BOY SCOUT. － s.yh + j.jh

5: entry thirteen

By his third month as an official boy scout, one could say that Yoonoh had a handful of good friends. It stunned him that merely speaking up and being himself allowed him to have so many new friendships, and he decided that when he'd return to school in a little over a month, he'd behave as he did with his scout group.

It was a Sunday evening and his first time at another person's birthday party － specifically a boy who had recently been close with Donghyuck and Youngho at the centre － and Yoonoh was relatively anxious.

He felt as if he were older somehow, like those teenagers on television who go out a lot and attend parties with a bunch of friends. However happy he was to be similar to the cool kids on TV though, the scene wasn't something he was entirely comfortable with.

He repeated to himself that he just had to remain calm and find some people he knew to talk with, but the loud music was starting to bother him and most kids seemed to be huddled in different places, already playing games with each other. Could he really simply pop over and intrude, when he wasn't familiar with any of the participants? They'd probably be upset or irritated and those were the last sentiments he wanted to be the cause of.

The young boy sighed, awkwardly sitting on the lush grass of the garden whilst staring down into his cup of strawberry juice.

"Yoonoh?"

His head flicked up and in an instant his irises were set alight upon seeing who was stood before him.

"Youngho!"

The shorter hurriedly shuffled onto his feet, receiving help from the other who noticed him almost spilling the sugary contents over the rim of the white plastic.

"Why are you sitting by yourself?" Youngho questioned, a faint layer of concern dusting his words as he watched the younger squirm, abashed, "If you want, you can come join Donghyuck and I in a game we're playing inside with some other guys."

The offer didn't seem much appreciated and Youngho set his head askew prior to bending over slightly, enough to have his eyes meet the downcast pair of the younger.

"What's wrong? You don't like games?"

Yoonoh belatedly shook his head.

"I'm afraid."

The brunet stilled, mind mulling over the brief response before saying anything.

"You're worried they won't like you?"

A nod was all he got in reply.

"But Yoonie, you're such a fun guy! I promise that they will all want to be your friend once you talk to them for a bit."

Despite the encouragement, Yoonoh remained with his chin pressed to his neck, the tips of his ears now red and his eyes dewy from believing that his reluctance to go was letting his senior down.

The sight of possible on-coming tears brought panic upon Youngho, who quickly dropped to his knees and carefully took hold of the younger's sweaty palm which had been fisted in tension at his side.

"It's okay. We don't have to go, I won't make you," he assured in a soothing tone, rubbing his thumb in circles over the top of the chubby hand he held, "Please don't cry, Yoonie, it's normal to be shy."

His words were greeted by silence and a quiet sniffle that made his stomach churn and heart twinge with pity.

"I have an even better idea," he spoke up after some seconds ticked by, "Would you like me to take you to a special place? I think you'll love it, and there won't be anyone that will make you anxious, alright?"