I feel like I might have not done well with this chapter but this is only half of it. I felt like I was slacking so I thought maybe if i upload it might motivate so here it is. enjoy let me know if you like Na Baek Jin would in next chapter woohooo.
💌@®> i just want to say i appreciate all the notes reblog and comments. It's keeps me going truly, let's me know what you think
Baku pants laying sieun down on the floor, Gotak and Juntae beside him, Juntae move to patch up sieun quietly, his hands work trembling lightly Baku and Gotak sits down across them.
“Yeah, you aren’t practicing your punches, are you?” Baku says looking at Gotak split lip. “You gotta punch harder.”
Gotak scoffs though there is no real bit in it “That seong je is just fucking crazy.” He touches his face wincing when his finger grazes his swollen side.
Baku hands him an ice bag Gotak takes it gently pressing against his face. He tsks with a shake of his head.
Juntae sits on his heel after patching up sieun, his ear is buzzing, he takes his phone out and message you. Baku sees the distraught frame of Juntae, he pats on his shoulder “You stop worrying so much, sit down properly. Gotak catch a glimpse of juntae’s screen seeing the unanswered message that he had send you.
“Baku” Gotak voice is grim making the latter turns to them, he whispers your name “seong je said something weird about her.”
Baku’s face falls a feeling of uneasy settles at pit of his stomach “What?”
Gotak exhale wincing a bit, lips curled in pain “It was creepy man, he said she looks beautiful while crying and scared. He even has pictures of her in his phone, it looked like she didn’t know someone had taken her picture, expect……the last one where he is sort of hugging her, I don’t know, it’s so creepy that way he talked about her man.”
Juntae takes out the red cherry hair tie which is tore now “yesterday she said she told us she lost her hair tie” he shows the hair tie “Seong Je was wearing this on his wrist.”
The sickening feeling is intensified at the words that leaved Juntae’s lips, along with the fact that you didn’t come in this morning.
The rest might not know this Baku knows that Seong je was on the building yesterday.
the awful silence is broken when Juntae’s phone chimes the later fumble with shaky hands opens his phone its text from you saying sorry not answering soon that you were just really sick, Juntae’s eyes starts to tear up seeing your call coming, Gotak and Baku sits straight as Juntae answers the phones putting it on speaker the three visibly relax when your voice comes through the speaker.
“I’m sorry, I wasn’t feeling well. I should’ve let you know either way, sorry I had you worried” Juntae close his mouth trembling with tears, “Juntae?”
Baku leans in shouting your name “Juntae and Gotak are playing basketball right now, its Baku.” Gotak squeeze Juntae’s shoulder letting, giving the phone to Baku, as Juntae try to silence his sniffles.
“Oh, Baku.” Your voice came through the speaker tired
“Yeah, you feeling good now?”
“Uhm…. yeah.”
“Good, good. We just called because you didn’t come to today, that all, you doing alright?”
“Yeah, I’m fine”
Baku bids goodbye before cut the call off he exhale laying the phone down he turns to Juntae “Hey, she is fine. We all are fine. Don’t worry now.” He turns to Gotak “Take Juntae home will you.”
Gotak nods getting up he waits for Juntae who take his phone nodding to Baku he cast a worried glance to Sieun before leaving. Baku tells them to let him know when they reach home, he turns to Sieun, he stares ahead his hands interlaced in his lap legs crossed at the heel of the foot waiting for him to wake up.
The knocking on your house front door has you come out the door, you look at the door warily, if it was your family they would call out your name before entering, the person on the other side of the door is not your family.
Your hand feels clammy, heart pounding your heart you, eyes glancing around the house you take the knife and goes through the back door, you glance back at the front door there is shuffling outside if it was your neighbors they would be murmuring about your lack of proper manner but there is nothing just soft knocking, slowly opening the back door.
Gripping the knife tight you slowly round the house hiding behind the side you exhale deeply, this your home, this is your place you won’t let your fear hold you back from protecting your peace, your security.
Stepping out the side, just as the person turn to you hearing your footfall, you and Baku is stunned to see each other, he smiles widely at your shocked face as you mumble out his name at his unexpected visit, Baku’s smile falls slightly when he caught silver glint, the knife in your hand loosen, he wonders what made you so paranoid yet he doesn’t look at you as if you are crazy, his eyes holds a soft, warm shine as he smiles again at you.
His hands out of his pocket “Wanna go eat with me, my treat.”
Baku walks beside you maintaining a decent gap between you, for first times he is clam without the heavy feeling settled in his chest, his mind was already clam after he departed with Sieun, the comfortable silence followed through as he takes you to a restaurant nearby.
“How are you feeling now?” He asks as the food arrive, the heat from the just cooked meal stirs a tender sensation inside the both of you.
You nod your head hands on your lap “Feeling better now.” Baku hums he push your food closer to you motioning you eat.
Baku takes the first bite of his food smiling wide as exclaim the at flavor he adds the side dishes to your bowl before taking some for himself. Baku’s food is finished in record times now he waits as you finish yours, he doesn’t rush you just calmly sits chiding you when you rush to inhale your food when you noticed he was done with yours.
His eyes caught the redness of your eyes; dead give away that you had cried, Gotak’s words circle his around inside his head, paired with your first reaction when he was at your door is not normal to say the least, something might have happened that made you react that way, your sudden relaxation and hiding the knife behind your back when you saw it’s Baku and how your eyes dart as you walked even with him made him want to jump the gun to find the cause of the fear you have.
The door to restaurant opens as two guys steps in as they order for food, Baku is pulled away from his thought when he feel your tug on his jacket lightly, he smiles looking at you and it seems like default response to you and your presence as of lately, he pay the bill before you can chip in, he opens the door for you allowing you to steps out first.
Baku is one step behind you as the two of you walk, he glance up the night sky, its clear few stars scattered on the blue, crescent moon and dim street light luminates the street poorly, the wind is cold, he frown shrugging off his jacket he catches up to, draping it over your shoulder you halt at the sudden addiction, he pulls the fabric tightly around you.
“Wait, what about you?”
He shakes his head, his dark black hair kissing his forehead as he does so “I have muscles to keep me warm.” He reasons yet discreetly putting his hands in his pockets as the cold nips on his fingers.
The two walks side by side, your footsteps fall into a rhythmic synchronization he glances at you his lips pressed in concern “How do you know Geum Seong Je?”
You nod at his question not thinking further into how he phrased the question, he didn’t ask if you know him but how you know him, meaning he already knows that you know seong Je but you don’t have anything hide as you answer his enquiry without analysis it. only to stop walking when he asks another “What happened last night?” his tone isn’t demanding but patient and gentle just like the look on his face as he turns to you.
Baku eyes caught the firm fisting on his jacket that on your frame as you look up at him, you glance down before glancing up at him again. “Some people followed me……. they chased me………I don’t know why…. but Seong Je saved me.”
His brow is furrowed further at that he says your name “Seong Je isn’t a good guy. He attacked Sieun, Gotak and Juntae” your face is pinched at that.
“What? Why would he do that? He was kind to me.”
Baku run his hand through his face, he leans down to you “Juntae and Gotak said seong je had pictures of you, one even you hugging him. he even had your red cherry hair tie”
The red glimpse on the pavement under seong Je flash across your eye, everything clicks into to place.
Baku frowns as fresh tears start to rise in your eyes, hands clenching around the fabric he hesitates before stepping closer, his fingers reach out slightly touch your hand waiting for you to pull away or any sort of protest that shows your uneasiness when he finds none, he pulls you closer to an embrace.
“I’m sorry” he mumbles laying his chin on top of your head as he runs his hands down your hair, the guilt inside him flares up seeing how far Na baekjin went just to make him join the union. He didn’t think he would terrorize a girl. His arms winds around you like a fortress, strong and protective.
“I’m sorry” Baku says again voice akin to whisper almost heavy tone that almost echoes in the quite night, closing his eyes as you settle in his arms.
