𝕘𝕚𝕧𝕖𝕟-𝕥𝕒𝕜𝕖𝕟 | ᴇɴ-

𝟓

I frown at my book. How can the main character be so blind? Does he not see her true intentions? I wish I could talk some sense to him. I finally understand why Jay-hyung loves reading so much.

"Since when do you like reading?" Niki asks, dropping next to me on the ground. The seven of us are in the living room hanging out.

Even though the other boys invite us to spend time outside with them, we mostly stay indoors. I don't like to refuse their offers all the time, so I tag along sometimes. Still, I prefer being inside. The sun is tiring sometimes and makes me sweat like crazy, even if I stay under it for a couple of minutes.

"Since we decided to get our lives together," I say. "I've decided to try something new. Jay-hyung is doing piano, you dance, I'll read."

"Let's just hope you're not as bad at it as Jay-hyung is at piano."

We look across the room at the instrument, where Jay attempts to teach Sunghoon the new song he's learning.

"No, no, no, I said Si not Mi!"

"It sounds similar..."

"It's not the same thing, Hoon-ah!"

I wince. "Let's hope not," I say.

"Ugh, can you stop that? My ears are bleeding!" Sunoo complains at the pair.

"Why don't you give it a try then?" Sunghoon retorts.

"No, thank you."

"Then stop nagging us!"

The younger pulls out his tongue at Sunghoon and I laugh at their silliness.

"Are you guys sure you're older than me?" Jungwon mocks.

"Tell me about it," Niki sighs.

"Yah!"

Man, I'd missed this. These moments were the ones I lived for. It makes me realise, even if we aren't in the castle anymore, we're still home with each other.

"Calm down, everyone," Heeseung-hyung tells us from his seat in the corner. "Let's not get in each other's nerves. Though, of course, no one can deny your playing still sucks, Jay-ah."

"Yah, I thought you were helping me out!"

Our hyung laughs and makes a small heart in his direction mouthing sorry.

"You are getting better, though," I tell him.

"Thanks, man."

Footsteps race into the living room. I turn to see Rui panting and coming in our direction.

"Hey, guys! We're playing soccer, wanna join? There'll be two teams."

We hesitate.

"I'm a little tired today, but thanks," Sunghoon says.

"Maybe next time," Sunoo adds.

"Yeah, I've got to practice this thing," Jay-hyung tells him.

They all mumble excuses and I watch his face fall slowly.

"Jake?" he asks me hopefully. His eyes go round as he looks at me and I can't bring it in myself to turn him down.

"Sure, I'll go."

"Great!" His face instantly lifts.

I bid goodbye to the others and follow him to the courtyard, where the sunshine receives me. I regret coming in an instant. The sun is too bright. I feel tired already but try to ignore every muscle in my body complaining.

I've been getting very tired lately. After doing a couple of things I need to sit down to catch my breath. It's strange considering how much I'm eating. But I try to put on a bright face and seem lively. The others seem so happy here and I don't want to ruin the fun.

As I follow Rui to the edge of the courtyard where the other orphans are I focus on every step and not the sun on my skin. We split into two teams and someone throws the ball. I tell myself to just keep moving. Just focus on the next step. But still I end up panting, sweating, stopping to catch my breath.

"Jake, are you alright?" Rui asks me.

"I'm fine..." I say. I just need to hold it together for a little longer. Just until the game ends.

"Maybe you should take a break."

"Yeah, maybe," I mumble.

"There's some shade over there, why don't you take a seat under the tree?"

"Sure..." I think I say just before blacking out with the branches over me.