pretty | knj. + jjk.

8

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He didn't sleep that night. The look of utter defeat on Jeongguk's face haunted him. He stared at his blank ceiling the entire night, only the worst scenarios and thoughts present.

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Walking into school the next day, Namjoon rushed down the sophomore hallway towards Jeongguk's locker. The tall senior earned a lot of curious eyes; some from genuine curiosity as to why the 6'0" senior was in the sophomore hallway, some oogling at the captain of the football team.

Classes were going to start soon and Jeongguk still hasn't shown up.

Namjoon generally didn't care about showing up to class on time, but he felt uneasy.

The bell rang. Namjoon didn't move.

He stood there for another fifteen minutes before sighing and slumping his shoulders. Namjoon pivoted before walking out of the sophomore hallway and to the senior hall to gather his books.

---
Jeongguk didn't show up to school that day.

Namjoon had caught himself on several occasions, looking for the 5'3" black haired boy when he was moving between classes. He shook his head a little each time, trying to keep his mind in check and focus on whatever his teachers and friends were telling him.

"Ya Joon, you good?" Hoseok waved his hand in front of Namjoon's distant eyes. He had a concerned look on his face, confused why his usually bubbly sarcastic friend kept spacing out. Namjoon gave a half-hearted smile and waved him off.

"Yeah. Didn't sleep last night 'cause I was too busy finishing my homework. Don't worry 'bout it"

He couldn't pull himself to fully focus on what was happening around him.

At lunch, he made up some excuse to his friends, saying that he "had the headache of the Gods," and was going to rest for a while at the nurse's office.

Ms. Nam had noticed his distressed face and dark circles, giving his a concerned look as she approached him.

Namjoon hadn't bothered to answer her when she asked if he was okay.

"Do you know if Jeongguk came to school today?" Ms. Nam gave him a sad look and shook her head.

"I don't know. His teachers phoned me asking if he was here. The office didn't get any phone calls or emails excusing him either"

He nervously fiddled with his fingers, feeling slightly anxious. He nodded and bowed in thanks before leaving.