The Boy From The Bridge - Jakehoon

Chapter 6: Introspection through Projection 3/9

Sunghoon smiled as he walked to his first 'Higher' class of the semester. Things were already looking up for him. He was excited to try acting, something he'd always wanted to do but never had the confidence to volunteer himself for in the past. 

'Jaeyun's' personality already clicked with his and he was motivated by the new come to push himself. The boy from Apartment 132, who had appeared almost from thin air that morning was proving to be a godsend. He had listened attentively and kindly whilst Sunghoon had explained that his Figure Skating coach had advised him to take up swimming in order to provide physiotherapy for an injury he had sustained on his right knee.

While the advise had been straight forward, Sunghoon had been apprehensive and nervous about following the instruction. Firstly because he couldn't swim and so, he thought he would embarrass himself if he took lessons to learn such a primal skill at his age. He also didn't know how he would feel about being so unclothed in front of people. The trouble with being in a co-ed school is that everyone was alway trying to show off in-front of the opposite sex.

After hearing about his desire to learn to swim 'Jaeyun' had agreed to teach him. On Friday they would get up an hour and half before the school day begun and head to the school's sports centre. The centre itself was already open at that time, with its fitness and weight rooms already enjoyed at that hour by the keenest of the school's athletes. Sunghoon had noted however that when he had written his and 'Jaeyun's' names down on the sign up sheet they had been the only names on it - he hoped it would stay that way.

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Jake walked towards his next class, Sunghoon had been helpful enough to explain where he was headed on the map that was affixed to his planner. He was interested in physics as a general topic. He was looking forward to having a class where he would be able to slot right in.

As he walked on his route he noticed a distressed boy walking the opposite direction down the hallway. He was a bit younger than him, maybe in a year or so below him. The boy seemed like he was trying to get away from something or, knowing school, someone. Jake allowed his mind to translate what his ears could hear.

"Yeah, walk away fag!" a voice called our. Jake's eyes turned from the distressed boy to the source of the insult. The voice came from a boy who was standing as part of a trio - they appeared to be the same age as their victim.

'C'mon!' Jake thought, 'new you doesn't just walk by, even if it is only your first day'. Latching on to the internalised commitment to being a new version of himself Jake went and put himself between the distressed boy and his bullies.

"Hey dude, cut that out", Jake said to the boy who had called his victim a 'fag'. 

"What are you, his boyfriend?" A second member of the trio stated. 

"No, I'm your mum's actually, she asked me to come in to remind you that today's the anniversary of the failed abortion that resulted in you. She wants a bottle of wine, a box of chocolates and preferably the egg she regrettably allowed to become your horrible ugly self."

"Woah, that's not very nice" said the third boy in response to Jake's aggressive remark.

"No, it's not - that's sort of the point" Jake agreed with an impassioned inclination in his voice, "Look, I don't know if that kid did anything to you but it's three-on-one, so just let it go" he continued. He was hoping to halt the boys for a long enough period so that the other boy might get away. "It's a new semester, be better people" he instructed. 

"We're are! We are trying to help him" The first boy said without a hint of malevolence that his words carried.

"I beg your pardon?" Jake said firmly, squaring up to the boy in a more threatening manner than before. Jake's size was superior to the younger boys. The two companions backed off slightly leaving their friend dwarfed by Jake. 

"We don't want him following that life path, he won't end up having a good life" the remaining boy said restating his position.

"You're no arbiter kid. You don't get to decide what is and what isn't a good life for someone who isn't you" Jake's eyes looked at him with disgust. Despite the growing confrontation Jake was satisfied that enough time had passed for the victim to escape. Sensing his accomplishment, Jake opted not to make a scene and left them, continuing on his way to his next lesson.

Each of Jake's next three classes were in different locations around the school. There was a considerable difference in his demeanour. Knowing Jay and Sunghoon, even if only for a few minutes was vastly less awkward than being in a whole class of new faces.  He was much shyer and studious. He couldn't help but reflect on the altercation that had taken place earlier. 

Jake's final class of the day was back in his form room where they got free time to work on their two non-academic modules. Returning to Room 303 brought a sense of comfort and familiarity. He smiled at his friends from earlier who were already in their seats before he went to join Yun at her side. "How was your first day then?" She asked, genuinely curious Jake could tell as she had put her book down to engage with him. 

"Good. I think. The teachers have been good and  Sunghoon, Jay and Heeseung have been really nice to me"

"Those three" she rolled her eyes, "I saw you with them at lunch. A lot of noise, didn't think they could accommodate a fourth person with that much chaotic energy in place already".

"Ha, I'll try to be a calming influence" Jake said attempting to reassure her, "How about you? Good first day back?"

"Yes, I suppose. It's always a surprise just how little people are prepared for the start of the semester"

"Does it bother you?" Jake asked her, genuinely curious.

"No" Yun paused before changing her answer,  "well not really".

"There is one thing" Jake said to Sunghoon as they walked up the stairs to their apartments. The pair had been discussing what Jake thought of his new school after his first day.

"Oh yeah, what?"

"People seem to be overly concerned about other people?"

"Ha!" Sunghood laughed, "Welcome to Seoul, or probably anywhere on the planet for that matter. It's a lot easier to care about other peoples troubles than yourself. I guess trying to find flaws is a kind of like introspection through projection"

Jake considered this as they climbed the final flight of stairs. "Thanks for today man - it would have been so much harder without you"

"No problem dude" Sunghoon said, already reaching for his keys. "It was really cool to meet you"

"Yeah man, so I guess I'll see you tomorrow?"

"For sure. Oh Jaeyun - what's your number?" Sunghoon said passing Jake his phone. It displayed an empty contact page open. Jake had already opened his door when he received the phone and stood there in the open door inputting his details. Jungkook, who was sat on the sofa with a gaming headset on turned had regarded Jake, "He's back" he said to someone.

Jake handed Sunghoon's phone back to him - he had written the number coupled with the name 'Jaeyun'.  "Catch you later Sunghoon"

"See you tomorrow" Sunghoon replied and they both entered their respective apartments. 

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Jakehoon fanfic 1.3