What Can I Do

Chapter 8 ~I'm getting worried about how much I'm starting to like your hugs

After multiple reassurances and comforting words on Wonpil's part, Dowoon had fallen back asleep on Wonpil's bed. Wonpil spent a few extra minutes just sitting on the best next to the boy, stroking his hair, noticing that it calmed him down.

He felt fierce protectiveness wash over him as he noticed how the boy curled up into a ball unconsciously as he slept.

Wonpil immediately got up and grabbed his phone to text Sungjin, telling him he couldn't make it to the fair tomorrow. They usually went every year together, but Wonpil decided it would be better if he didn't go this time and stayed home to take care of Dowoon instead.

He didn't know what happened to the boy, or the reason he was running away, but seeing the boy sleep on his bed made him realize just how vulnerable Dowoon was. Wonpil wanted to protect him from everything he was running from.

Sungjin immediately texted back that it was fine and Wonpil felt slightly hurt that his friend didn't even care whether he was there or not. He didn't inquire over the reason Wonpil was not going, and Wonpil had the depressing thought that Sungjin had forgotten they were even going to go together.

He sighed, looking at his phone, before looking back at the bed where Dowoon was sleeping. He walked up to the side of the bed where Dowoon lay and bent down next to the bed.

Dowoon's face looked even younger when he was asleep and so peaceful, not like only a couple minutes ago when he was close to panicking.

Thinking about the boy's situation, he wondered what he could do for him. It was obvious the boy was running away from home, if the clothes and money in his duffle bag were any indication. He probably didn't have any place to stay, and although Wonpil didn't know what happened, he was sure Dowoon would not want to go back to his own house.

Wonpil had a bleeding heart, and coupled with the fact that the boy had tried to commit suicide, he couldn't let him live out on the streets or at a shelter.

He decided that Dowoon was to stay with him, in his house. He was sure his parents would not mind, they were always supportive of Wonpil and were the kindest people he knew. His older sister had left for university two years ago, so the house had a spare room where Dowoon could sleep. His resolution reaffirmed, he got up to begin preparing Dowoon's new room.

~~

Dowoon woke up for the second time in the unfamiliar place and instantly remembered he was in Wonpil's room. He sat up slowly, assessing his situation.

Wonpil was nowhere in the room and his duffle bag was still in the corner. He got up from the bed and made his way over to his bag. He let out a breath of relief when he saw that everything was intact and nothing was missing. He grabbed the bag and spotted the door.

He couldn't stay here. He had to find someplace to stay and live until graduation. Then he could hightail out of here and get into a university across the country. It was a good dream, but only made Dowoon realize how desperate his situation was.

Graduation was only a month away and his grades were less than stellar. He always skipped class to go to the rooftop, the only escape he had from his father and everyone else.

He regretted all the lessons he skipped. There was no way he was going to pull through with the grades he had now, unless he aced the exam.

He played with the idea of just dropping out of school, but quickly shook it away. There was no way anyone would hire him without even a high school diploma. He would be working at fast food chains for the rest of his life; barely enough to even get the cheapest one bedroom apartment.

There in lay another problem about where he was to live for now. He would definitely not be going back to his father's house and the rooftop could only serve its purpose for so long.

He began to hyperventilate, thinking about his current situation. How was he even still alive? He did not go on the rooftop with the intention to throw himself off it, but now that it was unsuccessful, he secretly wished it had worked.

The only thing he knew was that he needed to get away as fast as he could. Get away from this house. Get away his father. Get away from the tiny bit of kindness and comforting words Wonpil had whispered to him. Get away before he gets attached. He quickly stood and started towards the door of the bedroom. He almost made it to the stairs before almost colliding into Wonpil. Wonpil stared at Dowoon, who began fidgeting under his stare.

"Where are you going?" Wonpil asked concernedly, eying the duffle bag over his shoulders.

Dowoon looked uncomfortable and just shrugged, wanting to get out of there quickly.

Wonpil's eyes widened and immediately grabbed Dowoon's hand.

"There is no way you're leaving. Look, I don't know what happened to you, or what you're running from. But, I do know that you probably have no place to go right now and I am not going to let you throw yourself off the roof again!" Wonpil passionately said, gripping Dowoon's hand tightly.

Dowoon had stilled ever since Wonpil had first grabbed his hand, and now stared into Wonpil's eyes. Wonpil did not back down and continued looking straight at him.

Nobody had ever cared about Dowoon after his mother's death and hearing someone passionately defend and care about him left him shocked.

He was still looking at Wonpil with his mouth open when Wonpil spoke again, more softly this time.

"You're staying here." He said, gently, noticing he had taken the boy back a bit. "With me. Here, in my house. Okay?" Wonpil started rubbing small circles into the hand he was gripping, loosening his hold slightly.

Dowoon should have said no, he tried to shake his head. There was a funny feeling in his stomach, and he could barely focus with Wonpil rubbing his hand.

He realized, however, that he would never survive without Wonpil's help. In a moment of weakness, he lowered his head and nodded ever so slightly.

Wonpil saw this all and breathed out in relief.

He drew Dowoon into his arms again, which left Dowoon worrying about how much he began to like Wonpil's hugs.

~~