「✓」 𝐛𝐮𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐭 𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭 || 𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐦 𝐣𝐚𝐤𝐞

nine

Yerin walked into school just like any other school day. She went to her locker to take the books she needs for the first two classes of the day.

She closed her locker, and turned to her right, only to notice a certain someone wasn't at his locker.

"That's weird..he's usually here before me.." Yerin mumbled to herself, worry slowly taking over. She looked at the time and noticed that class was going to start in a couple of minutes.

"Maybe he just went to class early." Yerin tried her best to tell herself that he was alright and that there was nothing to worry about. Since he is the class president, he should be going to class early to show a good example..

..right?

The worried teenage girl started walking to her first class of the day. Luckily, she has her first class with him. She hoped all her worries will go away the moment she sees him studying in his assigned seat.

She opened the door, but noticed that he wasn't there. It was just everybody else, talking and laughing with each other. But he wasn't there. He wasn't sitting in his seat studying, he was just gone.

"Yerin!" Aera popped out of nowhere, making Yerin jump out of surprise. Aera noticed that Yerin's attention didn't even turn to her, she was focused on the empty seat next to the window.

"If you're wondering where Jake is. He hasn't come yet." Those words did not help Yerin at all. She had a sudden feeling that he wasn't taking care of himself.

Before Yerin could run out to go find Jake, the teacher had called all the students to sit down in their seat for class.

___

While Yerin and Aera were walking down the halls and making their way to the cafeteria, they heard the whispers of the students around them.

"Have you guys seen Jake?"

"I heard he called in sick."

"Oh my gosh! Is he going to be okay?"

"I don't know. But that's all I've heard."

"Maybe he's ditching class?"

"The hell?! Jake would never do that."

"He's been working way too hard lately. Maybe he overworked himself?"

Yerin stopped in her tracks, making Aera stop as well and look at her friend out of worry. Aera's heart slowly broke seeing her friend's saddened expression. Yerin isn't usually like this.

"Yerin, it's just one day. I'm sure he is fine." The voice that belonged to Seojoon did not help Yerin at all. Yerin let out a sigh and continued to make her way to the cafeteria, keeping her head low.

Seojoon and Aera, were not far behind her.

"She's really worried, and she's probably even more worried since Jake didn't even tell her." Aera spoke, but tried to control her volume so Yerin wouldn't hear her.

"Jake has been working too hard lately. He probably did overwork himself." Seojoon let out a sigh while tucking his hands in his pockets. He was worried for his friend.

"But he seemed fine.."

"He seemed fine." Seojoon emphasized the word seemed. If Jake was fine, he would've been here, in school, with them right now. And Yerin wouldn't be so worried.

"I have a question." Aera hummed in response, waiting for Seojoon to ask his question.

"Are Jake and Yerin dating? I mean, they worry and care for each other a lot." Seojoon tried his best to keep a smile on his face. He was basically admitting that he is jealous of Jake and Yerin's relationship.

"They're not dating. They're just really good friends. Why do you ask?" The last part caught Seojoon off-guard, he just poked the side of his cheek with his tongue. Aera noticed, and her jaw slightly dropped.

"Oh my god, would you stop being jealous of the two of them? I know you have the biggest crush on her and all but seriously?" Aera hit Seojoon's back in a scolding manner. Seojoon rolled his eyes at her and just continued walking.

___

"Yerin? Where are you headed?" Seojoon asked curiously, his attention on the girl who was sitting on the bench, waiting for the bus.

"Home." Yerin shortly and quickly replied, not really in the mood to make conversation.

Seojoon let out a sigh and sat down next to her, "You know, if you're so worried about Jake. I can walk you to his house." Yerin immediately turned to Seojoon, slightly shocked by his words..or offer.

"I'll take that as a yes." Seojoon smiled and stood up. The bus happened to arrived at the same time, so he went inside the bus, Yerin not far behind.

Once the two made it to the neighborhood, Seojoon lead the way to Jake's home. Even though Yerin already knew where it was, she didn't want Seojoon to think she was a stalker.

Even though she was in fact not a stalker, it would still be weird.

The two stopped in front of Jake's front door. Seojoon rang the doorbell and the two patiently waited. The door slowly opened, revealing the one person they wanted to see.

"Hey guys! What are you doing here?" Jake spoke happily with a smile forming on his face. Yerin tried her best to control her rapid heart beat and her tears. She was so worried about him, and he was doing just fine this whole time.

Before Jake could speak another word, Yerin wrapped him in the biggest bear hug, not wanting to let go, and not letting go.

Jake was flustered by the sudden action, but he wrapped his arms around her and hugged her back. He could hear her quiet sobs that she was letting out into his shoulder.

"Hey hey! Why are you crying?" Jake asked worriedly while hugging her and patting her head softly. Seojoon just smiled at the two and took the hug as a sign to leave.

"You didn't even tell me you were sick! You idiot!" Yerin scolded him while she was still balling her eyes out. Jake couldn't help but laugh at how worried she was.

"I just overworked myself. That is all." The two let go of each other and just stared into each other's eyes. Getting lost in them, completely forgetting about their surroundings.

"Next time, let me know. I was so worried." Yerin scolded again while hitting his arm playfully. The two were smiling and laughing at each other.

"Next time, I'll let you know. I promise."

While the two were laughing and smiling with each other, Seojoon watched from afar. His heart was slowly breaking, but no matter what, he was determined.

"Yerin, I promise. I will make you fall for me."

___