What Lies Beneath ✅

Peal 4

Night had fallen and I was somehow forced to go talk to Dongju. In actuality, it was more of I was given two options and the former was the lesser of two evils.

"Dongju-" I started but was cut off by his ice cold tone.

"Leave me be." he said without giving me a glance.

I looked back at the others the shrugged. They couldn't say I tried. I turned to walk back, but suddenly saw them ready to gang up on me. I internally sighed as they were depending on me too much. Just because we were each other's balances didn't mean we'd get along well.

"There's something troubling you. A problem shared is a problem halved, you know." I said in hopes that it'd do something.

"You guys wouldn't understand with your simple minds." he fired back.

I calmed myself down before I seized him by his neck in anger.

"Look, I don't want to do this at all, but those three behind us are threatening me. You could suffer for all I care. But, you really need to get out of this mentality, especially when someone like Keonhee, who genuinely cares, wants to help." I said flatly before pushing my hair back. "Think on it."

I started to walk away then felt something grab my wrist. The grip tightened and I became a bit fearful.

"I don't know what to do..." Dongju said in a small voice.

I turned around and noticed the tense air around him had become sullen. His head was lowered as well. His attitude had changed drastically just by a few simple words.

"About?" I asked.

His other hand found my free wrist and held onto it as if it couldn't survive without it. I looked back at the others then frowned when they seemed to be enjoying what was going on as if it was a show.

"It's coming back..." said Dongju in a small voice once again.

"What is? You have to be-" I replied then stopped as he sank to his knees.

I heard sounds coming from behind me and was quick to shut them down. I then joined Dongju on the ground to make things a bit less awkward.

"I'm becoming unstable again. I thought he fixed it..." said Dongju with obvious cracks in his voice.

"He who?" I asked curiously.

"Mr. Lee." he said.

I pressed Dongju into my chest then felt a bit unnerved at the fact he didn't protest. It was probably because his mind was filled with worries. I slowly patted his back hoping it'd ease him even if it was only slightly. Nothing was said between us as we kneeled on the ground.

"Is that everything...?" I finally asked after a while.

"I've been unstable since I gained my powers...It was also the reason why I was invited to Dallulel*." Dongju said into my chest.

I didn't think he had problems really. He always seemed composed and perfect in a way. You really can't judge a book by its cover. I held him a bit closer.

"So, I'm guessing you needed that diploma because you wanted to show off to your parents?" I asked now with full interest.

He pulled away from me then sighed.

"That's enough. I've been too vulnerable around you. It's startling and somewhat distasteful." he said as he stood up. He then walked over to the others.

I frowned heavily as would've preferred that he wasn't either. It made me feel weird. Like a parent or guardian to a kid. Or some lover. I stood up as well then noticed Youngjo had given me a thumbs up. They owed me terribly for this.

ㅂㅂㅂㅂ

"So, where to next? Or do you want to continue your journey from before?" Dongju said full of life.

It was nice seeing him as his usual self, but I couldn't help but think of the vulnerable person underneath that I had met last night. His gaze shifted to mine and I realized I had been caught staring. I looked away quickly in hopes he didn't notice.

"Geonhak, do you have anything in mind?" Dongju asked a bit too sweet for my liking.

"I do want to know if Eskepaid is real..." I replied in a low voice.

I felt someone nudge me. It was Youngjo.

"You seem spaced this morning. Did you not sleep well?" Youngjo whispered as the other three discussed how we'd get to Eskepaid.

"Even the strongest have their weaknesses..." I said as I briefly glanced at Dongju.

Being unstable with his magic probably made him a target for bullying or just made him an outcast due to fear. It made me wonder how his parents handled it. The more I thought about it, it started to make sense why he appeared unapproachable. I shook my head as I didn't want to pity him.

"We're heading back to Dallulel." Dongju said after a bit of silence.

"What for? Are you even allowed back?" I asked with a bit of disgust.

I wasn't really fond of the place nor the people in it. That Mr. Lee guy gave me weird chills.

"We're going to see Mr. Lee. He probably knows a book or something that mentions or includes Eskepaid." said Dongju with a serious tone. "And we're not going to split from you two. I'm still concerned about that trap you both ended up in."

I rested my chin on my knees then let out an "ooo".

"Worried about me, huh?" I asked teasingly.

"Stop wasting time and get up off your ass." Dongju replied with sharpness in his voice.

Even if it wasn't very visible to the eye, I could tell from his body language that I was spot on. If only he would be more honest about his feelings, none of us would suffer so much trying to get him to talk.

a/n: Dallulel - the name of their school