[Book I] Winter Falls [ENG]

Chapter 46: The straw that broke the camel's back

Hey! I hope everyone's okay. Today, a chapter with a lot to read ;) I hope you are well prepared!!

We're past the 7,5k view ! This is really incredible for me ! And we're soon at 500 votes too ! Thank you a lot <3

TW: violence, insults, mention of injuries and blood (little to no detail), mention of depression and suicidal thoughts

Timeline: Thursday to Friday, January

Enjoy!!

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When Chan finally got out of the building, he was completely whacked.

At the end of his rope.

It was only 4pm, but the session had exhausted him mentally. He felt far too open and exposed for his personal comfort. She knew how to hit in the right places, with the right questions, making him come out like a wrinkled towel. He felt he could cry at the next thing that happened. Good or bad.

He had made another appointment for next Thursday, hoping that the next session would be less tedious. He felt like shit, and he didn't know if he could handle it every week. It was much more difficult than he actually expected.

He only wanted to go to the dormitories and fuse with his bed.

Chan was about to make his way to the campus, when he stopped in his stride. In front of him was Hyunjin.

The young man was leaning against a fence, wrapped up in his coat. He still had his mask up on his face, as he did this morning. Only the cap was missing, his loose hair flew slightly because of the wind.

The eldest should have been genuinely surprised to find him there, but to tell the truth, he was somewhat expecting it. Hyunjin hadn't asked where it was for nothing. The blond remained frozen looking at him, while the other young man approached him.

It was at this moment that Chan noticed that Hyunjin was holding two small cardboard with garnished pancakes.

"I thought you deserved a snack. I wasn't sure what to get you, so I got a banana chocolate. I hope you like it?"

Okay. Now he could actually cry.

Hyunjin must have noticed that something was wrong, for he hastened to add:

"If you don't like it, I can give you the other one. I don't mind. It's strawberry, peach and whipped cream."

"No, don't worry about it. Banana chocolate is fin." Chan weakly replied.

He could feel tears rising, because of fatigue and Hyunjin's kindness. He didn't want to cry for so little, but he couldn't help himself. Chan took his pancake with a light thank you.

Hyunjin immediately placed his free hand on his arm.

"Is everything all right?"

"Yeah. I'm sorry, it's just fatigue... It was... quite tiring."

"Hm. Is there anything I can do to help?"

Chan let out a wet laugh.

"Being there already helps a lot. But could I have a hug...?"

"Of course."

Hyunjin held him in his arms without second thought. He manipulated them so that they were embraced in a strong hug, while paying attention to their food. Chan let himself be done, pressing his face into the sling that the young man was wearing. Some tears escaped him, in spite of himself.