Class 3 Romance (bxb)

Ha Joon - Treats

Ha Joon stared down at his school desk. When he had left for break between classes it had been empty. Clear of books, homework and his drawings. Now a wrapped choco-pie sat in the corner of his desk. Someone had to have left it by accident. Placed it there for a moment, then forgotten. No one would put a treat on his desk intentionally. He lifted the choco-pie to call out for its intended owner. He couldn't leave it there. Once the real owner came looking for it he knew he'd be in serious trouble if anything happened to it. As he lifted it a small handwritten note fell off the bottom of the treat and floated to the floor at his feet. He bent down to pick it up. It simply said
Welcome to our school
It didn't make sense. The treat was actually for him and not some mistake. Ha Joon's fingers tightened possessively around the choco-pie. He looked at the note again. The writing was simple. Neither feminine or masculine. Ha Joon looked around the room. There were a few people there with him. Min Ji and Woo Jin were up front at his desk, leaning over some school book, talking to each other. Two girls were giggling about something in the far corner. One of them met his eyes and giggled even more. Could it be them? Could a girl have actually given him a treat? If it was one of them, it was only a cruel joke. No girl had ever liked him. He tossed the choco-pie and note into his desk. He wouldn't give them the satisfaction of eating it now for their gossiping eyes.
From inside his desk he pulled out his notebook and hunched over to begin his newest creation, a two headed snake with eyes covering its body. Ha Joon worked on his drawing through the rest of break, though he didn't get very far. His mind would not rest thinking about the sweet treat left on his desk. He wanted to blame the girls. Point the finger at them for teasing him. But the note wasn't rude, threatening, or mean. Even if it was them, there was no reason to believe the worst. And yet Ha Joon couldn't let it go. If history had taught him anything he had plenty of reason to be wary. Just because Woo Jin promised there was no bullying at the school it didn't mean it was true.
With the final minutes of break the last few students rushed in, slipping into their seats before the warning bell could ring. Ha Joon put away his notebook and pulled out his English textbook. For now the treat would remain in his desk and a mystery.

Ha Joon cocked his head sideways. Another day, another treat. It was only his third day at school, and for the second day a treat had mysteriously appeared on his desk. A plastic container filled with what he assumed to be hand made rice cakes. Ha Joon looked around the room, but this time he was alone. At the break he'd only run to the restroom and returned right away instead of heading to the snack room. He'd only been gone a few minutes. Just enough time for someone to leave the container and disappear. He pulled the previous day's choco-pie back out from inside his desk and placed it next to the rice cakes. They seemed innocent enough. No ulterior motive to why they had been given to him. He picked up the rice cakes and noticed another little note stuck to the bottom.
I hope you like it here.
Again the writing was simple. No flowery text or hearts to indicate a girl attempt at flirting, and yet why would a guy be leaving treats on his desk. It didn't make any sense at all. Ha Joon risked opening the lid of the rice cakes. He pressed his nose close to the container and sniffed. They smelled fresh and sweet. He lifted one out. It stuck to his fingers. He slowly brought it to his mouth his eyes searching the room, waiting for the surprise. Waiting for the room to erupt in laughter from his hidden classmates as he ate the joke food. He took a tiny bite off the end. The room remained quiet. The sticky dough of the rice cake was sweet. His teeth peeled just enough away to reveal a red bean filling. Ha Joon licked his lips. He took a bigger bite. The sweet taste filled his mouth. The treat was real. There was no trick behind it. Ha Joon stuffed the whole rice cake in his mouth. His cheeks puffed like a chipmunk as he chewed the sticky treat.
As he swallowed he heard voices in the hallway. His classmates were returning. He slid the remaining rice cakes and choco-pie back in his desk. He would save both for later. He tried to stop the smile that was spread across his cheeks, but he couldn't stop himself. Someone was actually being nice to him.The door to the classroom rattled loudly but did not open. Ha Joon couldn't stop the snicker that slipped through his lips as he heard a voice on the side mumble a few choice curse words. A moment later the door slid open revealing Woo Jin with a hand on his head. His eyes met Ha Joon's.
"Are you laughing at me?" Woo Jin asked.