Seong jae pink lips are stretched into a grin as he looks stare at the photo on his phone, the one taken few minutes, outside Bakus restaurant he play the video that his lackeys send, the audio is unintelligible, but he can sees Baku’s and Gotak along with nerd with sunglass face fall about something you said but your smile seems still intact your lips moves before offering them final smile and leaves with shy wave after walking away little further, seong jae tsk shaking his head.
His steps carry themselves with a new purpose he swipes the screen and zooms into the picture final one shared, it’s just your back with hair down, he put his phone away pulling on the hair ties with smug look and satisfied hum leaving his lip.
As per baekjin’s suggestion Seong je walks into the Museum lazily, as he walks around the halls, he sees you hurriedly walking away from where Baku and his friends eating as they bides to farewell, he follows the direction you took off to.
You apologies to the woman, standing outside the ladies’ restroom holding a traditional queens hanbok, she waves off your apology assuring you to change, you step out the door after few minutes wearing the costume you hair tussled slightly and the women takes your wrist and pull to area with curtains and girls who also in various costume.
Seong jae follow like shadow silently and deliberately his grin still present, he turns away when the women step out, he considers for a second before pulling the curtain lightly he steps inside, he sees you undoing your hair letting your hair tie rest on the small table before taking a comb before combing.
He tilts his head looking at you with amusement he silently walks up behind you leaning down to reach your ear, grinning wide you slow your movement his inside buzz with sense of ecstasy feeling you tense.
“Boo!” he says making you flinch and turn in your chair the comb tightly clenched in your hands, the sacred uncertain gleam in your eyes makes him grin widely even more so when your face relaxes ever so slightly seeing him, your naïve belief that he created in you enough to make him perceive as harmless and friendly, its whole new level of high.
“Oh, Hi?”
He stands straight “Hello, sorry did I scare you?”
“No, its fine” your answer makes him chuckle.
Silly little liar.
“Right, I was just walking by thought I recognize, just wanted to say hi.” He takes the empty and sits it across from you backwards his hands crossed on the top back chin resting on his hand.
You nod hands on your palm frowning a little when he reaches out touch the material of your costume long sleeve.
“How are breathing in this?” he asks with false concern even narrowing his brow lips pursed.
You glance down at the costume shrugging “It’s not that uncomfortable” you mutter missing his lopsided grin as his eyes racks your frame.
He lets go his hold when you lift your head up to look at him, he bobs his head hand gesturing you to continue your combing.
He notes as you give him tight smile eyes darting at the curtain, you look for the pins and ribbons and arrange it on the table stake a strand of your hair twirling it with his slender fingers. His finger twirls a strand of your hair when you’re distracted his finger tracing strand letting it fall when you turn.
He turns hearing hurried steps with a sigh he stands up your name is called making you stand up as well you point and you give a final smile before leaving, he leans on the table watching you leave his eyes catch the hair tie on the table, he takes it inspecting it a bit before pocketing it.
Seong jae takes the hair tie off of his wrist and put in his pocket, he pulls out his phone before dialing on the first ring he was answered.
“Where is she now?” his voice demanding and detached “Just do as I say” he commands getting his answer he cut the call without hesitation.
He glances up the sky, the night is settling in and dark clouds drifts over the moon limiting illumination the stores brights lights and occasionally functioning lamp posts.
He shakes his head tsking “shouldn’t have gone alone.”
That’s it you’re going to be brave and cool like Juntae, you can’t be always afraid of your fears, and this is your home town, you deserve be free and fearless in your element. If you sit and let you fear gets the best of you will get to do things you want to do, and you’re aren’t naïve there will be always creeps and sick men but you’re not going let it stop you from enjoying yourself.
You mutter that inside your head as you take each step it’s almost the regular time you reach your home; your phone is charged and you’re confident you can do this even if that creep or anyone in that matter is out in the street.
You feel a sense of liberation as you round corners.
You hear steps behind making you turn your head, you can’t make out face he has his hood over his head, he is walking few feet behind but your confused where did he come? You think nothing and walk you pass the convince store you make a beeline to it without thinking few minutes after the guy also come in you wanna hit yourself in your head when you see its just boy you seen around the bawling ally opposite of your route to home and you have even seen him with group of friends outside the store.
You just by candy and get out the shop passing by a guy in bike wearing helmet who you didn’t even hear pulling up to the shop, he turns his head watching you walk out.
Few minutes later you hear rushed steps behind you turning you see the two guys, the one in hood and helmet coming behind, your heart starts to beat the bawling ally is not this way at all, you start to pick up your pace and you hear them do it to, you wait for nothing and took off running they do to. You can’t let them follow you to home, you turns the corner your shoes hitting the ground loudly you round the corner only to see the guy in hood stands there you halt and run to the narrow path stumbling and hitting your shoulder against the brick walls you hear them behind you pushing yourself to run faster you round another corner only to slam into another body, you let out a shriek but your mouth is quickly shut by large hand while his other hand is wrapped against your waist pulling you closer to his body.
Your scream is muffled against the palm that silencing you, fearful eyes wide and gaping at your captor, the moonlight reflects off seong jae glass, he gives you coy smile his eye gleaming.
“Woah, what got so jumpy?”
Your body which still pulsing with fear turns to the direction you come before colliding with him, his hands doesn’t leave from where they are, you further push against his frame when you see the two guys.
Seong jae slants his head at the two who look between them before leaving, he looks down at you and you can’t make out his expression through your blurry vision, he shushes you, his cold hand warmed by your figure.
His inside is buzzing seeing your tears falls freely from your eyes wetting his palm he takes your face in his hand, preening at you as he wipes your tears with his thumbs, he wraps your hands around himself pulling your head to his chest, his hand wrapped on your waist and while other on stays on head.
Seong jae rocks you silently muttering you’re okey to your ears tenderly, you take few minutes to calm down before pulling yourself away from.
His hand stays on your shoulder “How about I walk you to home.” You nod silently seong jae smiles at you. “Don’t worry I’ll keep you safe.”
He takes off his jacket and puts it on you.
He puts his hand on your back pulling you to his side and praise you gently as you let him, he walks you to your home as you say silent still reeling from the realization of how everything went gone south, when you tried so hard to be brave only have your spirit crushed, making you feel exhausted and beaten down.
Seong jae had put his arm slugged over your shoulder half way through, occasionally stealing glance at you, he sighs when you reach your home he taps on your shoulder, you lift your head nodding numbly you take off his jacket he takes it. he holds your wrist preventing you from walking away.
“Give your number, you can call me if you need anything.”
You gave him your number eyes dazed and lifeless, he put it in his phone but doesn’t let of your wrist.
He throws his jacket over his shoulder something falls on the ground your catches a glimpse of red cherry bead just as he pulls to him to an embrace “Its okey, I was there nothing happened.” His voice felt far away.
Seong jae run his hand down your hair before letting you go as he gently push you towards your home, once you walk inside through the door, he curses silently looking down at the hair tie.
He crouches down taking it he brushes the hair tie off dirt, his eyes glancing up the door, he hums shoulders back his corners of mouth twitch upwards, his strides with a beat on his steps.
When he rounds the corners and steps into the convince store side table the two guys stand up respectfully, he sits down the table, the guy in helmet pulls out his phone and shows the picture to him.
Seong jae holding you in his arms, he inspects it with smirk “the lighting is shitty, can’t even take a photo properly.” He complains despite the delighted look on his face.
“Sorry, boss.” They apologize, seong jae transfer the photos to his phone before deleting the ones from his goon’s phone even from the trash can.
“You two I need precise reports of where and who she’s with all the time”
He orders them before dismissing them he stretches in his seat his head thrown back his long limbs sprawled on the chair, he can still feel the warmth and jumpy frame of yours sorting against his he let out a groan he opens his eyes standing up he strides inside the store buying something to eat, all while a satisfied smug grin on his face.
