???? ???? ???? (EN- REVERSE HAREM)

I stood in front of the open door with Sunoo and Jungwon on my either sides.

That's an eight seater travel van— slightly bigger than the regular ones and no way, it would make happen to appear an extra seat for me. Jake had informed the others that I would be tagging along and honestly, I don't know their thoughts about it by their expressions. It was really unreadable.

The driver looked confused and asked something to Heeseung who just nodded in the passenger seat, sparing me a little glance, enough to flutter my heart.

Niki and Sunghoon were in the back and Sunoo all of a sudden climbed onto the folded seat to move back and settled himself between them and grinned at me. I offered a small smile as I looked around to all of  them. My offer was still open.

"I really think bus would be better for me. There's really no space here."

Sunoo extended a hand and Jungwon got inside and to my surprise, he was sitting on the former's lap.

"We can adjust. Hop on."

Sunghoon slid closer to the window, and Ni-ki scooted beside Sunoo on the other side, completely unbothered. Sunoo practically pulled Jungwon onto his lap, like it was the most natural thing in the world.

My eyes widened.

"You sure?" I asked, already half-laughing in disbelief.

Sunoo grinned. "We're idols, not porcelain dolls. We won't break."

The inside of the car shifted slightly with all their movements and then they adjusted the folded seat. I hesitated, glancing at the now open space beside Jay and Jake. Jay nodded towards it without a word, his face unreadable, while Jake just gave me an easy smile that somehow made it feel less weird.

So I slid in—awkward, unsure—sitting beside two very attractive men with not even an inch to spare.

THEY ARE LOOKING SO FINE!

Jay was silent, his arm brushing mine occasionally, and each accidental touch sent small zaps through my nerves. He was watching the road ahead, but I could feel him aware of every shift I made. Beside him, Jake leaned forward slightly, striking up some light conversation with others in korean, an easy going conversation among them.

I could only understood the part where Niki continuosly repeated 'Aniyo Aniyo Aniyo'

THAT'S ENOUGH NIKI...WHY SO MANY NO?

And, then beside him, Sunoo's 'Chincha' and little gasps. And, all of a sudden they burst into laughing.

Must be something...really funny.

The car rolled forward.

Outside the window, Sector V area buzzed past in blurred colors. We were just minutes from Nicco Park. But inside the car, it felt like time had slowed down. Like something fragile and new was slowly starting to take shape between us all— but I was still awkward, still tentative.

They were a little less awkward and less tensed than the other day. Maybe, they were relieved that their identity was not revealed because of me. That's good, right? I want them to fully enjoy in my city. I once glanced to my side and before I could look away, Jay caught my gaze.

He didn't blink...he just stared for a bit longer before he turned around when Jake was showing something on his phone. Heeseung was staring at her through the rear view mirror but her gaze was now outside the window, and he didn't miss the little smile appeared on her lips.

Maybe a new friend in a new country won't be a problem. Heeseung looked to his front, the GPS indicating their arrival in less than 250 metres.

Every friendship starts with just a little bit of trust.