The Bet (SF9 DaBin) ~ Book 1

30 ✔️

"If you don't feel like going to school just stay here" Sanghyuk said as he found the older standing in front of the bathroom mirror.
"I have to fetch Youngkyun and drive him to school. Besides it's our last year I can't just stay at home" he sighed, snapping out of his thoughts as he looked at the younger through the mirror.
"It's your decision but I think one day won't hurt you."
"But my mother would. I promised her to work hard this year and graduate from this school. Staying at home isn't an option Sanghyuk" Youngbin replied sternly, turning away from the mirror as he couldn't look at himself any longer.
"I don't want to see you suffering like that. I'm not stupid and I know that whatever happened is still on your mind. I just want to help you but I don't know how" the younger frustratedly replied, remembering how worked up he was after his nightmare.
"I'm fine, don't worry Sanghyuk-ah. I have to go now or else Youngkyun will be late because of me" Youngbin said with a fake smile, hoping that the younger wouldn't notice.
"Fine we'll see each other in school then" Sanghyuk called out as he watched the older leave, sighing when he followed him to also drive to school. He was still wondering since when he was so caring, actually worrying about someone other than him. It amazed him to see what an effect the older boy had on him after such a short amount of time.
"Take care of you Youngbin" he mumbled to himself, getting lost in thoughts while walking down the hallway to get his bag and car keys. He just hoped that everything would work out for them even if it all seemed hopeless for now. When he walked out of the house he was surprised to see that Youngbin was still here, worrying him when he saw him resting his head against his steering wheel. Not thinking much about it he went over to him, opening the driver's door and placing a hand on his shoulder.
"I don't think you should drive today. Do you want to stay here or should I drive you home?" Sanghyuk softly asked, feeling his heart clench when he saw the older's scared expression.
"I can't. I have to" he mumbled, shaking his head slightly to chase away his bad thoughts.
"How about I'll drive? You tell me where you live and we'll pick Youngkyun up and then drive to school" Sanghyuk offered, hoping to somehow help him.
It was silent for a few moments before the older nodded, grabbing his backpack and getting out of his car.
Sanghyuk knew that things definitely changed, a few weeks ago he would have never thought he would ever be in such a situation. He never expected himself to get attached to someone, caring about them and developing emotions. He never expected that the happy boy he met in school suffered from his own dark thoughts and would end up as the most silent person Sanghyuk ever met. A few weeks ago he would have been bothered by it, he maybe wouldn't have befriended him but now he was falling deeper and deeper.
"It's not far from here. Just drive straight and I'll tell you when to turn" Youngbin said as the younger started the car, still sounding a bit worked up.
They didn't talk much as it wasn't a long drive, the moment Sanghyuk parked his car the older got out to fetch his brother. Sanghyuk couldn't stop worrying and he wanted to be the person bringing back his smile, making him the happy person he seemed to be.

"Youngkyun-ah. Are you ready?" he called out as he entered. It took a few minutes for the younger to appear in front of him, dark eyecircles visible as he seemingly didn't sleep much as well.
"They are back, right hyung?" he asked as soon as he saw his older brother, hugging him when he only nodded.
"I just want to forget it all Youngkyun-ah. I was fine and then it all started again" he mumbled, feeling the soothing vibration of his brother humming.
"I know hyung. I'm the same. I couldn't stop worrying about you as you weren't here. No matter how much I distract myself I always remember it."
"Let's go to school. Maybe we'll be able to think about other things then" Youngbin sighed, letting go of his brother.
"We'll be fine, right?" Youngkyun asked a bit uncertainly, thinking to his crush or whatever made Taeyang seem so perfect in his eyes.
"We'll be alright. At least I hope so" Youngbin replied, forcing a small smile onto his face to reassure his younger brother even if he himself wasn't really sure about it.

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Ah the past can be such a cruel thing 🥺 We're officially at Chapter 30 and I feel like we aren't even halfway through the story.