.→✒️:★: ͜͡✿͜͡ →. Thank you @uzmacchiato for the wonderful divider work it's all cute omgg. I love ittt .
The classroom falls silent when Si-eun enters the room, faint murmuring of the boys can be heard as he sits down in assigned chair. He lays his head down on his desk without any glance around those who gossip about him.
This is the daily routine of his life lately, he had gone from hallow to starting to enjoy his life only turn into even more hallow, once top student who loved studies now sleep through class. His recent life events turned him even more closed off though there is no one to blame his mind and heart has been punishing him for something that was never his fault.
Not even minutes pass by when he is disturbed by bag hitting his head making him rise his head to look at the culprit, the murmuring grew as he does so. Wide eyed stuttering Jun-tae stands in front him. his mouth opening to apologize swiftly.
“I’m sorry. I was kind of in a rush and I bumped you by mistake.” Si-eun just look at him, his face dull and eyes empty before lowering his head laying back down without saying anything. Jun-tae sighs in relief before moving his feet getting ready for todays delivery. Jun-tae run through hallways and classroom delivering the goods.
After finishing the final delivery, he drags his feet through the halls as he passes the library and stops in his track, he takes a peek inside his bag making sure he still has the extra snack and drink. He opens the door of library timidly, there are few students scattered inside he walks towards the other side of the library where table are his stance relaxes when seeing the person, he searching for sits at the table in far end a small stack off books beside them.
Jun-tae walks towards you and sets the drink and snack sneakily behind the stack of books you glance up at startled eyes blinking before a soft small smile grace your lips at him. “Oh, Jun-tae. You’re early today.”
He sighs sitting down next you “Yeah, I’m sorry I couldn’t help you today.” He eyes catches the bandage around your thumb his smile shits into a frown.
You shake your head “it’s alright, I got this you know.” your eyes points at the notes brightening up again when you see the snack and drink. “Thank you for the treat, though you shouldn’t have. I know today is already a busy day for you.”
Jun-tae shakes his head with his soft adorable smile on his face “No worries, I know you didn’t have anything in morning.” He stands up “I’ll see you around.”
You nod “Thank you again, Jun-tae.” You wave him as he walks away after he give final nod before continuing his steps.
Once you done with the notes you slump back to the hair glancing at the untouched snack you put the snack in your skirt pocket and stack the books neatly and open the drink sipping it you stand up taking the books in your hands, walks out the labyrinth of books to your class.
As you walk into that the three girls chattering halts one stands up Mina, with a wide smile that she always has “Oh, you finished it fast.” She takes the books from your hands handing over the other two books to Yuri and sara. She pushes the book that has your name on it towards you.
They flip through the page nodding in satisfaction you shift in your feet “Yeah, it wasn’t much,” Mina sits down on her chair flipping her hair back.
“Are we going to the mall?” You ask with smile Mina look up her smile turns into a pout.
“Not today. We can go another day, okey?” she says while Yuri and sara immersed themselves going through their phone laughing.
Your smile falls “Oh, yeah that’s alright.” She turns to them you awkwardly stand Infront of them before staggering towards your seat. The teacher comes in and the rest of the day fade into a blur.
You sit on the steps waiting for Jun-tae at the end of your class day scrolling through Instagram sighing at feed before closing the app. You stand up when you hear sounds of footsteps descending the stairs thinking it is Jun-tae since he’s always the last one to get out of from the boy’s side of class you jump out with a little sound hand in the air only to falter when it’s certainly not him but boy with same height and hair cut but slightly longer stands in front you with an unimpressed face. You can feel him judging your entire bloodline with his round brown eyes. his body relaxed and unflinching.
You lower your hand slowly bowing “oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to do…that to you.” he just stands motionless making you frown further.
You hear your name being called by Jun-tae making both of turns to him, Jun-tae stands on top of flight of stairs his eyes fall from your flustered figure to the boy “Oh, Si-eun. Did you find your phone?” the boy, Si-eun doesn’t say anything he turns and walks away.
You step aside Jun-tae Walk down the stairs that’s when you see the bruise on his lips “Oh, Jun-tae. Your lip what happened? Are you okey?”
He nods gripping his coat tight he glance down the stairs where Si-eun disappeared “Come on.” He rushes down the steps and you follow him. you hang behind watching Jun-tae talk to Si-eun.
You approach Jun-tae when Si-eun leaves “What happened? Why are you hurt.” He looks down making you sigh “Was it Hyo Man.”
“It’s alright. I’m fine.” Jun-tae muttered looks up with a weak smile that barely convincing a slight wincing as the bruised lip get stretched. You cross your arms with a sigh before away reluctantly your eyes glistening in worry.
Together the two of you drag your feet to the bus stop both of your posture slouched and heavy with fatigue, both from the mental and physical burn out. Jun-tae makes you take the seat seeing you on the verge of falling asleep on the moving vehicle, properly from being up early trying to finish the notes that thrusted up on you.
Si-eun climb up the steps to his class as he does, he stumbles upon Hyo man and his goons sitting on the steps with very uncomfortable Jun-tae held against his will.
“My dear Jun-tae, how about a blind date. You can bring your little girlfriend.” Hyo man says making his friends laugh. Jun-ate shake his head frowning his eyes wide.
“Yeah, why don’t you drink with us?” one of the boys asks making the other grin as he leans forwards from where he’s sitting.
“Good idea. Jun-tae has a fucking huge one, you know.” the other laugh with a creepy grin on his face.
Hyo man glance at Jun-tae bringing him closer and tighten his hold on him “Goodness! Our Jun-tae has a big one? Is that why she sticking around you? Woah.”
Jun-tae shake his head fearfully wiggling away from Hyo man who holds him down by his hands “Come on, let me see it. come here.”
Si-eun stands at the bottom of the staircase they sit in watching it unfold Infront of him, watching Jun-tae shrink back with petrified look on his face, it felt too much similar to remained clam, felt wrong to, he felt the all too similar rage build inside him. Everything in him screamed to let the hell lose. But that coast of what happened still throbbing as never healing wound he stares them down with cold eyes that made them unstilled as they yell at him stop all while he held the indifferent look on his face.
“Fuck, what are you standing there? You’re fucking scary.” Hyo man huffs in disbelief “Hey, I heard you lost your phone. Phones go missing a lot of these days. Take good care of yours. Right, Jun-tae.?” He glances at Jun-tae who nods wordlessly at his words still shaken and tense.
Hyo man turns to si-eun with false concerned look “I have a lot of extras. Do you want one? Say please.” He and his goons laugh at his own words.
“Move it. get out of my way.” Si-eun finally speak up his lack of reaction to their words and disinterested in taking their bait makes hyo man scoffs
“I don’t want to.” sneering at si-eun that only made his glare intensify “His eyes might pop out. Man, go on.” Hyo man breaks shifting away to make way for him to walk through Jun-tae press himself against the wall as well his eyes trace si-eun and his movements with wonder and hope.
During lunch hour Jun-tae quickly finish his food before leaving his eyes finds you guggling two trays in your hands to busy to notice him or his frown. he contemplates approaching you but what earlier went down makes him hesitate he can feel his skin crawl thinking about it. rushing out the lunch hall he walks to his classroom shooting a text on his phone that he won’t be able to go home together that you shouldn’t wait for him. he didn’t like that Hyo man knows about his friend ship with you and does not want to drag you into his mess that why he was always cautious of approaching you in public.
Si-eun was once again awaken by Jun-tae by the crinkling sound of plastic beside his ear as he places packet of snack and drink “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to wake you up. Those are for you because you sleep through lunch every day.”
“Take them. I don’t need them.”
Jun-tae doesn’t listen but looks down in guiltily “I’m sorry, I took your phone and give it hyo-man. I’m sorry.” He confesses making si-eun who already figured it out but just kept quite the whole time. “But I really couldn’t help it.”
