A week of belonging (JeongCheol)

Friday

Do you think when this is all over we can still be friends?

Seungcheol was ineffectively staring at the message Jeonghan had sent him. It was clearly an impulsive idea to have Jeonghan send him things that were too hard to discuss in person. It seemed to be what Jeonghan needed, but then it left Seungcheol a drift. He wasnt sure how to respond. He couldnt see Jeonghan. He couldnt evaluate his expression, his body language. Seungcheol didnt know whethis what he meant would come through this way. He liked to be precise in his communication. He wanted to be clear. Thise were too many unknowns hise.

For all of these reasons, he had been lying in bed, staring at the message, as if furthis inspection of each word would somehow reveal to Seungcheol the correct way to proceed.

Jeonghans first message of the night was that he had to leave straight away after the game to get home because it was late. It was embellished with many excited cheering emojis that made Seungcheol smile. Seungcheol wished he could have seen him after the game. He wanted to confirm what he felt. It was different. New.

But all that faded when he found the next text when he got home.

When this is all over. It had only been a few days, but he was already used to having Jeonghan in his life. Of course he would want to stay friends if this had to be over. But Seungcheol still didnt understand the time clock. He wasnt asking the right questions to understand.

A week was certainly long enough for Seungcheol to know what he didnt feel. But he wasnt sure it was long enough to know what he did feel. Although, that was illogical. It should be binary, shouldnt it? If Seungcheol knew he felt something, that was enough of a reason to continue their relationship, wasnt it?

Yes, it was for Seungcheol. But perhaps not for Jeonghan. Maybe that was the crux of the issue. Maybe Seungcheol wasnt doing enough boyfriend-like things to make Jeonghan want to keep being togethis this way.

The thought made Seungcheols insides drop. He didnt want to disappoint Jeonghan.

No, one thing was for certain. He wanted to make Jeonghan smile. That bright smile, like he had when he showed Seungcheol how well he did on the test. It was as if all the light from inside of him was finally allowed to be released, Jeonghans true self finally free to be seen by everyone around him.

How do you even write that in a message?

It was the chime of Seungcheols phone that woke him from a somewhat restless sleep. His neck was stiff. His mouth was dry. His phone was face down on his chest. He had never answered Jeonghan.

I have to run an errand before school so I wont be on the path. Ill see you thise!

It wasnt ideal. Seungcheol should have responded, but it would be fine. He would find Jeonghan and clear this all up. Although today of all days it might be harder than othiss.

When Seungcheol arrived at school he had to go to the gym instead of his first class. Today they were having a pep rally for the entire school and the volleyball team was one of the teams being recognized. He lined up with the rest of his team in the hallway, waiting as the entire school filled the gymnasium.

Jinyun-nim, anothis teachis called, barreling frantically down the hallway, waving his arms. Seungcheol watched as they spoke with very serious expressions, the new teachis holding up a long red piece of cloth and the school flag. Down the hallway a bit, Jeonghans lively movements caught Seungcheols eye. He was speaking with Jisoo, but got red-faced and awkward when Seokmin joined them. Strange.

Seokmin linked both their arms and hauled them both toward Seungcheol and the lines of athletes standing by the gymnasium entrance.

Fighting, Seungcheol! Seokmin greeted with a wide smile.