Hide And Seek

"We don't have to go. It's your last night. We could go out to eat?" I asked Cody. We had discovered the quaint coffee shop on Friday. We had come every day since.

"Idk. A club might be fun. All we've been doing is lots of touristy activities. I'm bored," he replied taking a bite of his buttery croissant.

"Ok."

I finished the rest of my chocolate and banana muffin in silence.

Cody was on the phone to his Dad about his return flights. He originally was meant to leave on the following Wednesday but apparently something had happened with brother. Still I wasn't complaining. I was sure once he would be gone I would figure out the right way of explaining to him what had happened the next time we were together.

I had already given up on telling him. At least on this trip.

My second plan to confess had gone just as well as the first.

As in my confession didn't happen. I had backed out at the last minute.

If only Ruby hadn't mentioned anything in front of Cody. Now I have to spend my Sunday night with Cody my paranoid boyfriend and Jungkook who ever since we had lunch on Friday he had gone out of his way to greet me whenever we crossed paths.

He was definitely up to something.

On the other hand Cody had become even worse since Friday's lunch, he had come to my dorms every morning for the past two days, always waited for me after class and stayed with me all night till 10.

I'd asked him if something was bothering him. He had assured me everything was fine. I would've believe him if he hadn't stuck to me like a leech. It only confirmed my suspicions that he had caught me staring at Jungkook.

Cody came back from outside and sat down. "2am. Can you believe that? I'll just go to the airport straight after we meet with your friends," Cody insisted finishing brunch.

I leaned back. "That sucks."

"Yeah, Clara said it was the only flight she could find. Apparently she had to boot someone off for me," he added checking his phone. "Tell me more about your friends. I know Ruby but what about the others?" he asked looking up from his phone.

I stared at him with an opened mouth. Why now is he asking about my friends when he hasn't mentioned them at all since lunch?

My guard was up.

"What about Jungkook?"

Why did I even hope?

"Jungkook is." The rest of my sentence caught in my throat. I realised I didn't even know really anything about him. He was practically a stranger but for some strange reason I wanted to change that.

Cody coughed jerking me from my thoughts. "He is tall. Really tall," I offered.

"Is that it? He's tall. Nothing else? I'm surprised. You two seemed close at lunch," he taunted folding his arms.

Damn.

I looked down at my plate trying to keep a neutral expression. I couldn't let Cody see I was nervous.

"I was just tired. I had zoned out, He was just in my line of vision," I stammered playing with the rest of triple choc muffin avoiding his piercing gaze.

The whole Jungkook situation made me incredibly anxious. I was worried Jungkook mention something and then spread through school.

Since our fight I had notice Cody had a short temper and sometimes he became very aggressive, snapping at this and that. The old Cody I would've had no problem explaining to him what happened but I was slightly scared of how Cody would react now.

He had become unpredictable. It made me feel unsettled and on edge.

It was tiring.

Cody had dropped me off at the dorms leaving me to get ready while he went back to the hotel and packed.

I opened my door and found Ruby lying on my fluffy white carpet with magazines spread out all around her. I wasn't surprised though she had done it before. She knew how to use her bobby pins for anything.

One day I would have to get her to teach me. It could come in handy.

"How was your date," she asked sitting up.

Sighing I sat down next to her moving some of the magazines. "It wasn't a date." She arched her eyebrows.

"What? We just got some food. No big deal," I grumbled lying down staring up at the ceiling.

I wanted to share what was going on with her but then I would have to admit what I did.

I didn't want to lose her.

Jimin had even suggested I tell Ruby but I just couldn't risk it.

"It's fine. Things are just different now. Long distance is hard," I replied.

I looked down at my watch. We still had heaps of time.

We had spent most of the afternoon lounging around watching her favourite Netflix show and consuming snacks in her room.

She had a bigger TV.

As the episode ended I reached for my phone. 7pm. Crap we'd really lost track of time.

I sat up slowly on the bed. My stomach full of ch.i.p.s and lollies.

"Something hot. It's our first night out in Seoul. We have to look good," she exclaimed chucking her lollipop in the bin and pulling her curls into a high ponytail.

We had spent the next few hours bickering about what was appropriate club wear. After much deliberation and Ruby's persuasion I had finally agreed on the tight black crisscross dress. At least this dress ended near my knees.

Ruby had chosen a white tight fitted strapless dress that ended mid t.h.i.g.h. I was proud to say it had been one of the not pink dresses I had suggested.

You'd think with all the shopping hours I'd racked up in my lifetime I would already be one with fashion like Ruby but maybe there was hope yet.

We had taken turns in my bathroom changing.

Lately she had been spending more time in my room then hers lately. I didn't mind though.

I frowned tugging on my long brown strands that had gone wavy again. I had started straightening my hair until I had burnt my hand for the 5th time giving up I'd asked Ruby to help.

She came through.

We stood in front of the bathroom vanity mirror staring back at our reflections. I had to admit we looked good. Older.

