Toxic 𖤈 ∫ JaemJen

𖤈 Chapter Seventy-Five: Journals

Jaemin scans his journal for the umpteenth time while waiting for their subject teacher to enter the loud and messy classroom to begin.

This is their last week of the school year, summer time just right around the corner. And honestly, Jaemin could care less in some ways.

The classroom is loud, the row he is in is slightly more crowded than the rest because of someone showing off their gaming skills.

He doesn't pay attention to them, all he tries to focus on is a certain brunet boy occupying a seat on the third row.

The latter doesn't notice him– or maybe he does but he pretends not to, feeling Jaemin's familiar heavy gaze set on him.

He has been like this, Jaemin told Renjun after the latter asked him what the hell he meant by "flirting a little".

They were back to somewhat normal, sure they aren't exactly socializing with one another and being lovey-dovey like they are as a couple.

But it's like back when they attempted to hide their relationship from other people, including Renjun and Haechan.

The brunet boy doesn't ignore him.

Jaemin is so thankful for that, Patrine informing him that his boyfriend-on-break (what he tells them when he gets teased) isn't going to pretend Jaemin doesn't exist or what they had was nothing.

"He told me just because you two are getting some space doesn't mean he will completely push you away and all."

"He's not completely ignoring you or socializing with you, it's a half-and-half. Like– he's shy or taking it slowly to approach you."

And she was indeed right. Of course she is.

Jeno waves at him, flashes him that cute eyesmile, manages to greet him in a shy mumble here and there, and even asking his friends for favors to pass his words to Jaemin like a messenger owl.

As if they're truly back to whatever stage they were in. Giving both of them time yet still trying his best to give Jaemin hope and motivation that it is not over.

Oh, and one of Jaemin's personal favorites; Jeno leaves a note or two on his locker– sometimes asking his friends to pass it in case Jaemin takes a while to get there.

Jaemin kept every single one of them, gluing it on his journal pages and wrote a brief description or message of each one.

The said journal is in his hands, grip tight around its edges not wanting to lose it or give it to the wrong hands.

When the teacher finally enters the room and tells everyone to settle down, Jaemin bites his lower lip in anticipation.

He has reviewed his work like an exam paper, making sure what he made didn't seem fake and hoping the brunet boy will appreciate it.

His words are sweet, almost like he googled it. He almost chuckles to himself recalling Jeno used to joke around about that.

"I hope all of you did the journal and got to know one another." Ms. Kang announces, walking around the classroom in slow steps.

"Although there were some who've... Disappointed me. I heard some nasty things happening, hence why there are a few of you that aren't here today."

Jaemin glances around briefly, noticing there are definitely some empty seats. If it weren't for this project, he would've thought those people skipped.

"Those who are absent are sadly in trouble for causing issues towards your classmates." Jaemin catches Ms. Kang eyeing Nancy for a moment.

Meeting Aeri's gaze, she gives him a look through her thin glasses, confirming his assumption.

"But we will not focus on those people as it's a waste of time, so how about we make this quick, shall we?" Ms. Kang smiles at them kindly to reassure their worries.

Receiving several mumbled "yeah's", Ms. Kang walks back to her teacher's desk while holding a stack of papers for her to check in the meantime.

"I hope you guys have learned from each other's stories while getting to know one another, that's one of the main points of this." She waves a finger.

"Since we don't have anything else to do today and is luckily your last period, I've asked permission to send you all home early."

Jaemin can't stop tapping his foot on the floor, impatiently waiting for her go signal as his eyes are frantically switching from Jeno to Ms. Kang.

"So without further ado, you may pass your journals to your partner." Gesturing with a hand. "Once you've received the one about you, you can read it and discuss it with your partner."

"This is like secret santa but not really–"

"Holy shit– I just confessed in mine!"

"I regret what I wrote!"

Jaemin hears a few comments as Ms. Kang could only chuckle at them, "Class dismiss."

Jaemin practically jumps off his seat, stumbling on his way to Jeno who was packing his things first. Surprised to see the blond haired boy standing before him after he zips his bag.

Clearing his throat, Jaemin decides to greet first. "Hi."

"Hey... Jaem." This is the first time Jeno blatantly shows his shyness in school, cheeks flushed as Jaemin smiles at him.

"I– uh, I got this for you." Handing out his journal, Jeno slowly takes it and hugs it against his chest. "Sorry if it's bad– especially at the start, but it's progress, right?"

Like us. We're in progress.

Jeno quietly chuckles at his words, nodding curtly before reaching to hand the journal he worked on for Jaemin. "Can't say the same about mine. I've... You know... Liked you since then."

Oh God, if only Jaemin can kiss him right now.

But sadly he can't, not because anyone is paying attention to them besides Nancy and Aeri, but because Jeno is already announcing his leave.

"I'll read this at home..." Smiling shyly, Jeno waves at him before exiting the classroom.

Jaemin waits for him to finally be out of his range of sight, then fist bumping the air as he holds the given journal close to his chest.

Sharing a laugh with Aeri and Nancy when they gave him a look, none of them bothered to ask what's truly happening between him and Jeno.

Jaemin grins to himself, getting the idea of keeping this from Renjun and save his reaction for later. For now, he has to head home and read the given journal.

𖤈

Thoughts???

Gosh my head is hurting a bit and I really hope my period comes early and ends quickly before my birthday 💀🤲