|fifty-six|

|JiSu's POV|

I have to finish getting ready and sneak out before anyone notices. I grab my backpack and sling it over my arm before picking up my shoes and tiptoeing toward the door.

"And just where do you think you're going?" JuHee questions as she sits up in bed.

"Nowhere—I was just—" I panic as I try to come up with an excuse.

"I'm pretty sure I know where you're going. I just wanted a hug before you left." JuHee tossed her blanket aside and gets to her feet. She quickly wraps her arms around me and squeezes.

"Are you sure you want to wear that? You look really uncomfortable." JuHee frowns as she looks me up and down.

"The top isn't too bad. I'm just not the biggest fan of the pants." I shrug as I turn to face her. Now that she's up, I can't leave without alarming the others.

"You should change into the outfit NaHee picked out." JuHee tugs at my backpack, but I quickly pull back.

"I'm fine in this. I should get going though." I try to make an escape, but she grabs my arm.

"I didn't hear your phone go off. Did he already call? Do you know where you're meeting?" JuHee asks as she glances around the room for any signs.

"No, he didn't call yet. I figured I'd slip out before you woke up so I didn't disturb you. I was just gonna walk to the river." I mumble as I reach for the door knob.

"Do you really think that's a good idea? What if you fall in the water or something? Then you'd have to change—but if you have your backpack with you when you fall—you'd have to come back here. Isn't it safest if you just wait here?" JuHee questions as my phone starts to vibrate.

"I gotta go." I lunge for the door and manage to escape her. I hurry toward the front door and slam it behind me before setting my shoes on the ground and answering my phone.

"Hello?" I mumble softly as I hold my phone between my ear and shoulder while I try to put my shoes on.

"Hey, good morning!" TaeHyung chirps joyously.

"Good morning." I retort awkwardly as I get back onto my feet and begin heading away from the house before someone can catch me.

"So, I've got some plans for us. Are you up for some ice cream?" TaeHyung asks playfully.

"Of course." I smile brightly at the childish date idea. It's honestly perfect for me.

"I am heading out now. Where should I pick you up at?" TaeHyung asks as a door shuts behind him.

"Uhh—do you know that little park next to the river with all the flowers? I'm heading there now to get some fresh air. You can pick up there if you want." I try to put as much distance as I can between the house and the pick up location. If I give them enough time, they'll try to catch up so they can ask me a million questions.

"Of course. I love that place. It's fun to take pictures there." TaeHyung explains casually.

"I'll be there waiting for you. You don't have to hurry." I reassure him before hanging up.

I smile to myself as I approach a bench. I sit down and stare at the calming water. I squirm uncomfortably in SunMi's pants. Maybe I should've listened to JuHee. How am I going to enjoy my time with him if I'm uncomfortable?

"It doesn't matter if I'm comfortable." I mumble under my breath as I tug at the unforgiving fabric.

"JiSu? What are you doing here?" SeokMin asks as he sits down beside me.

"Go away, SeokMin. I'm busy." I try to get him to leave, but I know he's not going anywhere. He's SeokMin.

"What are you doing? You're not busy. You're just sitting." SeokMin chuckles as he senses my anxiety.

"I'm meeting someone." I mumble as I glance around to make sure TaeHyung isn't coming.

"Meeting who? By the looks of what you're wearing, someone you've never met before. If they knew you, they'd clearly question your sanity. What the hell are you wearing and why? Are you out of your mind?" SeokMin asks as he looks me up and down.

"It's nothing. I'm just meeting a new friend. SunMi let me borrow some clothes. That's all." I insist as I chew on my bottom lip. TaeHyung could be here any minute, I have to get rid of him.

"Tell me who you're meeting then I'll go." SeokMin turns toward me expectantly.

"TaeHyung. I'm meeting TaeHyung—now go away before he gets here." I snap as I get to my feet and grab his arm. I force him up and push him in the opposite direction.

"JiSu!" TaeHyung calls from a distance.

I lower my head and take a shaky breath before spinning around to see him. I smile brightly as he waves energetically.

"Go away, SeokMin." I hiss under my breath as TaeHyung gets closer.

"On it, love bird." SeokMin pats my head before making his way away from me.