Love Aint Always Pretty novel Chapter 44

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.

I hurriedly walked to where they were sitting and carefully opened the door. I noticed that nobody was around the backyard, I think they closed this part of the house from the party. Now that I know who he's with, I decided to go. As I was about to leave...

"How's it going with you and Savannah, bro?" Alec starts while he opens his can.

I was taken aback. Alec knows?

I know 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? I was their bet?

"What the hell do you mean?" Nick asked.

Alec laughs. "Oh come on Nick. I've known you since you were five. I know something's up with you and Savannah."

Yes Alec. Something is up and I don't know where it's going anymore.

Nick takes a drink from his beer and exhales. "It's nothing as serious with what I have with Catherine."

Ouch. Even though it's true, it still hurts.

"So you and Savannah are just... Screwing each other?" Alec asked.

Nick nods.

Alec chuckles. "Oh god I knew it. I know something was happening between you and her. I just didn't mind it."

I watch them as they take a drink from their beers together. I wonder why they are here. They should be inside, enjoying the party and just have fun. But they're here, talking about me.

"How long has it been?" Alec asks.

"A while." Nick answers.

I admire how Nick is so honest and on exact point with Alec. I'm seriously 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 it's bugging me more and more.

"If you could choose between the two, Catherine or Savannah?" Alec asks.

Oh god why did Alec ask that? I'm not ready to hear Nick's answer. I just know what he's going to say.

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

"What the hell is that question Alec? I don't have to choose. It's always Catherine. It's always gonna be her. It's just Savannah anyways."

Too much honesty.

I 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 even cut off Alec. I'm hurting and it's getting worst every single time.

"Do you love her?" Alec asked. Obviously he's talking about me.

"Who?" Nick still asked.

"Savannah."