Infatuation - haobin

-8-

♪ "Echo Complex" by Bonjr, singular balance ♪

The rest of the school day was dull, Hao looking at Jun with careful eyes before trying to concentrate back on his schoolwork. Occasionally, he would see him look back with bored eyes before turning them back to the phone that he hid under the table.

Hao somehow can't get the whole lunchtime situation out of his head though. It would replay over and over again throughout the day, each time forming a tighter knot on his stomach as he struggled to hold his head up, even in shame. 

Hanbin saw Hao cry.

It isn't that bad, right? Wrong, it's awful. 

And now, two minutes into the end of the school day, Hao has already packed his full bag, ready to leap out of the classroom and hopefully never return again. Embarrassment is an understatement. Shame is too. It's not just the fact that he let Hanbin, someone who isn't even his friend, watch him cry, but the fact that complete strangers also saw him in the situation. What's even worse though, is that it wasn't just any stranger. It was Jun. Could he consider him a stranger? He doesn't really know, but I guess it's suitable since they barely even know each other.

And so, as class finishes with Hao's eyes trailing his gaze to each ticking of the clock above, he quite literally takes off faster than he ever could. He doesn't even bother to look anywhere but right in front of him... he's too afraid that he and Hanbin will lock eyes. 

"Hao! Hao, where are you going?" A voice shouts from behind. Hao groans, but still turns around. He can recognize that voice anywhere; the casual drawl coming from the foreigner's mouth

"Sorry, Ricky, I just want to leave school as soon as possible," Hao says as Ricky catches up

"Yeah, I can tell. Are you auditioning for the role of Flash or what? It's like you discovered teleportation or some weird shit like that" Ricky says, catching his breath. Hao chuckles and pats his back

"Sorry"

"Yeah, yeah, whatever. Matthew wants to hang out today" Ricky announces, finally sitting up and looking at Hao with a small smile

"Ok...?"

"Like, you, him, Gunwook, me."

"Oh. Alright then. Hanbin isn't going to be there, is he?" Hao asks cautiously trying to seem subtle about his question. Ricky shakes his head

"He only comes when Gyuvin comes" 

"Then I'll come," Hao says, giving Ricky a reassuring smile. The boy looks back at him with speculation but decides to let it go

"Alright. Oh, look, there they are" Ricky says, waving over at the others through the crowds of students. Hao likes it better this way; hidden away from the busy sights of people. He bets his eyes are puffy as hell, so a crowd is the least of his problems right now

"Hey! Sorry for being late. This guy over here had the genius idea of staying behind after class to wipe off the marker on the whiteboard" Matthew practically shouts. Hao laughs as Gunwook says something that he can't quite make out, but knows he is trying to defend himself

"Teacher's pet" Ricky says, making Hao laugh even more. Gunwook rolls his eyes and leads them out of the hallways and into the chilly outside

"At least I get good grades. Remind me, when's the last time you actually passed a class, Ricky?" Gunwook asks, snuggling onto the large coat that is already layered over a fluffy sweater

"Fuck off. At least I live my life like the king I am" Ricky scoffs, but smiles right after as Gubwook chuckles.

"Not under Gyuvin's watch" Matthew replies, and Ricky raises an eyebrow