𝐬𝐤𝐮𝐧𝐤 𝐛𝐨𝐲 ; 𝐧𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐦𝐢𝐧

𝐟𝐨𝐮𝐫

The following week, Renjun found a new rhythm amidst the chaos at home. He poured himself into his studies, motivated by his acceptance to NCT University and his promise to his mother. But life, as it often does, had its own plans.

One crisp morning, Renjun walked to school with a sense of purpose. The sun peeked through the clouds, casting a warm glow on the tree-lined streets. He was lost in thoughts of university life when a loud, rumbling engine broke his reverie. A sleek, black motorcycle pulled up alongside him, the rider clad in black leather and a helmet that obscured their face.

"Need a ride?" the rider called out, their voice muffled but unmistakably familiar.

Renjun squinted, trying to make out the face behind the visor. The rider lifted the helmet slightly, revealing a smirk that Renjun recognized instantly. It was Haechan, one of the more mysterious students at school. Known for his rebellious streak and enigmatic presence, Haechan rarely interacted with others.

"Uh, thanks, but I'm almost at school," Renjun replied, unsure of how to react.

Haechan's smirk widened. "Suit yourself, but you're missing out." With that, he revved the engine and sped off, leaving Renjun standing there, bewildered.

As Renjun approached the school gates, he saw Jaemin and Jeno waiting for him, their faces lighting up when they spotted him.

"Morning, Renjun!" Jaemin called out cheerfully.

"Hey, guys," Renjun greeted, still thinking about the strange encounter with Haechan.

"Everything okay?" Jeno asked, noticing Renjun's distracted expression.

"Yeah, just... had a weird run-in with Haechan. He offered me a ride on his motorcycle," Renjun explained.

Jaemin's eyes widened. "Haechan? That's unusual. He doesn't talk to many people."

"Yeah, he's always so aloof," Jeno added. "Maybe he sees something in you, Renjun."

Renjun shrugged, trying to brush off the encounter. "Who knows? Let's just get to class."

The day passed in a blur of lectures and assignments. By the time lunch rolled around, Renjun, Jaemin, and Jeno headed to their usual spot in the school courtyard. They had just settled down with their trays when a shadow fell over their table. Renjun looked up to see Haechan standing there, his helmet tucked under his arm.

"Mind if I join you?" Haechan asked casually, as if it were the most normal thing in the world.

The trio exchanged surprised glances before Jaemin nodded. "Sure, have a seat."

Haechan sat down, his presence instantly changing the dynamic at the table. He looked at Renjun, his eyes glinting with a mischievous spark. "So, Renjun, why didn't you take me up on my offer this morning?"

Renjun shifted uncomfortably. "I just... I don't really know you, and it seemed kind of sudden."

Haechan chuckled. "Fair enough. I'm Haechan, by the way. And now you know me."

"Nice to meet you," Renjun said, feeling a bit more at ease. "Thanks for the offer, though."

"No problem," Haechan replied, taking a bite of his sandwich. "You seem like an interesting guy. Thought we could be friends."

Jaemin and Jeno looked at each other, eyebrows raised. This was definitely not the Haechan they knew from afar.

"So, Haechan," Jeno began, "what made you decide to join us today?"

Haechan leaned back, his expression thoughtful. "I heard about what you did for Renjun in the bathroom, Jaemin. That took guts. I respect that."

Jaemin blinked in surprise. "You heard about that?"

"Word gets around," Haechan said cryptically. "Besides, it's about time I started making some new connections. And you guys seem like a good place to start."

The conversation flowed more easily after that, with Haechan revealing glimpses of his life and interests. They discovered he had a passion for music and played guitar in a garage band. He was also surprisingly knowledgeable about literature, recommending books that Renjun had never heard of but was eager to read.

As lunch came to an end, Haechan stood up, slipping his helmet back on. "See you guys around. And Renjun, the offer for a ride still stands."

Renjun smiled. "Thanks, Haechan. I'll think about it."

That evening, as Renjun sat at his desk working on homework, his phone buzzed with a message. It was from Haechan.

"Hey, there's a small gig my band is playing tomorrow night. You should come. Bring Jaemin and Jeno too."

Renjun's heart raced with excitement. He had never been to a live gig before. He quickly replied, "Sounds awesome. We'll be there."

The next day, Renjun shared the news with Jaemin and Jeno, who were equally thrilled. That night, the trio found themselves in a dimly lit garage, filled with the buzz of anticipation. The makeshift stage was set, and Haechan's bandmates were tuning their instruments.

Haechan spotted them and waved, a genuine smile on his face. "You made it!"

"We wouldn't miss it," Jaemin replied, the excitement evident in his voice.

As the band started playing, Renjun felt a surge of energy. The music was raw and powerful, a mix of rock and punk that resonated deeply. Haechan was a force on stage, his presence magnetic.

During a break between songs, Haechan dedicated a song to Renjun, Jaemin, and Jeno. "This one goes out to some new friends," he announced, his eyes locking onto Renjun's. "Thanks for giving me a chance."

The crowd cheered, and the trio felt a warmth spread through them. It was a night of firsts, of new friendships, and of discovering the unexpected bonds that can form when you least expect it.

As they left the gig, the night air cool against their skin, Renjun felt a sense of belonging he hadn't known before. With Jaemin, Jeno, and now Haechan by his side, he knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, he wouldn't face them alone.

The future, once so uncertain, now seemed filled with promise and the thrill of uncharted adventures.