|thirty-five|

"I don't believe you." I sigh as I help Chan and MinHo cut vegetables.

"Why would I lie about it? She clearly said that she was home and that you didn't have to worry about going home tonight. She said you could stay out all night." JiSung insists for the millionth time.

"Where's my phone? I'll call and ask." I glance around for the kitchen for my phone.

"Right here." JiSung picks it up and unlocks it without much effort. I may have told him my password was his birthday.

I shake my head and chuckle as he scrolls through my contacts for JiHyo's number. He hits it and sets my phone down on the counter before putting it on speaker.

"Guys—quiet for a second." Chan calls out to the others in the living room. They all instinctively get to their feet and scurry towards us to try and figure out what's going on.

"My lovely Ari, may I help you?" JiHyo chirps brightly.

"She doesn't believe me." JiSung pouts as he leans over my phone.

"Doesn't believe what—that I'm home and she can stay out as long as she wants—or that the cutest member of your group is definitely HyunJin?" JiHyo chuckles as HyunJin's cheeks get red.

"Neither—I don't believe that you told him to tell me to stay the night here." I spin around to hand Chan the carrots I finished chopping.

"I mean—I don't really care. I didn't say you had to, but I did say it wasn't a big deal. I got Skye tonight, so you can stay out as long as you want." JiHyo mumbles.

"I'll see you later, JiHyo—don't worry about leaving the door unlocked, I have my key." I quickly say goodbye as I wipe my hands off. I hit end and glance up at JiSung. He smiles sheepishly as HyunJin awkwardly stares at his feet.

"She's got a boyfriend, HyunJin. Sorry, pal." I reach out to pat his shoulder playfully.

"JiSung, can you and JeongIn go grab some more pasta from the store? I think we'll be a little short." Chan asks as he wipes his hands off then grabs his wallet from his pocket.

"Yeah." JiSung nods as he gets to his feet. He grabs JeongIn's arm and pulls him toward Chan.

"Here, use this." Chan hands JiSung his card before motioning the two out of the apartment.

"They have the almighty card." Felix chuckles as he wraps his arms around ChangBin's waist.

"It's no black card though." Chan chuckles as he goes back to cooking something on the stove.

"Meat should be done soon." MinHo calls from the balcony.

"I don't think I want a black card—even if I can get one. Seems like a lot of work. I'd rather avoid it at all costs." SeungMin mumbles as he sits down at the table.

"I mean—it comes with a lot of responsibility. I honestly don't want to have to deal with that type of responsibility." Felix falls down next to him.

"ChangBin, can you clean off the table?" Chan asks, clearly regretting bringing up the infamous black card.

"On it." ChangBin states as he playfully attempts to pick Felix up and move him.

"Leave him alone." HyunJin flicks ChangBin's cheek before rushing toward the couch.

"Did you just see that?" ChangBin turns to me in shock before rushing HyunJin.

"He's gaining strength to fight a rebellion. I'd watch out, Bin. You're the first to fall." I laugh as HyunJin runs back and forth in attempt to avoid being caught.

"Ari, can you help me for a minute?" MinHo asks as he sticks his head inside.

"Yeah." I wipe my hands off and slip between HyunJin and ChangBin to help him.

"Shut the door." MinHo mumbles as he nods toward the door.

I give him a strange glance, but do as told. He eyes the others for a moment then turns toward me.

"There's more coming. That article wasn't the end of it. The comments are all over the place. The others are trying not to read them, but I figured someone had to give you a heads up." MinHo explains softly as he motions me closer.

"Why? What's so bad about the comments?" I question innocently. I honestly have no idea what the comments are like. I never read comments on anything, so why would I read them when I'm involved?

"They're suspicious. They don't believe the sister story—some do, but the fact JiSung was carrying you makes them think he's dating one of the members' sisters." MinHo pulls his phone out and unlocks it before handing it to me.

"I don't want to read them." I quickly hand his phone back to him. The last thing I need to do is make things worse.

"It won't be long until someone finds out. I just want you to be ready. I know it'll be hard for you, so I want you to get the idea of everyone knowing in your mind before it happens." MinHo places the last of the meat on a plate before turning to me.

"I should get going." I swallow hard as MinHo reaches out to take my hands. I slip passed him in a hurry and make my way inside.

I grab my coat and head directly for the door. MinHo tries to catch me before I can get too far, but he gets stuck behind HyunJin. Chan turns to me confused as I quickly slip my shoes on and disappear into the hall.

I feel my emotions take over as I step into the elevator. I hit my temple with the heel of my hand a few times before trying to pull myself together. The moment the doors open, I lower my head and slip out.

"Ari—JeongIn take this." JiSung hands the bag to JeongIn before rushing after me.

I try and pick up my pace, but the snow covered sidewalk makes it difficult to put much distance between us. My legs give out on me and I give up on my escape. I sit on the ground in the dark of night crying. JiSung grabs ahold of my arm and pulls me onto my feet. He wraps his arms around me tightly and tangles his fingers in my hair.

He doesn't say a word. He doesn't open his mouth in attempt to calm me like usual. He just holds me while I fall apart. My arms hang at my sides, my mind filled with what ifs.

"JiSung." I reach up to push him back.

His face is firm. He's concerned and confused, but he's silent. It's almost as if he was expecting something to happen.

"I'm sorry—I just—I can't do this." I whisper as I take a few steps back from him. My head hangs low while I try to control my crying.

"I shouldn't have expected you to. It's my fault. I know it's a lot to handle." JiSung's voice is weak as he stuffs his hands in his pockets. He kicks at the ground in attempt to keep himself occupied.

My hands tremble uncontrollably as I sense someone approach us from behind. I lied earlier. When I told MinHo I hadn't read the comments, I was lying. I read every single one of them. I read them while JeongIn was rambling about nonsense. It took him bringing them up for them to finally hit.

MinHo is right. It'll come out soon. Everyone will know. I'll be forced into the spotlight. I can't handle the spotlight. I can't handle the hate that will come with it. Maybe it's best if I face reality. Me and JiSung is something that should only happen in a fairytale. The misfit doesn't deserve the Prince Charming.

"Ari, come back inside. We can talk it through there." Chan mumbles as he places his hand on my shoulder. He squeezes tightly.

"No—can you take her home?" JiSung asks as he takes a shaky breath. He looks up at Chan with red rimmed eyes.

"Yeah, I can." Chan nods as he watches JiSung slip passed us.

I use every bit of strength I have to not follow him. I need his arms around me. I need to feel safe again, but I can't. I can't keep depending on him to make things better. He has so much to do already, I'm just another task on his to do list.

"I'm fine, go home." I brush Chan off and continue down the street.