Chapter Text
The alley is quiet. Peaceful. And hidden. A safe spot for Jisung to get high with his friends and do other dumb shit.
“Do y’all know who’s gonna be at BamBam’s Friday?” Hyunjin asked around.
“Probably less people ‘cause of exams. Why?” Jeongin replied.
“Were you still gonna go with…uh– What’s his face?” Jisung asked, brows furrowed. He brought his cigarette up to his lips.
“Exactly why I asked. The fucker dumped me last night. I need a rebound bad.” He ran his hand through his already messy hair. The other stifled a laugh.
“Aww, poor Jinnie got ditched. What to do?” Changbin teased.
“Hey, if it makes you feel any better, we all thought he was boring and dry.”
Hyunjin laughed to himself, “Yeah, so was his asshole. I’m just offended that he broke up with me.” His eyes narrowed.
The rest of the group collectively gave each other Here we fucking go looks, “My face is perfect. My body is soOoOoo sexy. I focus on making you laugh because I’m my favorite comedian. I give a-MA-zing cuddles. Like seriously!” He pouted.
“Yes, he really dodged a bullet there.” Jisung laughed.
This was how their regular hangouts with the rest of the group went; smoking, doing drugs, getting high, (studying, of course), basically the definition of ‘teenage dirtbags’ or– ‘college dirtbags’. They would have never done this stuff in high school. The dynamic was great. Friendships that have been going on for ages and will continue to.
Except for…
“Yo, there are the rest of the guys.”
Minho. With Bangchan, Felix and Seungmin. But mostly Minho.
Ah shit.
“Hey, I gotta dip. Somewhere to be.” Jisung took a final inhale before crushing his cigarette into the wall behind him.
“Bruh, what? This is the first time we all get to hang out since exams started.” Changbin threw his hands in disappointment.
“Exactly. I have a study group for my vocal class in a bit. Innie, you’re coming too, I signed you up.” Jisung took his hand and pulled him up.
“Ughh, fine. Only ‘cause I haven’t paid a lot of attention this semester.” They duo gave their final farewells to the final two and the other group of 4 approaching. As much as Jisung always tried to not look him in the eye, he always found Minho's gaze. It always lingered a little longer than the others.
--
It’s not that he didn’t like him or didn’t have any interest in getting to know Minho. The quite opposite actually.
Whenever Hyunjin and Felix would talk about their dance classes with him or show videos of choreo that they did (Of course, Minho choreographed it), Jisung found himself in awe of the talent he held and his cat-like reflexes.
Whenever Bangchan and Changbin had their oldest trio debriefings, Jisung admired how emotionally intelligent Minho came across.
Or the maknae treatment he gave Jeongin and Seungmin where he never yelled at them because he adores them too much.
He sounds like a great guy, which is why he wouldn’t like Jisung.
“Why do you hate Minho?”
Jisung snapped his neck to Jeongin who kept looking forward, “What? What are you talking about? I don’t hate him.”
“Every time we’re all together and he comes around or tags along, you’re either unavailable or suddenly busy and have to leave.”
“I’m a busy man.”
“I’ve also known you since like freshman year 6 years ago. I know you too well to catch you in a lie, there’s no study group.”
Shit. Now what?
“Fine. It’s not that I don’t like him. I just don’t have a lot in common with him.”
“You’ve never talked enough to determine that. And even if that was true, opposites attract. They’re gonna wanna start attracting.” Jeongin transitioned into a whisper. Jisung gave a puzzled look.
“And why is that?”
Jeongin’s calm structure kind of faltered a bit and a panicked look, he surprisingly hid well, came onto his face, “Don’t ask me. Ask your roommates.” He threw his hands in defense. He started to walk away from the path he and Jisung were initially on.
“Where are you going?”
“I have a date with Destiny.”
“Thought her name was Desirae.”
“God forbid a man has a roster. See you tomorrow.” He walks away, leaving Jisung standing like an idiot in the middle of the quad. He should have felt like an idiot for being called out by his youngest friend but all he was thinking to himself was What the hell are those old bastards up to?
