LOWKEY

18

The issue between a teacher and a student never died down the next day. Everyone could assume that it'll continue for the next few days, maybe months.

Both weren't present; there were rumors of them being suspended or kicked out. Some said they left on their own; some words related to their secret relationship spread out, but nothing pointed out to be true.

Renjun remained silent. He did share little chats with the girl that night, wishing her to be okay and that she wouldn't isolate herself.

Jeno hasn't been so quiet at the squad lunch. Though the remaining four younger boys aren't too observant of the pressure within the group, as they have always been loud and chaotic in everything they see.

Eula was gradually smiling in public. Though her actions seemed slow and unengaging, and she wasn't that active in class, she's able to answer at least, but whenever her participation isn't asked, her mind is out of the discussion.

A drastic whole week passed like that.

Neither of them raised the topic; the conversations within the squad are just rants and memes, and Mark and Hayoung were straight out gone.

Eula didn't have the courage to visit the family house that weekend; the family expected that much.

Ahyoung and Hongrim locked Mark up until they could find a way to decrease the penalty.

Jeno felt suffocated at home. He became the adults' daily reporter about the issue swarming on campus. The tension inside the house is heavy, and most of the time it was uncomfortably silent.

The main reason why he was all giddy when Monday slipped in was getting on his motorcycle at 7 AM and going directly to the girl's apartment.

The way to her unit didn't take long, though the thumping of his heart and the pads of his feet felt heavy every tick of a second.

Finally standing on the snowy white door, he nervously tapped his foot as his eyes fell on the doorbell. Something has really bugged him ever since.

He wasn't sure if he'd crash or not—he is the only one who knows her door lock, and he's proud of that, but he didn't.

Though he was about to push the button, a faint crash bounced through the door.

Jeno's eyes widened, assuming that something really was happening. He cracked the pin and invited himself in.

He was ready to beat a burglar or punch if it's Mark, but the faces of her parents and the shattered flower vase greeted him.

He raked through the space and found Eula in the corner, her sobs filling in the air and her palms bleeding. He panicked.

"Eula!" He ran past the surprised adults, though he momentarily forgot about them, and rushed to the shaking girl in her pajamas.

Eula's body crashed on his while he examined the wound, relieved that the cut wasn't so deep.

"Let's get you to the clinic downstairs, okay?"

Not wanting to drag the situation any longer, Jeno picked up her bridal style, shooting an apologetic look at her parents, and all rushed to the medical space.

"I told them I wanted to cut things with Mark. They weren't happy about it."

They were back to the girl's unit, inside her bedroom, where they lay on the comfortable mattress.

The parents were off to their respective jobs and promised to come back late in the afternoon.

Jeno and Eula forgot about school; the male insisted on staying until the adults came back.

"Did you tell them why?"

She nodded. "They were mad, but they were persistent. I told them everything about Mark did, including the sinful things." She let out a breathy chuckle. "Mom was ashamed, but dad, well, he was stressed about the merging. Considering that all the major shareholders of our families know, he looks more concerned about the reputation."

"It should be the loss of the Lees, though."

"You're a Lee; would you be fine if words spread within the company? It's about the son of an honorable businessman. You, as their known second son?"

"I mean, it isn't about me," he shrugged. "Honestly, I'm more than happy that he's caught in the act. It's strong evidence. Sorry, not sorry, but I really don't want you near him now."

"Possessive," she chuckled. "That's cute."

"It'll be cuter if you're with me."

Eula's face flushed under his cheeky gaze, pinching on his nose, and he moved his head to the side, but the action just made them laugh.

"I'm serious though, and I know this wasn't the perfect time, but I'll take the chance," he sighed, rolling over properly to face her with a fond smile. "I just want to know if you want to give us a chance."

"Us? You and me? You're asking me to be your girl?"

"Hmm, more like asking for assurance. I just don't want to push you; after all, the next few days will probably be shit."

"You, cussing is actually hot."

He seethed, receiving a laugh from the girl.

Eula flashed a thankful smile and pecked at his lips.

"Ask me again after this whole thing is cleared out."

"Am I allowed to be clingy all throughout?"

"You have my word."

Beaming a smile, Jeno pulled her into his chest in a tight hug, somehow hoping that she could hear the loud thumping of his heart and would know it was because of her.

Though the word us is still not clear between them, they already shared a mutual connection.

This might just be the start, but everyone already knew ever since when they were still oblivious and believed they were just a platonic pair.

It wasn't the present that excited them, but the future.

Little did they know, the future already had something in line for them.