[35]

[35]

ah, the day of the party. the day every student of adams University has been waiting. girls were at the malls, shopping for the perfect dress and accessory, getting their hair and nails done. the boys were in the gym, trying to shed off the extra weight, some were doing last minute adjustments on their suits and chaperone.

Jehyun was with Jin in his mansion, getting pampered by Jin's staff. the Chinese being the same situation. they planned on spending the half of the day being pampered instead of helping Junghoon who was obviously stressed at school. where was Chen? they don't know since the butterfly wouldn't pick up his phone nor would he respond to their messages. it scared them at first but after checking the tracking app they installed(yes, they actually installed a tracking app in the butterfly's phone) and learning that he was just at home, relieved them. Chen must be having a full-blast pamper since he's not joining them.

"don't you think it's weird " Jehyun placed down the teacup the maid gave him a while ago before turning half of his body to face Jin who sat beside him, having his hair being dried after being washed. "Chen was so ecstatic about today then he suddenly said he' S not coming. isn't it weird not only that but Joshua isn't answering our calls as well. "

"you're right Hyun. it's weird for the both of them AND " jin raised his voice. "the two aren't together. if they aren't with us then they should be together"

"and how are we sure they aren't together? " Jehyun scrunched his nose.

"because Joshua isn't messaging us about chen's antics which obviously means that they aren't together" jin answered.

"they aren't together because? "

"how would I know that Hyun? "

"is Joshua OK? " Seojun asked the rest of the group, eyeing the dejected male who sat by the counter of Jayden's bar. don't ask why an 18 year old soloist who's still in high school own a bar. he watched as the said man down his second can of beer. "should we stop him? "

"nope" hiro quickly answered, face blank. "that's the effect of being rejected"

looking at him puzzled, Seojun motioned for him to continue.

"well you never really know Seojun. when Jin rejected me that summer I was devistated. I ended up sneaking into the camp's lunchroom and stole some of the beer. if it weren't for Jin and the rest, I would have died by alcohol poisoning"

"but—"closing his mouth, Seojun realized the Japanese was right. he didn't really. know. he never got rejected. not even once so who was he to stop a rejected man mourn his sorrows?

"but I don't think we should just let him. drink all that. we got a party to attend later" Jayden reminded the younger.

"nope! " Joshua slammed the now empty can of beer. he was obviously drunk. "I'm not coming and so are you~"

"OK josh" hiro sighed, obviously displeased before walking to the older who opened another can of beer. "why are you like this again? "

again since the older told him the reason the night before but he wasn't listening. shaking his head, he made the older sit back down before trying to take the can away. unable to do so as the older was persistent to drink.

"h-he said no hiro" Joshua sniffled, tears forming in his eyes before turning to a full out bawl. he ignored the looks he got from the three before chugging down the can of beer and slamming it on the counter. "he said no after what we've been through"

"he said no because" raising a brow, hiro ended up looking like he was teasing which got a scowl from the older.

"I don't know hiro. he just said no before running away and leaving. we've known each other for so long but why? WHY did he leave me!? " the oldest junior proceeded to chug down the drink empty before throwing it behind the counter and wiping the drips of beer on his chin with his right arm.

"okaay" Seojun successfully took the new can of beer the older was planning to open before motioning the bartender to stop serving the drinks. he turned to Jayden who he gave the can. "Joshua, rejection is a part in every relationship. you can't expect him to say yes right away, especially when you weren't obvious with the fact you like him"

"not everyone's love story is like yours Seojun. not everyone falls in love just after a few chapters" Joshua snorted, displeased. "not everyone—"

"not everyone ends up together joshua" Jayden deadpaned, feeling done with the junior's sad blabber. crossing his arms over his chest, he showed an Intimidating look. "there are some who say, the right person at the wrong moment. you two would make a great couple but the timing isn't right. he didn't ring as your soulmate and this goes the same to you, you didn't ring as his soulmate"

"and you have a fiancé " hiro added which earned a scowl from the drunk junior. although Joshua knew he was still drunk, he was somewhat sober enough to push the Japanese'S face away with his hand. "shut it you oversized lobster"

"see—destiny is basically saying that he isn't meant to be with you" Seojun pointed out which earned a scowl.

