Friend {SoonHoon}

eleven

-Three Years Ago-

"Chan, wait up!" Chan heard someone calling after him.

He wanted to ignore them and continue walking until he reached his house. He wanted to lock himself inside and forget the horrible day he had, but he stopped anyway. He knew Seungkwan wouldn't let him get far. Besides, he hadn't done anything wrong. It would be unfair of him to be so mean. Seungkwan caught up to him and frowned. 

"Why are you wearing your hat so low? Can you even see where you're going?" He teased.

When Chan didn't respond or even laugh, his friend grew more concerned and swiftly took the hat from his head before the other could protest. It was evident by the shock in Seungkwan's eyes that it was too late. He'd seen it all.

"They beat you again, didn't they?" Seungkwan asked with a sigh.

He didn't even need to clarify who they were. They were the same people that had beaten Chan up since he started high school. The same people who had made Chan's life a living nightmare and turned him from a bright and humorous person to a quiet and timid one. They stole his spark from him, something Seungkwan would never forgive them for. Chan wordlessly snatched his hat back and placed it firmly on his head. He continued walking, Seungkwan following close behind, not wanting to leave him alone.

"What was it about this time?" He tried.

Chan shrugged. "Who knows. Maybe I didn't get their drinks fast enough or maybe I didn't get an answer right when doing their homework. It could be a number of things."

Seungkwan walked in front of Chan and stopped in place, forcing the other to stop as well.

"We have to put an end to this. It isn't right." He protested. "I mean, you can't go through this anymore."

Chan sighed once more. "What exactly are we going to do? Tell a teacher?" He asked sarcastically.

"If we have to," Seungkwan replied seriously.

Chan only scoffed. "Yeah, like that will work. You know they don't care as long as we get good grades. In fact, I'm sure the teachers are happy I'm doing those bastards' homework since they're finally getting good grades."

Seungkwan went to say something, but Chan didn't give him the chance. "Besides, there's only one semester left until graduation and then it all be over. I just have to hold out until then."

Seungkwan looked at his friend feeling defeated. He wanted to help him. He hated to see him suffer, but he knew he couldn't help if Chan didn't want the help. He could only stay by his side and that was what he intended to do.

"Alright. If that's what you want, I respect that, but promise me one thing." Seungkwan urged.

"What?"

"When it comes time, you'll fight back."

"I promise."

Two weeks passed since that interaction. Chan had tried keeping his head held high as he told himself he would, but it was becoming more and more difficult. The bullying was worsening and Chan's skin was more black and blue than it was tan. Still, he held himself together and tried to focus on Seungkwan's voice as he chatted during their walk to school.

"Oh, I just downloaded the new expansion pack. Wanna come over after school and check it out with me?" Seungkwan asked, pulling Chan out of his deepest thoughts.

Chan nodded, even though he didn't feel up for much lately. He couldn't refuse Seungkwan. Not when he was being such a good friend to him.

"Sure, that sounds fun."