The Project 'Buddy'

~29~

Jungwon couldn't sleep that night. He tossed and turned, worrying about Jay. The latter hadn't texted anything when he did, and Jungwon was beginning to fear that something extremely bad happened.

He called Jay multiple times, but it was always not answered and put to voice mail. Eventually, he gave up, and focused on going to sleep.

After a few more light sleeps, he fell into a deep deep sleep, filled with emptiness.
_____
The next day came and Jungwon walked into the classroom, feeling extremely anxious. Was Jay alright? Did he come to school today? He bit his lip down and glanced around the class, but his worried expression turned into relief when he saw Jay sitting with Heeseung and Nicholas, smiling while he talked.

"Good morning!" Jungwon greeted, and all three men looked up. Heeseung and Nicholas greeted him back while Jay just waved.

Hm, that's unusual...he msut be still affected after whatever happened yesterday.

Jungwon sat down beside Jay and placed a hand over his. Jay doesn't react but smiled over at the latter, raising an eyebrow.

"Are you okay?" Jungwon asked as gently as possible, playing with Jay's fingers now. The latter looked into his eyes for a brief moment and sighed.

"Yeah, it's all good now. Sorry about yesterday," Jay replied, smiling to reassure Jungwon. But the smile didn't reach his eyes, and Jungwon knew that. He tilted his head to inspect every inch of Jay's face. It looked tired, with heavy eye bags and slight dark circles around the eyes. He no longer had that spark Jungwon always saw, and he actually looked mentally and physically drained.

"Are...you sure?" the latter pressed, frowning to show he was being serious.

Jay chuckled slightly, ruffling his hair and kissing his forehead. "Yes, Yang, it's all good. Don't need to worry about me, hm?" He looked Jungwon in the eyes and the shorter nodded, convinced.

"If you say so-what?" Jungwon turned to where Heeseung and Nicholas sat, mouths agaped, eyes and mouth smiling.

"Are you two....?"

"Not yet, haha," Jungwon answered. He was planning on telling Jay he was ready after graduation, which was in two days. For the meantime, he just wanted to enjoy the time he had with Jay before they became busy.

Jay smiled and nodded, bringing Jungwon closer to him. The grip on his waist was quite tight, like he was scared Jungwon would float away if he didn't hold on tight. But Jungwon didn't mind. He liked the warmth and secure feeling.

Heeseung groaned and looked away. "Ugh, PDA!!!"

Nicholas rolled his eyes at the older. "Shut up, man. What cuddling did I see you and Jake doing this morning hmmm?" he joked, and Heeseung whacked him on the head.

"Said the coward who can't confess to Hanbin! Like hello? You look so lovestruck whenever you see him it's a bit cringey sometimes," Heeseung scoffed, and Nicholas turned bright red.

"Cringey my ass, I've been stuck with third wheeling for the past month, please let me have my moment," Nicholas begged dramatically, and Heeseung laughed.

Jungwon giggled along, finding the two funny. He looked up from clinging onto Jay's arm and saw the latter lost in thought. His eyebrows were furrowed slightly, and his lips were pursed.

Jungwon's smile fell and he straightened his posture so he could reach Jay's ear.

"Are you sure you're okay?"