Entangled With You (B X B)

Chapter 09 : The more the merrier

Now, every time he passed the Subway store, Minjun couldn't get rid of the memories of the certain awkward early dinner he had with Jisun. It was super awkward that Minjun swore to himself he would never eat together with the younger one again. It was also strange because, as Minjun finally admitted, he suddenly had an odd thought about things.

What? Worrying about the possibility of someone didn’t bringing enough money for their own food. What the f**k is wrong with him seriously? Minjun groaned every time he remembered it.

But what was luck? It was never on Minjun's side.

Several days later that time was supposedly his dinner time with Chan. Just like how it was, Minjun waited for Chan at the school gate (they were in a different class, so they finished the class differently) to hang out together after school, then went straight to their usual place.

The place was not too full that day (fortunately), so Minjun was happy he didn’t have to raise his voice a little bit so Chan could hear his story of the day. Or just not having any conversation at all. Minjun didn’t mind either way.

But that jerk really thought it was a good idea to ruin their routine and invite someone else to join them.

Minjun froze at the sight of Jisun coming through that sliding door. At first, he wanted to believe that it was only a coincidence (a funny one). He was sure that Jisun happened to be having dinner at this restaurant too, because it was close to school. So, Minjun intended to just ignore the boy and continue enjoying his food.

He tried really hard to stop looking at the junior and hoping that Jisun wouldn’t look at him either. But then their eyes met. Funnily, at that exact second, Minjun knew that Jisun was there at the same time as him, not because of a pure coincidence. How come? The boy smiled ever so brightly it reminded him of that Subway lamp again. Blinding.

But now they’re at his favorite Seolleongtang’s restaurant instead, so pray for Minjun’s luck again.

Jisun walked hurriedly towards both Chan and Minjun’s table, and greeted them by bowing so excitedly. It was a wonder Jisun didn’t hit his head on this solid surface.

“Hello, hyungdeul*!” It was words with laughter. How did Jisun utter them clearly? Minjun had no idea.

What’s he doing here?

“Oh Jisun-ah you’re here!” Chan exclaimed, then looked at Minjun who had already looked at him with wide eyes. “I invited him here. The more the merrier, right?”

“Ah, I hope I’m not too late, Mr.Song held me back-”

“Hush, nevermind. We just started, come sit here.”

Minjun gaped at the sight in front of him, how could his lifetime best friend didn’t say anything to him? Well, he meant, wasn’t this supposed to be the bestie special time? (No matter how gay it sounded, he didn’t care). Wasn't his opinion worth something at least? Another thing that bothered him and made him unable to utter a single word at the moment. Chan really pissed him off.

‘The more the merrier, huh?’

“Am I boring?”

The tone that delivered that question brought chills through the necks of two people who were busily exchanging courtesy sentences. It was directed to Chan, but the newcomer somehow felt responsible for it too.

Jisun, who was on the way to sit himself beside Chan, straightened his body back and stood awkwardly. He scratched the back of his head.

Got out from the shock, the mischievous glint in the leader’s eyes back. He tried to pull Jisun back to sit beside him, then said, “Hm, it’s not that you’re boring. How should I say this…” Chan tapped his chin.

“Ya! You really need to think about it?!” Minjun slammed his chopstick on the table then reached out to grab Chan’s collar. Luckily, Chan could avoid it rather easily.

Minjun glanced and looked at the boy who still stood on the ground. He frowned “What are you doing?”

“Oh? I- um I..”

“Why don’t you sit there?” Minjun pointed to the chair beside Chan with his eyes. “Or you want to sit here?” He nodded toward the chair at his side. Now that it had already come to this, it was impossible for Minjun to shoo away the kid. He was not that cruel.

As if he just realized what he was saying, even before Jisun gave a response, Minjun shook his head, “Forget it, just sit there.”

So, Jisun sat beside Chan. The boy ordered the same meal as Minjun, Seolleontang, it was on the signature menu, so of course he should try it first. It turned out that it was Jisun’s first time visiting this restaurant anyway.

Chan and Jisun were talking non stop, it almost felt like Minjun was the one who slipped himself into their bubbles. Almost. Minjun refused to say those two were ignoring him. He swore it was not it. It was just, he was not that talkative.

Sometimes Chan asked for his opinion too. Not only that, the leader asked for his ‘reaction’ to some parts of his stories which Minjun only gave a single ‘Mn’ or ‘Yeah’. There were also moments where Jisun took several glances at Minjun, then resulted in a weird look and lifted brows from the senior.

Come to think of it, this Jisun boy was brave enough to involve himself with a senior like Chan and Minjun. It was not that they were the typical of bad, bad seniors, not that at all. Generally speaking, it was a rare sight indeed to see juniors casually hanging out with their seniors if not for a formal gathering. It drove Minjun to ask,

“You’re not… feeling weird?”

Now Jisun focused on him, looking at him properly, it was not only a glance this time. “What do you mean, hyung?”

“You… enjoy this? I mean, both Chan and I are your seniors.”

It was not clear if Jisun really didn’t understand what Minjun was asking about or if he was offended by it. No matter what, Chan was so quick in his action.

Chan put his hand on Jisun’s left shoulder, “What this hyung’s trying to say is… Are you comfortable hanging out with us?” Minjun nodded approvingly at Chan’s explanation.

“Ahhh…” Jisun nodded his head.

“He’s just worried, that’s all,” Chan added.

Minjun frowned, he was not worried though. But Chan was saying it better than him so Minjun kept silent.

Then Jisun looked at Minjun again, smiled. “Don’t worry, hyung. You guys are the nicest seniors in school. There’s no way I’m feeling uncomfortable with you.”

The confidence is unbelievable. It irked Minjun in a way.

“Am I being too nice then?” Minjun said nonchalantly.

Not waiting for any answer, Minjun continued eating his food.

Chan was laughing so hard, Minjun wished he choked with his own food. Such a pity Minjun didn’t witness the mortified look on Jisun’s face because of what Minjun just said. It would give him the satisfaction he secretly wanted.

Chan was the one paying for the dinner. Minjun caught his collar right before he managed to escape.

“You pay.” Minjun headed out first.

“Hey! Your allowance is much more than mine!” Of course, Minjun couldn’t hear this and left first.

“Uh Chan hyung, I could pay for my own meal.” Jisun said.

“Aish, there’s no way I will let the younger one pay.” For someone who claimed to have less allowance, Chan was way too bubbly to pay for the dinner. “Ssokay, I’m just playing with him.”

Jisun nodded, not wanting to argue.

Minjun waited for them outside. Once he saw Chan and Jisun come out, he turned away and started walking. Not too fast.

The night breeze caressed his face softly, it was a bit cold, but Minjun didn’t mind even for a bit. His hair was also ruined by the wind, he still didn’t care. But he cared about those two behind him. They were chatting non-stop. Minjun wondered if they would get bored at all. And where did all those topics come from anyway?

And the conversations were going like...