Intricate: The Beginning of Us| MARKNOMINHYUCK(bxbxbxb)

25: Beneath his shirt

Jaemin

As I stare at the clock on top of Mr. Lee's desk I wonder whether I'm watching it in dread or anticipation. Just a couple of more minutes and it would be time for lunch. I wasn't sure if I was hoping for it to be that time of the day or if I was hoping that my stare would slow down the time.

I glance up at the whiteboard but my eyes just go back to the clock as if it were a magnet. The bell then rings and I let out a sigh of relief, one step further toward going home, at least.

I pack my stuff and wait for everyone to get out of the classroom. I curtly bow down and give Mr. Lee a small smile which he returns before walking off. By the time I was out, only about 2 minutes later, the hall was pretty much clear of human presence. Sometimes, I come to wonder how students can move that fast but I guess that's where their passion against learning goes. I walk down the hall, to Renjun's classroom where he's already waiting outside beside the door, looking down at his phone. He looks up and gives me a smile, shoving his phone inside his back pants pocket.

"Hey," he greets and I do the same as we start making our way to the cafeteria.

We stop outside. "I'll see you later." I smile at him nervously.

"You haven't told me the real reason you ditch me at lunch. You can tell me," he says to me encouringly.

I let out a nervous laugh. "I go to the nurse's office." I fidget a little on my spot before continuing. "That's where Jeno usually is," I finish off in a mutter.

The male, who I refer to as my best friend, laughs. Laughs wholeheartedly. As if it were funny. I give him an unamused look. "I'm sorry, I just haven't gotten used to the thought of you liking Lee Jeno." I was grateful that he was careful with the way he said it, his eyes darting around to make sure no one was close enough and his voice quiet.

"Whatever," I mumble. "I'll see you later," I say, waving him off. He says goodbye before stepping inside the cafeteria and I turn around in the opposite direction, my feet knowing where to go.

-----

When I walk into the infirmary room, I was surprised to hear some noises. Usually, the room was completely silent with Jeno already settled on one of the beds and Ms. Kwon behind her desk.

I glance at the desk only to see that our school nurse was not there. I furrow my eyebrows but follow the noises and conclude that they came from behind one of the curtains. Being the nosy person I am, I listen in on the conversation which I was sure was Ms. Kwon scolding someone. My best guess would be Jeno.

I slowly and carefully walk over, opening it carefully. As soon as I got a view of them inside, I gasp and both pairs of eyes turn in my direction. Jeno's scowl became deeper than usual while Mr. Kwon widens her eyes slightly.

Jeno's state was worst than usual. His left eye was black, there was a nasty purple and brown bruise on his left cheek and multiple scratches on his face. He was holding his shirt up which gave a view of not only his abs but also a huge brown, purple, and red spot. Another bruise, obviously.

"W- what happened?" I find myself asking.

In all the time that I came here, I never got an answer to that question. It was obvious that someone did that to him but who and why was my question. Lee Jeno was known for getting into fights but a question of mine was always why.

"None of your fucking business, go away," he snaps and I visibly flinch at him.

"Jeno, no need to be rude," Ms. Kwon tells him with a glare.

But he's right. So, reluctantly, I take a step back, turn around and walk to the chairs where I usually spend my time. I stay at the edge of the chair though, uncomfortably. Ms. Kwon came out soon and send me a glance but didn't say anything and simply went to sit on her chair. She did, however, give me an assuring look which told me that Jeno was okay. I relaxed only slightly, giving her a small nod.

I stare at the curtain in front of me, knowing that Jeno was behind it laying down.

When the bell rings, I hesitantly stand up and walk away after giving Ms. Kwon a curt bow. I glance at the curtain before walking off. Usually, Jeno would be the one to get out of the room first.

The thought worried me more.

-----

As a result of the earlier events, I wasn't able to focus much in class. I noticed that I was spacing out more than usual and my thoughts kept coming back to the injury beneath his shirt and how pale he looked. He didn't look as bad as the time we met on the street, he didn't look like he was a second away from passing out but the bruises were still concerning even if I knew Ms. Kwon had taken care of it.

A knock on my desk brought me back to reality. I gave a quick glance at the numbers and words on the sheet of paper on my desk before my eyes trailed up. I instantly became nervous after taking in who was in front of me.

"If the offer is still up, could we talk after school?" He asks with nervousness and hope in his voice.

I instantly nod in response. "Yes, sure." I muster up the best smile I could before he nodded and walked away.

I sigh and look back down at my desk, thoughts of the three filling my mind just like they have been the past couple of days.