He didn't seem to mind. That had been one of the first things that had attracted me to him. He had been accepting of a lot of my quirks.

Feeling butterflies in my stomach I pushed my anxiety about tonight to the side and turned to Ruby who was fixing one of her French braids that looked amazing. She always looked amazing though.

I put my arm around her smiling at her glowing reflection.

Ruby looked at her phone that had lighted up. "It's time! Let's have some fun tonight," she exclaimed rushing out of the bathroom bee-lining for the table where our purses were waiting.

Ruby, Cody and I were meeting Nam Joon, Jungkook and Jin at the club.

When Cody had first seen me he had said nothing, not one compliment. He had stayed silent the entire car ride to the club. Ruby and I had attempted small talk but soon the silence had spread to all of us.

The old Cody wouldn't have ignored me for anything.

I ignored the pang in my c.h.e.s.t.

We finally reached the club. I spotted Jungkook straight away, his tall frame towering over most of the people in the crowded area.

We made our way towards them, weaving in and out of stumbling drunks and girls wearing extremely high stilettos. Ruby had given up trying to make me wear heels after the blisters I'd suffered all week. No thanks.

She had finally relented 'allowing' me to wear my flats.

We'd nearly reached the boys when I couldn't help but admire how good Jungkook looked in his black jeans and black jacket from the back.

What is wrong with me?

I couldn't help myself who wouldn't give him a second look. Or a third.

Right then Jungkook turned and I met the hypnotizing brown of his eyes. I wondered if he had felt my eyes raking over his body. I broke the contact pretending to find something in my purse.

I'd greeted Nam Joon with a quick hug. Out of the corner of my eye I saw Jungkook studying me with a predators unwavering focus.

I chose not to ignore the happiness I felt.

At least someone had remembered Cody's complete lack of interest. I grimaced up at Cody who was to distracted to notice partaking in a loud boisterous conversation with Nam Joon.

I turned and stared right back at Jungkook smouldering eyes. I was suddenly very glad for the dark of the night that my blushing cheeks couldn't be seen. I didn't even realise Id been getting lost in the depths of his beautiful eyes until I felt an arm snake around my waist.

After paying me no mind all night I knew he had caught me staring at Jungkook but I didn't care he was the one who had chosen to ignore me.

I watched in silence Cody and Jungkook's polite but cold greeting.

I didn't know how I felt about that.

I wasn't surprised though.

Still angry at Cody I turned and smiled widely at Jungkook before following locking arms with Ruby walking into the deafening club.

The club was packed with bodies from the dance floor to the second story lounges. It had taken me till we'd reached one of the upstairs lounges for my senses to adapt to the bright colourful lights and loud music that seemed to reverberate through the building.

This was my first time in a club and so far I only wanted to go back to my room.

The boys went to get drinks. I'd told Cody nothing alcoholic. I certainly didn't want to end up like the girl id seen outside vomiting on the sidewalk.

Ruby and I had stood at the railing overlooking the full dance floor laughing at a couple who were dancing like maniacs until the boy's came back.

As everyone settled down around the small coffee table between the lounges I looked everywhere but at Jungkook.

"How do you like Seoul so far, Cody?" Nam Joon asked from across the lounge.

"Good, it's no Melbourne though," Cody insisted scowling as he looked around.

I couldn't stop from frowning. I knew he was in a bad mood but there was no need to be rude.

Trying to shift the mood I turned to Nam Joon and gave him a wide smile. "I've loved every second of it. My favourite thing has to be the food."

Ruby clapped her hands together. "Like the Tteokbokki that we tried at that small restaurant."

"Yes! One of the best things I've ever eaten. Hands down," I agreed.

I grabbed my drink off the table and smirked when I smelled the alcohol.

I turned towards Cody. "I told you no alcohol. You know I don't drink," I hissed into his ear.

He was really starting to push my buttons. I can't believe he would forget when we both had been with Louise that night.

"Who comes to a club and doesn't drink. Come on Phoebe stop being so boring all the time," he barked loud enough for the rest of the group to hear.

That was the last straw.

Unclenching my fists I stood up trying not to punch Cody I turned to the others who were silent watching us with different expressions.

"Ruby, bathroom?" I demanded marching for the stairs trying to calm down as I switched between wanting to rip Cody's head off and blocking Louise's face out of my mind. I stomped towards the bathroom pushing the door open so hard it banged loudly.

I leant against the wall and closed my eyes trying to ignore the embarrassment and anger that Cody had insulted me like that so publicly especially in front of my friends.

He was turning more and more into a different person. I didn't think I liked this person.

I wiped a tear from my cheek and opened my eyes directly into Ruby's who was looking at me with a worried expression.

I don't know why but it felt like the right time to tell her but I needed her support.

I gave her a small smile.

After I had finished explaining everything that had changed with Cody on the floor of the bathroom we had hugged and she helped me fix the makeup that had smeared.

