A week of belonging (JeongCheol)

Thursday

Jeonghan woke up in a panic. Something was stirring up his insides and making him wound so tight that an increase of pressure would most definitely make him implode.

The date. It had gone too well. At the end, he felt...well, it didnt feel like a terrible disaster like he had expected and isnt that what he wanted at this point? Isnt that what his plan needed?

But when Jeonghan considered trying to find a way to make him and Seungcheol get along less, he felt bad. He didnt want that, not even a little bit.

They had been close last night, even if it was just briefly. Jeonghan had leaned into Seungcheols body as he had slept, and although the realization had been completely humiliating, the moment before, while he dozed, was comforting. Relaxing. Peaceful, even.

Jeonghan shook it off as he walked to school, a new determination set in his mind. He had to try to fix this. It was not the plan.

He should have anticipated Seungcheol waiting for him in the same spot. That was who he was. Consistent. Caring. Reliable.

Good morning, Jeonghan, he said, a slight smile on his lips. It made Jeonghan ache.

Uh, good morning, he said, returning the greeting and ducking his head. He need to avoid meeting Seungcheols eyes. Thats when the trouble starts.

You didnt say much last night. Did you like the movie?

Oh, Jeonghan said, nodding. Yes it was good. I liked it.

What you saw of it. Seungcheols tone was playful. Endearing.

Even this made him unsteady. Jeonghan practically tripped over his own feet. Hey, look, I was tired. Jeonghan said. He had tried very hard to stay awake. I couldnt have missed much.

Just the entire ending. Seungcheol was now smiling wide. It made Jeonghan die a little inside.

Ill catch it when its streaming. Jeonghan said in a huff, picking up his pace trying to shorten the walk and his likelihood of saying something stupid or falling flat on his face.

We should finish it togethim, Seungcheol said, picking up his pace and meeting Jeonghan step for step. I like to finish things I start.

Jeonghan couldnt help but look at Seungcheol as they arrived at the front of the school. His expression was so intense, so purposeful. Jeonghans mind flicked to when Seungcheol raised his hand to Jeonghans head as he said, You dont see yourself the way I see you.

He shook this away too. He was going to have to get serious. He needed a mental baseball bat. He needed to pummel all these intrusive thoughts out of his head. He needed to get back to the plan. Ive gotta go. I need to talk to Jisoo.

Seungcheol looked back at Jeonghan with his usual unreadable countenance. Okay, Ill see you in class then, he said, before he turned the corner to go in anothim direction.

Jeonghan had hoped to speak to Jisoo, but he did not end up finding him before class and obviously he could not say anything in front of Seungcheol. As the day went on, Jeonghan felt like a tightly wound coil that was destined to break under the strain at any moment. All he could do was hold it all in and hold on tight in hopes to make it through the next few hours. And essentially avoid speaking to anyone.

By lunch time, he had resorted to out and out stalking Jisoo, a predator following its prey. He was his shadow, impossibly trying to catch him alone while he was walking around being the most popular person ever.

What are you doing Jeonghan? Seokmin asked, sliding up next to him as he watched Jisoo from across the hall. You look creepy.

Oh, I just...I wanted to talk to Jisoo and I cant catch him.