FALLING FOR YOU | Renhyuck

9

Chapter 9:

The following days at school felt both heavy and hopeful for Renjun. The echo of Jeno’s words still haunted him, but Haechan’s unexpected kindness was a persistent reminder that not everyone saw him as weak. The corridor felt a bit more navigable, the conversations less daunting, and the prospect of something new seemed just within reach.

Renjun’s interactions with Haechan remained sporadic but pleasant. They would exchange brief but meaningful conversations whenever they crossed paths, and each encounter left Renjun feeling a bit more hopeful. Yet, he remained wary, unsure of how to fully embrace this newfound support.

Jeno, on the other hand, continued his usual behavior, his annoyance with Haechan clear whenever they were in the same vicinity. Renjun noticed the tension between them, but he chose to keep his distance, focusing on his own path rather than getting entangled in their rivalry.

One afternoon, as Renjun was headed to the library to escape the bustling cafeteria, he heard familiar voices coming from the stairs. His heart sank as he recognized Jeno’s voice among them. He wasn’t in the mood for another confrontation or even the potential for more hurtful remarks. Instead of heading straight to the library, he decided to take a different route through the art hallway.

As he walked quietly through the empty corridor, he passed by an open classroom where Chenle was busy with a group project. Chenle looked up and spotted Renjun, his face lighting up with a warm smile. “Hey, Renjun! You look like you’re in need of some company.”

Renjun hesitated but then returned the smile. “Actually, I was just trying to avoid the cafeteria crowd.”

Chenle’s eyes sparkled with mischief. “Perfect timing then! We’re taking a break. Want to join us? We could use another pair of hands.”

Renjun agreed, grateful for the distraction and Chenle’s friendly presence. As he entered the classroom, he noticed Jisung was also there, working on a sketch of his own. The atmosphere was light and filled with laughter, a stark contrast to the tension he had felt earlier.

Chenle handed Renjun a stack of papers and a sketchpad. “We’re working on a mural project for the school. It’s been pretty fun so far.”

Renjun’s mood brightened as he got involved in the project. The conversation with Chenle and Jisung flowed effortlessly, filled with light banter and creativity. For the first time in a while, he felt like he belonged somewhere, if only for the afternoon.

Meanwhile, outside the classroom, Haechan had been keeping an eye on Renjun from a distance. After their previous conversation, he had been trying to respect Renjun’s space while still offering support when needed. Seeing Renjun with Chenle and Jisung, his heart warmed. He could tell Renjun was in better spirits, and that was a relief.

“Hey, Haechan!” A voice called out, pulling him from his thoughts. It was Jaemin, looking curious. “What’s got you hanging around the art hallway?”

Haechan forced a smile. “Just passing by. Saw Renjun with Chenle and Jisung. Didn’t want to interrupt.”

Jaemin glanced towards the classroom, noticing Renjun’s engaged demeanor. “Good to see he’s found some good company.”

Haechan nodded. “Yeah. I hope he’s finding the support he needs.”

Jaemin looked thoughtful. “You know, I think you’re doing a good job with him. It’s not easy to break through someone’s walls, especially when they’re as guarded as Renjun.”

Haechan shrugged, trying to appear casual. “Just doing what I can. I know what it’s like to be judged and feel like an outsider.”

Jaemin studied Haechan for a moment, his expression softening. “You’re not as bad as everyone makes you out to be, you know.”

Haechan raised an eyebrow. “That’s a compliment, right?”

Jaemin chuckled. “It is. And for what it’s worth, I think you’re making a difference. Just keep being there for him.”

With that, Jaemin walked away, leaving Haechan alone to reflect on their conversation. As he watched Renjun laugh and interact with his friends, he felt a sense of satisfaction. He knew it wasn’t about changing everything overnight but about making small, positive impacts.

Later that afternoon, as school was winding down, Haechan decided to check in with Renjun one more time. He found him by his locker, the day’s worries melting away as he prepared to head home. Haechan approached with a casual air, but his eyes were full of warmth.

“Hey, Renjun,” Haechan said, leaning against the locker next to him. “How’s the mural coming along?”

Renjun looked up, surprised but pleased to see Haechan. “It’s going well. Chenle and Jisung are great to work with. Thanks for asking.”

Haechan smiled. “I’m glad you’re enjoying it. I was thinking... maybe we could hang out this weekend? Do something fun, just the two of us.”

Renjun’s heart skipped a beat, a mix of excitement and apprehension filling him. “What did you have in mind?”

Haechan’s grin widened. “How about a movie marathon? I promise, no teasing. Just us, some good films, and maybe some popcorn.”

Renjun’s eyes softened. “That sounds nice. I’d like that.”

Haechan’s smile was genuine and unguarded. “Great. It’s a date then.”

As they stood there, the weight of the previous days seemed to lift, replaced by a new sense of possibility. Renjun was still cautious, still unsure of what lay ahead, but Haechan’s gesture offered a glimpse of something different—something promising.

As they said their goodbyes and went their separate ways, Renjun couldn’t shake the feeling that things were starting to change. The road ahead was still uncertain, but for the first time in a while, he felt like he was moving towards something better. And with Haechan by his side, perhaps it wasn’t as daunting as it had once seemed.

🦊🐻
Tbc...