October's Sunshine • Jeong Yunho

01

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Beneath the gentle rain's embrace, I beheld an angel's grace, when your presence before me shone. Bathed in the sun's ethereal hue, your eyes aglow with stardust's view, October's sunshine, you have become.

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As the raindrops made their appearance on my head and body, I sighed and decided to take the bus to school.

It was a pretty warm, but rainy, day for October. I made my way to the bus station and sat on the cold bench. I took out my earphones and plugged them in, playing a short lofi playlist on spotify.

After 10 minutes, the bus came and I made my way in. It was full of old people but had some teenagers too. They looked tired and their backpacks seemed to be really heavy as they were trying to stand without falling or anything. All the old people occupied all the seats, not caring and being able to stand, but decided to take the seats because 'they have priority'. All the time I heard that if you are a teenager and going to school, especially with heavy backpacks, you are the one that has priority. But I decided to keep my mouth shut and not argue.

After showing my bus pass, I went to the back, considering that I had about 15 minutes until getting school, and I held on to the bar, trying not to disturb the old people.

I accidentally hit an old lady with my keychain and she was burning from anger.

"Can't you look? You hit me young lady!" She yelled.

"I'm sorry..." I whispered and looked down, feeling awkward and anxious.

"What? I didn't heard you. Say louder!" She almost yelled, making me jump and people turning their heads.

"She said she's sorry. If you can't hear go take a ear test. And look at you! All perfect and healthy and would be able to stand. You don't even have bags or anything. But you decide to take the seat and leave us with heavy backpacks standing." I heard a boy that was next to me laugh ironically and speak, leaving the lady with wide eyes and her mouth open. I could even hear the driver slightly giggle.

"Finally someone said it..." A girl whispered in front of me.

I gulped and that boy placed his hand on my shoulder. "Are you alright? Don't let her make you feel bad," he whispered.

I nodded. "Thank you."

———

When I reached my destination I got out of the bus as fast as I could. Because of what happened in the bus and many other things I was late to school, great.

As I began running I accidentally bumped into someone.

"Oh my god I'm so sorry it was an accident-" But immediately stopped as I locked eyes with Yunho.

He chuckled and gave me a hand. "It's alright pal. How are you late tho? You are never late."

I sighed and got up, looking at my arm that was bleeding from the fall.  "Long story..."

He smiled and nodded. "Let's get you cleaned up and then go to class."

As we began walking slowly to the school, I looked up at him and then looked away as I felt his gaze on me, again.

"The better question is why are you late. You are the one that is never late." I said, almost whispering.

He raised an eyebrow and then realised. "Ohh about that... I was excused from the first two classes because I had some work in city, but I finished earlier and I don't think I'm going anyway."

"Oh..." I nodded.

The rain was still going on and the cold water drops fell on our heads, faces and bodies.

I looked over at Yunho again and he was glowing with the water on his face. He was gorgeous as always. He grinned, noticing my gaze. I rolled my eyes, trying to hide a smile.

He chuckled, and we continued walking to the school building. As we entered, the warmth of the hallways replaced the chill of the rain. Yunho led me to the restroom to clean up my scraped arm.

After fixing up my arm, Yunho went to class and I decided to skip the next class with Jongho since we have maths and the teacher won't come since her husband died.

I texted him and shortly after we met in front of the school. We found a quiet spot in the school courtyard, sheltered from the rain by the surrounding buildings.

"Soomin," Jongho started and looked over at me, his eyes soft, "are you alright?"

I looked at the sky and nodded.

"Talk." He said, calmly, and then whispered a 'please'.

I sighed and sat down on the cold bench. "Yes Jongho everything is alright. You don't have to worry that much."

He raised an eyebrow and sat down too, taking my hand in his. "What do you mean? We are literally best friends Soomin. We have known each other for the past 11 years. I will always care for you. Now tell me the truth."

Moments of silence came.

After some seconds I could see him smirking. "Is it because of Yunho?"

I immediately took my hand back and punch him jokingly in the arm. Jongho knows everything about me in our 11 years of friendship. He was the first to know that I am in love with Yunho. I have been friends with him for 7 years but in love for the past 2 years, and I still didn't tell him knowing that he has a girlfriend. Forced or not, it's his girl.

Jongho laughed, rubbing his arm. "Caught red-handed, Soomin."

I rolled my eyes, pretending to be annoyed. "Shut up, Jongho. It's not like that."

He leaned in, a teasing glint in his eyes. "Oh, come on. The way you were staring at Yunho back there, it's obvious."

I sighed, conceding defeat. "Okay, fine. Maybe it's a little bit about Yunho."

He grinned triumphantly. "I knew it! So, what's going on? Trouble in paradise?"

I shook my head, realizing how fortunate I was to have a friend like Jongho who could lighten the mood. "No trouble, just the usual awkwardness. When I got out the bus I accidentally bumped into him and hurt my arm. It just didn't stop bleeding. And yeah he helped me."

He laughed, "Classic Yunho to the rescue. But seriously, if you ever need to talk about this Yunho situation, I'm here for you. You know that, right?"

I nodded, grateful for his understanding. "Thank you Jongie. You're the best friend anyone could ask for."

He ruffled my hair playfully. "That's what I'm here for. Now, let's forget about the drama and enjoy the rain."