Love Aint Always Pretty

Nunchi (눈치)

- the subtle art of listening and gauging others' moods; the ability to know what not to say in a certain social situation

Origin: Korean

44

"Yeah I'm going." I say.

Tracy looks at me. "Yes!" She rejoiced.

I tried to comb my hair and gaze at my own reflection. I'm obviously preparing myself for tonight because I know I need to party and unwind.

"Been wanting to hear that coming from you without being forced by me." She said while laughing.

I smile as I fix my mini skirt. She looks at me. "Wow. You're showing more skin."

"Is it a bad thing?" I asked.

She shakes her head. "No. You'll definitely be a jaw dropper. I love your sleeveless too. It looks so fancy."

I smiled. "Thanks."

I let Tracy put make up on me but not too much. Just a little make up that looks like I didn't put any make up. When we were done preparing, we headed out of the dorm and got into Romeo's car. Penny was there as usual but I really didn't bother her presence as if she wasn't here with us. She will ruin my night if I'll listen to her. I kept talking with Tracy and I noticed that Romeo and Megan were already getting friendly to me too which was a good thing. I don't really have the need to be friends with Penny cos I don't like her and she doesn't like me so I didn't dare on faking it with her.

It was a Saturday night and since I finished my project with Dustin last night, I'm heading to another frat party over Nick's cos I want to get loose. I know I told myself that I need to get some sleep, but I won't miss this night not to party. I don't know why I wanted to go either and even though he didn't invite me, I'm still going cos I need to unwind what has been bugging me these days. I need to shake it off. I needed to forget.

When we arrived the frat house, we marched our way inside and as always it's packed and loud. Of course, all those kissy couples wouldn't be missing this one out and those bitchy blondes were partying like it was their last night. Now it makes me wonder how would Nick ignore these kind of women at this party, I mean look at them. They're almost wearing nothing cos of that croptops and very skimpy shorts. Their boobs are showing. They smell liqour mixing with scenty Victoria's Secret perfume.

Obviously.

We headed to the couch where we sat down the last time. It's always vacant, or either if someone was there, they would leave the second when they see us entering the door. It was like we own that couch which was cool. Tracy handed me a red cup and unlike before, I didn't drink it but now that I know what it taste, I quickly took a sip from it.

I kept on looking around, searching for Nick but he's nowhere to be seen. The others started playing truth or dare but I didn't join since there were lots of other players. I finished my first cup and grabbed another one. Tracy's eyes dilated.

"Wow. Slow down there." She jokes.

I smile. "I need this. School is driving me nuts." And your brother is driving me crazier.

She laughs. "Cheers."

We raise and clink our cups together. The night passed by and I wasted all my time here sitting on this stupid couch with another cup. No sight of Nick or Alec.

"I need to take a pee." I say.

Tracy nods at me and tells me to hurry. I quickly pulled myself up from the couch. I wasn't really going to pee, I just wanted to walk around to look for Nick. Penny wasn't joining the truth or dare so I'm thinking they're together. I continued pushing myself into the crowd of dancing people while my eyes were looking everywhere.

There I saw Penny making out with another man on the dance floor who I don't know. Good, it means they're not together. I continued walking and searching for Nick. If I could spot Alec, I'm sure Nick is there. I headed to the kitchen and there I find Aries playing beer pong. I looked around to find Nick but he's not here. Aries didn't see me so I left the kitchen. I don't know why I'm looking for Nick. I just feel the need to see him to make sure who he's with. What if he's getting back at me cos he saw me with Dustin? Though I know Nick isn't that kind of man but I still wanted to make sure he's with Alec.

"Where is that guy?" I asked myself.

My eyes caught a movement from afar. I moved my head to the backdoor where it leads to the backyard and the pool. Alec had two cans of beer on his hand while he sits down on the bench placed at the porch. His back was facing the glass door and I see Nick's brownish-blondish hair.

think they closed this part of the house from the party. Now that I know who he's with, I decided to go.

with you and Savannah, bro?" Alec starts while he opens his

taken

I need to hear this conversation between him and Nick cos they are talking about me and what I have with him. What if I was a bet?

do you mean?" Nick

since you were five. I know something's

I don't know where it's going

and exhales. "It's nothing as

Even though it's

are just...

Nick nods.

knew it. I know something was happening

their beers together. I wonder why they are here. They should

has it been?"

"A while." Nick answers.

jealous about it. I can't even ask him one question about his past but Alec could do it so easily. I wish I could do that. I wish he could answer the questions in my head cos

choose between the two, Catherine or Savannah?" Alec

not ready to hear Nick's

mean, it's not about who's greater in bed or what. But you know,

I don't have to choose. It's always Catherine. It's always gonna be her. It's just Savannah

Too much honesty.

wanted him to at least take a pause before he could answer so he could at least think who. At least it could make me feel that he's having a hard time choosing but no, he

asked.

"Who?" Nick still asked.

"Savannah."

still listening to this conversation. I should leave cos it's already too much. I know he doesn't love me, but the thought that he's with Alec,

even planning to?"

badly. I study Nick. He took a pause for

"No." Nick answers.

My

Tears

Are

Falling.

planning on

at least say maybe. But he sounded so sure of it and it hurts like burning hell. The fact that he's being honest with Alec cos they know it's just the two of them

not even trying to plan about

do you love it when Nick is

here." A voice

Alec looks at me pitifully then he looks over at Nick who never left his gaze at my eyes. I wiped my tears away and shut the door close. I walked away quickly. I hear Billy calling out to me again. I continued walking and walking and ignored the people I left by the backdoor. I don't know where I was going and I don't know where my feet were leading me but I know I need to leave. I need to get out of this house.

"Sorry." I say.

pulled my

It was Aries.

cry? What happened?" He asked right away. "Did some random guy harass you?"

He wipes them away and the look on his face makes me think he pity

happened?" He asks

wanna leave