“Hi,” Jaehun had greeted, hugging Jin from behind and placing a soft kiss onto his neck.

“They’re so cute,” June whispered to Aria as they watched from the kitchen entrance.

“You two are the nosiest,” Jin giggled, turning around and pecking Jaehun lightly before he went over to his friends to greet them.

“Actually, you’re just being rude, with your public displays of affection while you have guests,” Aria shot back with a grin.

“Don’t say that,” June  nudged her playfully, “they won’t ever kiss in front of us again and then I’ll have nothing to feed my ship.”

“You’re starving my ship,” Jin muttered lowly so that the two wouldn’t hear him.

“The noodles and pork are almost ready,” Jin said, “give me five more minutes.”

When the food was done, they all sat eating on the sofas, feet up and huddled into each other as they slurped the hot noodles.

“I’ve missed your food so much,” Aria said after a mouthful.

“Jin’s cooking is the best,” June added.

They ate in comfortable silence, the television playing some old movie as they watched aimlessly. When they were done, Jin had made them all marshmallows and they’d put on Harry Potter and settled in.

 Aria and June had curled up on the one sofa while Jaehun and Jin had curled up on the other, blankets strewn about both pairs. June had wrapped his arms around Aria and nuzzled into her head as they watched the film, not really paying attention to it. He’d felt miserable all day, not knowing whether or not he should talk to Aria  about their conversation last night and feeling nauseous every time he’d thought about it. His dancing had suffered as a result and he’d been frustrated to tears by the end of the day. Of course, that would be how she found him, slumped against the wall like a complete loser, crying into his sleeve.

And then she’d hugged him and June had wanted to cry even more because she wasn’t supposed to be hugging him. She was supposed to be hugging Cedric because he was brave enough to do what June couldn’t. But here she was, curled up into his side, watching Harry Potter. He let his head rest on hers, knowing he wouldn’t be able to do this much longer, and pressed a light kiss to her hair, so soft that she probably wouldn’t have felt it.

Jin and Jaehun sat watching the pair opposite them with sad smiles. Eventually, Aria and June had fallen asleep, the dim light of the TV casting shadows on their faces.

“Let them stay here tonight,” Jaehun said, “they look like they need to escape things for a while.”

“I’ll call Aria’s mom to let her know she’s staying here,” Jin said, standing, “can you call Ren?”

“Already sent him a message,” Jaehun grinned. He stood to switch the TV off and watched as Jin placed another blanket on the sleeping couple.

“Our poor babies,” Jin sighed, watching them from the hallway, when he’d returned with a cup of tea for him and Jaehun.

“They’re both going through a lot,” Jaehun sighed, “I wish they’d just talk to us.”

“You know they’re stubborn,” Jin said, returning to the warmth that was Jaehun huddled in their blankets, “they need to figure things out on their own first.”

“They’re so oblivious though,” Jaehun pouted, “sometimes I want to push them both together and make them kiss to end all of this pining.”

“I’m pretty sure June  would appreciate that,” Jin grinned. They fell into quiet chatter after that, telling each other about their day.

“I’ll make pancakes tomorrow for breakfast,” Jin said, closing his eyes and snuggling further into Jaehun’s side.