K-pop Idol Imagines - Chapter 27: Chapter 27

Do you know the feeling of love? The elating feeling of loving someone and being mesmerized just by their view? Just by seeing that person makes you all over happy with butterflies in your stomach?
Yes, that was what Y/N felt towards Irene.
Since they were in middle school, Y/N was certainly attracted towards Irene in a lot of different ways. Not like she was attracted to her only timeless beauty but also with her personality.
Irene was funny in her own way, and it was very charming. At least to Y/N it was. She just couldn't get over the fact that how can someone be so beautiful, yet smart and hilarious. Irene was certainly God's favorite.
However, there was a twist. Irene didn't know how Y/N felt about her. Y/N didn't tell her because she didn't have the courage to.
But, before all of that, they both were the bestest of friends. Holding hands, back hugs, forehead kisses were normal for both of them. Daily hangouts and sleepovers were like a habit for them. They were practically unbreakable at this point and most probably some students envied their relationship.
So, what happened wrong?
Well, it was a normal day at their high school. After school ended on a high note, Irene and Y/N walked home together while holding hands as usual, but something was not fitting perfectly there.
Y/N was profusely sweating as her heart hammered loud enough that she feared Irene might hear her. That day, Y/N decided to confess her feelings to Irene and be free of the heavy burden that she had on herself.
Was it a random thought that she got? No, absolutely not.
Her cousin who came from New York yesterday knew about her situation and she provoked her to confess because later she might lose her chance.
"I-Irene?" she said as her voice was a pitch higher.
Irene stopped in her tracks as she turned to look at Y/N, who was looking slightly pale than usual. She rested her hand on her shoulder and asked in a worried tone, "Y/N? Are you okay? You look a little pale."
Y/N took a deep breath as she nodded and took ahold of her hand in hers. She gazed at her and blushed slightly as her throat felt dry at the moment. Y/N thought that she might faint with so much adrenaline running through her veins.
"I-I have something to tell you, "she started, stuttering a little.
Irene nodded for her to continue as she rubbed her thumb against the back of Y/N's hand, trying to calm her nerves down. However, it only increased her anxiety.
"You know we have known each other from middle school, right?"
"Yes, Y/N, but what is it?" Irene asked, perplexed.
Y/N licked her lips and let out a shuddery breath, saying, "Since middle school, I've always admired you, Irene. Not like friends do, or either best friends. I..."
She looked into her eyes as fear danced in the back of her head. She continued, "I love you. More than a friend should do."
Irene's eyes widen at the sudden confession as she released the grip from her hand and said, "Y/N... I..."
There was an eery silence as they both stared at each other. One with hope and one in shock.
"I'm sorry, "Irene muttered out.
Y/N's heart was in shackles at her simple reply but she smiled, bitterly, saying, "No, don't be. It's okay, Irene. I just... wanted to let you know. It was important for me to tell you that."
"Are you... sure?" Irene asked, voice so timid that it was dissolved in the passing wind.
Y/N nodded as she took ahold of her hand and intertwined it, saying, "Yes, I'm sure, Irene. Don't worry about it. We're fine."
Just like that, without saying a word, they both descended to Irene's home as Y/N decided to skip the sleepover that day. Irene accepted in understanding as she herself needed some time to process it.
The thing about her best friend being in love with her.
─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───
The next day, for the first time in history, Irene was late to school. Surprise? I think not. After what happened yesterday, Irene couldn't sleep a wink as Y/N's confession was all over her mind.
She hurried through the hallways as she thanked God that she was at the right time. The teachers were not yet in the classes. Entering her classroom, she huffed out a deep breath and looked around the class.
And her eyes got set on the pair that was talking and laughing at the corner of the room. Keeping her bag on the chair, Irene made her way towards them and cleared her throat to get their attention.
"Oh, hey Irene, "Y/N said as she pulled the girl into a side hug like she normally does.
Irene gave her a small smile as she looked at the blonde girl in front of them. Y/N looked in between them and said, "Oh! I forgot to tell you. This is Wendy, my partner in the English assignment."
Irene felt a slight pain right in her chest as she looked at Y/N with a heartbroken expression. Y/N just innocently smiled at her and then excused herself to discuss the project with Wendy.
"Why am I sad?" Irene muttered to herself as she looked at the pair, walking away.
Just then, a tall girl stood behind her as she watched the scene unfold in front of her eyes and tapped on Irene's shoulder.
"Hey, Irene, "she said.
"Oh, hey Joy. How are you?" Irene asked, not feeling it anymore.
