fever | ateez lore story

CH 5

•san•

"Won't be needing it because I won't be doing it!" Wooyoung yells back to Hongjoong, who does nothing but smile. Catches me surprise, as I thought the class captain would scold Wooyoung for, not only failing to attempt the homework, but for yelling in response, too.

I watch as Wooyoung skips ahead of me, almost tripping on his own two feet. I stifle a laugh, fighting the urge to tear him to pieces with embarrassment. He races towards me, wagging a finger in front of my face while I back away with a smile.

"You saw nothing." He warns, squinting his large eyes. I furrow my eyebrows and wack his finger to the side.

"Don't be pointing at me like that. I'm older than you, Wooyoung." I laugh, swerving around him.

-"Yeh, by 4 months."

-"4 months makes a difference. You're still younger than me, maknae."

"Shut up!" He laughs, trying to ruffle my hair in an attempt to play fight. I run over and dig my fingers into his ribs, a yelp, followed by a loud, hyena-like laugh coming from him. I get surprised by the reaction and lightly punch him in the shoulder blade.

"Be quiet!" I laugh. I'm extremely breathless from all the giggling, I give myself a break by taking in a deep breath, before we burst out laughing again.

I haven't been this happy in...a long time. Not just Wooyoung, but the others at school make me feel secure. It's just...who knows for how long.

"Hey, what's wrong? You've...gone all quiet." Wooyoung notices, his eyes studying my suddenly-serious face. I stare at him, contemplating whether it is worth sharing my feelings with someone who is pretty much gonna be another part of my past soon.

I shake my head.

"It's nothing. Don't worry." I insist, walking ahead. He places a hand on my shoulder, a signal to stop me from walking, which I do.

"I know a liar when I see one. Come on, San." He persists, trying to catch my eye. He fails, as I stay focused on the ground below us, starting to feel uneasy. He backs away, releasing a heavy sigh. Silence falls upon us, which is excruciating because I can't tell what he's thinking about. The sigh puts a weight on me, and a wave of guilt washes over as I feel I have disappointed him.

"You're no normal cat." Wooyoung suddenly starts. I look up at him, very confused.

-"You're a scaredy cat."

"What?" I mumble, slight frustration bubbling inside of me. I know Wooyoung can be quite unserious, but can he not read from my body language that now is not the time?

"You're a scaredy cat. You're scared of leaving." He continues, his eyebrows perking up.

The way he put it...ticks off something in me. The stress storming inside my rotting brain, and the unserious behaviour of Wooyoung is starting to get to me. Is he really joking around right now?

I turn away, leaving before I say something I'll regret. I can't lose my temper now. It's not worth it.

-"Where you going? Did I say something?"

Yes. Something hitting very close to home that you have no right in saying.

"No." I say through gritted teeth, hoping he would leave me alone. Nope, he chases after me instead.

"San, I'm sorry. Wait!" He says, catching up to run in front of me. Because of how fast I was walking, I almost run into him, stopping abruptly. I try to move around him, but his fast legs move to continue blocking me.

"Can you not?" I scowl, avoiding his eyes. I see his chest rise and fall with another deep sigh, his hands landing on his hips.

"I said I'm sorry." He mumbles, hanging his head. Silence falls again.

Don't do it, San. There is not need to spill your emotions out onto someone who is just gonna hear it and be left with it again.

I hesitate, rubbing my lips together in an attempt to keep them sealed. I repeatedly told myself not to befriend anyone, and to not get too attached, before I get hurt. But I can't help it...these people I've met, are too nice. When people are nice like this, it's hard to hide yourself away.

"You're right, Wooyoung. I am scared. I'm scared of moving to another city, to another school and leaving you guys behind. But I'm also tired of running. I'm tired of restricting myself from making friends. But I know I have to before I lose them again. So I guess you're right. I am a scaredy cat." I rant, feeling my eyes pool with tears. I try to blink them away, shaking my head and laughing at how foolish I look. I expected Wooyoung to possibly laugh at me, thinking that my reason is just an excuse. Instead, I feel long, skinny arms wrap themselves around my torso, pulling me in. My head rests on his shoulder, and the palm of his hand rubbing comforting circles on my back.

"You don't need to be scared, San. I know my words might not seem like much to you, but here or away, you'll always be ours. Be friends with us, please. We'll be your past, present and your future, but only if you'll let us."

Amicus usque ad aras. A friend till death do us part. The words that Wooyoung said to me is evidence enough to tell me that he is a friend that will only be leave me through death. The others I met at school, I trust, are going to be great friends, but Wooyoung's moulding into becoming my second-half. Never have I ever found anyone like him, and I don't plan on letting him go, even in distance.