"shut it seojun" Joshua proceeded to bash his head on the counter.

this made Seojun remember about his lion cub who just messaged him about his time with Jin. speaking of the lion cub, he couldn't wait to pick him up and be his escort for the party.

ending the call, Jehyun turned to Jin with a sad smile. the two stood in front of chen's big ass mansion, waiting for the butterfly to welcome them in. unfortunately and alarmingly, the butterfly was not home and hasn't been home since last night. Jehyun a few minutes ago called the mansion'S housekeeper for the butterfly's whereabouts only to learn that Chen didn't go home last night.

"where do you think he is? " jin asked worriedly, shooting a glance at jehyun who pursed his lips into a thin line.

"I don't know Jin but I just hope he isn't acting brazen. you know how he can get" the latter replied.

"but it doesn't make any sense. how is his phone at home while he isn't. don't tell me he left it" jin furrowed his brows in confusion.

"I don't have an answer to that as well Jin. we should ask him when we see him later in the party"

"should we tell the guys? " jin asked, opening his phone and scrolling through his contacts until he reached hiro's which he label as 'oversized lobster'

"I don't think that's the best Jin. Seojun told me Joshua was drinking and mourning something about being rejected " Jehyun snorted at the end. "who would reject him when he doesn't even like someone? "

"Chen maybe"

🌟

Seojun figited from where he stood in Jin's large lobby. he, together with hiro, were waiting for their partners. Jayden left them earlier as he wanted to help Junghoon back in school. Joshua on the other hand was called by his father.

"dang this is scary" hiro muttered, hands in his pockets as he swayed his body. "and I thought confessing would be the hard part"

"I know right. imagine when we get married" Seojun took a deep breath, occasionally looking at the top of the staircase where the two would show up soon.

"I know—"

"young master and sir Jehyun is here" the head butler, who they learned was named Alfred, announced, appearing suddenly in front of the teens. this made the two yelp in surprise while Alfred remained passive. "presenting the master of the house and the son of the Lee Banks company "

on top of the staircase was Jin and Jehyun dressed in their perfectly fitted suits. Jin wore a pastel green suit while Jehyun wore a Ruby red one. both were accessorized by matching silver watches and, as a symbol of being a student in adams University, a pin with the school's logo.

the two smiled at their designated patterns, cheeks slightly flushed as they realized how their partners were silent the time they exited.

"wow" Seojun marvelled at jehyun's beauty, eyes not leaving him as he and Jin slowly and elegantly walked down the long stairscases.

If he were to be asked who was the most beautiful person in the world is then he would answer Jehyun in a heartbeat. the lion cub managed to knock the wind out of his chest with his beauty.

Alfred, noticing how the two escorts were in a so. what shock, faked a cough and softly mumbling a, "please offer you hands sir"

After snapping out of their traces and offering a smile of embarrasment, the two escort moved to the end of the staircase before offering this hand, two identical bright smiles on their faces.

Jehyun softly nudged Jin by his side, chuckling and motioning hiro who was showing his healing smile. he got to admit hiro looked dashing with his newly dyed silver(he guessed) that was slicked back and his piercings. he knew the headmaster would question the Japanese'S choice of accessories as piercings aren't allowed but what are right parent for?

his eyes then travelled to Seojun who wore a white suit and his hair freshed bleached. on his right ring finger was a big ring.

"my lion cub"

taking his hand, Jehyun allowed Seojun to guide him to the front down which the maids open and to the limo that awaited them. Alfred who somewhat already in front of the limo's door, opened the door for them before sending a soft smile and nodding his head. he was basically saying congratulations to the couples.

now Jehyun would be lying if he said he wasn't melting with seojun's romantic gestures. thus the reason why he didn't hesitate to peck his lips and smiling softly. "thank you"

"for what? " Seojun asked him.

"for everything"

Seojun smiled back at him before pulling the younger in a chaste kiss.

"damn you two be forgetting you got company" hiro suddenly said, frowning in disgust as he watched the two almost make out in front of him and Jin. he knew he should have got a separate limo but who knows what he could do to his Chinese partner.

"oh shut it you lobster. you're just jealous that I get to kiss Jehyun freely unlike you who has to meet Jin's cousin before you can lay a finger on him" Seojun sneered, smirking in triumph as hiro clicked his tongue and raised his first to hit him. "lion cub look, the lobster is going to hit me"

rolling his eyes, Jehyun playfully hit the celebrity's chest and scolded him. "don't start Seojun. we don't want the two of you arriving at the party in ripped suits"

party light and loud chatters filled the gym. the DJ was on the stage playing some tunes while the partyers were having the time of their lives despite them wearing suits. some were in the dance floor dancing crazily to the music, some were by the food area—mostly near the much that was sure to be spiked, some were in the sidelines, judging and lastly some were making out in the open.

