The Boy From The Bridge - Jakehoon

Chapter 104: Level 12 4/7

The fire escapes's hinge squeaked even before it  begun to close. The noise it created, echoed up the empty staircase as Jungwon ran. The sound of his footsteps hitting the concrete steps hardly registered in his mind as he sort to escape the party. 

Jungwon felt vulnerable, violated and objectified. 

Why did everyone have to seem him as that? 

Why couldn't he just be a kid for a little while longer?

Should he not be a kid? Was it wrong that he still played with toys?

Was he behind in his desires? Was his puberty stunted by not dating?

Was he falling behind?

These questions plagued his mind as he ran, concentrating on his thoughts rather than noticing the even increasing floor number displayed on each landing he reached.  He had just gotten to the 8th floor when he heard the distinctive squeak of the fire escape below's hinges. 

He was being followed.

That realisation cut through in his mind and, while eager to get away, Jungwon soon became reticent to the build up of lactic acid in calves and thighs. He tried one door but it was looked, his only options was to continue climbing. With a grunt to ease the feeling his legs, Jungwon continued his ascent. 

He wondered who was following him. Was it that girl? Was she keen to isolate him and try again? He'd push her down these stairs if it was. 

Maybe it was Minki, or more likely Jay - it wasn't like the older boy could ever let him be alone for too long. Jay had probably watched it too - he had set up the meeting with the girl, this was on him. 

Jungwon cursed Jay's name as he reached Level 10, pausing to catch his breath. The sound of footsteps echoed and clamoured up the staircase. The noise might have being made by two pairs of shoes or two hundred. 

Pulling himself up the banister, Jungwon propelled himself upwards, not wanting to face the hoard. It would't surprise him if his peers were coming to gawk and ridicule him for his insecurities. Maybe it was Insu and Donghyun - were they going to beat him up? They were due a fight and...

Jungwon could feel himself begin to panic. The primal fear of being chased sent chills up his back. This feeling coupled with the realisation that he was climbing in circles made the sudden wave of dizziness even stronger and nearly knocked him off his feet. 

His eyes darted from lightbulb to lightbulb, before tracking the patterns of the cinder block walls in an effort to stave off the feeling of queasiness. 

The panic

The fear

The dizziness 

The tiredness

and the alcohol...

Jungwon vomited forwards when he reached Level 12. The action immediately forced him to grab the handrail before he threw up once more. The feeling was horrible and his insides burned whist his eyes watered. Panting, he wanted to cry and run but his legs, at the first try of moving, wobbled like jelly and he was forced to hold onto the railing with his second hand. 

"Arghhh" Jungwon groaned, before looking at the pool of fresh sick on the floor. Flem and mucus hung from his mouth and nostrils. 

He tried to wipe it away and spit but it the stringing nature of the liquid was too strong and it dangled from his nose and mouth. With the tangy taste of hydrochloric acid lacing the inside of his mouth, Jungwon wanted to keel over. 

Closing his eyes, Jungwon struggled to stop himself falling over the railing. Without the ability to move, the panic returned and his breathing increased to a point of hyperventilation.