Middle Of The Night (Eric Sohn)
Warnings/Genre: part two of my so sweet like nectar series! Can be read as a standalone! Fluff, angst, drinking, kissing, exes to lovers, strangers to lovers, fast paced, cursing (I don’t remember).
Sana: hello everyone! Finally my second and last part of my series which I started last year. This is also my last post as a member of @/deoboyznet. I had fun while it all lasted but I guess it was time for a goodbye. @bella-feed makes a cameo as Sunwoo’s girlfriend! Thank you @talkingsaxy for beta reading <3
Word count: 4,507
Tagging: @deoboyznet @kstrucknet @k-films @kflixnet @k-labels @a-dream-bookmark
The walk back home was silent for Eric. His mind drifted back to the memories about you which he tried so hard to erase but he just couldn’t. I mean, how could he when the time he spent with you was one of the best moments he had.
The way you always managed to make him smile even though he was possibly having the worst day. Your loud laugh which others seemed to find annoying but to him it was the best thing he ever heard in his lifetime.
So when you broke up with him out of the blue on your graduation day, it felt like someone had drowned him in the ocean with his feet tied. No matter how hard he tried he could not get himself to get back up.
That day is still like a blur to Eric. All he remembers is that he had just gotten his graduation certificate and the next minute you were standing in front of him saying you want to break up. Reason was left unknown as you said something along the lines about the two of you having different goals in life and that the moment was just not right for the two of you.
Hearing his phone buzz, he glanced at the text sent by Chanhee about meeting up at the new bar tomorrow to check it out. Sending a ‘Okay’ Eric heaved out a long, tired sigh in frustration.
He knew it was pointless to get frustrated at himself for thinking about you but he just couldn’t help himself because no matter how hard he tries, he could never move on from you. You were his first love, still are and somehow you still manage to take up place in his mind in every situation possible.
Squinting his eyes, Eric stared down at his second glass of cosmopolitan, suddenly feeling lightheaded.
“Are you drunk already?” Eric slowly opened his eyes and looked at Chanhee who was staring back at him worriedly.
He winced at the throbbing pain he felt when he opened his eyes and tried to shake his head, “I am not drunk. At least not yet.” He slurred his words out which made Chanhee sigh.
Standing up from his seat he spoke up, “Guys, I will go and drop Eric off.” He announced as the others gave small nods and bid their farewell to them.
Helping Eric stand up, the two of them walked out of the bar.
“I can go on my own.” Eric mumbled as he stumbled out of the bar entrance.
“Eric, look at the state you’re in. I will drop you off. Don’t be stubborn.” Chanhee said with his arms crossed.
“I am capable of taking care of myself. I am not that kid from highschool anymore and nor do I miss her…” stopping mid sentence Eric let out a small sigh before walking away.
“Eric!” Chanhee called out his name and ran after him to catch up with him. “Let me just drop you home.” Eric just shook his head and swatted away Chanhee’s hand from his shoulder.
“I will text you when I reach home.” Eric slurred out before increasing his pace.
Chanhee stayed in his spot and watched Eric walk away, knowing no matter how hard he tried to convince him, he wouldn't listen.
Turning his head slightly, Eric smiled triumphantly when he saw Chanhee shake his head before walking inside the bar again.
Taking out his earbuds, he played some melancholic music and walked down the street.
Without even realising, he had reached his old neighbourhood, as if it was his second home.
Looking around, he soon spotted her house. Without even letting himself think much, he started walking towards there.
It’s been almost a decade, there’s no way she still lives there, right? I mean it’s impossible. She said that she is going to move away-
“Eric?” Eric was pulled out of his endless thoughts as he stared ahead in bewilderment. He didn’t even realise when he reached in front of the door and rang her doorbell.
“Is that really you?” Eric questioned softly before letting out a small hiccup while rubbing his eyes as he tried to take in her appearance.
She looked older, prettier, her hair was longer than before yet she looked the same.
“Are you drunk?” Eric didn’t answer her question and continued staring at her. “Come inside.” She said with a sigh and pulled him in when he didn’t budge from his place.
Looking around the place, Eric realised that it was the same as before but the lights were just a bit more dim.
“What are you doing back here?” Eric questioned once he sat on the couch, sobering up a bit when he drank the water Y/N gave.