Jehyun caught the sight of a whipped Junghoon who was lovingly staring at Jayden who was the DJ. he tried to find any sight of Chen but got none. he only saw Joshua who sat a few feet away from JayHoon looking dejected. he grew worried as he caught Joshua sigh and dejectedly took a glance at his script before looking away and and sighing again. the teen looked like he hadn't slept in days.

he tapped seojun's shoulder. "what's with Joshua? "

turning around and leaving the conversation he had with a co-basketball player, Seojun squinted his eyes to get a better look at Joshua. seeing the other's state made him nervous as Jehyun raised on of his brows. "he hasn't move on yet? "

"move on from what? " crossing his arms over his chest Jehyun awaited for the reply.

"well at least he isn't drinking" flinching at his lion cub's harsh gaze, he scratched his nape.

"he drank!? " raising his fist in the air, Jehyun had to stop himself from hitting the celebrity in public. "explain"

"he's heartbroken"

"he's what? " lowering his hand down, Jehyun quickly glanced at Joshua before turning back to Seojun. "how is he heartbroken? he hasn't fallen in love "

"that's what you think" Seojun snorted. "apparently Chen rejected him"

"well that isn't much of a surprise" Jehyun said blatantly. "Chen doesn't like the idea of dating within the friend group minus Jin and hero though since hiro came after"

"but your fine with Joshua being rejected? " it was seojun's time to raise a brow at his lion cub.

"what no! " shaking his Jehyun, showed a hand. "I'm just saying that it would be completely awkward if they got together. imagine if they broke up, wouldn't that be hard on the group"

"would it be that hard if we broke up? " Seojun suddenly asked, eyes looking straight at jehyun.

"of course not" bringing the grizzly bear closer by wrapping his arms around the other's neck, Jehyun showed a bright smile before letting their foreheads touch. "why would we break up anyway? we're perfect together"

Seojun smiled at what the younger said. wrapping his arms aroung the younger'S waist, he made them move closer. "we sure are lion cub but" pursing his lips, Seojun slightly lowered himself to jehyun's height. "we aren't official yet"

"we aren't? "

"for you china plate" holding A glass of juice that he knew wasn't spiked, hiro spinned Jin around before pulling him by the waist with his other hand. he made their noses boop together Before letting out a heartily chuckle at the younger'S shock expression. "here"

"is this spiked? " sniffing, Jin gave a look at hiro who hastily shook his head no.

"of course not" huffing, the Japanese Let go of the other's waist and crossed his arms over his chest. "well, unless you want to"

"what!? " gasping, Jin lightly punched the older's chest. "heavens no. I'm too young for that"

"you act like you haven't tried" hiro snorted.

"that was one time Hiro. one time"

"one time in the past, two times in the present" smiling cheekily, hiro didn't expect for his BOYFRIEND to look so done with him and walking away. "wait Jin! "

"all right everyone it's almost time time to crown our king and quenn of febuary" Junghoon said over the mic and gestured Jayden to lower the volume of the music. he held two maroon envelopes that held the names of the king and queen on the party. "now before I announce it, I just want to thank—"

a chorus of groans filled the gym as everyone didn't want to listen to their presidents rant of thanks. thus the reason why they all looked at Jayden for help.

seeing the look, Jayden left his post before grabbing the mic that Junghoon was holding and wrapping an arm around the younger'S waist. he pecked the chihuahua'S cheek which caused an eruption of coos. "alright, why don't we go announcing the winners so that we can dance again " grabbing one of the envelopes and fanning it open, Jayden raised a brow at the name of the winner.

Junghoon who wondered why Jayden was hesitating took a peek, instantly copying his boyfriend expression. he then glanced at the person behind them who was in charge of the votings who responded with his hands up in the air. looking back to the expectant crowd, a wavering smile was shown. "and our February King is.....

JOSHUA"

"WHAT!? " falling of from where he sat near the DJ booth, Joshua somewhat found himself embarrassed himself once again. he expected the crowd to boo at him but was caught of guard once they started clapping. some were shouting how their intuition was right. he also caught the sight of people exchanging money. did people just bet on him.

"so what do you have to say josh" helping the junior Up, Jayden shoved a mic in front of Joshua before smiling brightly as someone from the school paper was raking photos.

