Number 9 |jaewoo|

3

Many weeks passed, and the weather got cooler and windier. But that didn't bother Jungwoo at all, because not a day could be spent without being in the orchard. The group would sometimes spend days reconnecting with Jungwoo by having him help out with errands or playing ball games there, all except for Taeyong. He quickly learned who was the most competitive. Donghyuck kept him as his partner the entire time and, whenever they won, Donghyuck would jump right into Jungwoo's arms raving about how well they did. He was crazy about these games, Jungwoo thought. But he enjoyed seeing the youngest feeling better.

On other days, Jungwoo would spend them by himself in the orchard, exploring every bit of it. He picked at the fruit growing in the trees and dropped them in disgust when he saw bugs crawling out of the soft parts. When he became bored he would lay himself there in the grass, watching the sky for hours. He'd take out the handkerchief Jaehyun gave to him and ball it up with his hands. It was silky and smooth, an addicting touch. Why was there a need to leave this place? After being there for a good while, he knew this place was his home. His friends were his family, just as he hoped. He knew he worried for nothing. But the only thing that bothered him, was Jaehyun. What was it about him that caused that memory? Why did he get so embarrassed? Could he trust his friend? What was he hiding? Jungwoo thought so much about him that it made himself sleepy. He closed his eyes and drifted off. Everything was black, but he could hear the wind and the birds singing. He heard the leaves. He heard his name.

"Jungwoo."

"Mm," he shifted. The voice was familiar. It sounded like Jaehyun's. But he was too tired.

"Jungwoo, wake up."

"Huh?" Jungwoo said, trying to listen.

"Please don't die."

With that, the blond sprang up and his head knocked right into the person above him. He yelped and held his forehead, just as Jaehyun did, learning what no to do when trying to wake someone. "It's you," Jungwoo said, noticing Jaehyun as they both rubbed their foreheads. "What did you just say?"

"I said please get up." Jaehyun replied and giggled. "You must have been exhausted."

That's not what he said. Did he? Maybe it was the start of a dream. Jungwoo smiled and the pain in his forehead went away. He then noticed how dark it was outside. The moon was bright and full. He could see his friend clearly. "Was I asleep that long?"

"Yeah. Taeyong was looking everywhere for you. But when he found you here, he didn't want to bother."

"Oh." Jungwoo nodded and fell quiet.

Neither of them knew what to say. However, Jaehyun noticed the little cloth on the grass. "Hm. You still have it."

"What?"

"My handkerchief."

"Oh. Do you want it back?"

"No. You can keep it, actually. Consider it as my gift."

"I see." Jungwoo crossed his legs and picked up the cloth from the grass. "Well... it's a lovely gift, I guess. Thank you." He felt it between his fingers.

Jaehyun soon crawled over really close, almost too close. Jungwoo froze up as Jaehyun gently pulled out small leaves sticking out from his hair. "Be careful when you're laying out here," he said. "I don't think you'd enjoy bugs crawling on you. No?"

Jungwoo gave a shaky chuckle. For some reason, he was nervous, even though his friend wasn't doing anything bad. "O-of course not." he murmured.

Then, silence again.

Jaehyun got up. "Anyways... Taeyong needs us. He told me to get you. Its important." He held his hand out. Jungwoo hesitated, still recovering from whatever that was. But he felt it would be rude to refuse. He took his hand and got up with his help. But for a second Jaehyun forgot the difference between him and Jungwoo.

Thanks to his strength, Jungwoo accidentally pulled Jaehyun's arm too hard making him stumble forward. Jaehyun lost his balance, falling on his hands and knees, landing directly on top of Jungwoo. "Oh, I'm sorry!" Jaehyun quickly said.

With widened eyes, Jungwoo just stared up at him. "Uh, did I hurt you?"

"No! I'm fine! Let's go!" Jaehyun carefully got back up and started walking away this time. Not wanting to lose sight of his friend, Jungwoo scrambled to his feet.