“I was in town for a couple weeks and decided to come back here. But what are you doing here? That too shit faced drunk?” Y/N questioned while flicking Eric’s forehead.
It was as if nothing had changed between them. There still lingered this lighthearted air, no tension whatsoever.
“I missed you.” Y/N looked at Eric when he said that. Letting out a small chuckle, she nodded before mumbling out a small ‘Me too.’
“You can stay the night. I will be in my room if you need me.” Y/N said after Eric didn’t say anything.
Looking at Y/N, Eric cleared his throat which made Y/N turn around, “Do you ever miss…us?” He asked, his voice barely audible as he stopped breathing. Too afraid to hear her answer.
Y/N smiled softly and walked back towards Eric before deciding to sit beside him, “You don’t know how much I regret breaking up with you.”
Eric sucked in a deep breath when he saw how close Y/N’s face was to his, “Did you miss me?” He asked again, a bit more confidence in his voice compared to before.
Y/N nodded, “I missed you. More than you could imagine. Remember the first time we met?” Y/N questioned while playing with Eric’s hair.
Eric nodded in acknowledgement, too content with the feeling of your fingers playing with his hair to voice out a verbal response, “I did not like you at first, you know?” Eric pried his eyes open at your words, looking offended.
“What did I do to you for you to hate me?” Y/N giggled at his question.
“You were too loud for my liking, always way too energetic but then I slowly started warming up to it. I started exploring new things out of my comfort zone because of you. Hell, you even taught me how to play golf.” Hearing your answer, Eric could not help but feel proud of that.
“That I did. I still miss our highschool days, you know? I wish we never grew up and all just stayed the same. Us being those carefree idiots that we used to be.” Eric said while placing his head on Y/N’s lap.
Year: 2018
I looked at my mom in confusion when I heard our doorbell ring. “Were you expecting anyone?” I questioned while getting up from my chair to open the door.
I rolled my eyes when mom just ignored me and continued sipping on her coffee while watching something on her phone.
Walking towards the door, I opened it slightly and raised my eyebrow when I saw a boy, maybe around my age standing in front of me. “Who are you?” I asked cautiously.
“Oh I am Eric! Your neighbour, I bought some food which my mom sent to welcome you in our neighbourhood.” He said enthusiastically.
I did not like that. I was someone who liked my own space, some peace and quiet and this boy here was looking like anything but that and it irked me.
“Thanks.” I replied and reached out to take the bag from him when he pulled away which made me furrow my eyebrows in both confusion and annoyance. “What are you doing?” I questioned at which Eric shrugged.
“I cannot just hand over the food to you. I need to know your name.” He said coolly as he waited for me to introduce myself.
I heaved out a small sigh, “I am Y/N. Are we done with this now?” Eric gave a small nod and handed me the food before turning around to walk away.
I looked at his retrieving figure for a moment before closing the door. “What a strange kid.” I mumbled while walking inside the kitchen.
“Who was at the door?” I heard my mom ask from the living room to which I just turned a deaf ear.
Walking down the road, I observed the surroundings while heading to my new school.
“Y/N! Wait for me!” I stopped midway and looked back when I heard someone calling my name.
“Not him again.” I mumbled under my breath when I saw Eric running over to me at full speed.
“Looks like we’re in the same school!” He exclaimed once he reached in front of me.
“Yay…” I said with no enthusiasm evident in my voice and continued walking the rest of the way to school with Eric talking about something or the other.
“You know, my friend is planning on surprising his girlfriend with a cake today. You should come with me.” I looked at Eric when he mentioned that.
I looked a bit hesitant but decided to tag along since I could still eat the cake for free.
Reaching the school grounds, I went to the auditorium with Eric where his friends were waiting.
I furrowed my eyebrows when I heard yelling. “Nara, I told you to be careful when handling the cake!” I heard a boy yell at the girl in front of him who was busy minding her own business.
“What’s wrong Sunwoo?” Eric asked while approaching the guy.
I stood beside the girl and stared down at the cake which looked…well ruined.
“This dumbass here dropped the cake! The surprise is ruined now!” The Sunwoo guy exclaimed while grabbing onto his hair before diverting his attention to me. “Who are you?” He asked, his voice suddenly sharp.
“Y/N.” I replied in the same tone as he just gave a small nod before pacing around the auditorium.
