FALLING FOR YOU | Renhyuck

3

Chapter 3:

Renjun's pencil hovered over his notebook, tapping absently as his thoughts drifted far from the class lecture. He was still reeling from his encounter with Haechan, the teasing words echoing in his mind, mixing with the confusion and frustration that had plagued him since the beginning of the school year.

As the teacher droned on, Renjun's eyes flicked to the back of the classroom where Jeno and Jaemin sat. They were whispering, heads close, sharing some private joke that had Jaemin giggling softly. Renjun's chest tightened at the sight. It was a familiar feeling, one he had grown used to-the dull ache of being on the outside looking in.

Jeno glanced up, catching Renjun's eye for a brief second before turning back to Jaemin, his expression softening as he nudged Jaemin playfully. Renjun bit his lip, tearing his gaze away. He knew he shouldn't feel jealous; Jeno and Jaemin were dating, after all. But the way they seemed to forget he was even there, lost in their own world, always left Renjun feeling more alone than he cared to admit.

As class ended, Jaemin bounded over, his usual bright smile in place. "Renjun, we're going to grab lunch. You're coming, right?"

Renjun hesitated, glancing at Jeno, whose expression was unreadable. It was always like this-Jaemin, ever the peacemaker, extending the invitation, and Jeno looking like he'd rather be anywhere else. Renjun wondered if Jeno even wanted him around, or if he was just tagging along because Jaemin insisted.

"Yeah, sure," Renjun said quietly, forcing a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.

The three of them made their way to the cafeteria, Jaemin chatting animatedly about some new fashion trend he wanted to try out, while Jeno responded with his usual cool indifference. Renjun walked a step behind, listening but not really hearing, his thoughts drifting back to Haechan. He hated that Haechan occupied so much of his mind, but he couldn't shake the strange pull he felt toward the other boy.

They found a table, and Jaemin immediately took the seat beside Jeno, leaning in close as he showed him something on his phone. Renjun sat across from them, picking at his food as the familiar sense of being the third wheel settled in.

Jaemin, oblivious to the tension, glanced up with a cheerful smile. "Renjun, you should totally join us this weekend! Jeno and I are going to this art exhibit downtown."

Renjun's eyes flicked to Jeno, whose expression soured slightly, but he said nothing. Renjun forced another smile, trying to hide the sting of Jeno's indifference. "I'll think about it."

Jaemin beamed, seemingly satisfied, but Renjun couldn't shake the feeling that he was intruding. He often wondered if Jeno invited him along just to appease Jaemin or if there was still a part of their old friendship that Jeno cared about.

"Hey, Renjun," Jeno said suddenly, his tone harsher than usual, "you really need to start standing up for yourself. Especially with Haechan. You let him walk all over you."

Renjun flinched, the words hitting harder than Jeno probably intended. It wasn't the first time Jeno had scolded him for not fighting back, but today, the words stung more than usual. Renjun swallowed hard, the memories of his old school flooding back-the taunts, the pushing, the sense of helplessness that Jeno's words always seemed to dig up.

"Jeno, that's not fair," Jaemin interjected, sensing Renjun's discomfort. "It's not that easy."

Jeno sighed, running a hand through his hair in frustration. "I just don't get why you let him treat you like that, Renjun. You're better than that."

Renjun's shoulders slumped, feeling small under Jeno's scrutiny. "It's not like I want him to," Renjun mumbled, his voice barely audible. But what could he say? That Haechan's teasing, however annoying, felt like the only attention that was his alone? That despite everything, a part of him craved the thrill of Haechan's focus?

Before anyone could say more, Haechan sauntered over, his usual swagger on full display as he slid into the empty seat beside Renjun, ignoring the glare Jeno shot his way. "Oh, look. My favorite trio. Or should I say, my favorite person and his entourage?" Haechan's eyes locked onto Renjun, a wicked grin tugging at his lips.

Jeno's jaw tightened. "What do you want, Haechan?"

Haechan leaned back, completely unfazed. "Just enjoying the view," he said, his gaze flickering to Renjun, who tried to avoid his eyes but failed miserably. Haechan's presence was overwhelming, as always, and Renjun felt trapped between wanting to disappear and wanting to stay right where he was.

"Don't you have anything better to do?" Jeno snapped, his voice laced with annoyance.

Haechan shrugged, his smirk never faltering. "Not really. But if it bothers you so much, Jeno, you're free to leave." The challenge in his voice was clear, and Renjun watched as Jeno's expression darkened, his fists clenching under the table.

Jaemin placed a calming hand on Jeno's arm, trying to defuse the situation. "Guys, let's not make a scene," he pleaded, his voice gentle but firm. He turned to Haechan, giving him a pointed look. "Haechan, don't you have something better to do than bugging us?"

Haechan leaned forward, his eyes never leaving Renjun. "Actually, no. I think I'm exactly where I want to be."

Renjun's breath hitched, his mind going blank once again under Haechan's intense gaze. There was something in the way Haechan looked at him, something that made Renjun's heart flutter despite himself. He hated it-hated how easily Haechan could make him feel this way.

Jeno huffed, rising abruptly from his seat and pulling Jaemin up with him. "We're leaving," he announced, dragging Jaemin along without waiting for a response.

Jaemin shot Renjun an apologetic glance as he was pulled away, and Renjun watched them go, feeling the familiar emptiness settle in their absence. It was just him and Haechan now, the cafeteria bustling around them, but Renjun felt like they were in their own little bubble.

"Finally, some peace and quiet," Haechan said, his voice softer, lacking its usual bite. He leaned his chin on his hand, studying Renjun with a curious expression. "Why do you let them treat you like that?"

Renjun blinked, caught off guard by the sudden change in Haechan's tone. "What do you mean?"

Haechan gestured vaguely to the empty seats Jeno and Jaemin had vacated. "Like you're just... there. Like you don't matter."

Renjun's throat tightened, the truth of Haechan's words hitting too close to home. "It's not like that," he defended weakly, but Haechan's knowing look told him he didn't believe it.

"Whatever you say," Haechan said, leaning back with a sigh. "But you deserve better, Renjun. Even if you don't think so."

Renjun looked away, the weight of Haechan's words sinking in. He didn't know what to make of this version of Haechan-the one who was unexpectedly kind, who saw through him in ways that no one else did. It scared him, but it also made him feel seen in a way that was both comforting and terrifying.

Renjun remained silent, lost in thought, as Haechan continued to watch him, a small, knowing smile playing at his lips. It was just another game to Haechan, Renjun told himself. But deep down, he knew it was becoming something far more complicated-and he wasn't sure he was ready to face it.

🦊🐻

Tbc...
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