My Broken Heart Wrapped Among Thorns (Hoonki FF)

was I wrong about you?

"took you a while," Sunghoon says

Intak and Sunoo have a light yet uncharacteristic scowl marring their handsome features when they return to Sunghoon's side carrying three milkshakes.

Even their tones are caustic when they reply.

"Same shit, just a different day. Daejun and that other kid Kyong were in the convenience store harassing the poor ahjumma at the counter, and Haneul was just watching like he was too good for everything." Intak says with a disgusted look on his face

"They made a mess when she tried to chase them out, and we helped her clean up." Sunoo continued.

Sunghoon exhales air in a low whistle. You really have to fuck up for the relentlessly positive Intak and Sunoo to be annoyed with you.

But this is why he doesn't believe Shota when he says Riki is a great guy. Maybe he hasn't seen Riki himself engage in any problematic behaviors. But what kind of great guy chooses to hang out with guys like those? Chooses to date them, even?

Fortunately, the mood brightens when they tear into their shakes. "Mint-choco  is so good, I could kill for it." Sunoo says

Seeing his opportunity to one-up the other, Intak says, "I could and would sacrifice you both, Jungwon, Keeho, and ShoSho for a choco milkshake."

"Not Jongseob?" Sunghoon asks with a smile

"The baby?? I'm not a monster."

Sunoo stares him down like he begs to differ, but Intak only refocuses his attention on his drink.

-

A little later after they had finished their milkshakes, they returned to school to complete their night classes, and after school, Sunghoon and Jongseob both got assigned for cleaning duty.

"You know you don't have to be here. Only Jongseob and I got assigned to cleaning duty," Sunghoon points out to Shota.

"Yeah, with Riki. This way, I get to see him. And be a buffer, since I know you don't really like him."

"Okay, then why are these chucklefucks here?"

Said chucklefucks, Jake, Keeho, and Intak, wave from beside him.

"To keep you company?" Intak and Jake posit. While Keeho just shrugs and sits atop one of the desks pulling his phone out.

Jongseob lightly shakes said desk, making the other boy startle and jump down.

"Good job, Seobie, keep them from making our job harder. We have to clean those."

"Are you calling my ass dirty??" Keeho says offended

"You said it, not me."

"Uh- Am I interrupting something?"

They all glance to the entrance of the classroom, where Riki stands, looking awkward.

"Iki-san!"

"Soulie-san!"

The two smile at each other as Riki walks closer. Riki has one arm outstretched for a high five, but Shota seems to surprise the younger boy by turning it into a hug instead.

"You're late," Sunghoon grinds out as he passes Riki a mop.

Shota's elbow jabs Sunghoon in the side in a gesture he's sure is meant to express, Play nice. 

"Sorry. I told Hanuel I had cleaning duty, but he kept pestering me to spend time with him instead. I finally shook him off, though." Despite the words themselves indicating that he is bothered, he bears a shy smile on his face.