“I worked so hard on this surprise!” Sunwoo yelled again as he stomped his feet on the floor. “I was looking for-”
“What’s going on?” We all looked back when we heard a girl's voice.
“Happy birthday!” Nara exclaimed from beside me as she placed the ruined cake in her hands.
The girl giggled and walked towards us. Her hands behind her back as she looked at Sunwoo first before diverting her attention back to the cake. “The cake has its own charm.” She said, Unknowingly comforting Sunwoo who visibly relaxed at her comment.
“It was supposed to look good.” Sunwoo mumbled as he placed his head on the girl's shoulder.
—x—
Soon enough the small party came to an end. I warmed up to the birthday girl, who was Bella pretty quickly.
“You know we’re going to this golf place on Saturday. You should come.” Bella said while we were walking to our first class.
“I don’t know how to play golf though.” I said with an embarrassing smile. I always deemed golf to be a sport which rich people would play to flaunt their wealth.
“Oh no worries! Neither do I. I am going for emotional support for Sunwoo. I need some company since Nara would be busy with her own things.” I thought about the offer for a while before agreeing to go with her.
“If you insist then I guess there’s no harm in coming.” Bella clapped her hands happily when I said that as we both parted our ways.
“Wake up! Come on! We need to leave in a few minutes!” I groaned in frustration when I heard Eric yell in my ear. Grabbing my pillow from under me, I threw it in his direction before turning the other way around.
“Go away, Eric. I want to sleep.” I mumbled sleepily only for Eric to shake me aggressively.
“We need to leave. You can sleep on the way to the golf course.” I shook my head and continued sleeping and groaned in pain when Eric threw himself on top of me.
“What is wrong with you?” I questioned while trying to push him off of me only for him to tighten his grip on me. “Who even let you in my room?” I groaned and stopped trying to pry him off me once I realised that it was of no use.
“Your mom did. She likes me, you know?” he replied casually as if he wasn’t crushing me with his weight.
“Can you get up now? I am wide awake.” I grumbled in annoyance.
“Do you promise to not sleep again?” I aggressively nodded my head and heaved out a sigh of relief when Eric finally pushed himself off me.
“Why does my mom even like you? You are nothing but a loud obnoxious creature.” I grumbled once I stood up from my bed.
“Who cares about your opinion when your mother already likes me?” I stared at Eric with my arms crossed.
He was casually sprawled out on my bed, as if he owned the whole place. Looking at the way he was so comfortable, people would think that we have known each other since ages when it’s really only been like five days.
“Can you get out of my room so that I can get ready?” I asked Eric with gritted teeth at which he just sheepishly smiled and stood up from the bed.
I watched him walk towards the door only for him to stop midway, “Are you sure you want me to leave?” I raised my eyebrow in confusion at his question.
“What do you mean?” I questioned.
“I have no issue in watching you chan–” I immediately threw my pillow at his face even before he could finish his sentence.
“Get out!” I yelled as I pushed Eric out of the room as he laughed and mumbled out a ‘Just kidding’.
Locking my door, I smiled to myself in astonishment. I never saw myself getting close with someone like Eric. Someone so loud, outgoing but I guess he wasn’t so bad himself.
I mean, he is pretty cute, there's no denying that for sure. Still with a smile lacing my lips, I went into the washroom to get ready.
–x–
“Took you long enough.” I rolled my eyes at Eric's comment and walked out of the house after bidding goodbye to my mom.
“So…you know how to play golf huh?” I questioned once we got into Eric’s car with me sitting in the passenger seat.
Eric shrugged and continued driving, “My dad used to take me golfing ever since I was young. I kind of just grew to love the game I guess.” I nodded at Eric’s words before looking outside the window.
“Are you always this comfortable with new people?” Eric looked at me for a moment before opening his mouth to speak.
“Well, people like to say that I am a really outgoing person but you might be the first person with whom I got so close with so quickly.” I smiled slightly when I heard his answer, proud of myself in a way. “Come on, let's go. We reached.”
I nodded and unbuckled the belt before leaving the car while Eric started parking the car. I pondered his words with a frown on my face.
This might be the first time I had warmed up to a guy so quickly. Was it too soon? I mean, I am still new to this place. The people, everything but it seems like Eric and his friends are good enough.