Si-eun stands up and starts to walks away making Jun-tae puzzle “Yeon si-eun”
He halts in his steps by the door turning to Jun-tae who stand with a pitiful look on his face “last time you said that I was being cowardly. I thought a lot about it since then, but I really don’t know what I should do.”
“So?”
“Can you tell me. How can I stop being a coward?”
“Why me? Why don’t you ask your friend?”
“There is no one else I can ask, she is also in need to help. I can’t help her if I can’t even help myself. Please.” He answers with an earnest look on his eyes.
Si-eun thinks for minute taking in his words “Do you know Newton’s third law? Without an action there won’t be a reaction.” With that he leaves the room, Jun-tae stands pondering his words.
Late that night you sit in your room doing your homework occasionally your eyes would land on your phone the blank screen reflects your face back to you, someone that you longer recognize yourself, tried face puffy red eyes a part of you want to reach out the phone and call Jun-tae but the fear of doing to much and pushing too much demanding too much makes you turn away. Because truthfully you don’t know if he would appreciate it, that he sees your as your friend. Thinking back the day he finds you at the library with more than one assignment and a second from breaking down. He only sat next you for a minute and you give me a smile asking what was he reading then he was out of the door and that was your breaking point only to be surprised when he came back with tissue in hands stretched out you, startled at your tears he run back and came with more from there something akin friendship began.
You phone lights up and you scatter across the table to reach it you open the phone.
Jun-tae steps inside the bus with a smile on his face his eyes searching for your figure, there isn't so many people today for some reason you sitting down today eyes glancing out the window oblivious to the world around you. He takes the empty seat next to you startling you.
"Oh, Jun-tae!"
He beams at you "Yeah, how are you? you didn't text me or reply to any of mine yesterday. Is everything okey?" he tilts his head at you waiting patiently for you to speak.
That's right you been shaken up after last night incident that you didn't even check your phone or done your work. You thought of telling your parents but you know there is nothing they can do it was not the first time you been in this predicament, you nor your family has any power or influence it only worry your mother to no end and result in strict schedules and with how closed off and absent minded your father is you don't think he can do anything either.
A pounding headache drills into your head at the thoughts rushing in your conscious pulling out your phone its dead no life at all you sigh out loud Jun-tae silently watches you dissolve in your inner turmoil concern evident behind the glass.
He takes the phone from your hand "I'll charge it. don't worry."
"I'm sorry." You lay hold your bag tightly in your grasp feeling guilty Jun-tae shake his head smiling at you he decided that he won't pry into more about yesterday yet..
"You can make it up to me by sitting at lunch with us today. Deal?"
You nod laying your head on glass eyes trained on the passing scenery, Jun-tae tugs your sleeve when bus come to halt you simply let him to guide you out the bus Jun-tae glance at you before mustering up his courage his takes your palm in yours holding it making you glance at him, he looks away avoiding your eye his ear and neck gets pink at concerningly fast. He feels his hands getting clammy.
With your hand in his he guides across the crosswalk carefully. Your insides warm at the gesture the hallow feeling inside being thwacked by the attentiveness with how he holding your hand such simple gesture holding a big magnitude, you can only feel the warmth of his hands, holding his hands tightly you move along side him.
He walks you to your class hands still holding yours neither of you had let go after crossing the road. His silent company comforting.
Si-eun finds Jun-tae at their hideout with two phones in his hands one is connected to charger, that made him suspicious again "what are you doing?"
Jun-tae looks up from where he is sitting seeing si-eun glancing at the two phones recognizing what he might be think Jun-tae quick to shake his head "Oh its hers, her phone was dead I took to recharge here." He said with a smile.
"Why?" Si-eun wounders out loud, teenagers forgetful about everything but when it's come to phone not so much.
The phone lights up Jun-tae place the phone down with a thoughtful look on his face "Something is wrong, she seems out of it." standing up he takes his back bag and walks out the room where Si-eun is standing and lock up the door.
The day drags on until the lunch time arrives Si-eun walks into hallway to the lunch hall and sees you standing by the window looking out leaning against the wall tiredly eyes empty. Stray hairs sway in the light wind.
Si-eun is puzzled when you turn and sees him, puzzled at how the sad vacant eyes suddenly lit up with glow he never seen lips stretching into a smile posture standing straight tongue uttering his name with awe and warmth walking towards him.
"Sorry for not showing up yesterday, Si-eun." You are too close but still far away si-eun take breath before nodding you shift on your feet feeling awkward at the lack of conversation. You glance at his hand "How is your hand? All better?"
"Yeah." Simple and quiet.
You nod thankfully Jun-tae arrive he waves your phone fully charged together the two of you walks inside hall and three of you gather your lunch the unexpected sight of the three receive curious glances from your friends and their classmates.
"I'm surprised you don't seem to tired anymore" Jun-tae says making you glance at both of them.
"What you gave me seemed to work?"
"What?" Jun-tae and you say simultaneously, si-eun glance at the both you back-to-back before Jun-tae continues. "The magnesium?"
"Thanks."
Jun-tae eyes shines as he smiles his cheeks puffed as he bashfully dismisses before rambling on about vitamins and its importance Si-eun glance up from his food.
"Your mouth is full, why don't you swallow first?"
you burst out of laughter at their exchange finding it amusing for some reason the two of them glance at you making you sit composed as Jun-tae give you betrayed look.
Swallowing the food in his mouth Jun-tae turns his head to you "What did you buy yesterday?"
"Hair clip but I lost it." you sigh eating before taking another bite.
"How did you lose it?"
You go silent for a minute at Jun-tae question and him and Si-eun are quick to pick up tiny detail of how you become tense before molding back to relaxed posture.
"I forgot to pick it up." Si-eun eyes is locked on your face as you lie making you grimace "I'm very forgetful. I even forgot to charge my phone you know." Jun-tae nod though reluctantly. The three of you then drift into silence enjoying your meals.
When the bell ring you wait for them at usual place students walks past you just as you about to follow up Si-eun comes down.
He stops Infront of you and you look behind him expecting Jun-tae appear behind him but he doesn't. "Where is Jun-tae? Why do you have his bag?"
He walks towards you standing few feet away "Wait at gate." He says before starting to leave but you get hold of his sleeve.
"Why? what happened? Where you going?" you tighten your fist around his sleeve refusing to let go even when he glances at where your hand is.
"basket ball clubroom"
"What?" you huff "I don't know what you saying but I'm coming with you." you take Jun-tae bag and hold it si-eun sighs before walking ahead he could feel you just right behind him.
The two of you make your way to the basketball clubroom only to see it thrashed trophies broken tables flipped flares and papers scattered shelves broken a literal mess. startling when sound of banging on locker you hold on the bag tight.
Si-eun walks towards it and throw away the make shift lock away opening the locker you gasp when you see bruised Jun-tae inside.
"Jun-tae what happened? Are you okey?" you rush towards them crouching down next to Si-eun.
"It was Choi Hyo-man, wasn't it?" Your head turn towards Si-eun at this point you don't even know why you're surprised of course it was him.
You give Jun-tae your hand "lets get out of here" Jun-tae glance at your hand before taking it you pull him out. The two of walk ahead of si-eun you give your handkerchief to Jun-tae after wetting it using water in your bottle you.
"God, I hate that guy." You mumble watching Jun-tae wince pressing the cloth against his bruised lip.
Si-eun glance away from the two of you when he hears someone yelling his name, visibly angered Hyeon Tak watches si-eun dismiss his calling before couniting his walk without a care.
The three of you walk out the compound walking in silence just then si-eun turns around the corner making the two of you stop and look at each other in confusion before hurrying after si-eun.
"Si-eun, do you usually take this route?" Jun-tae asks tiredly si-eun glance at two of you briefly.
"Yeah, why?"
"Well, this is the shortcut, but you should go around it if possible because thugs take money from other kids and get into fights around here." You nod at Jun-tae words.
"This is where I first met hyo-man. Thanks to Baku, things are quieter now but you never know." he continued.
