Streetrat <Jeongcheol>

29

The two boys left Jeonghan's house separately the next morning. They both had conflicting opinions on how to handle the whole situation, but they ultimately decided to stay quiet about their relationship, as Jeonghan had promised he would do if Seungcheol wished.

Seungcheol left first, getting to school pretty early, and meeting Mingyu, Wonwoo and Hansol in the classroom where they usually went in the mornings. The younger three were already in the room when Seungcheol got there which was weird. It wasn't common for all of them to be so early.

"What's this?" Wonwoo asked, holding up his phone with a twitter page pulled up.

A school gossip page. Seungcheol knew it existed, and he knew he was on it quite frequently. Everytime he would beat someone up, or do something to make people more scared of him than they already were, he was on it. So he wondered why Wonwoo was so worried about it now.

Seungcheol leaned in to read the most recent tweet.

"Choi Seungcheol was caught in the second closet with Yoon Jeonghan."

Seungcheol's eyes widened. He took the phone and scrolled down to read the replies. He was relieved when no one really believed it. But he was a bit unsettled about the things being said about Jeonghan.

"Seungcheol, what the hell?" Wonwoo asked. "Why the fuck would someone tweet that?"

Seungcheol sighed. Maybe telling his friends wasn't such a bad idea. He knew coming out wouldn't be a big deal. Mingyu and Wonwoo were gay, it's not like that would matter at all. It's just the fact that it was Jeonghan that made Seungcheol debate whether he should spill or not. He could lose his entire reputation because of this. But then again, how would he know if he didn't try?

"Maybe because someone saw it?"

The room was silent. 3 pairs of eyes were glued to Seungcheol. They didn't know how to respond. They were completely surprised.

"Wait, what?" Said Mingyu. "Are you saying that that's true?"

Seungcheol shrugged.

"Yeah."

"I still don't understand," said Wonwoo. "What is going on?"

"I'm gay," Seungcheol replied nonchalantly.

"Seungcheol I don't fucking care if you're gay im asking you about Jeonghan."

"I'm... dating Jeonghan."

There was a long pause.

"What the fuck?" Mingyu said, sounding so unable to comprehend the news. "Why?"

Seungcheol shrugged again.

"I like him."

Wonwoo rolled his eyes. And let out a big sigh.

"Seungcheol, stop. Last time I checked, you hated that kid, and now you're suddenly in love with him? What the hell happened?"

Seungcheol didn't say anything. He just stood there with his three best friends staring at him like they didn't know him anymore. He almost felt like it was because he was coming out. He knew it wasn't, but he couldn't help but imagine that this is what it must felt like.

"I know you guys are upset. But can you guys just please understand? I know I'm not one to talk, but I'd really appreciate it if you didn't say anything about it."

"Are you kidding me?" Wonwoo said, scoffing. "Anytime we did something that wasn't right in your eyes, you gave us hell for it! And now you expect us to be so forgiving?"

"I never made you feel like shit because you were dating someone."

"What about all that stuff with Mingyu?"

"That wasn't because you two were dating. That was his fault."

"It makes no sense! I-"

"And let's not forget who got you two back together," Seungcheol interrupted, shooting a icy glare at Wonwoo. "If it wasnt for him, Mingyu would still be treated like shit and you two wouldn't be together. I told you guys this because I trust you, so if you guys don't want me to make your life a living hell, you should keep you damn mouth shut."

Seungcheol then stormed out of the room without another word. He'd hoped his friends would be a bit more supportive than they were. Seungcheol may have looked like the bigger asshole on the outside, but when it came to things outside of school, he was the most caring of the four. Even Hansol who never talked. That kid was probably the worst of them. He's been arrested more than the other three boys combined.

Seungcheol bit back tears that threatened to form in his eyes. He couldn't cry at school. That's the one thing he could never absolutely do. It would ruin him. He made it all the way to his first classroom without letting himself go. He took his seat in the back of the room, noticing that Jeonghan had been there as well.

There were so many good things that came out of getting to school early.

"Seungcheol," Jeonghan said. "You okay?"

"I told Wonwoo, Mingyu and Hansol," Seungcheol replied while laying his head in his arms on the table.

He finally let everything out. He cried into his sleeve, hiding his face from Jeonghan, as he was at school, it was only a habit. A few moments later, he felt a hand on his head and thin fingers combing through his hair.

"I'm sorry," Jeonghan said softly, assuming the bad outcome of Seungcheol telling his friends about their relationship. He crouched next to Seungcheol's desk, resting his chin on the wood so they were at the same level. He watched as the older boys shoulders quiver. He wish he could do more than just sit there, but there wasn't much.

"It pisses me off," Seungcheol choked out. "Like, I've never gotten mad at them for being in a relationship. It's so fucking ridiculous."

He only sobbed more. Jeonghan leaned over to press a kiss to his head, a reassurance that he was there. He hated seeing Seungcheol like this. He wasn't used to people not accepting him. His whole purpose was for people to accept and respect him. But now, he feels like he's lost all of that. It was only three people that he told, but even just that sent his whole world down in flames.

"It'll be okay, cheollie," Jeonghan said softly. Seungcheol looked up and gave a reluctant smile that was just an attempt to make himself feel better. Although it didn't work very well.

Jeonghan kissed his cheek and went back to his own desk, and just in time to. People started entering the room just after he sat down.

Jeonghan and Seungcheol didn't spare a glance for the rest of the morning.

+

I'm sorry this update too forever. It was thanksgiving break, then I got sick, then I had two papers due for school, then I had a play audition. I've been super busy.

I just have a little request.

Can people not leave comments telling me to update? Like it's not a huge issue, but I'm the kind of person who feels super pressured by things like that and it just really pisses me off when people ask me to update. Like, just be patient. I'm not going to abandon any stories. Just wait a bit okay? That's all I ask.

I love you guys :)))