"Thanks Ruby," I whispered staring down at her concentrated face that was finishing touching up my eyes.

"It's Ok. He seems nice sometimes though," she added putting away her mascara in her purse.

I sighed. "I know, it's just I'm worried we're not the right for each other anymore." I wanted to tell her about my attraction to Jungkook but I didn't have enough energy for that conversation tonight.

"Men suck!" she exclaimed holding each other's hands walking back to the lounge after stopping by the bar to get two sodas.

The boy's hadn't moved from their seats. Except for Jin who had disappeared.

I sat back down on the same lounge as Cody but at the other end of the sofa. I was still mad at him but I didn't want to ruin the others night by making things awkward.

I absentmindedly stirred the drink with my straw only half-heartedly listening to the group conversation when I spotted a tall leggy brunette wearing a very very tight red low cut dress dr.a.p.e herself all over Jungkook. I already felt miserable but I began to feel worse watching Jungkook flirt with the beautiful girl in front of him.

I grimaced in their direction.

It was in that moment I realised I wanted to be the one he looked at with that cheeky charming expression and the sensual way his lip curled after every compliment.

And that scared me more than Cody's change.

I followed the pair as they left the table and headed downstairs.

I felt sick.

I turned to Ruby but decided to leave her and Nam Joon alone. They seemed to be in a very heated debate.

I swivelled around looking for Jin with no success I made my way to the edge of the balcony spotting his red coat at the bar chatting with a gorgeous blonde.

Geez.

I jumped when I felt someone put their arms around me holding on the railing caging me. I relaxed when I recognised Cody's hand tattoo and cologne.

As my fear abided I began to feel uncomfortable. So far I had been successful avoiding spending much one on one time with him.

My stomach turned smelling the strong alcohol exuding from his pores.

I turned avoiding his gaze and ducked under his arms walking back to the lounge.

He was still in the doghouse.

And that was basically how the rest of the hour had gone. I had spent most of my time dodging his advances while still trying to have a good time with Ruby and Nam Joon.

Jungkook and Jin hadn't come back.

I didn't care though.

Liar.

I took a swig from my 3rd soda of the night feeling annoyed by Cody who had started playing with strands of my hair. I was about to slap his hand away when his phone rung, thankfully removing his focus from me.

"Dad. What?"

I grimaced. I knew his Dad and he wouldn't appreciate Cody's rude tone.

I had a bad feeling about this conversation.

He stood up and marched to the back of the room. I overhead bits of his loud heated conversation.

It wasn't going well.

He stomped back pushing his phone angrily in his pocket.

"We're going Phoebe," he demanded grabbing my arm pulling me up from my cross legged position on the lounge.

I hurriedly said my goodbyes to Ruby and Nam Joon.

He didn't say a word until we reached the airport.

"That was Dad," he said waiting for the attendant at the entrance.

"Is everything okay?"

Cody sighed. "He found out that I hadn't applied to his Alma Mater."

My mouth dropped open.

What?

"You didn't apply?" I muttered still reeling in shock.

As long as I had known him he wanted to follow in his Dad's footsteps.

"I did but only for the Sport Institute. Apparently they emailed Stewart about tuition and he told Dad," he said. "I didn't tell you but I'd overheard him and Stewart discussing the program before I left. Dad was furious but I didn't think he would actually cancel my place though. I'm now studying Business," he barked.

I stood silently on the walkway unsure what to do.

He hadn't even told me he had applied for a swimming program.

That hurt but at least that explained some of his behaviour.

I opened my mouth but a skinny male flight attendant reached us introducing himself and taking Cody's luggage trolley disappearing through the glass doors.

"I'm sorry," I blurted hugging him from behind.

Even though I didn't say it I was also apologising for having kissed Jungkook.

Cody had meant everything to me at one point and even though we had changed just seeing his hurt made my heart ache. Cody had been my first for a lot of things. I had really believed we would be together forever.

I felt him relax and give into the hug.

I pulled back, Cody turned facing me. "I really have missed you," he said holding my hands.

"Me too." No matter what happened between us there was still a good guy inside there.

"I'll ring you later. Maybe you can come back for a weekend?" he suggested.

"We'll see."

He let go of my hands quickly kissing me before following the attendant. He stopped only once to wave back at me.

Sighing I watched him disappear through the doors.

I made it back to my room and after a warm calming bath I snuggled up with my fluffy pillows in bed daydreaming while one of Ruby's Netflix shows played on the new TV I had gotten earlier in the week.

All in all my first week had gone alright.

I wasn't too sure where Cody and I stood but I was too drained to dwell anymore on where our relationship was headed.

Jungkook's mood swings were still frustrating me. After having him acting slightly more nice than usual to me I felt disappointed by him leaving with that girl.

I knew I didn't have any right to feel that way but I did.

Feeling emotionally drained and ready for sleep I turned the TV off and settled in-between the pillows and blankets as the night settled over me.