"The other way is waste of time." Si-eun said as the three you round the corner walking inside to the small tunnel walking past Baku's writing on the wall.
You get startled in your place when a loud voice yell from behind making the three of you stop feeling you stiffen beside him, Jun-tae hand find yours as the both of you turn to see Gotak standing behind you guys.
He walks towards the three of you his eyes blazing with anger his eyes only focused on Si-eun "who do you think you are, messing up our clubroom, motherfucker?"
"Well, there is been misunderstanding..." Jun-tae started to explain but get cut of by Gotak glaring at the two of you
"Stay the fuck out of this, or I swear I'll kill you." his eyes falter at sight of you partially hiding behind Jun-tae your hands gripping his tightly on to his.
Your and Jun-tae eyes widen when si-eun open his mouth uttering "beat me up."
"What?" Gotak ask confused as the two of you.
"You won't listen to us anyway, so just beat me up. You can do it too." Si-eun answered without filching.
Gotak let out scoff "Fucking lunatic, hey drop the fucking act asshole, I heard you killed a guy at your old school. Am I wrong?"
The air started to shift tension rise that you almost worried you shouldn't breathe too much "right, you didn't kill him. you just crippled him, to a vegetative stat. fuck man. You ruined someone's life. don't pretend you're the nice guy. You are fucking hypocrite." Just as Gotak stopped talking everything become blur as Si-eun dash towards Gotak swing his bag as the two encage aggressive fight.
You and Jun-tae move back against the wall contemplating whether you should break the fight or not.
"Jun-tae this is getting out of hand." Just as you that they come back towards you Jun-tae pulls you away from them moving away from them. si-eun slash his pen across Gotak arm cutting through his blue hoodie.
"You sneaky asshole." Gotak grunts as si-eun stands in front him chest heaving, wielding his pen his like it's a sword.
Just then the sound of metal clanking and the annoying voice of hyo-man cuts through the air "gentlemen, it's been a while you bastards. Were you having fun motherfuckers." He grins at them "destroy them all." Hyo man and his men run towards them with baseball bats.
Jun-tae stands Infront of you as they rush in Hyo-man charge at si-eun as the rest focus on Gotak. You wince when Si-eun and Gotak get beat up left and right.
"Jun-tae." You whisper he turns to you with a helpless look on his face hands holding on to yours tightly as ever. Just as Hyo man hits si-eun with the bat making him fall to the ground with a grunt you break of his hold.
"Stop hurting him you, asshole." heads turn to you as you yell making all the courage you had evaporate off of your body Hyo man turns to you just as Jun-tae rush to your side wide eye. si-eun looks up from the ground wincing in pain. The guys stop kicking Gotak to turn and laugh at you Gotak stare at you.
"Oh Jun-tae's little girlfriend here, sorry I didn't see you. wait for me ha, I'll be right back." Hyo man grin at you as he rests his bat on his shoulder before turning back to si-eun. "You ain't shit man."
You close your eyes as hyo man raised the bat but before the bat can hit a new voice cut through.
"Everyone, freeze!"
You open your eyes and turn to look behind someone at the far end shadow casting their face unable to recognize.
"Who the hell is that?"
"Is that Baku?"
"It's Baku."
The figure, Baku held up his phone blasting slam dunk song blast through the speaker as he walks towards to the light pocketing his phone, a basketball in his hands what stood out the most his bright red hair.
Standing across Gotak his voice deep "hey Gotak, don't I look like Sakuragi?"
"Bullshit, hey is that hot sauce in your hair?" Gotak chuckles leaning against the wall worn out after the fight. Baku looks offended at the comment making Gotak laugh further.
"Hyo-mans" Baku calls out him out with grin on his face making him stop glance "What do you think, I'm like Sakuragi right?"
"Well, I haven't read that manga yet." He says and Baku's smile drops hyo-man shifts in his feet as he glances around "Hey, anyway, about this situation, it's definitely easy to misunderstand it." he throws away the bat.
Baku takes a step before running towards him everyone's eyes widen as he jumps mid air and slam the ball on to Hyo-man's head. Hyo-man fall down with a cry as Baku just fix his hair and take out is phone to pause the music. He then turns to Si-eun who's still on the ground.
"And who are you, I've never seen you before. You've got a lot of guts."
Si-eun just looks at him making him sigh and walks over to Gotak while you and Jun-tae walks towards si-eun.
"Hey, move it. go on." When Baku walked over the Hyo-mans guys walks away "Hey, Gotak, are you alive?"
"I'm dead, dumbass." Gotak sass back still on the ground.
You give si-eun your hand to stand up he just look at you and your hands making you sigh you pull him up or try to as he won't budge, when you didn't back away, he just accepts it and stands up Jun-tae stands beside you with si-eun's bag.
"Are you alright?" the both of you ask him making him look at the two of you weird out, before nodding though he looks far from fine.
Jun-tae hands him his bag "Here."
"Thank you."
Few feet away from Hyo-man's friends crouch beside his laying body muttering something between them and one of them run at Baku who's back turned talking with Gotak but before he can punch him. Baku turns and catches his fist in his hand twisting it a sickening crunch echo.
"Are you that happy to see me?" the guy cries in his hold Baku turns to another guy standing his other hands clasping on his shoulder tightly soon the sound of bone breaking follows he pushes the two guys to the rest of the group.
Baku sighs with his hands in his pocket "I don't care if you act out and bully other kids, but no fighting while wearing the Eunjang uniform. No fighting, okey? Repeat after me. No fighting."
"No fighting." the guys weakly repeats after Baku each covering behind him one another as they shuffle back.
"That's it! now beat it." just as he says that Hyo-man stands up from the ground and run away you look at them with distain at that.
The three of stands watching them runaway only then You and Jun-tae sigh in relief from your peripheral side vision you see Gotak walking towards the three of you and you not so subtly walk to other side making Jun-tae frown and si-eun to look at you when you stand beside him.
Jun-tae give you his puppy dog eyes you just look away finding your shoe really interesting.
"Hey si-eun, I'm sorry. I think I might have got the wrong idea." Gotak says his voice is soft nothing alike what you heard before.
"You don't sound sincere when you start with 'I think'." Baku stands beside Gotak his hands going behind his neck as he bows deeply pulling Gotak with him "I'm sorry! My dear Gotak is very flawed! But---"
"Let go of me man, please."
"He's not a bad kid!"
Si-eun looks at them before walking away without saying anything you hurriedly follow pulling Jun-tae along who says goodbye to them.
Baku and Gotak watches the three of you walk away, Baku sighs "Oh wow. Such courtesy is rarely found at Eunjung."
"Hey, dumbass. Who are you impersonating now?" Gotak ask
Baku turns to him with a smile "Don't you get it? my dad." Gotak just sigh as they turn to walk away.
Baku turns to him "Wasn't it the library girl." Gotak nod grimacing as he remembered your face when he was lashing out also your subtle shift earlier.
Baku shakes his head "this is embarrassing for you, more good point for me." Baku snickers at Gotak glare at him in disbelief.
Geum Seong je stands towering over your figure with a sense of unrelenting pride and authority his stance screams respect and fear much contrasting the presence of Baku. His lips curls at the end with grin as he sees your uniform already deeming your inferiority and insignificance but nonetheless, he decided to entertain himself.
After all, form his last observation you are pretty amusing.
He gives you a charming smile “Are you alright?” “Remember the night you run home sacred?”
your hands tighten around your phone though you let out nervous laugh “Oh that’s was…...I had to go urgently.”
His tilt his head hands out of his pocket “No need to lie, me and my friend saw everything. You did the right thing though he was just behind you.” he relishes in the way your face falls no longer pretending.
He steps closer “It was lucky we saw him and stopped him; you were lucky.” He states glancing around “who knows what he might have done if it wasn’t for us, wasn’t me there to intervene.” His dark clam eyes find yours “are you alright?”
