Angels and Devils (JeongCheol)

At Least I Tried

Seuncheol's POV

I sat outside, alone in the cold weather. I was right outside of the school trying to finish my science homework. Yeah, I know what you're thinking: why don't you just go inside. Well, I don't know. I like it out here ok?

"When can we leave?" asked Winter from behind me. "Staying at school after hours gives me a headache."

"Yeah, yeah, give me a minute." I said.

"Can't you just do your homework at home? Isn't that the whole point of it?" said Winter.

"Just be patient, alright? I'm almost done." I told her. Well, I wasn't.

"Fine. But you're the one who's going to have to pay extra for Kaden's babysitting." said Winter, swinging back and forth from her tip toes to her heels.

"We can't afford that, dammit." I said quietly. I picked up my stuff and started walking towards my aunt's car that she gave me in her will. Then I spotted Joshua on the other side of the parking lot.

"Hey! Where are you going?" said Winter when I dumped all my stuff on her and started running towards Joshua. I caught him just before he got inside his car.

"Wait, wait, wait!" I said, grabbing his elbow.

"What do you want?" he asked.

"Nice try but you're not as scary as Hoshi." I said, letting him go. "Look, I need a favour." I said.

"Why would I do you a favour?" asked Joshua.

"I just need you and all your friends to meet me in study hall tomorrow after school. Everyone but Jeonghan." I said.

"Why would I make all my friends stay in school after hours for the likes of you?" asked Joshua.

"Simple. Because you're curious." I said, as I turned around and walked back to my car, where Winter was struggling to get everything in the back seat. She sat in the front seat next to me.

"What was that about?" she asked.

"Seat belt on." I said, as I put on my seat belt and started the car.

Joshua's POV

I sat with all the boys at the cafeteria the next day, frowning at the table. I really didn't know what to do. On one hand I didn't trust Seungcheol at all. On the other I reeeeeeally want to know what he wants. Plus he said that he wants everyone but Jeonghan there so I'm guessing it has something to do with Jeonghan. The problem, I don't know how we're going to shake off Jeonghan or find Hoshi. I don't know why but Hoshi doesn't want to hang out with us if Jeonghan's there.

"Guys, I'm going to the library. I'll see you in math, Joshua." said Jeonghan. He got up and left and as soon as he was out of sight, Hoshi came out of no where and took his place.

"Why are you frowning at the table like that?" asked Hoshi. Well that was easier than I thought.

"Ok well, I was thinking whether or not we should go-" I said.

"Go where?" asked Dokyum.

"I was getting to that." I said. "Yesterday, Seungcheol stopped me in the parking lot just before I could get in my car."

"What did he do?" asked Minghao.

"Nothing." I said.

"That doesn't seem right. What did he want?" asked Woozi.

"Well, he asked if we could meet him in study hall today. Now." I said.

"Now?" repeated Dokyum.

"Yeah. I'm scared though, what if he and his friends are planning something stupid?" I asked.

"I say we go and see what he wants." said Minghao.

"No. Bad idea." said Hoshi.

"Why?" asked Woozi.

"Because. You know those guys. They only want trouble. This is a horrible idea." said Hoshi, crossing his arms and sitting back in his chair.

"I still say we go." said Dokyum.

"Honestly, Hoshi, normally I'd agree with you, but these have tried making our lives hell for the past four years and have failed so far." I said.

"So what's the harm in seeing what else they can throw at us?" asked Minghao. Hoshi sat there, thinking for a moment.

"Fine. But if anything bad happens, it's on all of you." said Hoshi, standing up like everyone else.

We made our way to the study hall and entered. As we went inside, I expected to see Seungcheol and all his friends waiting at one table, but it was just Seungcheol. Like he said. Hm. This will be interesting.

Seungcheol's POV

I waited at a table in study hall, not even positive if they'll show up. I really hope they do though. I need to figure this out with them.

Suddenly, someone sat facing me and plonked their feet on the table.

"You wanted to talk." said Hoshi. Behind him were his friends, who all sat down beside him, facing me. For such angels, when they all sit with blank expressions staring at you expectantly, they're pretty intimidating.

"Yes. Look I wanted to talk about Jeonghan." I said.

"We figured. Let us start." said Joshua. I nodded. "Why do you want to hang out with him so bad?"

"I was actually going to talk to you about that. See I wanted to know why it's such a bad thing that me and Jeonghan hang out." I said.

"Answer our question and we'll answer yours." said Woozi.

"Ok. Well, you see... I don't know why I want to hang out with him so bad. He's a cool guy, ok? I hang out with him for the same reasons you do. Because he's likeable, and nice, and he's just genuinely a great person." I said.

"Unlike you." mumbled Hoshi.

"You know nothing about me, Soonyoung." I said. Maybe I should tone it down a bit. "Now answer my question."

"Because you're one of them." said Joshua simply.

"Them? What about them? They are my friends." I said.

"That's exactly why we can't trust you, Seungcheol." said Hoshi. "We may not know you but we know the people you're associated with. And trust me, the people you talk to do affect your image. If that's all you have to say, lets go guys."

"Wait!" I said. They stopped what they were doing and looked at me. "Look. I want all of us to be able to get along. Not just me and Jeonghan and not just me and you guys. All of us. Including my friends."

"Why exactly would we want to be friends with those jerks." asked Dokyum.

"I know the things they've done, trust me, I do." I said pleadingly. "But isn't there a way we can put that behind us? Maybe start over?" They all looked at Hoshi who kept his gaze locked on me. He didn't say anything, but turned and walked away, followed by the rest of them. "I'll take that as a no. At least I tried." I grabbed my stuff and left, feeling discouraged.

~~~

Hey guys. What's up? I have nothing to say and I'm curious so do y'all have anything planned for this weekend? How was your week? What happened at school today?