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The downpour rain that was getting heavier after each second seems to reflect Matthew's mood. It was too much for him to bear. Especially after witnessing that. Matthew closes his eyes as he pinches his temple, only to regret instantly. The image of his best friend in the arms of another friend. Matthew knew it wasn't any platonic hug. There was something. Tenderness, with a sprinkle of love. Matthew isn't blind.
He had seen their exchange for the past week, the subtle glance, along with the lingering touches in which wasn't as discreet as they wish. Matthew have know Hanbin for so long, he could see it all. Even if the rest tells him otherwise.
'Matthew, can we talk?'
A text. From Hanbin.
Matthew simply dismissed it. He would answer but not now. Not when he was still sorting his thoughts out. Not when he's about to lose a bestfriend.
Of course things wouldn't go as plan. His phone rang instead, while Hanbin's name remain on display. Matthew sighed in defeat, picking up the call.
Of course Hanbin would get worried when he left right after opening the doors to the practice room. Of course it would take time for Hanbin to come back to his sense after being caught kissing someone's cheeks. Especially since they were trying hard to keep it lowkey.
Matthew tuned out to the words Hanbin rambled. Not that he doesn't care, but he was not ready to talk. He doesn't see why Hanbin is trying hard to explain.
It's not like Matthew was blind. And that was exactly why he feels betrayed. Because he found out himself. At first, he gave time. But his patience was not the best in the team. He gave up waiting after a few days. So he approached it differently, asking the pair questions indirectly. But the answers are always vague. Yet, action speaks louder than words, which pains Matthew. Why are they hiding it from me..? Do they not see me as their best friend after all?
And here they are, an anxious Hanbin who kept on rambling defensively. Completely unaware of Matthew's decision. Matthew took a sharp inhale, a courageous act on his end. He knew that future him would be proud of him if he ever looked back to this moment.
"Hanbin hyung. You can stop. I know about it. You can stop hiding it from me. I'm not going to snitch on you. I'm happy for you and Hao Hyung but please. Stop trying hard. It hurts. I'm tired of it. I genuinely thought we were friends..."
Maybe his voice shook towards the end, either from adrenaline or maybe having to lay his heart out. He gave no time for response, cutting the line immediately as he let out a long exhale. I did it.. Matthew thought, as he looks at his phone. He click onto airplane mode and stares back into the rain.
He had decided, distancing himself was what he need. Hanbin may have been a good friend. He might have been childish and rash, but he knew, it's better this way. He knew he'd lost radiance for the next few weeks. He was done with being left out of the loop after all. And if he had to lose his bright charm, then so be it.
"If the Sun could hide behind the clouds for a while, I can too."