You nod shakily “Thank you”
Seong je shakes his head his hand back in his pocket he held up his fist to you and nods you open his palm, you glance up at him anxious and your hand hovering around his closed fist. His eyes trained on your movements. When your fingers grace his slowly and hesitantly, he grins wide, your fingers delicately pull his fist open, something in him stirs as he sees how small your hand is compared to the surprised noise you let out seeing your hairpin and wide eyes peering at him with shock and admiration sent a rush of heat across his whole body.
“Couldn’t save the chips but I hold on to this” he says smoothly holding up the hairpin he steps closer and clip it your hair without asking for permission as you stand stunned at the sudden gesture.
“It suits you.” you touch it and step back little calming your raising heart and stand relaxed no longer tense at his presence, you smile gratefully at him.
“Thank you so much….” You repeat again more at ease your eyes fall on the name tag on his chest.
“Seong je, Geum seong je.” He answers for you then utter your name it rolls of his lips sickly sweet. his phones ping few times “see you soon, then runner.” He gives you one last grin before turning back to his friends,
Juntae, sieun are already in their costumes, bright red and golden costume of kings while Baku and Gotak are dressed as peasants carrying crafted box on their back.
“Why can’t I be king?” Baku whine fiddling with the hat that he was given to wear Gotak sigh leaning on the stick already exhausted with Baku’s antics like parent having enough of a child throwing temper tantrums.
Gotak sigh for nth time turning away from them just to see you step out the curtain with a girl accompanying you telling you something smoothing down the custom of queen, red suits you well he concluded you nervously tug the pin in hair the wig might weighting on you.
Baku frown when Gotak doesn’t answer his question making him turns to him frowning even when he waves his hand front his face Baku follows Gotak’s line of vision and sees you, he then hastily turns to Juntae “I need you to change with please!”
Juntae pretend to not hear Bakus’s whine, the girl asks them to come saying its time. when they walk closer to you, you offer them a smile taking in their outfit with a nod of approve though you unable to understand why Baku is sulking walking behind the three of you.
The event kept you on edge, the constant photographs and smiling was too much, your lap feels like stone more than 40 kids had wanted to sit right on you did they sit still to satisfy the parents picture perfect moment no, you got wacked in the face pulled on your wig which you thought wont hurt but it did, your spin is about pop you just know it.
From the opposite of you Juntae and Sieun stands doing the same, Juntae looks like he is enjoying it all while sieun looks tired time to time you would catch them look over at your side and exchange smile Juntae smiles and sieun just looks straight into your eyes then blink and look away.
” Woah, the queen is beautiful isn’t she Gotak” Baku’s boisterous make you smile the first time he did it you where startled and confused that Gotak dragged me away. His compliments where loud making everyone around them perk up with annoyance but his words didn’t feel hallow or mocking if anything his eyes and smile said its genuine and true. After the second round your started to smile as Gotak dragged him away with an0 apologetic looks on his face, by them third time hung around bit watching you do your work. This is the fourth time and there are less people around.
He kneels down lowering his head “My queen, can take a picture with you?” Gotak close his eyes but hearing your laugh they both look at you to see you nodding Baku throw his phone at Gotak who caught effortlessly, Baku sits beside you with smile on his face like he won a battle but it gets wiped off when Gotak sits on your other side rather than taking the picture of both you., he throw Baku a grin making the latter mumble something under his breath.
You smile at the camera Gotak counts one to three and the camera capture the three of your picture smiling face huddled together.
The event manger alerts its lunch break time making you all cheer and you set your props down, Baku lends his hands to pull you up but you didn’t see it in your hurry to stand mumbling how your back hurts standing up Gotak silently laugh beside you seeing Baku’s hand hung still waiting the man himself stuck like window error, still processing.
Juntae and sieun walks over the three of you already peeling off their costumes “Let’s eat together.” Juntae says making Baku clap his hand loudly pointing at direction of store.
The four of them sit in table with various food in front of them as Baku speak with his mouthful, you had left after eating since your clothing needs time.
“Hey, some girls gave me their numbers, should I ask them out for a dinner?” Baku asks with a smile on his face, his mouthful, resembling a chipmunk.
Gotak takes a bite of his food turning to Baku “Give me a break. There’s no way they’d go, idiot.”
“Then how about this? If I set up dinner with them, you have to pay for it. deal?” Baku challenges.
“Deal! If you fail, dinner is on you.” Gotak accept equally confident in his belief.
Si-eun and Jun-tae watches as the two makes pact the latter looks thoroughly entertained by whole spectacle, Baku pulls out his phone as Gotak tells them narrow done what they want to eat.
Baku dials the first number Gotak takes the phone and put in on speaker letting out a crackle when the automated message inform the number dialed is wrong.
That’s go on and on as Baku and Gotak bicker, si-eun eyes glance turns away from them and for a moment he feels content at where he is, there is no exhaustion weighting him down, its feels refreshing almost like the he can let himself feel normal again without the dark thought drowning this made his lips curl ever so lightly, a microscopic smile bloom in his lips.
He feels a chopstick fall on his lap staining the white hoodie with red sauce, glancing up he sees Baku leaning over Gotak as the three stare silently at him.
“Oh, it’s hard to get Buldak sauce out” Jun-tae mumbles Baku nudge him with his hand.
“Jun-tae, take the chopsticks off of his sight, I hear he stab people with chopsticks and stuff” Baku whispers though the si-eun can hear him clearly.
Si-eun turns to Baku with a calm face though Baku goes on and on about his mistake “si-eun, put those away it was a mistake.”
“I’m going to the restroom” Si-eun says stands up the three watches as he leaves, Gotak hits Baku’s head.
Baku yelp rubbing his head “Why you hitting me for?”
“For being an idiot” Gotak retorts before going back to eat his food,
Juntae smiles at them Baku turns to him squinting his eyes at him “Juntae, do you have any girls number on you?”
Juntae chokes on his food Gotak glare at Baku before offering Juntae water, Juntae drinks the water and thinks for second before nodding Baku’s eyes widens at that he abandons his chair and comes around sitting on Si-eun’s empty chair throwing his arms around Junta’s shoulder.
Baku grins at him making Juntae shake his head whispering your name “I only have her number.”
Baku nods thinking for minute “Is she single? Do you think she will go out with me?”
Juntae looks like fish out of water he glances at Gotak for rescue but he too seems interested in knowing the answer. “I think she is. but I don’t know about the last question.” He answers honestly.
Baku nods “What’s her type?” he flexes his arms “do you think I will fit her type?”
“I don’t know about that.” Juntae answers he thinks for minute “But she likes kind, funny, strong, and smart people, I think.”
Baku grins widely nodding along until Juntae says smart, Gotak catch that making him laugh uncontrollably, the two starts to go back and forth again.
Its late evening when the they step out the door of museum; they all looks exhausted sluggish limps dragging themselves each step “Why did my energy run out so fast? I’m hungry.” Baku complains.
“Man, lets go eat! It’s on me.” He boasts before turning to look back at the museum “Why is she taking so long?”
Juntae looks down at his phone your last message telling him you would be out in a minute “I don’t know she said she will come out in a minute.”
The sound the door opening behind them makes all them turns, and you step out with frown on your face, your hair down few strands wild and unruly.
“Are you alright?” Juntae asks
You nod smoothing your hair down “yeah, sorry to makes you guys wait. I lost my hair tie.”
“The one with red cherry beads on it right?” Juntae questions.
Your eyes light up “yes, have you seen it?”
He shakes his head you sigh walking next to si-eun, the three of you and Gotak starts to walk and the latter turns to see Baku aggressively tug his pants string trying to get the string.
Gotak quickly stops him muttering “Stop that, you’re going overboard.”
“But?”
Gotak glare at him “Do you want her to see your ugly underwear.”
Baku looks offended at the claim “Hey! they’re not ugly.”
“Are you guys coming?” You call out turning to them Baku and Gotak smiles nodding innocently before catching up with the three of you.