Ha Joon's heart stopped, his blood ran cold. The feeling of joy he'd felt for two seconds flew away, replaced by a dark dread that was a familiar companion in his life. This was what he'd been waiting for. Next would come the beating for daring to laugh at the popular boy.
"N..No." Ha Joon stammered. "I wouldn't dare."
"Huh? Why not? Honestly it was pretty funny." Woo Jin rubbed at his forehead.
"What? I don't...What?" Ha Joon grasped for anything to say. His mind already spinning from his first emotional upheaval. He couldn't switch back as quickly.
"I cannot count how many times I've walked into that door. You'd think I'd have figured it out by now." Woo Jin pulled his books from his desk. Ha Joon watched him as he moved. He didn't act like he was about to spring into action. As if any second he was planning to use him as his own personal punching bag. Instead he looked concerned. Ha Joon turned his head quickly. He'd been caught staring.
"Hey you okay? You look a little pale?"
"Fine. Fine. I think I just ate something bad." Ha Joon rubbed his stomach, giving an obvious lie but hoping it was enough.
"Oh." Ha Joon couldn't help but notice the minor look of pain on Woo Jin's face. "I see. I hope it's nothing serious."
"I'll be fine."
The door to the classroom rattled and banged as a large group of students poured through the opening. Their voices drowning out any possibility of further conversation. Ha Joon, while hating the noise, couldn't help but appreciate the timing. The less he talked the better. Even with the promises that this was a better school he wanted to continue with his plan, keep his head low and make it through the next two years as invisible as possible.

"Mr. Jang wanted me to remind everyone of the test he has planned for later today. Don't be late for his class." Mrs. Park stopped and looked around the room giving certain people long stares. Her eyes stopped on Ha Joon. "Oh Ha Joon, you wouldn't have known about the test. He told the class about it last week. I am sure you can take again later if you do not feel comfortable with the material."
Ha Joon felt all eyes in the classroom turn on him. He swallowed hard. "No it is okay teacher, I am willing to take the test."
"Good for you Ha Joon. I am sure you will do fine. Alright class you are dismissed for now. But," she raised her voice as all the students rose as once, "do not take too long on this break. I don't want to hear from Mr. Jang about any of you being late again." She pointed her finger to the back of the room. "If I do, I'll, I'll..."
"You'll what teacher." a voice called from Ha Joon.
"I'll make you wash my car." The whole room erupted in laughter.
"You don't have a car teacher."
"That's just a minor detail, Gang Joo. Now get going. I can't let you use me as an excuse for being late today."
At this word of freedom the children poured out of the doors into the already crowded hallway. Ha Joon followed them out a few steps behind the mad rush. Normally during this break he would stay behind and work on his drawings while he had the classroom to himself. But with a looming test, he wanted a filling snack. He couldn't allow any distractions, including the hint of hunger. He wasn't actually worried about the test. For the most part all of it had been review for him. But he wouldn't take the chance.
In the snack bar he grabbed a plastic wrapped chocolate bread and jumped in line with the hoard of other hungry classmates. By the time he returned to the classroom he had finished off the treat and threw the wrapper in the trashcan by the door. A few other classmates were already back in the room pouring over their notes. Ha Joon walked by Woo Jin leaning over his desk his eyes focused on his book. Ha Joon could hear him whispering to himself, repeating the words before him. Ha Joon stopped.
"That's wrong." Ha Joon said.
"Huh? What?" Woo Jin looked up at him, his eyes blinking rapidly to find focus.
"I said that's wrong."
"What's wrong?"
"What you just said. You reversed them. It should be the other way."
"What? No, really?" Ha Joon glanced down at the paper on Woo Jin's desk.
"It looks like you wrote them backwards when taking notes. Reverse those two and you're fine."
"Oh god, what if the rest of my notes are wrong. I've learned it all backwards."
"Let me see."
Ha Joon sighed to himself. He couldn't understand why he was doing this. This wasn't helping his desire to stay invisible.
"Really?"
"Nevermind, I changed my mind." Ha Joon turned. A hand landed on his arm. Ha Joon flinched away.
"Ah sorry. But please help me."
Ha Joon looked down at Woo Jin's pitiful face. He saw no malice there. No desire to trick him. Just a simple need for help.
