Wait for me

Chapter 4 - We're Just Friends

Chanwoo offered me a place to sleep in his apartment, a large one, and I could immediately see that it belonged to a video game enthusiast; this guy hasn't changed much.

She smiled warmly, I'm glad about that.

"Hyung, I have nothing to offer you for lunch. My refrigerator is full of vegetables and fruit, all diet stuff," he says, annoyed with himself. Now that I see him, he's thinner.

"You should make one of the breakfasts your friend has on his YouTube channel," June says. "And go to the supermarket."

"Could you go?" he asks, knowing very well that Chanwoo is lazy.

"Will you give me money? Aren't you afraid I'll steal it?" June asks.

"No, I trust you, besides I won't give you that much, just what's necessary," Chanwoo replies, entering his room.

"Seriously, you don't mind if I stay here?" I asked, worried. I have very little money, and I only brought a few changes of clothes. I don't feel good depending on other people's money and shelter. "Why don't we order delivery?"

"June feels like cooking," Chanwoo says, shrugging with his wallet in his hand.

"It wasn't wishful thinking, it was just a suggestion. I thought that way they would feel closer to their friend," June says, freeing herself from responsibility.

"Okay, what if the three of us go?" I offer.

"I can't, Hyung, I just got a message. I have a commercial to film. I'll try to get back as soon as possible, okay?" he tells us, goes back into his room, and is gone for about three minutes. Then he comes out wearing a new, more elegant outfit. "And... keep a close eye on him," he whispers in my ear before heading out the door. He comes back and tosses me some keys. "It's a copy, use them wisely," he says, waving goodbye before leaving.

"So, do we cook or order takeout?" I ask June.

"I don't know how to cook," she replies.

-Me neither, it's fine- I nod and pick up the phone from the small table.

(...)

After the food we ordered arrived, we sat down to watch videos of Song cooking.

"I'm sure this brings back a lot of memories," June says, eating her rice.

We are sitting on the floor in front of the small table.

"Yes, I do miss them," I admit without difficulty or shame. "I just want to hug them and tell them that we'll get through this."

"That's sweet, you can do it with me, I'm sure you miss me a lot," she says, smiling and opening her arms. "I don't understand what you're going through, but a hug with June could be comforting," she shrugs.

I smile a little, the truth is that it would help me, without thinking much, I put the chopsticks on the plate and approach him, then I hug him tightly.

"Everything will be alright, June, we'll help you get your memories back. I miss you, buddy," I murmured against his neck. I felt soft pats on my back.

"Relax, Jinhwan, I'm here, I won't leave," he replies. I feel a tear escape from my eye and seconds later I'm crying.

"I'm scared, I wish this was just a nightmare, I want to wake up and go back to reality," I muttered, my breath ragged. Hands grabbed my shoulders and pulled me away. Now I was face to face with June, our eyes locked.

And from one second to the next I feel something warm on my lips, it takes me a while to realize that it's his lips.

He opens his eyes and immediately turns away, averting his gaze, embarrassed.

"I'm sorry, we just met," he apologizes. "But I've known Junhoe for years."

I blink several times, confused. Maybe this isn't right, but right now I feel an enormous need to kiss him one more time.

So I let myself go and this time I'm the one who initiates the kiss, I pull him towards me.

Our lips collide violently; I can taste the salty flavor of my tears between each kiss we share.

His hands travel to my hair, where he touches it gently. I don't really know why I'm doing this, I just know it feels good, but no, we're friends, and even though this isn't the June I know, this shouldn't be happening.

I walk away from him, then stand up and turn my back on him.

"Why did you do that?" I asked, feeling ashamed. "It can't be that I did it."

-Well, you looked very cute, all sad saying those things and I just felt like doing it, and why did you do it?- he asks, I hear noise behind me, footsteps approaching, then he is in front of me.

It was an impulse, I wasn't thinking clearly, it won't happen again, let's forget it happened

"Do you really want that? Because for a moment I assumed you two were dating in that world, and maybe you feel something for him but you don't want to admit it."

"What? No, of course not, we're just friends. This was just a misunderstanding, a mistake that will never be revealed. It's a secret between you and me, understand?" he asked, narrowing his eyes, wanting to look threatening, but it seems he didn't succeed.

"I understand, but maybe you'd like to have a little fun with me while this problem you're in gets sorted out." His face is once again just inches from mine.

"I don't think it's a good idea," I say, shaking my head nervously.

-Come on, it'll be just between the two of us, he'll never find out

-But I'll know

"I'll make sure it's a beautiful memory," he whispers, staring intently at me.

This Junhoe is definitely gay.

I can't believe I'm even considering his proposal.

"No, thank you," I say, turning away from him and walking towards Chanwoo's room, where I slept this morning. June follows me; I should have closed the door. "I already said no," I repeat, keeping my back to him.

"Okay, okay," he says, laughing. I wait for him to leave and then I let out the breath I was holding.

I can't believe what just happened, but I can't deny how good it felt when we kissed. No, no, I have to forget that feeling, that moment. I need to focus on what's important, getting out of this mess.