Our Love

❃ 4 ❃

~A Few Months Later~ (Age: 15)

"Who's the short one now?" Taunted Hamin with a smirk on his lips as he leaned his face towards mine.

It was our first year of high school now and over the summer, he had a sudden growth spurt and was now three inches taller than me while I had only grown two inches.

"I can clearly see who's taller," I stated as I turned my head away from him feeling somewhat embarrassed by how close he was.

Hamin and I ended up in the same class and it didn't take long for everyone to notice Hamin and the way he displayed himself.

The way he acted was all a facade and by the time it was lunch, he plopped himself down on a bench with me and tiredly said, "I'm tired."

"Your cheeks are going to hurt with all those fake smiles you throw at everybody."

"I'm use to it already."

I handed him his steamed bun while he gave me my (favorite drink) to enjoy with my (food you like).

"Did you meet anyone?" He asked me before taking a bite of his steamed bun.

"Some girls talked to me here and there, but some just wanted to know about you," I grumbled.

"You sound disappointed."

"A bit, but it's okay."

"Do you want me to help you?" He asked, but I merely shook my head.

"I don't want to befriend someone like that. They'll pretend to be nice to gain something or because you're around, but I don't want that. Besides, I'm happy just having you around," I smiled at him at the end and he couldn't help but return the smile and playfully nudge me.

"I guess I'm stuck with you," he lightly chuckled, but a look of annoyance crossed his face when he noticed classmates coming our way.

"Seriously," he muttered under his breath.

I noticed them coming from my right and turned back to Hamin. "Do you want to make a run for it?"

"Yes."

I stood up from the bench first and held my hand out to him. He placed his hand on top of mine before I grabbed his hand and pulled him with me as we ran off wherever our feet led us.

~Later that Day~

Hamin and I walked out of the school gates together and I was content that I would be heading home.

Unfortunately, Hamin has to attend a hagwon near our neighborhood.

"It sucks that have to attend one. My mom is still debating whether to send me to one or not."

"At least you're not being forced into it," he whispered in a slight bitter tone. "Sometimes I wish I could have your life. You're so... free."

I felt my lips curl downward and an ache in my heart as I gazed over at him.

The expectations that my parents have of me is nothing compared to the high expectations that he has to uphold and endure.

I gently place my hand on his arm making him stop in his tracks and look over at me.

"I know you're doing all of this for Jaemin, but you deserve to be happy and have a life that you can enjoy. We only live once."

"I... don't want to live like this, but I'm doing this to protect him."

"Is this really something you think you can do for the rest of your life?" I asked him.

He stayed quiet for a few seconds as he mulled over the future that was decided for him.

"I don't know but I think I can keep living like this if you support me and... don't leave my side."