I snapped out of my thoughts when I saw Eric approaching me while twirling his car keys on his fingers, “Is that your own car or your dads?” Eric looked back and then back at me with a smile.
“I bought it with my own money by working part time jobs.” My eyebrows shot up in mild surprise, “What? Didn’t expect that?” I nodded at his words as we started walking inside, where everyone else was seated waiting for us.
“Well people always get surprised when I tell them this.” I nodded and didn't question anything further.
–x–
“This game sucks!” I exclaimed in frustration when I missed the golf ball yet again. Sunwoo laughed loudly and teased me when he scored another point.
“Just because you’re bad at this game doesn’t mean the game sucks, you know?” He teased which made me groan in frustration.
“Sunwoo, shut up. Y/N is playing golf for the first time. She will get a hang of it slowly.” Eric said as he placed his hand on my shoulder comfortingly. Sunwoo just showed his tongue teasingly before he diverted his attention to his girlfriend.
“I suck at this game, Eric. It’s a waste of money and I am an embarrassment.” I said dramatically before groaning in frustration. Eric let out a small laugh before shaking his head, “See! Even you think that I am an embarrassment!” I yelled dramatically.
Eric came and stood behind me, before holding the golf stick with me, “What are you doing?” I questioned, my voice suddenly barely going above a whisper when I realised just how close Eric was to my face.
“I will teach you how to play golf since I consider myself to be a better player than Sunwoo.” I nodded stiffly, suddenly feeling my cheeks starting to burn up when I felt Eric’s breath on my neck. “Okay so before you decide to swing, take a good look at the ball and then just swing the stick, like…this.” Eric said as he swung the stick with his hand placed above mine.
“Did I do it?” I exclaimed in excitement when the ball successfully went ahead and dropped in the hole. Eric nodded proudly as he raised his hand for a high five.
“I am still ahead of you!” Sunwoo yelled from behind us at which we both rolled our eyes. “Ignore him, you did great.” Eric said softly as we continued playing.
–x–
“What do you think about this guy?” I looked at the picture Bella showed me before giving a disapproving look. “Girl, your taste in men suck.” I replied after sipping on some water.
“No it doesn’t!” Bella said with a huff as she went back to looking for a guy for me.
“What are you both doing?” I looked up and saw Eric and Sunwoo place a tray of food in front of us. I took a french fry and answered, “Bella is looking at guys-” I rolled my eyes when Sunwoo yelled in offence.
“Why are you looking at other guys when your handsome boyfriend is in front of you?” He said while snatching Bella’s phone from her.
“For me.” I finished my sentence which made Sunwoo stop before handing over the phone back to Bella, “But your dear girlfriend's taste in men suck.” I said in slight annoyance.
“Hey! Don’t say that! I am her boyfriend.” Sunwoo protested to which I just turned a blind eye. I looked at Eric when I noticed how quiet he was. “What's wrong?” I questioned but before Eric could reply, Bella brought her phone in front of my face to show me another picture.
I stared at the picture for a moment, observing the guy's face before giving a small nod. He wasn't bad to look at. “I will set up a date for the two of you then!” She said happily before going back to using her phone.
–x–
After bidding goodbye to Sunwoo and Bella, I walked back to Eric’s car with him. Taking notice of how silent he had been ever since we talked about me going on a date with that guy.
“Hey..” I said softly once we were both seated in the car. I took notice of how heavy the air felt, Eric's expression being a bit more stoic than his usual smiley face. “What's wrong? You have been so quiet.” I said softly as Eric exhaled a deep sigh.
“Are you sure you want to go on that date?” I looked at Eric in confusion when he asked that question. Before I could open my tp speak Eric continued, “You just don’t know that guy. What if he is dangerous?” I looked at Eric for a moment before sighing. “I am sure he's not that dangerous. Don’t worry I am not forcing myself or anything. I want to explore something, you know? Something new.” I explained.
Eric nodded and didn't say anything more and started the car.
I stared at the guy in front of me with bored eyes. This was nothing but a BIG mistake. I knew I shouldn't have trusted Bella when it came to her taste in men. She was dating Sunwoo for god's sake.
I clutched onto the spoon tighter as I felt my patience running thin. I couldn't listen to this guy talking about himself for another minute. “Excuse me, I need to use the restroom.” I suddenly said and stood up abruptly which made me stop talking.