"You know, if you want we can be partners for the English assignment, "Joy suggested at which Irene couldn't help but sigh and agree.
"Sure, Joy. Thank you."
After a few hours of exhausting classes, it was finally lunchtime. As usual, Irene went to Y/N and said, "Let's go, Y/N. I'm hungry."
Y/N smiled at her as she pocketed the books in her bag and said, "Yeah, sure. Let me just inform Wendy."
"Wendy?" Irene furrowed her brows in confusion.
Y/N slung the bag on her shoulder and said, "Yeah, I'm going to invite Wendy to lunch with us. If it's okay with you, of course."
Irene unconsciously clenched her fists and took in a deep breath. She just didn't want Wendy to involve in their time, but not wanting to sound rude, she replied, "Sure. Whatever you like."
Y/N gave her a smile and hugged her, saying, "Thanks, Irene. I'll just inform her, you can reserve our seats in the cafeteria."
Then, Wendy came. She sat beside Y/N as Irene sat in front of them, across the table. Irene subtly noticed how they were laughing and talking like a bunch of teenagers, okay, yeah they were, but Irene couldn't help but feel uneasy at their interaction.
Irene didn't know why she felt that.
"Excuse me, "Wendy excused herself from the table, she wanted to go to the washroom.
Watching Wendy disappear from her eyesight, Irene kept her hand over Y/N's as the said girl looked up at her.
"Irene? What happened?"
"I'm sorry, Y/N about your confession, but I hope you know that I still like you as a friend. I don't want our friendship... our friendship to end, "Irene said, pleading with her beautiful eyes.
Y/N gave her an awkward smile, saying, "H-Hey, no one said our friendship is ending. We're still the pair of goofy friends who love to stare at stars at night."
Irene felt a gush of relief taking over her as she smiled broadly and said, "Thank you, Y/N."
"No worries, Irene."
─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───
It's been 3 weeks since their friendship-less relationship got a little gauche. They would talk, of course, they would talk but not without involving Wendy in the matters.
Irene noticed how Y/N was happily talking about Wendy to her and how they had gotten close in such a short period of time. From time to time, Irene felt this competitive spirit of hers enraging as she would sometimes feel the need to stop Y/N from talking with Wendy.
But, she couldn't. She couldn't when she knew how glum Y/N might get after hearing that.
So, she decided to go with plan number 2. Her all-time favorite thing to do. A simple date with her best friend, just her and Y/N, enjoying each other's company and the whole day itself.
An overflow of excitement took over Irene, and she couldn't wait for the school to end so that she could surprise Y/N with the idea.
Then the school bell rang, indicating the end of the school. A long exhausting day ended with not-so-exhausted Irene. She practically skipped towards the locker as she waited for Y/N to show up and tell her.
But, wouldn't Irene call herself the unlucky one because, after a few minutes, she saw Y/N, walking towards the locker with Wendy close to her side and hands interlaced.
Irene saw Y/N looking at her and running towards her with a big smile on her face.
"Irene, hey, "Y/N said as she turned her head around to glance at Wendy and again looked at Irene.
"Hey, Y/N. You look... in hurry. Are you going somewhere?" Irene asked, sounding a little more venomous than she intended.
Y/N scratched the back of her neck with a goofy smile as she said, "Uh, yeah. Actually, I have a date with Wendy today."
Irene's chest felt a sharp piercing pain of hurt as she blurted out, "A date?"
"Mhmm, a friendly date to clarify. Wendy suggested that we go out and get to know each other a bit."
Jaw clenched and expressions stoic, Irene replied, "That's nice. Enjoy your... date with her."
Y/N leaned forward to hug her and said, "I will. Bye, Irene!"
With that said, they both left a jealous Irene in their wake. She couldn't help but bit her lower lip in disappointment and loosely tugged her bag on her shoulder, leaving for home, alone.
─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───
It's been months, don't count how many, but it's been a long time since Irene and Y/N were normal.
They became distant slowly and gradually, not intended, yet they did. Irene always tried to sneak up a chance on Y/N and have a talk like they normally did.
However, everything had changed.
Y/N was stuck with Wendy, and not to mention, happily stuck with Wendy. Irene noticed how they had become closer to each other and she could sense if that was not typical. She noticed the way Y/N's eyes lit up every time she was around Wendy.
And also for Wendy, Irene noticed how constantly she would stare at Y/N, with a dreamy smile that anyone could decipher from a far range of sight.
But, still, Irene held onto what was remaining in between them. She would sometimes talk with Y/N and sometimes laugh like before, yet it didn't feel like it.
