SKINNY || HYUNHO

II

Hyunjin entered the school on Monday with a mix of excitement and trepidation. The weekend. But now, as he walked through the crowded hallways, the familiar knot of anxiety tightened in his stomach.

As he approached his locker, he noticed a group of students gathered near the entrance. Minho was at the center, his easy smile and natural charisma drawing people in like a magnet. Hyunjin's heart sank a little. It was clear that Minho was quickly becoming popular, seamlessly fitting into the social fabric of the school.

Hyunjin watched from a distance, feeling a pang of envy mixed with resignation. He didn't want to ruin Minho's newfound popularity by being seen with him. He knew all too well how his own presence could attract unwanted attention and ridicule.

During lunch, Hyunjin opted for a seat at the far end of the cafeteria, away from the bustling crowd. He picked at his food, the once tempting dishes now looking unappealing. He remembered Derek's taunts and felt a wave of self-consciousness wash over him.

Minho spotted him and waved, starting to walk over. Hyunjin's heart pounded. He quickly averted his gaze, pretending not to see. When Minho reached his table, Hyunjin forced a smile.

"Hey, Hyunjin! Why are you sitting here alone?" Minho asked, sliding into the seat opposite him.

"Oh, I just... like the quiet," Hyunjin mumbled, pushing his tray away slightly. "It's easier to think."

Minho looked at him with concern. "You sure? I thought we could hang out. Everyone’s really nice. You should join us."

Hyunjin's stomach twisted. The last thing he wanted was to draw attention to himself. "I... I think I'll stay here," he said, trying to keep his voice steady. "You should go back. I don't want to... you know, mess things up for you."

Minho frowned but didn't push further. "Alright, if you're sure. But I'm here if you need anything."

Hyunjin nodded, relieved but also feeling a deep sense of isolation as Minho walked back to his new friends. He glanced at his untouched lunch, his appetite completely gone. Maybe Derek was right, he thought. Maybe if he ate less, things would be different.

The rest of the day dragged on, each class blending into the next. Hyunjin's mind kept drifting back to the cafeteria, to Minho's concerned expression and the way his own stomach had knotted with guilt and shame. When the bell finally rang, signaling the end of the school day, Hyunjin gathered his things slowly, not eager to face the walk home.

As he walked down the hall, he noticed Derek and his friends hanging out by the lockers. He quickened his pace, hoping to slip by unnoticed. But Derek's sharp eyes caught him.

"Hey, Hyunjin! Lost your way to the cafeteria?" Derek jeered, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

Hyunjin didn't respond, keeping his head down and his steps brisk. He could hear the laughter behind him, a cruel reminder of his daily torment.

Outside, the fresh air did little to lift his spirits. He walked home in silence, his mind a whirlwind of thoughts. As he passed by the bakery, the smell of freshly baked bread wafted through the air, making his stomach growl. He hesitated, looking at the tempting display of pastries. But then Derek's voice echoed in his head, and he shook his head, continuing on his way.

On Tuesday, when he arrived at school, Minho was waiting for him by the entrance. "Morning, Hyunjin!" he called out cheerfully.

"Morning, Minho," Hyunjin replied, feeling a bit of his anxiety fade away.

Then we walked fastly to class, almost getting late.

The bell rang for the first break, and Hyunjin found himself by his locker, putting away his books. He fished out the small sandwich his mother had packed for him, but his appetite had dwindled. He looked at the sandwich, then at the trash can nearby. A fleeting thought crossed his mind – if he didn't eat, maybe he'd lose weight faster. Maybe then they'd stop mocking him.

He shook his head, feeling a pang of guilt for even considering it. But the thought lingered as he carefully wrapped the sandwich back up and slipped it into his bag, deciding he'd save it for later.

In his next class, Hyunjin found it hard to concentrate. His mind kept drifting back to the sandwich, to the gnawing hunger in his stomach, and to the words Derek had thrown at him. He tried to focus on the lesson, but the thoughts kept intruding.

At lunch, Hyunjin took a seat at his usual spot in the far corner of the cafeteria. He pulled out his lunch, but the same sense of guilt and unease washed over him. He glanced around, noticing Minho sitting with a group of students across the room. Minho caught his eye and waved, smiling brightly. Hyunjin waved back, but didn't make any move to join him.

Instead, he unwrapped the sandwich, took a small bite, and then stopped. The food felt heavy in his mouth, and he struggled to swallow. The thought of the calories, the weight, and the ridicule made him lose his appetite. He quietly wrapped the sandwich back up and slipped it into his bag again.

Minho approached his table, a small smile hanging from his lips. "Hey, Hyunjin. Everything okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine," Hyunjin lied, forcing a smile. "Just not very hungry today."

Minho frowned but nodded. "Alright. Just remember, you can always sit with us if you want."

"Thanks, Minho. I appreciate it," Hyunjin said, feeling a mix of gratitude and guilt. He didn't want to drag Minho down with his own issues.

The rest of the day passed in a blur. Hyunjin's thoughts kept circling back to his weight, his appearance, and the constant bullying. He couldn't shake the feeling that if he just changed, things might get better. Maybe if he skipped snacks, ate smaller portions, or even skipped meals, he'd fit in more. The idea was both tempting and terrifying.

As he walked home, Hyunjin's stomach growled in protest. He tried to ignore it, telling himself it was a small sacrifice for a greater good. When he arrived home, he went straight to his room, bypassing the kitchen. He didn't want to face the temptation of food or the questions from his mother.

He sat at his desk, pulling out his sketchbook. Drawing had always been his refuge, a way to escape the harsh realities of his life. He began to sketch, losing himself in the lines and shapes. But even as he drew, the thoughts lingered. If he could just control his eating, maybe he could control his life.

His phone buzzed with a message from Minho, pulling him out of his reverie.

"Hey, Hyunjin. You okay? You seemed a bit off today."

Hyunjin stared at the message, feeling a lump in his throat.

"I'm fine, just a bit tired," he replied. "Thanks for checking in."

"Anytime. Remember, I'm here if you need to talk."

Hyunjin smiled at the message, feeling a bit of warmth in his chest. Minho's friendship was a bright spot in his life, and he didn't want to lose it