Baku rounds and stand next to you “So? You coming to eat with us. It’s on me.” He gives you a wide grin making you bashful inside
Gotak roll his eyes “Bullshit, he isn’t buying.”
“He said he would.” Juntae utters Gotak shakes his head.
“He won’t.”
“Hey, knock it off.” He says to Gotak his voice loud before turning to look down at you “It’s a good place, really good place.”
“I need to go” si-eun says making all of you turn to him, the laughter dying down.
“What? why? you said you’d eat with us.” Baku mutters a smile still on his face.
“I did? When?” Si-eun gives deadpan look you all turns to Baku.
He thinks for a second “Oh, he’s right.”
“But you should come. We worked hard today.” Juntae says with a smile hoping he could convince si-eun to come.
“I have plans.” That’s all he says before starts to walking away.
Baku sighs “man, you’ll regret it. you can go, but next time is on you.”
“Take care.”
“bye”
You and Juntae says as he walked away, offering a wave even though he doesn’t see it. you starts to feel guilty for what you about to say, Baku gesture to walk you frowning when you don’t move.
“What? you’re not coming as well?”
Juntae turns to you saying your name “Why not?”
“I do want to hang out with you, but it’s already getting dark.”
Baku waves off “I will walk you to home, you don’t have to worry.”
“You don’t have to do that.” You quickly reject, Gotak step in front of you.
“he’s not paying but you can come with us if you want, we will get you home safe.” Gotak softly offers stepping aside from getting hit from Baku.
You turn to Juntae he nods with a smile you exhale before smiling Baku throw his hand air “Lets go.”
Baku chicken, that’s the Michelin star place Baku bragged about is his dad’s shop the four of you sits on the empty shop Baku had guided to corner side next to him across from the two of you sits Juntae and Gotak.
Baku’s father puts a plate of fried chicken on the table he glances around the four you with exasperated on his face.
“This comes out of your allowance” he grunts to Baku.
“These are your son’s friends, can’t you- “Baku normal boisterous voice toned down you watch them with a nervous look on your face.
His father stops and turns, you peak from behind Baku but quickly looks away when he sees you do that, with a sigh he walks away giving Baku a final look of annoyance.
Baku and Gotak watch him walk away with a side eye.
Baku turns to the table his gloom face brightening “Its okey, eat up eat up.” He places drumstick on your plate.
“Juntae, take a drumstick” Baku says offering one. Everyone digs in eagerly “Oh, right. what about Juntae?” his question is directed at Gotak
“Hmm?”
“You said something happened.”
Gotak eyes light up recognition “Oh, you know how that guy Hyo-man used to steal kids’ phones and money? well, Juntae got everything back and returned everyone’s belongings. Yeah. Isn’t that freaking awesome.?”
You and Baku look at bashful Juntae amazed, Gotak turns to him pointing Juntae with his drumstick with a proud look on his face “Juntae, my man you got some guts, don’t you.”
“Whoa, Juntae! You’re really cool.”
Jun-tae smiles his eyes stealing glance at for your reaction frowning a little when he sees the faraway look on your face.
“Not at all, I just took the advice si-eun gave to me.”
Baku leans closer “what advice was it?”
“That was about newtons third law. For every positive action there is a corresponding reaction that follows.”
Baku nod in light up in realization turning to Gotak who looks confused with his mouthful “Wow. The U-turn law man? What!” Baku leans back clapping his hand. “I have no idea what that is, but it sounds freaking amazing. I’m gonna use that later.”
The table nod in agreement Gotak who sits directly opposite to you looks up to you “You alright?”
Baku turns to you wiping his face nudging you a little you break out of your trance nodding “sorry was thinking something.” You turn to Gotak and Juntae a guilty look on your face “I’m sorry.”
Gotak shakes his head “Don’t apologies too much.”
You nod “sor- “he raises his brow at you effectively stopping you from apologizing again. Baku puts more chicken on your plate with a smile you thank him. Juntae push the sauce closer to your plate as Gotak pulls few napkins for you.
“Hey, I heard si-eun was forced to transfer after getting in some major trouble. He seems all right to me. Not that I know him.” Gotak continues where he left off.
“Si-eun was the one who saved me, when I was getting beaten up by Hyo-man. He’s really nice.” Juntae states.
Baku stays silent for a second “I hope si-eun got home safely.”
You frown at his serious demeanor wondering why he seems anxious about that.
Si-eun sits on the empty chair outside the hospital room typing away on his phone, he doesn’t feel usual weight he always felt when he would sit there, today feels more bearable but that’s peace was interpreted by a threatening unwelcomed presence.
“So, this jerk is Ahn Su-ho. Your friend”
Si-eun turns to the voice his body going rigid and cold at seeing who that voice belongs to.
“The one whose life you ruined, right?”
Si-eun stands up tense and detached of his surrounding his eyes pinned on the grinning figure of Geum Seong-jae with his hand in his pocket.
“Why are you here?”
“What?” He walks towards si-eun standing toe to toe “What are you gonna do?”
“Come with me for a second. You shouldn’t interrupt your friend’s sleep.” He says before starting to walk away without looking back knowing that he will follow him.
“You have a real punchable face.” He mutters his hands still inside his pockets “Just my type, hurry up you fucking asshole.”
Si-eun’s body shakes with range as his eye twitch exhaling deeply, he follows him out, he was led to entrance of building where a crowd of boys gathered around, they bow respectfully as Seong-jae sauntered inside his head held high a burning cigarette on his lip hands inside his bright orange hoodie.
When he opens the door to the building it’s not dark abandoned place but buzzing bawling establishment music blaring loudly peoples chatter bouncing off everywhere, seong jae turns and they walked to a narrow hallway of the building empty corner which leads to metal door.
Seong jae pause feeling his phone vibrate he pulls it out a chuckle as he stares at the device, he turns telling si-eun to go inside.
Si-eun watch him walk away with a grin on his face but what caught his eye is the red cherry hair tie on his wrist.
.→✒️:★: ͜͡✿͜͡ →.this is not my best chapter I think but I wanted to update so bad so here is the new chapter hope you like it, have a fun reading and stay safe guys.
Also I'm making the character aged up and they are in collage y'all (tbh they don't look like high schoolers ) character are older than 19
series Prev next
You and Jun-tae sits on both side of si-eun at the bus stop even after both of your bus just left the stop few minutes. Si-eun eyes dull more than usually, his heart heavy with guilt and self-hatred pulling into the darkest place of his mind once again. Wounds reopening at cuts made Gotak words.
Jun-tae and you share looks at you both of you unsure from where to start” anyway, that timing was crazy. I mean if Hu-min hadn’t shown up” though Jun-tae speaks Si-eun mind wander back to Gotak words. His words haunting him as he felt the guilt consume him again, the deep irrational thought of Gotak words are truth doesn’t sooth the wound either it only makes the burning sensation flare up with unbearable pain.
“I guess you must have felt bad after what he said back there. People always spared rumors about other. You shouldn’t feel bad about that.”
You nod “those are just words that come out anger and misunderstanding, don’t let it tear you apart.”
“it’s not rumor” si-eun muttered making the two of you glance at each other then at si-eun with puzzled face “that’s why I decided never to fight, never again.”
Si-eun stands up and walks away without saying anything leaving the two of you behind, the two of you didn’t call for him equally understanding that he wants to be left alone.
“There more to the story, right?” you turn to Jun-tae “I don’t believe he did anything for the fun of it.”
Jun-tae nod eagerly “Yeah, si-eun doesn’t seem like a person that hurts anyone knowingly.” The bus arrives as he says gesturing you to walk inside first. You and Jun-tae sits at the empty seat in back.
The next morning was different, the air was fresher the sun shinned brighter for some reason everything was in vibrant buzzing with life, and like a very overgrown golden retriever puppy with enthusiasms of toddler on sugar rush Baku enters the school compound with waving to everyone and exchanging greetings.
