"Sorry, I didn't quite catch that. What did you say?"
Jiho open his mouth again, and he confidently repeated. "Can we act like we don't know each other?"
"What the hell is that supposed to mean?"
"Sunbae, it's not like we're close. I prefer peace, these past few days have been hellish."
"And?"
Jiho vaguely sighed and muttered. "And honestly, it's troublesome, it messes up my rhythm."
"Then why do you think I went out of my way to find you?"
"I don't need to know the reason." Jiho took a stepped back, slightly distancing himself. "I just know I don't like the attention."
It's not like he is asking for much.
He has been so distracted lately, all his works was behind schedule.
"You really are something else."
Jiho could sense the irritation behind his voice.
"Jiho, Do I look fucking easy?"
Jiho felt almost impressed at Minjae's calm tone despite staring him down like he was an ant while swearing.
And wait, why did he feel like a scumbag coldly ditching his lover?
Heh.
What the hell am I thinking?
Jiho exhaled quietly.
"Let me get this straight, Sunbae. I'm not blaming you. It's my problem."
Maybe the delivery was a bit rough around the edges but Jiho is also well aware that Minjae had nothing to do with it.
Although Jiho didn't get why he looked so pissed.
***
"So, what's the problem?"
Minjae dropped his usual smile, looking at him seriously.
No wonder he'd felt something was off earlier. He was probably waiting here.
He still didn't get why this was such a huge deal though.
Sure, Jiho was right about one thing. It's not like they were close.
But why did he feel like he was being exiled for a crime he didn't commit?
Minjae pushed down the odd, stifling feeling rising in his chest.
"Sunbae doesn't need to know." Jiho said and he slightly averted his eyes.
Is this brat even hearing himself?
Minjae could swear he'd never met anyone so obnoxious in his life.
And to be fair, he had no idea why he was even putting up with it. "What if I don't want to?"
Jiho kept his expression unchanged and clarified.
"Don't get me wrong. This is a request, so I'm discussing with you."
Minjae scoffed. "You call this a discussion? The society owes you a smack upside the head."
"Sunbae, that's such a rude thing to say."
Excuse me?!
Minjae snorted in disbelief. Before he could retort, noises stirred from behind.
"Oh! Seo Minjae! I thought you ditch us to go on a secret date. What are you doing over here?"
"Jiho, are you heading home now?"
Both Minjae and Jiho turn towards the sound at the same time, feeling the gaze from the other side.
They subtly put a distance between them.
"I'm planning on that." Jiho nodded at Kyungho and then he motioned politely as he addressed the group of seniors. "Sunbae-nim, I'll be on way now."
Minjae grabbed his bag from his friends and strode after Jiho.
With long legs, it didn't take long to catch up.
"Where do you think you're going? We're not done talking."
Jiho paused his steps and nudge his glasses. "I already said what I wanted."
"I know." Minjae shifted his eyes coldly, with a smug smile playing on his lips. "But I haven't said my piece yet."
He stepped in front of Jiho, blocking his path until they stood face-to-face.
"Did anyone ever tell you your personality sucks?"
"I get that a lot. And?" Jiho looked up at him without missing a beat. "Sunbae, I'm not forcing you. I thought we were having a polite discussion."
Minjae scoffed. "That wasn't a discussion, that was emotional blackmail in a monotone voice."
"I don't understand why you're angry, though."
"Jiho."
At this point, Minjae was immune to his twisted logic. Talking to Jiho felt like watching a one-man show where the audience never got a say.
He sighed and concluded. "You are such selfish bastard."
Jiho only pursed his lips and glanced away. "Can I go now, Sunbae-nim?"
It was like nothing could ever cracked that stoic mask of his. Minjae took a breath, gritting back a retort, and stepped aside.
It would've been nice if they could've gone their separate ways from there.
Unfortunately, they lived in the same damn building.
The walk back was painfully silent. With the occasional passive-aggressive side eye.
This is so dumb.
He shoved his hand deeper into his pockets and leaned against the elevator wall as it climbs up.
He roughly glanced at the other party he didn't want to name.
Jiho slouched where he stood, his thick black glasses obscuring his eyes. Minjae couldn't really guess what's he thinking right now.
***
It would be a lie if Jiho didn't feel overwhelmed by the turn of events.
When he first made the request, It wasn't supposed to be a big deal.
From a rational standpoint, it just felt like the simplest and most useful solution for him.
Maybe he was really out of line this time.
Insensitive. Cold. Distant.
Since he was a kid, those were the words he heard the most.
That's why, He doesn't do well with people. Why he doesn't bother to understand them.
Kyungho was the only exception.
The only one who kept showing up when everyone else slowly drifted away.
If it weren't for him... Jiho would've really been an outcast.
Ding.
The elevator door slid open.
Jiho walked out and headed straight forward his apartment.
Even if he was in the wrong… he didn't feel like being the one to yield first.
He ignored the very obvious presence trailing behind him and kept walking.
Jiho slid in the passcode and waited for the familiar click.
Beep. Beep. Beep.
Eh.
He pressed it again.
... You've got to be kidding me.
He tried one more time like it'll make a difference.
Beep. Beep. Beep.
[Access denied.]
What the hell?!
"Did you forget your own passcode?"