Sinking Deep

School supplies

After hours of wondering mindlessly around the halls of the school, I decide it's best to head back to the gym. On my way back I see art done by the kids that once went here strode across the walls. I drag my finger tips along them remembering, remembering Minho and I placing our own creations along the Districts suffocating walls. I stop to look at the art works at every given chance. I'm so caught up in my own thoughts that I don't hear Chan approaching me.
-
"Y/N?"
He places his hand softly on the small of my back, grabbing my attention.

"Hmm?"
I only hum a response, not taking my eyes off the papers.

"See anything you like?"
He leans over me to get a better look at some of the drawings.

"It Just brings back memories. Good ones. But I never knew the kids had more talent than me."
I chuckle a bit. I can't help but overthink everything. I think about how a kid once sat in a desk at this exact school and worked away on these art works, just for it to be left here without a care. I relate that to the people at the District.

"Y/N, don't over think it. I know that face."
He covers my eyes with his hands to divert my focus.

"I swear you're physic!"
I pull my shoulder back hitting him in the chest.

"I know you. What's on your mind?"
He takes a seat on the floor, taking my hand in his hinting me to sit with him. I slowly sit down.

"I'm not sure, you? Everything is just so... new?"
He gives me a weak smile, it's still enough to make me smile too.

"Well I'm sure what's on mine."
He lays down dragging me down with him.

"Oh? And what's that?"
My head is rested on his chest, his breathing is steady. Calm.

"We all made it. We got out, together. I have all I need right here, I hope you feel the same. Y/N, you and the guys mean more to me than you'll ever know. Just knowing you're all still by my side is enough to cleanse my thoughts."
His accent is thick, his voice raspy and deep. With every word I can feel the vibrations from his chest. His hand finds it's way to my shoulder, caressing it comfortingly.

"Chan, have you ever met someone that you feel safe just being near them?"
He goes silent for a minute.

"Woojin gives off that vibe sometimes. Why?"
He strokes my shoulder once more.

"I feel that way with you."
I look up to see his facial expression. There is none, just a slight smile and tired eyes.

"What about Minho? Felix?"
He laughs slightly.

"It's different than when I'm with them, I feel the need to protect them. With you I feel like you're the one protecting me."
I can feel him smiling.

"By just being near me?"
He teases slightly.

"I know it sounds a bit strange, but yes. When you're around I feel this weight lift off me. When I'm next to you, everything feels happy, better. When I'm lying next to you I feel completely comfortable and content. It's hard to explain."
We sit in silence for a good bit. Only the sounds of breathing and a low humming coming from him. I look up one last time, only to see him in what seems like a deep sleep. I've been around him for quite some time and I don't think I've ever seen him a actually this calm and peaceful. I'm glad.
-
The humming has stopped, his breathing slowed, his grip is only tighter. I know he's scared just like the rest of us, but knowing he's safe and happy is enough for me. Knowing he's okay I shut my eyes too and begin to slowly drift into the sunsets orange rays.
-
"Chan? Chan where did you go last night?"
I flutter my eyes slightly seeing a pair of legs in front of me. I look up to see Jisung.

"Shhh! I think she's still asleep."
He keeps his voice low, his voice is horse from just waking up.

"No, you're fine."
I lift my head up a little to see what's going on. I see Chan's eyes still closed, his limbs still tangled with my own.

"Why did you guys fall asleep right here?"
The sound of Chan's breathing makes me instantly sleepy again, I place my head back on his chest and close my eyes.

"We where just talking and we got sleepy so we just slept here. Why?"
Jisung looks awfully confused.

"So you guys aren't... like... together?"
I'm too tired to process what he just said but apparently Chan wasn't.

"J-Jisung! No."
I place my hand in his hair and carefully play with it, but I'm not sure if that helped anything.

"You sure about that? It looks like you're lying bro."
I can feel Jisung staring.

"I-... Jisung you cuddle everyone all the time, and all of a sudden it's weird for me to?"
I open one eye to see what's going on.

"Ji, what are you on about? It's too early for this."
I speak, I'm not sure if my voice was clear.

"You're sure you're not dating?"
After I realize what he was taking about, I kick him in the leg hinting him to shut up. I know me and Chan have gotten quite close but we're still just friends. I'm not at all ready for a relationship anytime soon. I'm really close with all the guys it's not just Chan.
-
     We get up soon after Jisung leaves. I realize it's been a while since any of us have eaten. Maybe the cafeteria will have some food if we're lucky.

     I begin my trip up the stairs to the cafeteria, the halls just beginning to light up. My eyes burn in the harsh light. I start to see the large double doors, the kind that aren't locked in chains without end. It gives me a odd sense of freedom, like I'm finally where I'm supposed to be. I enter the doors with ease. Upon my first glance around it's mostly cleaned out. It seems that every corner I turn rats scurry away. They have to be eating something.

     After a while of scrummaging around searching desperately for anything to fill our empty stomachs I find three cans of nuts, one can of beans, 10 canned vegetables, and 10 waters. Although there's a note. It reads:

     If you read this, run! Take the food and go. The school yard may be safe for a while but, not if they find out people are here. If you choose to stay go into the basement, I don't think they'll check down there. Good luck!
           ~ Chesla

     Well... that's worrying