Endless solo of solitude | Lookism various x reader

"Of Mountains and Seas".

Jason walks with a bounce in his steps, an arm placed comfortably around your shoulder. He pulls you in closer to his body, preventing you from bumping into a lamp post. Brad, on your other side, keeps complaining about how much his legs hurt. He receives a slap on the head from Jake. And then they go on to bicker like usual.

Your steps fall into a routine, their conversation blocking out the sound of cars and motorcycles passing by. They've decided to skip out on attending their own classes, telling you they can't leave their precious friend to walk by herself on the first day of school. You give a deadpan and remind them they don't need to spend a whole hour accompanying you. Gangseo is far from Gangdong, after all. They share a common look, and then you hear childish sighs from the three of them.

"Seriously," you tell them, "this is the only time I'm letting you miss out on school to walk with me."

Jason pouts and shrugs his shoulders. "I don't hear a thing," he says all too smug, turning to Brad, and asks, "do you hear something, Brad?"

"Nope, I don't hear a thing," Brad replies, an eager smile stretching at his chapped, pale lips.

"Are you two being serious?" you groan, shooting a playful glare.

Jake laughs. "Are they ever?"

They continue to chatter about the most random things, excitedly turning to you for input every few seconds, as you walk down the unfamiliar path. It'll be your new routine everyday. You can't help but grimace slightly. After being used to Duke accompanying you, it's strange to think you won't get to see him often. He won't take you to his grandmother's stall for food. He won't be there to explain the topics you struggle with. He won't comfort you whenever you're a bit too overwhelmed, or when you decide you've had a rough day. The voices blend in the background, your thoughts zoning in on the what-ifs, the whys, and the hows.

You're not sure anymore, but your skin feels like it's been pricked by millions of needles. The sweat piles at your hands, and you find yourself much more nervous than before. You fidget with your skirt, your fingers digging deep into the fabric. And your shoulder slump forward too, almost dragging down Jason, who has his arms around you. He stumbles forward and grabs Brad's pants to steady himself. Jake's hand moves instinctively to cover your eyes, for a moment.

"Shoot." Jason's brows scrunch up. He turns to Brad with wide eyes. "Bro, your pants."

Brad flushes. He stutters over his words, his hands lifting his belt up from where it fell. "What the hell?" he manages to say. His cheeks are so red, even the ripest of apples wouldn't compare. And you notice the cute accent which slips up every time he's startled. You wonder if he's ever mentioned it.

You scratch the back of your neck. "Sorry, that was my bad!" It sounds less apologetic than it really is.

"Nah, it was my fault," Jason intervenes confidently, elbowing Brad. He ignores the wince of pain. He's selfless, is something you notice about him. You don't tell him, but you admire it greatly. It wouldn't have happened if you weren't so distracted.

You adjust your grip on your school bag. A strand of hair falls to cover your vision. You look away. It feels like someone is watching you.

"[Name]," Jake ushers quietly, his voice gentle and steady. It's a pitch lower than usual. You think you like it when he talks softly. "Could you turn this way?" he asks, leaning in closer.

You comply. You've always felt flustered around him. It's been a few days since you bought those keychains. You still need to hand it to him. Today is his birthday; you recall reciting it to the mirror in the morning. Your mother walked in on you, stared for a good second, then apologised, and slowly left while slamming the door shut behind her. You can't even explain what you were doing if you tried.