𝐃𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐌𝐒 & 𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐋𝐈𝐓𝐘 ᶻ 𝘇 𐰁 [ꜱᴇᴏᴋꜱᴏᴏ]

10: 𝘕𝘦𝘸 𝘣𝘰𝘺

⸻ ᶻ 𝘇 𐰁 ⸻

Seokmin sat in his usual seat, staring blankly at the equations on the board. The numbers and symbols blurred together, his mind too occupied with thoughts of Joshua and the strange distance that had grown between them to focus on the lesson. He let out a quiet sigh, wondering if he'd ever figure out how to deal with the mess of emotions inside him.

Just as Seokmin was about to give up on the lecture entirely, the door to the classroom creaked open, drawing everyone's attention. A boy, unfamiliar and slightly nervous-looking, stood at the entrance, accompanied by their maths teacher, Mr. Kang. The boy's eyes darted around the room, as if he were trying to gauge his new surroundings.

❝Everyone,❞ Mr. Kang began, his voice cutting through the low murmur of the class, ❝we have a new student joining us today. Please welcome Zhong Chenle. He's from China, so his Korean might not be perfect just yet. Let's make him feel at home.❞

Chenle stepped forward, a small, shy smile on his face as he bowed slightly. ❝Hello, I'm Zhong Chenle,❞ he said, his voice carrying a noticeable accent but clear enough for everyone to understand. ❝I'm from China, and I'm still learning Korean, so... please be patient with me.❞

There was a polite round of applause and a few murmurs of welcome from the class. Seokmin watched Chenle closely, noting the boy's slight nervousness but also the underlying spark of energy in his eyes.

❝Why don't you take the empty seat next to Seokmin?❞ Mr. Kang suggested, gesturing towards the vacant desk beside Seokmin. ❝He can help you catch up if you need anything.❞

Chenle nodded, giving the teacher a grateful smile before making his way to the seat. As he approached, Seokmin offered him a warm smile, sensing the younger boy's apprehension.

❝Hi, I'm Seokmin,❞ he introduced himself as Chenle settled into the chair beside him. ❝Welcome to the class. If you need any help or anything, just let me know.❞

Chenle's smile widened, his earlier nervousness seeming to fade a little. ❝Thanks, Seokmin. I'd love to be friends if that's okay with you.❞

❝Of course,❞ Seokmin replied easily, his own smile growing as he noticed the boy's enthusiasm. ❝You can hang out with me and my friends if you want. We'd be happy to have you.❞

Chenle's eyes lit up at the offer, his earlier anxiety giving way to genuine excitement. ❝That would be awesome! I was worried I wouldn't make any friends here.❞

Seokmin chuckled at the boy's open excitement, finding his bubbly personality endearing. There was something about Chenle's energy that reminded him of a hyperactive child, and Seokmin felt an instinctual urge to protect him. Not in a romantic way, but more like an older brother looking out for his younger sibling.