They have grown apart. Unfortunately.
On a slightly chilly winter morning, Irene walked into school and towards her classroom. While walking along with the lockers, she felt an uneasy feeling around her that gave her goosebumps. She walked ahead and turned around the corner to see what she shouldn't have.
Y/N was there. Pushing Wendy against the lockers as she happily pulled the girl into a passionate kiss. Hands carefully resting around each other's body, Y/N and Wendy were making out against the lockers in front of a sorrowful Irene.
"God, Wendy, you're perfect, "Y/N mumbled out loud as Irene snapped her head to the side, not having the appetite to look any longer.
Suddenly, in her peripheral vision, Wendy saw Irene as she abruptly shoved Y/N away from her. Heavily panting, Y/N asked, "What's wrong?"
Wendy pointed out towards, Irene who was standing there while staring away from them.
"Irene?" Y/N said, straightening the creases on her clothes and setting her hair.
Irene turned her head to look at her. Her eyes danced between Wendy and Y/N as she smiled, painfully, and said, "Hey, you two."
Y/N walked ahead as Wendy followed the pursuit and stood in front of Irene as she asked, "What happened?"
"I wanted to talk to you... If you don't mind, "Irene said, unsure as her eyes exchanged glances with Wendy.
"Yeah, sure, "Y/N said as Irene's eyes snapped to hers.
Y/N turned around and said, "I'll meet you in the classroom, Wen."
Wendy nodded as she gave Y/N's hand a careful squeeze. Y/N turned around and followed Irene to an empty classroom. She saw Irene carefully closing the door and walking towards her.
"What is it, Irene?" Y/N asked.
Irene heard a tinge of annoyance in her voice as she missed the affection it had before for her. She stepped closer to her and slid her arm around Y/N's waist, pulling her into a tight hug. A familiar sense and fragrance of warmth surrounded her as she realized how much she craved Y/N.
"I miss you, "Irene said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Y/N had her arms around her but not like before. They were awkwardly settled around her back as she didn't know what to do.
"I miss you, Y/N. I miss us. I miss the thing we had before, "Irene said, eyes welling up at no response from Y/N.
She pulled apart and held Y/N's hands in hers, asking, "What happened to us, Y/N? You said that we will be okay. But, we aren't! Look at us. So distant, and barely talking to each other!"
"Irene..."
"You said that everything was fine then what happened?" Irene desperately asked, tears flowing down easily through her eyes.
"My love for you happened, Irene. I was heartbroken after you rejected me, "Y/N replied, eyes lacking the emotions.
"Wendy helped me. She supported me when I couldn't turn myself to you. She told me that everything will be fine. She... loved me, Irene. She loved me when I was needing it, "she said, the truth that she felt from deep inside.
"I love her. I'm sorry that we got distant but, I couldn't bring myself to look at you like a normal friend. Not when you and I both knew how much I loved you."
The words shot right through her heart as Irene's knees gave up and she fell onto her knees. Tears uncontrollably flowed out and her mouth agape with shock.
Y/N kneeled in front of her as she wiped her tears and felt extremely sorry for her. She decided not to say anything as she watched Irene sobbing in front of her. A part of her heart pinched slightly at her look, but a bigger part of her said that this might be for the best.
"Let's go, Irene. The class is almost about to start, "Y/N said as she looked at her wristwatch.
She was about to stand up when Irene held her wrist and made her look at her.
"Kiss me, "Irene demanded.
Y/N couldn't believe her ears. So, she asked again, "What?"
Irene cradled her face in her hands and said, "If this is it. Then, I want to regret every decision I made. I want you to kiss me and forget me."
"B-But, Irene, I can't!" Y/N said as her voice wavered a little at the end.
Irene chuckled lightly and said, "You have to, Y/N. You have to..."
Y/N gazed deeply into her eyes, the eyes she used to adore and fell in love with, but this time she didn't feel anything. Not an ounce of emotion, just guilt.
Not having enough words to argue, Y/N cupped her nape and inclined forward, placing her lips against Irene's. They didn't move their lips, they just stayed like that, feeling unspoken, grief-stricken words.
Y/N could feel the tears against her skin as she pulled apart and placed the last kiss on her forehead. Hurriedly standing up, she opened the door and walked out of the room as the school bell rang.
Irene felt her world tumbling down at the moment because she just lost her best friend, not to mention probably her only friend. She faced the ceiling as her throat tightened and the tears stung in her eyes.
"I'm sorry, Y/N..."