Hanahaki Strings • seventeen jihancheol

Chapter 32: Precautionary Measures

Joshua

"We're going back to school later. Don't you think we should buy some stuff before we go back?" Jeonghan asked out of the blue, breaking the comfortable silence between the three of us.

We're currently laying down on the hammock in the balcony of Seungcheol's room like yesterday. Just watching the wonderful view and feeling the cold wind brushing past our skin as we lay down side-by-side in a comfortable silence since we don't know what else to do. 

"I think so too, but Seungcheol can't stroll around for so long," I said.

"Let's just order inside the school," Seungcheol suggested.

"Then what, go down to fetch it in the guardhouse? That's such a hassle," Jeonghan rolled his eyes.

"Like I said, Cheol can't walk around," I said.

Jeonghan fell silent for a moment. He was just staring somewhere, as if he's thinking of something. It didn't take him long to reply though.

"Leave it to me," he said, then he stood up from the hammock.

"Where are you going?" Seungcheol asked, brows furrowed.

"I'll just call someone," Jeonghan answered and he threw a wink at us before leaving the balcony.

Long silence had ensued between me and Seungcheol when Jeonghan left. Although it has been the same thing earlier.

As the silence continues, I couldn't help but think of what things await us when we go back to school. Or more like, what consequences will Jeonghan face, and how Seungcheol would react when he finds out what really happened.

Although I know he had an idea already.

It frightens me to think that Jeonghan would be sued by Hyungwon's parents, or even Hyungwon himself. I can't imagine Jeonghan being imprisoned at such a young age for beating up a man like Hyungwon who also did worse things.

Speaking of it, I was suddenly reminded about the incident last Friday. When he picked a large rock and was about to hit Jeonghan with it...

I couldn't imagine what would happen to Jeonghan hadn't I stopped him.

He tried to hurt him too! It would be so unfair for Jeonghan if he'll be punished for hurting him when Hyungwon himself almost hit him too. And not only that, but he was also the reason why Seungcheol won't be able to play for the upcoming Christmas Festival. 

But the problem is, Jeonghan doesn't have any proof about his claims. And Hyungwon didn't really hurt him, even though he tried to. I know it's not only me who saw it.

Whatever it is, it will be hard for Jeonghan since no one saw his claims.

I let out a sigh of distress. 

"What's with the sigh?" Seungcheol asked, breaking the silence once again.

I turned to face him, and I didn't expect him to be looking at me too. We're so close to each other that our noses almost touch. I felt my cheeks flushed not only by our proximity, but also upon seeing Seungcheol's eyes this close.

It was so mesmerizing. I always find him so handsome, yet I never got to see him this close. I didn't even notice his eyelashes were that long, and it was one of the reasons his eyes were that gorgeous.

I was snapped out of my trance when Seungcheol cleared his throat. He turned away after and I could see a tint of red forming in his cheeks. That's when reality hits me and I averted my gaze away from him too, my cheeks blushing even more.