"Fine." Ha Joon held out his hand. Woo Jin handed his notebook over carefully placing it on his palm. Ha Joon scanned the notes. The handwriting was nice and neat, though a little rushed. Necessary for note taking in class.
"Nothing else is wrong." Ha Joon handed the notebook back.
"Really? Great. Thanks Ha Joon. You're really smart. I owe you one."
"I didn't do anything. You owe me nothing." Ha Joon stepped toward his desk.
"I don't care if you think it was nothing. It was something to me." Woo Jin called after him.
"Whatever."
Ha Joon plopped down in his seat. And suddenly felt disappointed. Even though he had bought himself a treat, he was expecting, hoping, that his mysterious friend would return again. Instead his desk was bare. Whatever game the person was playing must be over. With a resigned sigh Ha Joon reached into his desk. His fingers reached for his own notes to study in the last few minutes before class, and stopped. He moved his fingers around the small lump he found in his desk sitting on his pile of books. He was sure he hadn't left anything there earlier. He grasped it in his hand and pulled it out. In his hand was a store bought mochi treat, with a note tied to it. Ha Joon pulled the note off and opened it slowly, his eyes darting around the room, looking for the culprit and for anyone planning to take it away.
I hope the rice cakes didn't make you sick. It was the first time I made them. I wanted to cheer you up.
Ha Joon re-read the sentence three times. Someone had made him rice cakes. They personally went to the effort to make him a treat. Ha Joon looked around the room again. Everyone was occupied, staring intently at their notes before the test. Something he should be doing. But instead he could not stop staring at the note. For the first time ever someone, besides his parents, had made him something. Ha Joon didn't realize he was close to tears until the note's words blurred before his eyes. He wiped them away with the cuff of his sleeve.
I hope you do well on today's test. Fighting.
The last few sentences were added on after the others. They were written in a different pen. Done in nice, neat stokes, though rushed. Ha Joon looked up. He'd seen that writing before. He had been staring at it moments earlier. Ha Joon's hands shook as he stuffed the note back into his desk along with the treat. He pulled his own notes out and put his head down. It made no sense. No sense at all. Why would the most popular boy in class, possibly school, be leaving him treats? There was no reason for it. It didn't even make sense as a joke. There was no punchline. The treats were good. They weren't laced with anything bad. Even once being home made. There was no reason that Ha Joon could see for Woo Jin's behavior. The boy was a complete mystery. Ha Joon turned his attention back to his notes. At least there everything made sense.

"Ha Joon, I'm really proud of you. Even though you've only been here a week you received a 95 on the test."
The room around him awed. Ha Joon waited to hear the sarcasm in their voices, the scorn for him beating them out even though he was new. Instead he heard his classmates whisper praise and envy.
"Wow, that's impressive."
"I wish I was as smart as him."
"He's amazing."
Ha Joon felt the blush rising before he knew it. He'd never felt such praise before. He kept his head down, but his eyes glanced around the room. He caught sight of Woo Jin staring at him, smiling ear to ear. The blush bloomed brighter.
"Alright, let's leave Ha Joon alone." The teacher set his paper on his desk. The big red 95 written across the top. The one question he missed marked in red near the bottom of the test. From when his energy had been waning and his mind had drifted to the treat waiting for him in his desk.
"Alright class, enjoy your lunch, and I will see you next week."
Ha Joon stuffed his paper in his desk. With his other classmates he followed them toward the door to walk down to the cafeteria.
"Hey Ha Joon." A voice stopped him. He turned around to find a short petite girl standing behind him. He recognized her as sitting three seats down in the back row.
"Uh, hi."
"My name's So Young. I just wanted to say, good job on the test. If you ever need someone to study with, I am sure you and I would make a great team. I didn't do as well as you on this test, but I did get a 90."
"Oh, okay, thanks. I will think about it."
"Great. See you later."
Ha Joon watched her bound off. Her ponytail swinging with her step. A girl had talked to him. Had actually spoken to directly to him. She showed no signs of disgust. No hidden coercion that she had been forced to speak to him. She had done it willingly and had asked to met him again. Nothing was making any sense since he had first set foot in that classroom.