--
Unfortunately for Jisung, all his close friends were occupied and busy. Walking through the rest of campus, all he could think about was how much he really needed a high. Something to get the adrenaline pumping. It was Tuesday, and he didn’t want to wait for Friday to party.
He rushed over to the art department a couple buildings down.
“Hey, sexy pants.”
“JiJi. My quokka man.” Janis gave her hair a playful toss as she swung her bag over her shoulder. She had been his friend since they’d met in their freshman year a couple of years ago when they were both lost and couldn’t find their way around the arts department. He quickly learned what an underground scene queen she was. By day, she projected herself as a simple, rich, social and friendly girl to all; always getting good grades and never falling into drama. By night, she was a party animal who held house parties in her parents’ mansion when they were out on business every other weekend. She was always down for anything, making her his adrenaline bestie, “What’s up?”
“Did you bring your Audi? Kinda wanna take a little joy ride…”
“Been a while since our last sess’, huh?” He shrugged with a smirk in agreement, “Why the sudden urge? Last time you asked, it was because your mom was ‘concerned with your behavior’. Was it her again?”
“You know I love pissing off my parents with my ‘reckless’ lifestyle.” He said with a mocking grin and tone. Janis gave a smile back, “Aww you’re so cute. But unfortunately, I rode with Damian and Quinn in her Beetle.”
Oh.
“Oh. Alrighty.” Trying to hide his disappointment, he nodded with a tight smile.
“No one our age says that anymore.” She reached up to fix his collar, “You up for something else?” She looked up at him with that damn look.
“What do you have in mind?”
“Some of us are gonna head down to that abandoned house down Salem Road–play some party games–”
“The usual.” He smirked.
“Yeah, if you wanna tag along, I’ll pick you up at 8. Wear something cute, like always. Don’t tell anyone though, then everyone will wanna come.” She winked and drew her hands back and walked out of her class. His gaze lingered on her tramp stamp and how satisfying it looked as her hips moved with swift grace.
I should get more tattoos.
--
He walked ahead, hands buried in his pockets, as if nothing around mattered. Just as he was about to approach his motorcycle, a harsh gush of wind blew in his direction.
“Ach!” He slapped his hair away from his face and a piece out of his mouth. He jumped at the quiet chuckles behind him.
“Think it’s time for a haircut, no? Been needing one for a while now.” God, that voice. Minho leaned against the wall across the parking lot smoking a cigarette. He walked over to Jisung in relaxed strides. Okay, okay. I have to talk to him now.
“I like my hair long. My side parts were a personality trait in high school.”
“Are a personality trait. Plus one of your charming points.” His gaze lingered on Jisung as he took an inhale of his cigarette and let out a sharp gust, just missing his nose by a centimeter. Out of habit, Jisung tucked some hair behind his ear, but quickly drew his hand back at the slight smirk on Minho’s face. This is so awkward.
“So, uh, what are you up to?”
“Right now, nothin’ much. Later, gonna head to a small get together. Sorta top secret.” Top secret? Jisung thought. “If you’re not doing anything later, you could stop by.” Oh no, I’m too socially awkward with him around!
“Thanks, but I have somewhere to be tonight too.”
Minho slightly tensed, “That’s cool. Maybe next time?” There will not be a next time, you scare me!
“For sure.” Jisung said as he reached for his helmet and got on his bike. God, I should be nice at least, since he invited me anyway, “Do you want a ride home?”
He almost didn’t catch Minho’s slightly glistening eyes, “Nah, I have a friend driving me home, we’re heading to that get together later.”
“Oh ok. Then see you tomorrow, or whenever.” With a kick off the ground, the engine revved. He twisted the grip and drove off into the street, leaving smoke and Minho’s stares behind.
--
“Chan, Changbin. What are y’all scheming that you’re not telling me?” Bursting through the front door and his screams heard throughout their apartment, Jisung is greeted by…a note on the counter.
Ji, Channie Hyung needs to cram in homework, so he’s with his class study group tonight. As for me, I have a booty call ‘cause I’m horny as shit. We’re not coming home until tomorrow.
- Changbin
P.S. I took $15 from your piggy bank for condoms ;) I’LL PAY YOU BACK!
“That horny dickhead. Assholes.” He set the note back down on the counter. Hands on hips and letting out a deep exhale, he took a look around and thought, Now what?
