CHERRY BLOSSOMS [nomin fanfic]

Chapter-5

Age- 16 years

Jaemin was walking to his locker, not even bothering to look up from his book. He was so engrossed in this manga that he didn't even notice the stares he was getting from his fellow schoolmates. He was reading about a girl who had her first kiss right in front of river Meguro. Jaemin blushed when he read the scene. After watching so many romantic animes where the main leads would confess their love near this river, Jaemin couldn't help but imagine something like this happening to him.

He was so lost in his world that Jaemin didn't even notice the boys walking towards him and bumped into them by mistake.

"Watch out Nerd" one of the boys pushed Jaemin making him fall on his butt.

"Can't you see where you are going?" He advanced towards a very trembling Jaemin who closed his eyes, waiting for the punch to land on his face which never came.

He cautiously opened his eyes and saw a tall figure standing in front of him, clutching the boy's collar.

Jeno. He stood covering Jaemin, glaring at the boys who were bullying him seconds ago.

"What the heck? Who do you think you are?" One of the bullies yelled at Jeno who firmly stood his ground.

"Why are you protecting this nerd huh? Are you his boyfriend or something?"

Jeno tensed a bit before answering through gritted teeth. "Yeah, I am"

He pushed the bullies back and crouched down to help Jaemin stand up who was as red as a tomato. Jeno was now taller than him and his presence made Jaemin feel safe.

"I dare you to hurt my boyfriend. If I find even a scratch on him, you all are dead meat."

The group of boys backed off and walked away, glaring at Jeno who held Jaemin's waist firmly.

"Th-thanks" Jaemin whispered.

"No worries"

...

They sat side by side in the bus. Jeno was the first one to break the silence.

"Whatever happened back at school, I just tried to get them away from you."

"Huh?" Jaemin looked at him with a confused expression.

"When I called you my boyfriend, I didn't mean it. I only said that to stop them from annoying you"

"Of course. I know that. Thanks again by the way" Jaemin tried his best to force a smile.

The rest of the ride was silent, none of them speaking. When Jeno said he didn't mean it, something in their hearts broke. They have been friends for more than 10 years now and it was natural to fall for each other. Jeno liked Jaemin and Jaemin liked Jeno but they tried to not show to protect their friendship. What hurt was that they didn't know this love wasn't one sided.