"Come on Woo Jin, aren't you coming to lunch?" Ha Joon turned back. Woo Jin was still sitting at his desk, making a show of moving about his belongings but not actually going anywhere. Ha Joon hadn't spoken to him since just before the test. He wasn't sure what he would say. Min Ji stood at the end of Woo Jin's desk, tapping her bright white tennis shoe impatiently.
"I am. I am. I just, I, um, will be there in a minute. Just go on without me."
"All right, hurry up then. I'll meet you down there."
Ha Joon ducked around the classroom door into the hallway. He pressed his back against the wall. Min Ji rushed past him, not even giving him a second glance. In a few seconds she was out of site. He could hear Woo Jin in the classroom moving about. He should just walk away. Leave Woo Jin to whatever game he was playing. Walk down the hallway, down the steps, and into the cafeteria, where no one was waiting for him. Ha Joon didn't move. He wanted to look and didn't want to look. With a final deep breath, and every intention to walk to the cafeteria, he peered around the door.
Woo Jin was alone in the classroom his back to the door. He moved quickly from his desk over two seats and back two seats, directly to Ha Joon's desk. He set something down on the desk along with a piece a paper. Before Ha Joon could react Woo Jin turned and their eyes met. Ha Joon let a small squeak, spun around and flattened himself against the hallway wall, his heart pounding in his ears. Somewhere deep inside the school a rumbling occurred. A large green lion covered in flames was looking for him, and he needed to go. A scary lion had to be better than what waited for him in the classroom. Better death by lion, then embarrassment by most popular boy at school.
He took one step and a hand fell on his arm. "Ha Joon?"
"What? Nothing. I didn't see nothing."
"Ha Joon. It's okay. I'm just as embarrassed as you are."
"Who's embarrassed? Nothing to be embarrassed by. Gotta go, lions to fight."
"Lions?"
"I mean lunch to eat."
"Ha Joon, would you look at me?" Ha Joon let out a little sigh. He turned to look at Woo Jin. "I only did it so you would feel welcome here. I assumed that things were not easy at your last school, and I wanted to make sure you knew we were different."
"Message received, loud and clear. Can I go now?" Ha Joon started to turn.
"Um, I guess, sure. But first, the rice cakes?"
"What about them?" The rice cakes? Ha Joon nearly forgot about them. Had Woo Jin really made them just for him?
"Were they good? They didn't make you sick did they?"
"What? No? They didn't make me sick. They were fine. Why'd you think they made me sick?"
"That day, you said you ate something bad. I was worried."
"You remember that?"
"Of course I do. I was concerned I made you sick. I felt bad. I'm happy to hear that you liked them. Anyway I should let you get to lunch. I'll see you down there."
"Don't you have to go too?"
"Um, I have to get something I left unwanted on someone's desk."
Ha Joon bit his lip and looked down. "Leave it. I didn't say it was unwanted."
"Great, then we can walk down together." Woo Jin slipped his arm through Ha Joon's, linking them elbow to elbow. He pulled Ha Joon along, tripping two steps from the door. Ha Joon pulled his arm free.
"I think I'll walk like this. Safer for the both of us."
"Of course. Come on let's hurry before all the good stuff runs out."
Woo Jin rushed ahead of him. Ha Joon found himself following in his wake. He was running for pleasure not fear. It was an odd sensation. To chase after someone who was inviting him along, instead of the one being chased for no reason at all. The cold bitterness that lived in Ha Joon's heart did not melt away instantaneously from the gestures Woo Jin had shown him, but a small amount of warmth was moving toward his heart. Allowing him the rarest moment of a genuine smile. He was happy. If only for a moment he was actually happy. The moment faded when he ran past a sign promoting the upcoming football tournament between the classes, reminding him team picking was next week. A honored tradition of picking the popular kids first and leaving the losers until last. Back where he belonged. He watched as Woo Jin raced ahead of him. His athletic body built for sports. While his own pudgy body was not. He was foolish to think things would be better at this school. Better to keep with his plan of remaining invisible and getting through the last two years.
"Ha Joon come on." Woo Jin yelled back to him.
"Coming." Ha Joon mummbled back.