Just Before The Dawn [DaeJae]

Five

It was in the afternoon, school had just ended and Junhong and Daehyun were on their way to the latter's home, since they planned to do homework together.

"By the way, what did Mr Kim want from you earlier?" the older asked as they reached the bridge.

"Oh, he just told me to study more, because I failed that last test, you know."

"I see."

"But! I wasn't the only one he talked to. That guy you helped in the hallway the other day was also there and he's really bad at school as it seems."

"Worse than you? Is that even possible?" Daehyun said jokingly and Junhong laughed.

"I'm not that bad tho, it's just math that kills me. But from what I heard that guy has really horrible grades. I talked to him for a bit and he said he has no interest in getting better and he doesn't care about grades or school at all. Mr Kim seemed pretty pissed about that and looked like his was about to explode when I left... I had no idea he could be that angry."

"I'm not surprised about that. Remember when Ms Park sent me to get Mr Kim? When I reached the classroom I could hear him yell at someone about being late or something. Then I went inside and he stood in front of that boy, who looked like he was crying."

"The same boy?"

"Yeah. I guess Mr Kim doesn't like him too much. I mean, we both know how much he hates it when someone's late."

"Damn... And I left that Yoo-guy alone with him... I hope it didn't end too bad for the boy..."

"Yoo? Is that his name?"

"Yep. Well, his last name, of course. I don't know his full name."

Daehyun nodded in understanding, then they stopped at a red light and he spotted someone a few meters away from them. "Hey look, isn't that him?"

The younger followed his look and nodded. "Yeah."

Daehyun raised an eyebrow. "He's standing a bit too close to the street, don't you think?"

"Agree. Dude, if someone drives a bit too close to the pavement, they'll hit him..." 

"Why do I feel like he's aware of that..." Daehyun mumbled, then sighed. "I'll go talk to him." 

"Are you sure? I don't think he likes talking to us very much... I mean, remember his reaction when you helped him." 

"I don't care if he likes it, I don't want him to get hit by a car." 

"You're right, but... I think you're not needed anymore." Junhong said, as the light turned green and the boy quickly made his way across the street. 

... 

"Mom, I'm home! I brought Junhong!" Daehyun exclaimed as they entered his parent's house. The boys took their shoes off, then went to the kitchen, where the found Daehyun's mother and his little dog, Kanji, which happily came running to greet his owner. 

Laughing, Daehyun took the fluffy animal in his arms. "This guy alwaus acts like I've been away for years." 

"Well, he's really bored while you're away with nobody to play with him." his mother said, smiling at the boys. "How's school been?" 

"It was alright. But Junnie got in trouble because he's such a bad student." Daehyun grinned and Junhong softly hit him. 

"Ya. Stop it." 

"Well, I guess this is something you two don't have in common." His mother smiled and got up from the chair she was sitting on. "I have to go to work now, have fun today, boys. If you get hungry, I put some noodles in the fridge." 

"Thanks mom. Have fun at work." 

The woman laughed and left the room, the two boys went to Daehyun's room. 

Junhong sighed and lied on his best friend's bed. "I know we wanted to study, but... I'm so tired..." 

"No, no, no, don't start this now." Daehyun sat on his chair and threw a magazine at the younger. "We're studying. Now. Then we can play video games but first we do school stuff." 

"Ugh... Fine..." The boy got up. Then, both of their phones signalled a new message. 

They took their phones and checked the message, it was from their class group chat. 

Jiyoung: Guys look what someone from the neighbor class just sent me lmao 

Jiyoung: [Photo] 

The boys looked at the picture. It was a photo of a sheet of paper with something written on it. It sounded like a part of a story about two boys in a relationship. 

"I don't get it." Junhong said and texted back. 

Junhong: What's that? 

Jiyoung: They found that in the bag of that weird Youngjae guy. I always knew he's a fag lol 

"Dude..." Junhong looked at Daehyun who stared at his phone, clearly angry. "Dae, are you okay?" 

"Why are people like this?" The older said quietly and put his phone away. "Junnie, let's play some video games. I need distraction or I might go and punch Jiyoung."