Grabbing my phone and purse, I went out of his sight and dialed Eric’s number without giving it another thought.
“Hello?” I furrowed my eyebrows when Eric mumbled groggily. “Were you sleeping?” I asked while walking around the lobby.
This suddenly felt more interesting than whatever that guy was talking about inside. Eric hummed, “Why are you calling? Aren't you on a date right now?” I let out a sheepish laugh at his question.
“About that…could you possibly come and pick me up?” Eric let out a confused voice before mumbling out a small okay. “Is your date going that bad?” He asked. I hummed to his question and rolled my eyes when he chuckled softly before ending the call after saying to wait for him.
–x–
“Finally!” I exclaimed when I saw Eric's car pull up in front of the restaurant, “I cannot believe Bella set me up with someone like him.” I said with a groan but furrowed my eyebrows when instead of leaving, Eric pulled me inside the restaurant with him.
“Is that the guy?” I looked in the direction he was pointing at and nodded, “Damn your taste sucks.” He said while letting out an exaggerated sigh. “Wanna do something before leaving?” Eric asked while staring at me.
I raised my eyebrow and waited for him to continue. All he did was smile mischievously and called for a waiter, “Hi um could you tell me the most expensive item on the menu?” I stared at him as he listened to the waiter. “Lobster you say? You see that guy over there? He would like that.” The waiter looked at Eric suspiciously and was about to walk away, “Look! He is my friend and he wants to impress his date. Just trust me.” I giggled and nodded along to his words and high-fived Eric when the waiter agreed to our request.
“Not only did he get stood up but he would also have to pay for that meal himself.” Eric said while cackling once we entered his car. I chuckled and nodded to his words before looking out of the window, “Wanna get some ice cream? You probably didn't eat much.” My face immediately lit up at his words and eagerly nodded.
“Thank you for saving me from this disastrous date.” I said once the car came to a stop because of the red light. Eric stared at me for a moment before chuckling softly and reaching out to hold my hand in his, “Always my pleasure. Call me anytime.” I sucked in a deep breath at his words and let my eyes trail down to his lips before looking at his eyes again.
Slowly inching closer, Eric brought his lips closer to mine before looking in my eyes again, as if asking for my permission. Once I gave him a small nod, he didn’t waste another second and attached his lips on mine.
I smiled in between the kiss before moving my lips in sync with his, the kiss felt passionate yet vulnerable. It felt as if it was an opening to a new chapter, something steady, something new yet exciting.
Pulling away, Eric slowly attached his forehead on mine as he let out a small breath before letting out a giggle like a small kid, “You just made me the happiest man in the world.” I laughed at his silly words before pulling away, suddenly feeling shy to even look at him. “Hey..” I looked at Eric again when he called out to me. “I really do like you.” I nodded and looked down at our now entangled hands as I tightened my grip. “I like you as well. It’s a surprise but I guess life is full of surprises.” I laughed when Eric whined at my words.
“I am not that bad!” He exclaimed as he started the car again. I shook my head and looked ahead, “You’re not bad but you’re loud for sure.” I teased.
“You like it though.” I couldn't help but nod at his words, “That…I cannot deny.” I replied with a smile adorned on my face.
Back in the present
I stared at Eric as we continued to talk about our past. Suddenly, he sat up straight and stared at me for a moment, “I still don’t get the reason for our break up…” he questioned.
I chuckled sadly and stared ahead, “Well..I just I guess thought that you were too good for me in a way. I had my own problems, my own insecurities and in a way, it was all just too much for me at that time and well the young me thought that breaking up with you on the day of our graduation would be a better idea.” I answered, my gaze on a random wall, too afraid to look Eric in the eye.
“I could have been there, you know? I could have helped you.” He said softly as he entangled my fingers in his. I nodded to his words in agreement.
“I realised that too late but I guess we found our way back to each other for a reason.” I said with a smile and pecked Eric on his cheek.
“It’s the middle of the night and there’s no other place I’d rather be in than your arms.” Eric mumbled and pulled me in for a hug. I melted in his arms, feeling safe and secure.
“Let’s give ourselves another chance..” my voice came out mumbled as I tightened my grip around Eric. He nodded and pulled me in closer if that was even possible.