"uh... thanks? " Joshua wasn't sure if he should be thankful or bratty for winning. he accepted the REAL crown that the school awarded to him and stood beside the Jayhoon couple.

"and now for the Queen of the party" opening the envelope together, the Jayhoon couple once again owned a surprised expression. "uh—our February queen is

Luneta Rodrigez"

"what!? "

Jehyun and the rest, Seojun, Jin, and Hiro, helped Joshua into a seat as the oldest was in too much of a shock after learning who the Queen was. Joshua kept on mumbling things under his breath, right hand on his forehead as the crown he was wearing tilted on his disheveled hair. "oh my goodness! "

jumping away from the distressed older, the group shared confused looks. Jin, knowing that chen wasn't there to snap(punch) Joshua back to reality, decided to step in and slap him across the face.

"Jin! " the group gasped, shock that the Chinese slapped their eldest.

"what? " jin shrugged his shoulders, "he needed to be back into reality"

"but I don't think you should have slapped him" Jehyun sighed, turning his attention to Joshua who was rubbing his sore cheek. "you okay josh? "

"yeah. thanks to Jin's slap" Joshua sighed, rubbing his face with his hands. "heavens, where is Chen when you need him"

"speaking of chen, where did he go? " Seojun asked, finally noticing the missing obnoxious butterfly. he tried to look around the place before letting his eyes settle on Joshua.

"I don't r-really know" Joshua sighed. he somehow thinks that it's his fault that Chen isn't around. he bet the younger was feeling awkward after his confession. this made him sigh again. "this is all my fault"

"and why is that? " jehyun and Jin asked.

"I confessed to him yesterday"

"WHAT!? "

pulling their shocked partners into a comforting hug, Seojun and Hiro showed looks that meant that they should not pry further. thus made Joshua sigh.

"I'm going to find him" suddenly standing up, the group's eyes followed Joshua who threw his crown at hiro and was about to leave until a shout from one of their batchmates made them turn to the entrance.

"Chen! "

Chen entered the gym looking out of place from the fancy suits and dresses. he wore a simple white button up that was untucked with three buttons open and black slacks and some running shoes. an unusual pairing it seems. he also looked like hasn't slept, which was true, eyes were under his eyes. his lips were like they were bitten harshly.

"Chen! " rushing to his best friend, Jehyun survey the older, eyes stopping at the bite marks on his neck and exposed chest. "what hell!? what's with these marks!? "

Chen groaned, pushing past him and walking to an unoccupied chair and sitting down on it. "I went to some party and got drunk, hooked up with some random dude, went to another bar, I think I hooked up with the same dude and went here. I almost forgot how this party was part of our grade "

"you went to a party!? " jehyun exclaimed, now in front if chen and holding his shoulders.

Chen shook the hands on his shoulders away before letting out a groan. he was still hangover from all the drinking he did. "yeah but how are you not—"

"you hooked u with someone!? " it was now Jin's turned to shout. he newly arrived but he was able to catch the last part of chen's explaination. "which quite a hypocrite of you since you said Jehyun was the one who slept"

Chen let out another groan, this time full of frustration. "I know, don't need to rub it again but now I'm worried, what if I'm pregnant?"

"you can't be" the two friends deadpaned.

"you need to be—uh how do is say this" Jehyun was thinking of a way to censor what he was going to say next."you have to dumped in by the same person twice before you get pregnant"

"that's the thing" Chen sighed, slouching in his seat. "I think it's the same guy"

"what!? "

"Can we make it official? " snatching Jehyun away from Chen who he was about to murder, Seojun guided them to the dance floor where couples were swaying to slow beat. the twirled the younger before tightening his hold onto his waist.

"aren't we already? " having both of his hands wrapped on seojun's neck, Jehyun pulled themselves closer to the point they were chest to chest.

"I haven't asked you yet"

slightly pulling away, Jehyun gave the older a baffled look. "you haven't? "

"I only asked you out not be my boyfriend"

stopping, Jehyun moved further away from Seojun before crossing his amrs over his chest. "does this mean this is just a one time thing? "

"what? no! " pulling the younger closer again, Seojun made their noses touch. "this isn't a one time thing lion cub. I just want to ask you to be my boyfriend. I wasn't able to say it yesterday since I want our anniversary to be one the 14th. And, why would we be a one time thing when I vow to be with you forever"

"even when we are different? " jehyun closed his eyes.

"even when we're different. so Lee Jehyun will you be my boyfriend? "

"of course"