Aphenphosmphobia » k.jw & w.yh

four.

"Little by little, we human beings are confronted with situations that gives us more and more clues that we aren't perfect."

~ ❀ ~

The next day, Jungwoo went to school, a mess. This had never happened before, maybe because he was too afraid that his Mom would come up at his room again, and beat the shit out of him. So, when he arrived at school, his friends were left shocked, seeing the bluish mark on Jungwoo's face.

"I'm fine." Jungwoo smiled, facing the other way so his bruise wasn't in full display for his friends.

"You don't want to put something there?" Ten asked, genuinely caring for their friend, Jungwoo shook his head, using his slightly long hair to cover up the bluish mark.

"I'm fine, don't worry about me." Jungwoo said, facing his friends with that warming smile of his. His friends nodded, understanding that Jungwoo didn't want them to know what was happening. But deep down, they were clawing at themselves for being such bad friends for letting this happen.

They started walking to their classes, one by one, their friends started dispersing, until it was Jungwoo all alone. He hurried to his class, feeling his heart sink when he saw a familiar brunette standing in front of his classroom's door. He quickly passed through him, but the taller called his name.

"Hey, Jungwoo," Yukhei grinned, Jungwoo smiling a bit in acknowledgment. "I-I was wondering if you wanted to eat lunch with me?" The shorter of the two blinked in disbelief. "I-It's fine if you don't want to..."

"I would love to." Jungwoo found himself answering. Yukhei beamed and smiled, making Jungwoo's heart flutter.

"Great, I'll see you at lunch." Yukhei smiled, running off to his own classroom. Jungwoo's hand unconsciously started rubbing his hurt cheeks, feeling the slight burn as his hand and the mark touched. What have I gotten myself into?

Jungwoo was too busy thinking about a way to cover up his bruise all day, forgetting that he had to listen to the lecture. His mind was drifting away every now and then, making it a lot harder thinking. Even his eyes were giving out on him, the effect of staying up all night because of fear.

The ringing of the bell was Jungwoo's signal that it was time to meet Yukhei. Well, shit. He cursed, keeping all his things inside his bag. He started walking out of his class, clutching the book he didn't need, when a smiling Yukhei appeared in front of him, making him gasp, his book falling from his hand.

"Sorry," Yukhei said, crouching down to pick the book up, but unfortunately, Jungwoo did the same, and Yukhei got a perfect glance of the bluish mark on Jungwoo's flawless face. "What happened?"

"I... My... I fell..." Jungwoo whispered, breaking eye contact from Yukhei, but he could still feel that the taller was looking at him. Yukhei stood up and held Jungwoo's book.

"Be careful next time, okay?" Yukhei said, making Jungwoo's heart flutter again. He watched as Jungwoo got up and nodded, looking away, so the taller doesn't see his bruise again.

"I'm going to tell my friends first, is that alright?" Jungwoo asked, pointing towards Taeil and Ten who were walking side by side while talking to each other.

"Sure," Yukhei grinned, handing Jungwoo his book. "I'll wait here."

Jungwoo reached for his book, and started walking towards Ten and Taeil, who were both startled to see the taller nearing them in such a rush.

"I'm going to eat with Yukhei, is that alright?" Jungwoo whispered, making the two grin at him.

"And why isn't that alright?" Taeil said, smiling proudly at Jungwoo, who had his cheeks turning light pink.

"Go on, go on. We'll just tell the others." Ten added, nodding at Yukhei who was staring at them. "Have fun, okay? Don't let anything get to you."

"I hope so, hyung." Jungwoo smiled. "Thanks."

"Good luck." Taeil said, before pulling Ten away, Jungwoo frowned, and when he looked back, Yukhei was walking towards him.

"Ready?" Yukhei asked, his deep voice going straight into Jungwoo's ear.

"Yeah." Jungwoo answered, then Yukhei started walking. The shorter following behind him.

They started walking through the hallways, and Jungwoo noticed a lot of drooling stares given to Yukhei, which made him realise that Yukhei was someone who's pretty popular inside their school.

"So, I found this new cafe just down the street." Yukhei started, hoping to strike a conversation with Jungwoo.

"And you're taking me there." Jungwoo giggled, still holding his literature book, groaning as he realised he was still holding it.

"I hope you like sweets because they serve a ton of sweets there." Yukhei said, smiling brightly at Jungwoo.

"I like sweets." Jungwoo answered, making Yukhei smile. They eventually stopped, waiting for the traffic lights to turn red so they could cross the street.

"If you really don't mind me asking," Yukhei said, rubbing the back of his neck, making Jungwoo look at him expectantly. "Ah, never mind."

"What is it?" Jungwoo chuckled, letting Yukhei push the door open. He walked inside and was immediately welcomed with the soothing aroma of coffee and something sweet.

"Don't mind it." Yukhei said, motioning for an empty seat. Jungwoo walked to the seat and placed his book down, looking back at the displayed menu on top of the counter. "What would you like?"

"I really don't know," Jungwoo answered, looking at Yukhei's eyes, not really expecting that the taller would be looking at him. "I-I'll get what you'll get."

"Alright, how about drinks?"

"Iced coffee would be nice." Jungwoo grinned, sitting down on the seat. Yukhei left and went to order their food, while Jungwoo sat alone.

His eyes started wandering, the design catching his attention. It oddly looked familiar, but he didn't mind it. Then his mind reminded him of the bruise he had, his left hand touching the sensitive mark, his face flinching from the sudden touch. He bit his lip and removed his hand, just keeping his attention away from the bruise he had. Or anything else that reminded him how cruel the world can be. Just focusing on the things that motivate him to go further, like the brown-haired male walking to him with a smile.

~ ❀ ~

wink wonk

sorry for the wait

ily!