[Book I] Winter Falls [ENG]

Chapter 38: Stay and listen

Hey! I hope everyone is okayyy! Today, I think that some people are going to be happy~ We see a person again! :)

TW: physical and mental abuse (light suggested), anxiety (light)

This chapter contains a scene from Jeongin's past (moment in italics). There is nothing serious going on, just the anguish about his condition (during the first half of the passage), and it remains light (from my point of view). There is no great description of an anxiety attack or anything. If you are sensitive to it, proceed cautiously.

Timeline: Tuesday to Wednesday, December

Enjoy!

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"Damn it, I can't do this anymore!"

Hyunjin clung to the railing, forcing himself through the last steps. He was panting and sweating in his open coat. Random strands of hair fell in front of his face, pulled out of his ponytail by the wind raging outside.

He quickly glanced at his watch, noting that it was 6:00 p.m. The club was going to end any moment. It wasn't even lateat that level.

The young man went to the room in which the club was taking place. He took the opportunity to breathe deeply, trying to regain a normal rhythm.

He ran all the way to campus. He really wanted to arrive before the end, but with the time he left his friend's house, it was more than compromised. He was just hoping that Chan would still be there. After all, it was because of him that he made the decision to try anyway.

His hand landed on the doorknob as it opened wide. Hyunjin let out a startled gasp as he found himself face to face with Seungmin. The young man seemed equally shocked by the cheerleader's presence behind the door.

"You're a little late." He let out.

"Are you finished?"

"Yeah. We were leaving."

Hyunjin sighed, before pushing himself to allow Seungmin to go out. His bad luck. He had come for nothing.

His eyes found Chan in the room as he was tidying up the chairs.

Or almost for nothing.

The young man let Minho and Jisung out, wishing them a good evening, before entering the room. Chan was now alone. Weird, didn't Changbin come either? Maybe he left earlier...

He pushed the door with his foot, to close it slightly. Then he dropped his bag against the nearest table foot, catching the attention of the man in front of him.

"Oh, Hyunnie!"

Hyunjin just smiled in response, as Chan approached, to half sit on the nearest table.

"You're a little late for the club. Sorry."

"It's okay." The cheerleader sighed. "Actually, I suspected it. I tried to hurry, but it wasn't enough."

Chan shrugged.

"If you knew you wouldn't be here in time, why did you come back? It's a long way to go home."

The youngest hummed, approaching the blond.

"Oh, I came back to get something..."

"Oh yes?"

Chan leaned his head slightly to the side, as he looked at him. Hyunjin came a little closer, standing in front of the young man. With a skilled gesture, he passed a hand under Chan's thigh, to lift him up and make him sit completely on the table. The eldest let out a little startled gasp. Immediately his ears became red, as did his cheeks. His hands were placed on the table, behind him, to stabilize, while Hyunjin stood between his legs. His hand didn't leave Chan's thigh. He leaned slightly towards the young man, keeping his eyes on him.