FALLING FOR YOU | Renhyuck

8

Chapter 8:

Renjun’s day had been going reasonably well until the lunch period. He was alone again, retreating to his usual spot near the steps where fewer students gathered. The quiet was a welcome relief from the crowded cafeteria. With his sketchbook open, Renjun tried to focus on drawing, hoping the peace would help him sort through his tangled thoughts.

But as he was sketching, he heard the faint murmur of voices drifting towards him from a corner of the school steps where Jeno and a couple of his friends were chatting. Renjun’s attention was drawn by the familiar sound of Jeno’s voice, and though he tried to ignore it, the conversation grew louder, the words cutting through the silence.

“Renjun is weak,” Jeno’s voice said, filled with disdain. “He can’t even stand up for himself. I know he hates being around Haechan, but he’s so scared to even talk. Like, why can’t he just open up and say it to his face?”

Renjun’s hand trembled, the pencil almost slipping from his grip. The words hit him like a physical blow, each one a sharp reminder of his insecurities. He hadn’t intended to overhear the conversation, but now that he had, he felt a familiar sting—one he thought he had gotten used to after years of being bullied in his old school.

He wanted to leave, to escape the harsh reality of Jeno’s judgment, but he felt rooted to the spot, overwhelmed by the wave of emotions crashing over him. Without thinking, he stood up and fled down the stairs, tears blurring his vision. The cool breeze against his face did nothing to soothe the burning in his chest. He just needed to be away from Jeno’s cruel words, away from the reminder of how insignificant he felt.

As he hurried down the hallway, he didn’t notice Haechan following close behind until he felt a hand on his shoulder. Renjun whipped around, his eyes red and wet. “Go away,” he choked out, trying to brush Haechan’s hand off.

Haechan’s expression was a mixture of concern and frustration. “Renjun, what’s wrong? Why are you running?”

Renjun didn’t answer, unable to articulate the mess of feelings swirling inside him. He turned and started walking faster, his steps echoing down the empty corridor. Haechan stayed right behind him, not giving up.

“Stop,” Haechan said firmly, catching up to him and blocking his path. “You can’t just run away from this. Whatever Jeno said, it’s not worth crying over. You don’t need to take it all in.”

Renjun looked away, unable to meet Haechan’s eyes. “You don’t understand. You don’t get how it feels.”

Haechan’s gaze softened, and he stepped closer, lowering his voice. “I may not understand everything, but I know what it’s like to feel isolated. To have people judge you and think you’re less than you are. And I know that Jeno’s words are wrong.”

Renjun shook his head, fighting back the tears. “It’s not just his words. It’s everything. I’m always the outsider. Even when I try to fit in, it feels like I’m just… not good enough.”

Haechan’s expression hardened with determination. “You need new friends. Friends who actually care about you, who won’t make you feel like you’re worthless.”

Renjun swallowed hard, the lump in his throat making it difficult to speak. “I don’t know if I can just… change things like that.”

“You don’t have to change everything all at once,” Haechan said gently. “But you should at least give yourself a chance to be around people who appreciate you for who you are, not just because you’re there.”

Renjun stared at Haechan, feeling a flicker of hope amidst the sea of his pain. “And what about you? Why do you keep trying to be around me? Aren’t you just messing with me like everyone else?”

Haechan shook his head, a serious look in his eyes. “No. I’m not. I’ve seen how they treat you, and I don’t want to be like that. I don’t want to hurt you. I’m just trying to be here for you.”

Renjun’s heart pounded in his chest, the weight of Haechan’s words sinking in. He wanted to believe that someone could genuinely care, but the scars of his past made it difficult. “I don’t know if I’m ready to trust that.”

Haechan’s gaze softened, and he took a step back, giving Renjun some space. “I understand. It’s okay to be cautious. But just know that I’m here, and I want to be your friend. No matter what you decide.”

Renjun nodded slowly, feeling a strange mixture of relief and apprehension. He wasn’t sure where things would go from here, but for the first time, he felt a glimmer of possibility. Maybe, just maybe, there was room for something different in his life.

As they stood there, the silence between them felt less heavy. Haechan’s presence was a stark contrast to the sting of Jeno’s words, offering Renjun a small but significant comfort.

“You should head back,” Renjun said quietly, not meeting Haechan’s gaze. “I need some time to think.”

Haechan nodded, giving him a reassuring smile. “Take all the time you need. I’ll be here when you’re ready.”

With that, Haechan turned and walked away, leaving Renjun alone with his thoughts. As he watched Haechan disappear down the hallway, Renjun felt a flicker of hope ignite within him, even if it was still fragile and uncertain.

For now, the future felt like an open road, and Renjun was standing at the beginning, ready to take the first step toward whatever lay ahead.

🦊🐻
Tbc...