𝑠𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑛

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The next day, Jaeyun walked into school with the bruises on his face still visible. Jungwon and the others noticed immediately and asked him what had happened, but Jaeyun just brushed it off, saying he fall down from the stairs.

Heeseung, however, noticed the bruises on Jaeyun's hand as well and decided to confront him later. He didn't want to make Jaeyun uncomfortable in front of the others.

As they were about to head to their respective classes, Heeseung pulled Jaeyun into an empty classroom. Jaeyun was startled and tried to wriggle free, but Heeseung held him firm.

"Hey, what's going on?" Heeseung asked, his eyes scanning Jaeyun's face. "Those bruises... they're not from just any accident, are they?"

Jaeyun's glance flickered, and he knew he couldn't escape Heeseung's questioning. Heeseung was stubborn and wouldn't let up until he got the truth.

Jaeyun sighed and rubbed his temples. "Look, Heeseung, just drop it, okay? It's none of your business."

But Heeseung wouldn't back down he again asked. "Why do you care?" Jaeyun snapped, trying to deflect the question. "What's it to you? You're always on top, academically, anyway. You just want to beat me, right? So, just focus on that and leave me alone."

Heeseung's eyes widened in surprise at Jaeyun's outburst. He had never seen Jaeyun like this before.

"Jaeyun, wait!" Heeseung called out as Jaeyun stormed out of the classroom, leaving Heeseung confused and dumbfounded.

But as Heeseung stood there, he realized something. Jaeyun was troubled, and his vulnerable state was showing. Heeseung wanted to help, but Jaeyun was pushing everyone away.

"He's got problems, and he won't let anyone in," Heeseung thought to himself. "But I'm not going to give up on him. I'll find a way to reach him, no matter what."

As Jaeyun entered the classroom, Jungwon asked him where he had been, and Jaeyun replied that he was in the washroom, trying to compose himself after the earlier confrontation with Heeseung.

Heeseung then walked in, followed by the teacher, Mrs. Kim, who announced that the school had organized a summer camp for all students. "As you know, our school emphasizes holistic development, and the summer camp is an integral part of that. It's a week-long program that focuses on teamwork, leadership, and community service."

Jaeyun's heart sank, knowing that he couldn't avoid it. He had been dreading this moment, fearing his mother's reaction.

"But, Mrs. Kim, is it compulsory?" one student asked, and Mrs. Kim nodded. "Yes, it is. The camp is designed to help you all develop essential life skills, and it's a requirement for graduation. You'll be working on projects, participating in team-building activities, and engaging in community service. It's a fantastic opportunity, and I'm sure you'll all benefit from it."

Jaeyun grew anxious, wondering how he would convince his mother to let him go. Would she be angry again? Would she hurt him?

"Jaeyun, what's wrong?" Jungwon asked, noticing his friend's distress. "You look like you've seen a ghost."

Jaeyun hesitated, unsure of how to respond. He didn't want to reveal his true feelings, but Jungwon's concern was genuine.

"I-I don't know if I can go to the camp," Jaeyun stammered. "My mother... she might not let me."

Jungwon's face fell, and he felt sad for his friend. "But it's compulsory, Jaeyun. You have to go."

Heeseung, sitting beside Jungwon, overheard the conversation and felt a pang of concern for Jaeyun. He had never seen Jaeyun like this before, so vulnerable and scared.

"Hey, Jaeyun, don't worry," Heeseung said, trying to reassure him. "We'll figure something out. We'll talk to the teacher, or maybe even your mother."

But Jaeyun just shook his head, feeling hopeless. "You don't understand, Heeseung. My mother... she's not like other mothers."

Heeseung's expression turned determined. He made a mental note to discuss Jaeyun's situation with Jungwon, Sunghoon, and Ni-ki and others, hoping to find a way to help Jaeyun. But for now, he just observed, wondering if Jaeyun would ever open up about his troubles.

As the class continued, Jaeyun's anxiety grew. He couldn't focus on the lesson, his mind consumed by thoughts of his mother's wrath. Would she ever change? Would he ever be free?

Mrs. Kim, noticing Jaeyun's distress, approached him after class. "Jaeyun, is everything okay? You seemed a bit distracted during the lesson."

Jaeyun forced a smile, trying to brush off his concerns. "I'm fine, Mrs. Kim. Just a bit worried about the summer camp, that's all."

Mrs. Kim's expression turned sympathetic. "I understand your concerns, Jaeyun. But I assure you, the camp will be a valuable experience. And if you have any issues with your mother, perhaps we can discuss them together."

Jaeyun nodded, feeling a glimmer of hope. Maybe, just maybe, he could find a way out of this situation after all.

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