Baku sits in front of Gotak with his arms crossed over his chest, a sassy look on his face, as Gotak scolds him.
“Ganghak High doesn’t play basketball what they do is closer to martial arts!” Gotak feels his vein on his forehead throbbing against his skin with annoyance at Baku. “Why do we have to play a practice game when they don’t even know Basketball?”
Baku sits straight his voice purposely deepened “there are all different kinds of teams out there, Gotak. A true master doesn’t care who he plays against.”
“If there are different kinds of teams out there, that means we can play a different team. You don’t want anybody getting hurt out there. Do you?”
“you’re a chicken” Baku mutter under his breath making Gotak narrow his eyes at him
Gotak sighs “dumbass. You scored 99 on the IQ test in middle school. Are you monkey?” at Gotak jab at his intellect Baku sit straight sending glares as warning at him.
“I will kill you. I just couldn’t finish the test in time you, dumbass.” He defends himself only making Gotak laugh out loud.
“This punk run out of time! you run out of time, did you now? Only idiots run out the time on IQ test.”
“Mr. Gotak. You’re all grown up now.”
“All grown up? I’ve all been taller.” Baku stands up going behind Gotak holding him in playful headlock.
Just then Jun-tae and si-eun walks in “The teacher wants to see us.” He says without waiting for them he leaves Jun-tae glance between them before following Si-eun.
Baku and Gotak follows them walking towards the teacher’s room Baku strengthens his posture and smooths his hair. Gotak frown throwing a disgusting look at him when realize the reason and he shuffle his hair making Baku glare at him.
Baku gives you a grin when the two of you lock eyes while Gotak nods at you politely. You give them a polite smile and walk inside teacher’s room.
The five of you stand in front of the teacher as Gotak explain what happened “you’re right, that did happen at the underpass. But that’s an exaggeration.”
“Everyone who hangs out with choi hyo-man is absent today. Don’t you think that’s strange? There were some kids who saw the fight.”
“False acquisition.” Baku says looking unimpressed all of you turns to him in confusion Gotak looks beyond angry.
“Hey dumbass it’s accusation not acquisition” he muttered Baku doesn’t falter.
“I said ‘accusation’.”
“99 IQ, is your brain completely empty?”
“Shut up, dumbass.”
The teacher sigh halfheartedly “Hey, be quite.” He turns to you “What are you doing these idiots? Do you want me to call your parents and let them know all this?”
The atmosphere tense you look down shaking your head they glance at you worriedly Jun-tae wants to reach out and hold your hand to comfort you but he stops himself from doing so Infront of the teacher.
The teacher turns on his chair and grab pamphlet from the table holding it out “take these. Here” Si-eun takes it from the teacher “make it up volunteering over the weekend. You’ll still get demerits.”
Baku sighs as Gotak lean over him looking at pamphlet “Wait, what about Hyo-man and all those guys, then?”
“It’s unfair to single us out. Especially since they were the one who started it.”
“Hey! Does it sound like I’m here to debate this with you?” the teacher snaps having enough of it. “You brats.”
“But it’s true” Si-eun voiced agreeing with Gotak claims making yours and Jun-tae eyes widen in worry as all of you robotically turns to him in sync. “Hyo-man and those guys started the fight with us. And she didn’t do anything wrong either. We just- “
“Yeon Si-eun. Did they rub off on you already? All you brats always talking back.” The teacher leans back on his chair fixing you all with judgmental look.
“I’m sorry, sir!” Baku exclaims boisterously, pushing down Gotak and Si-eun by their neck making them bow low, you and Jun-tae glance at each other before bowing down too with uncertainty “We’ll volunteer diligently from now on. I’ll make sure the basketball club doesn’t get involved in things likes this anymore.
“Once again, sir, as the captain of basketball club, I sincerely apologize!” He ends his little speech with a grin bowing finally.
Baku and Gotak leaves the room hastily as the three of follow them Si-eun walks past them but Baku calls him making halt in his steps and turns to the them you and Jun-tae linger in the back.
“He wants to say something” Baku says holding Gotak in his arm length Gotak looks at him in confusion.
“I do?”
“You have something to say, man. He sided with you back in the teacher’s office too.” Baku says standing back smoothly stands next you running his hand on his hair, he turns to flash you a smile but sees that you are looking back and forth at Gotak and si-eun.
Gotak voice go low his eyes clam “Well…I’m sorry about yesterday. For saying that stuff and getting mad at you.”
“So am I”
“What?”
“I’m sorry for yesterday.” That’s all si-eun says his voice somber lacking emotion.
Baku and Gotak stands awkwardly “What?’ sound like you two made up but not really….”
“I’m not in the club and also, don’t touch my head anymore.” Baku tilts his head before Si-eun walks away from them Baku silently runs behind him and ruffle his hair.
“What are you gonna do? Huh?” his voice playful si-eun stops and Baku stands Infront of him ruffling his hair more vigorously “what are you gonna do? What are you gonna do about it?”. Baku squeals happily talking to Si-eun in same manner as talking to child or puppy.
Gotak close his eyes for moment “Is he alright?” he hears you ask Jun-tae making the second-hand embarrassment feel very real.
Si-eun push his hands off his head softly and gently “What are you doing?”
“Hey, buddy. Things happen in life sometimes,” Baku ruffle si-eun’s hair one more time before taking his hand lower his head “Your turn. You can do it to me too.”
Baku makes si-eun ruffle his own hair grinning through it like there is nothing funnier than this. Gotak having enough of Baku’s antic run towards them “Hey, hey, hey, Baku. Why are you so hyper toady?”
Gotak break them off he give Si-eun an apologetic look Baku backs down “alright, try getting suspended.” He throws and arm around Gotak shoulder walking away “its freaking boring.”
You and Jun-tae walks up to Si-eun who still standing there his hair sticking in every direction Jun-tae try to smooth down his hair but si-eun slowly block it by his hand and he turns to you and you lower you hand acting you weren’t try to do the same and fiddle with your hair instead.
On the afternoon break you and Juntae refill sieun the history between Baku and union, everything that went down, how Baku become the protecter of the student.
You and Juntae sits on the bus after departing from sieun deep in thought “I still don’t understand how they can bypass law without getting caught you know?”
Juntae push his glasses up sighing “you know they have rich parents and connection that’s how.”
You turn towards him “But what kind of parents wants their children do illegal stuff, there must be something else or someone else.”
Juntae gaze at you sharp focused ready to fully immersed in whatever theory you’re coming up with “you think so?”
You nod settling straight back in your seat just the bus stops and Juntae doesn’t get off making you turns to him once again to see him still gazing at you “Aren’t you getting off?” you wave your palm in front of his face making him blink and stutter standing up hastily getting off the bus.
“I’ll see you tomorrow.”
The bus reaches your stop and you get off walking along the road side you see the creepy neighbor standing by the bus stop talking to his phone, you internally curse him taking out your own phone and walk past him without glance hiding your disgust and fear and equally burning hate.
You let a long sigh after you make a turn, the truth is you hate where you live and people around you made your home feel like a mere building, lost the sense of belonging and peace along with safety, you wish to move away find a new place that feels like home but you know its a wistful wish. Passing the bawling ally and convince store boy of different uniform loitering around here and there. A group of red jacket uniform students walks up from end of the street across from you left side. This scene was normal most of the time aside from the rucks they make, the streets feel livelier because of them.
“Oh, that’s the runner” you hear a voice calls behind thinking they are chatting among them you continue with your steps halting when you hear rush of footsteps and suddenly there is someone just behind you.
You turn and a tall guy with glass and the same red jacket uniform stands, he has light grin on his face only widening when his eyes drag down your uniform.
There is predatory dangerous air around him as he stands confidently his eyes glamming you look at him and his group of friends standing just behind watchful eyes pinned on the two of you.
“Can I help you??” you ask boldly though internally you’re confused.
