지금, 당신이 어디에 있든 (Now, Wherever You Are)

a

Right after the bell rang, Cheong San felt the vibration in his pocket. It was a text from Su Hyeok.

Hey, don't go to the cafeteria today.

Cheong San frowned, then felt his cheek get hot and his chest burn with shame. He thought of one possible reason for Su Hyeok to be sending him that text.

So now you don't wanna be seen with me?| He typed; he looked at the sentence for a few seconds and erased it.

"You coming?" Gyeong Su asked. Cheong San looked around and noticed almost everyone had already left the classroom.

"Yeah," he said and they left too.

What happened? Was the reply Cheong San sent while they made their way along the many corridors and staircases to the cafeteria.

Myeong Hwan and Gwi Nam are kinda onto you because of last night.

Well, so Cheong San wasn't totally wrong, it did have something to do with the party that happened last night. Su Hyeok was typing again.

Don't worry too much, they're not after you. But you know how they get when they're bored, anything might be a reason for them to pick on someone.

He was already typing again; then stopped; typing again; stopped.

And you just gave them a good reason to pick on you. He sent finally.

Did I? Cheong San asked. He was playing stupid, he knew, because he remembered perfect well what happened last night. He just hoped that it wasn't super obvious for Su Hyeok.

Kinda. But don't worry too much about it. It'll pass soon, you'll see. Gotta go, see you not in the cafeteria. And after a second came one last message. Also, it's probably better for Gyeong Su to also steer clear.

"Hey, let's go to the field for a while," Cheong San proposed to Gyeong Su before they got too close to the cafeteria.

"What? Why?" was his friend's answer.

"I'm not feeling very good, I want to get some fresh air. I was suffocating in that classroom."

"What's wrong? Are you sick? Let's go to the infirmary."

"No, I'm fine. Just want some fresh air, is all. And besides, I'm sick of the school's food." Cheong San said, faking a disgusted face.

"But I'm not. And I'm hungry. Should I starve just because you're a little princess passing out?" Gyeong Su joked.

"First of all fuck off. And second, I'm not passing out. I just have a headache. By the way I brought some snacks, you can have them."

That helped convincing Gyeong Su and they changed course and left the building. Now that they were outside, Cheong San did actually appreciate the fresh air and was grateful he didn't go to the cafeteria, regardless of bullies. He just didn't feel like being surrounded by people, especially people who saw him the night before in a not-so-flattering state.

We're at the bleachers. He sent Su Hyeok. The boy didn't ask for updates on their location, but he felt like talking to him.

Good. They'll not get out of here anytime soon, so it's all cool.

Why is a guy being drunk such a big deal for them, tho? I bet they get drunk to the point of throwing up all the time. Cheong San sent.

I don't know, man, they thought you invaded my parents' room or whatever. I had to explain to them that I was the one who took you there.

That's right, you took me there. Cheong San sent.

Yeah. You really don't remember anything else?

No. Cheong San lied.

It's cool, buddy, don't worry about that.