Fragments of a Soul

Library

A/N: Taesoo doesn't like studying, but James does!

Taesoo had wanted to spend time with James. So, he invited James over to his place. But apparently, James needed to study for his upcoming exams. Taesoo was a bit disappointed that he couldn't be with James today.

But James surprised him by saying that he would come over at Ansan and they could study together in a library. Taesoo didn't like the idea of spending his evening by studying, but he couldn't say no either as he wanted to see James.

~~~

The library was quiet, the soft rustle of pages the only sound as James and Taesoo sat together at a small, dimly lit table. Outside, the autumn evening sun had begun to set, casting golden light through the large windows.

James shifted in his chair, trying to mask his excitement at the thought of studying with Taesoo. Though he'd never admit it out loud, he genuinely enjoyed studying. Taking the books out of his bag, he put the books down on the table and smiled at the thick English textbook in front of them. "Alright, Taesoo. Let's make some progress today, okay?"

Taesoo didn't look up, his eyes still on his phone. He let out a low sigh, flicking through the contents in his phone absentmindedly. "I don't know about this, James. I'm seriously not feeling it." He glanced at the workbook, then turned his gaze to the shelves of books nearby. "This stuff is so boring."

James frowned, a little surprised. He'd always thought of Taesoo as someone sharp, someone who picked up things quickly, and this resistance was unexpected. "Boring? Taesoo, come on. English isn't that bad. It's just—"

"I know, I know," Taesoo interrupted, tossing his phone onto the table and leaning back in his chair. He stared up at the ceiling, his voice quieter now. "I just don't get it. Why do I have to know all these grammar rules and write essays? I'm not going to end up some writer, James. I don't even care about the subject."

James studied him for a moment, taking in the way Taesoo's usually confident expression was soft and a little vulnerable. There was something about the way he looked tonight, with his long-tousled hair and tired eyes, that made James want to reach out.

He bit back the impulse, focusing on the task at hand. "It's not about being a writer, Taesoo," James said softly. "It's about discipline. And if you want to do well in the other stuff you care about, you'll need to get this right."

Taesoo's gaze flicked over to James, his lips curling into a half-smile. "You sound like an old man," he teased, though there was a quiet warmth to his voice that James hadn't expected.

James chuckled, leaning forward, trying to match Taesoo's playful energy. "Well, I'm not an old man, but I don't want you to give up on this. I know you're capable of more than just brushing it off."

Taesoo's smile faded slightly, his gaze softening. "I just don't see the point," he muttered, shifting his weight in the chair and crossing his arms. "I'm not like you, James. You get all this stuff so easily. Me? I'm just not good at it."

James sat back in his chair, his heart giving a little lurch at Taesoo's words. He had always admired Taesoo's strength and confidence, but now he saw a different side—a side that was unsure and maybe even a little scared of failure. He couldn't help himself. "You're not stupid, Taesoo. It's just you're not trying yet."

Taesoo turned to face him, eyes narrowing slightly. "I am trying. But it's hard when everything feels like a wall."

James leaned forward, his gaze intent on Taesoo's face. "I'll help you break down that wall, okay?" His voice softened, almost tender. "I promise. We'll take it step by step."