He's Beautiful

chapter 6

It was break time, and I didn't feel like eating, so I decided to head to the kennel. It was quiet there, and I needed the space to think.

When I arrived, I spotted a boy with orange hair sitting cross-legged on the ground, scratching Buddy's ears. It could only be him—no one else ever came here.

I hesitated behind him, suddenly feeling awkward.

How was I supposed to start a conversation?

My palms were sweaty, and my heart was annoyingly loud in my chest. We have been roommate for almost 3 weeks. We have engaged in small talk here and there, I have seen much more than I supposed to, and have known a lot about things I myself wasn't sure if its alright for me to know, but despite everything, being alone with him still wasn't easy for me. There is something about him that is different from others, something that I can't quite put my head around.

"Don't you want to sit?"

His question made me jump. My eyes widened.

Crap. He knew I was here.

"Uh... you knew I was standing here this whole time?" I asked sheepishly, finally moving to sit beside him.

"Who else would it be? You're the only one bold enough to come here," he said without looking at me, his hand still petting Buddy's head.

I nodded, awkwardly rubbing the back of my neck. The silence between us was thick, and my mind raced for something—anything—to say.

Why did being near him feel so... heavy?

"Have you eaten yet?" he asked suddenly, his eyes locking onto mine. There was something about the way he looked at me—calm but intense—that made my breath hitch.

I fumbled for an answer. "Uh, yes! I'm full," I lied, forcing a wide grin and patting my stomach like an idiot.

He sighed, reaching into his bag. "I know you haven't eaten. Here, take this." He held out a pack of cheese bread.

"Oh, no, it's okay! Really, I'm not hungry—"

"Take it," he said firmly, grabbing my hand and prying my fingers open. He placed the bread in my palm like it was non-negotiable.

I stared at him, my cheeks heating up. "Thanks, but you didn't have to—"

"Eat it," he cut me off, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Before I could respond, he gave Buddy a final pat and stood up, walking away without another word. I watched him go, the bread still clutched in my hand.

What was up with him today? He'd never been this nice to me before. It was... unsettling. Sweet, but unsettling.

"Thanks, Jimin," I muttered softly to myself, tucking the bread into my bag.

I turned my attention back to Buddy, scratching behind his ears. "You know," I said, "he's changed so much since I got here. Do you have any idea what's going on with him? No? Me neither." Buddy stared at me blankly, his tail wagging.

RING!

The bell snapped me out of my thoughts, and I scrambled to my feet. I sprinted down the hallway, hoping to make it to class on time. But just as I turned a corner, I slammed headfirst into something solid.

The impact knocked me flat on my back. Pain shot through my skull, and I groaned, rubbing my head.

"Watch where you're going!" a deep, angry voice snapped.

I looked up—and my blood ran cold. Standing over me was Jangsuk, the biggest bully in school. His face was already red with anger, his fists clenched tightly at his sides.