Use Me Like a Drug

10: Close Call

It was about noon the next day when the three boys eventually woke up, basically sleeping at least sixteen hours straight. Sure, there was plenty of tossing and turning, but none of them felt the greatest.

Soobin hid under three blankets, his head buried into the side of the beanbag chair. His body forming the smallest ball possible, making the other two even wonder how he could look that small. Huening Kai almost laid in the same manner on his bed, except he was a little more spread out. Yeonjun felt the most normal out of the three, though his throat hurt a little, meaning he was up and about.

He emptied his backpack setting out all of his belongings to dry, moving onto do the same with Soobin's bag minutes later. He rubbed his eyes and coughed into his sleeve before standing upright again. His gaze soon found both younger boys curled up, Soobin with his eyes closed and Huening Kai staring off into space.

"I'm going to get cold medicine." Yeonjun announced, picking up his wallet and counting the contents within.

Huening Kai snapped out of his trace and looked up at the older from his place.

"I have cloth masks in that pile over there." Huening Kai pointed to a pile by his clothes before retuning his arm under the blanket again. "You can use one if you want."

Yeonjun hummed, doing just as the boy said. He grabbed a plain black mask, putting it over his face silently. Yeonjun proceeded to grab one of his own long sleeve shirts and put it on over the short sleeve one he's borrowing. He also grabbed his baseball hat and put it on his head. It was bothersome that his stuff is still damp, and his shoes are soaked, but he couldn't entirely complain. At least he still has something to wear.

"I'll be back as soon as possible." Yeonjun announced, looking back at the boys again.

"Don't be too reckless." Huening Kai responded caringly before closing his eyes.

After securing the wood back over the hole, Yeonjun made his way outside to the closest convince store. The sky is still covered by clouds but at least it wasn't raining. Yeonjun's hands found his pockets where they remained for the time being.

Being alone again felt oddly strange. It's been merely a few days and he's already gotten so used to Soobin being by his side. The newfound emotions he felt also took him by surprise most of the time, and he still isn't entirely sure how he feels about them. Caring for others is something he's never done, and now he felt the need to take care of not only Soobin but now Huening Kai.

A sigh passed his lips and his head fell forwards.

I never thought I'd be taking care of someone like this.

Yeonjun let out a quiet laugh, almost resembling the sound of a scoff.

Seriously. Never thought someone would actually be friendly towards me. And why am I so naturally protective of him?

Someone bumped into him, nearly sending him to the ground. His mean eyes shot up as he regained his balance, focusing on the stranger. Many papers and files scattered on the ground around them, obviously once held by the stranger. Yeonjun rolled his eyes before walking away without a second thought.

"Hey! At least help pick up the mess you caused!" The stranger shouted from their place, quite upset at being ignored. "Stupid teenagers, think they can get away with anything. They lost all respect for those older than them."

Yeonjun could only scoff quietly and shake his head, continuing walking turning a corner, briefly looking back at the stranger and a few others rushing to pick up the mess of papers.

At least I haven't gone completely soft.

Arriving at a convenience store, Yeonjun immediately went looking for what he came for. While avoiding the groups of people in the process, he picked out a relatively inexpensive pack of cold medicine. He grabbed a water bottle as well, moving to stand in line all while getting suspicious looks. While they didn't entirely bother Yeonjun, he still felt anxious by the many different looks. Sure he's wearing all black, plus a mask and hat, but that shouldn't have to automatically mean people have to look at him the way they are.