Class 3 Romance (bxb)

Woo Jin - The end of a friendship

Woo Jin bent down to pick up the scattered magazines. He tucked them under his arm to avoid seeing the images of the men that had destroyed his life.

"Woo Jin, is everything okay?" Jun Keum knocked at his door. The collected magazines tumbled from his arms into a pile at his feet.

"Everything's fine."

"May I come in?"

Woo Jin's heart stopped. "Just a moment." The pages ripped and tore as he kicked the magazines into the bathroom. If he had had time he would have burnt them until there was nothing left but hot ash. With the bathroom door closed and his secret once again hidden, he opened his bedroom door.

"Are you sure everything is okay? I saw Ha Joon leaving just now with all his belongings. What happened?"

"His parents called him. Told him it was time to come home," Woo Jin lied.

"That's surprising. They didn't seem to show much interest the whole time he was here. I wonder what changed."

"He didn't tell me."

Jun Keum pursed her lips as she looked him over. "Are you okay? You're pale and sweaty."

"I think I am coming down with something. So it's good that Ha Joon went home. I wouldn't want him to get sick. I've already caused him enough problems." Woo Jin swallowed back the tears threatening to spill free.

"I see. Well, let me get you a washcloth to help cool you down." Jun Keum took a step toward the bathroom.

"No," Woo Jin yelled out.

"Woo Jin?"

"I mean no, it's fine. I think I just need to lie down for a while. I am sure I will be better soon."

"If you're sure." Jun Keum stepped out of his bedroom. "I will make you some porridge to eat."

"Thanks Mom."

"You know your parents are coming home tonight. They will be sad to have missed Ha Joon going home. You should invite back for dinner soon. Once yo'u're all better."

"I will ask him. I need to lie down now."

"Of course. I will be back up in an hour with the porridge. I am sure you will get better in no time."

No time lasted three days. He barely left his bed and did not leave his bedroom. Jun Keum checked on him multiple times a day, along with his parents. He could see the worry in everyone's eyes. He could not explain what was wrong, only that he was unwell.

On the third day, a familiar voice called through the door.

"Woo Jin, can I come in?"

The door swung open, and his brother walked in. "Woo Sung?"

"Hey little brother. Can I join you?" Woo Sung pointed at his bed. Woo Jin nodded. Woo Sung climbed into the space Ha Joon had occupied only a few days ago. Woo Jin pushed his covers away and wrapped himself around his brother and lay his head in his lap.

"You haven't done this since you were a kid." Woo Sung stroked his hair. "You know everyone's really worried about you? They say you're sick, but won't go to the hospital. So they asked me to do a house call. What's going on?"

The tears that had barely stopped falling since Ha Joon left ran down his face. "I ruined everything. It's all over. He'll never talk to me again."

"Whoa, wait? What happened?"

"Ha Joon found out my secret. He knows I'm gay. He hates me now."

"Well, if he hates me little brother for that, then I am glad he's out of your life."