His first thought was to look for some of their good stuff for later, but he didn’t want to be rude and decided to take a few of his own. Instead he went to take a nap. A long one.
--
Dark. Dissolated. Alone. A slight but dim glow loomed over Jisung as he walked deeper into what looked to be absolutely nothing. It was a large empty–maybe endless–space, but he still felt like walls were closing in on him. He didn’t particularly like being alone in the dark. A thin smoke came from behind him and drifted across the floors. He looked as it made its way further from him until it reached the feet of an unknown silhouette.
He emerged from the deep darkness, only allowing his body to show in the little light that reached him. A handsome build and unknown face. He stood still for a little bit. He couldn’t make it out very clearly, but Jisung was able to make out how he slightly tilted his head to the side. Then, he turned and started to take steps away from him.
“Why are you going away? Don’t leave me.” Jisung tried to go after him but couldn’t move. He was idle in place. Then, out of nowhere, he heard a noise.
Riiiiiiing. Riiiiiiing. Riiiiiiing.
What the hell.
Riiiiiiing. Riiiiiiing. Riiiiiiing.
Jisung woke up to his head covered in sweat and pillows and stuffed animals on the floor next to his bed. He lifted himself up to sit up right and reached for his phone to turn off his alarm.
“Shit! I have to get ready!” His phone read 7:20. He had exactly 40 minutes until Janis arrived. He took a quick shower and blow dried his hair, 7:33. He stayed in the restroom and applied a little more eyeliner than he normally does, 7:42. Styling his hair didn’t take much. He added some product to add some volume but also keep the frizz down, 7:49. Finally, he threw on a white, fitted graphic Yungblud tee, with his usual black, skinny ripped jeans. He paired it with his Doc Martens and a black jacket. He finally topped it off with some (a lot) silver jewelry, 7:56.
Just as he finished getting ready, Jisung heard a knock and was greeted by Janis’s smile on the other side. He took a quick scan of her outfit which was a black tube top and low-rise jorts. For accessories, she wore a silver cross necklace, chunky black and silver bracelets and a jeweled belt. For shoes, she wore black DC shoes. I really need to take fashion advice from her.
“You’re early.” He smiled back.
“I had some free time,” She walked in and turned back to him, “I also wanted to pregame.” She pulled a small dispo, “Just to get things goin’ a little.”
“Hmm, you read my mind.” He took the dispo as she handed it to him and brought it to his lips. Taking in a slow but deep breath and holding it in for a little, he blew it to the side, away from her face.
“My turn,” She said as she leaned forward, insinuating that she wanted Jisung to hold it for her. She slowly wrapped her lips around the tip. She didn’t break her gaze from his. Shit. She took a little longer than usual to release the puff of air, just above his head. It kinda tickled a little.
“Yo’ know,” She walked to the other side of the counter, “The function doesn’t officially start until 8:30. If you want, we could–” Nope.
“Pregame with some vodka!” He gestured to the liquor cabinet beside her. She looked dumbly to the cabinets and forced a smile, having just been harshly rejected. “Yeah, I’m actually a little parched!” She pulled out some vodka and shot glasses. After a few rounds, the two headed for the function.
They obeyed the speed limit with the police in mind until they reached the abandoned neighborhood and rushed down the road. As they pulled up to the front of the house, a group of people Jisung had become acquainted with and a few unknowns started cheering, recognizing Janis and him through the window. His buried anxiety started to come alive as he realized he would have to interact with new faces without his social babysitters (his other friends) there. Why didn’t I ask who would be here earlier?
“By the way, I didn’t even ask–” He mentioned as he unbuckled his seatbelt, “Who all is here?”
“Just a few of our mutuals–Damian, Quinn, Jun’–” She unbuckled her seatbelt. Ok, I know them, “Some people from my art class–Nari, Rowan, ‘Drew, Chlo’–” They exited the car and started walking towards the house. Shit, he’s heard of them but never talked to them. They were definitely too cool for him. The crowd started to walk up to them. He started to feel a little more at ease, Maybe it won’t be so bad–Shit.
“You’re friends with Minho, right?”