Strawberry Lipgloss | Luwoo

9

"Where's Jungwoo?" Lucas asked as he walking into the crowded kitchen, scanning the room for the boy.

"I thought he was still asleep?" Ten's eyebrows scrunched as he thought of where the boy could be.

Quickly shaking his head, Lucas sat down at the table, "He got up a couple hours ago...he accidentally hit me with a shoe."

Sicheng tried to stifle his laugh, but failed, "Did you ask why he was up so early?"

"I could barley comprehend that I had just been hit by a shoe before he was gone."

Ten had a puzzled expression on his face, "Maybe he's jus—Johnny date! What's the date?!"

Hurrying to take his phone out, Johnny checked the date, "Um the ninth...why?"

"Oh my god." Sicheng slapped a hand over his mouth, "We fucked up with the timing. Poor baby."

"No—Don't tell me that...today?" There was a sad edge to Seonghwa's voice as his lips formed into a small pout.

Mark looked from person to person, "I'm lost. What's going on? Is Jungwoo okay?"

Ten glanced at Sicheng once more before letting out a sigh, "It's his sisters birthday."

The boys still looked utterly confused. "Why is that a bad thing?"

"His sisters dead."

A horrible silence filled the room as they all tried to process that.

"We've never been able to make him feel better...they were just so close." Sicheng said quietly.

"I think I know where he is. I'll go talk to him." Unsure of himself, Lucas's voice had a slight tremor to it as he spoke.

Ten nodded, "Try to get him to come inside so he can eat something."

✨✨✨

Lucas walked down the path to the greenhouse, his palms growing sweaty. He just hoped Jungwoo was okay.

He followed the paved trail branching off the bigger one that led to a small porch swing, big enough for two people. There sat Jungwoo, staring off into he distance while tears rolled down his cheeks. The closer Lucas got, the clearer he could hear the small sobs coming out of the elder.

"Hey." Lucas made sure his voice was no louder that a whisper in hopes of not startling the poor boy.

After a series of sniffles, Jungwoo looked up, "H—Hi."

"Can I sit?"

The only response Lucas got was a small nod. After mentally preparing himself, he finally thought he knew what to say. "Ten told me what today is."

Jungwoo's bottom lip quivered as his eyes visibly filled with tears. "I—I miss her..." He whispered, bringing his sleeves up to wipe at his eyes.

"You're going to irritate your skin." Lucas muttered as he gently wiped the boys tears away with his thumbs. "How long has it been...since she..."

"Four years."

"You two were close?" He watched as a small smile flickered across Jungwoo's face.

Jungwoo played with the hem of his skirt as he nodded, "We were inseparable. Some people thought we were t—twins."

Lucas couldn't help but smile himself as he saw Jungwoo visibly light up as he talked. "What was she like?"

"She...she was the sweetest person you'd ever meet. She cared about everybody so much. I had a...rough childhood...a lot of bullies, but she was always there for me. She helped me find who I was. She turned everything I was bullied for into who I am now. I was...fourteen when she b—bought me my first skirt." He paused, sniffling slightly. Hesitantly, he reached down and gently grabbed Lucas's hand, holding it as if his life depended on it. "I remember...that was the same day we got makeup. She was the first person I came out to...she always supported me no matter what. S—She never got to see me wear this In public...she wasn't there when I came out. I just feel like I let her down...I was too scared even though she told me everything would be okay. I had to do it w—without her. I just wish I knew if she was proud of me now."

By this point, Lucas had tears of his own glistening in his eyes, "Oh Jungwoo...I'm sure she'd be proud of you. So so proud. You're so confident with who you are...from what you told me, that's everything she wanted you to be."

"L—Lucas It's my fault! It's all my f—fault!"

"What are you talking about?" Lucas asked, trying to soothe the boy.

Jungwoo looked up at him, his expression completely broken. "She's d—dead because of me. She was killed because of my performance. If I hadn't begged my parents to let me on try out for the stupid dance team...none of this would've happened. She would've never been at the intersection when the truck..."

Quickly wiping away the tears off Jungwoo's face once again, Lucas gave him a sad smile, "That is not true. There is no way you could've ever known that would happen. You can't blame yourself, Jungwoo. Horrible things happen with no way for us to predict them...it's not your fault."

"That night before the performance, at our house, I was crying because I wasn't good enough...but she said, no matter what anybody ever says about you, know that I'll always be there to cheer you on. You'll always be the prettiest flower to me, Woo. B—But she isn't there anymore. I can't hear her in the crowd."

"Jungwoo...she'll always be there to cheer you on, I promise. I know she'd never miss one of your performances. I'm absolutely posible she's so proud of you." Lucas pulled Jungwoo into his arms, holding him tightly against his body. "You're so amazing, Jungwoo, there's no way she wouldn't be cheering you on."

Lucas could feel the boy nod against his chest, "Thank you...for staying with me."

A small smile rose to Lucas's lips, "I know we're not super close, but if you ever need to talk...I'll be here."

✨✨✨

The two walked back into the cabin, Jungwoo still holding onto Lucas's hand. Everybody turned to look at them, worry apparent on their faces.

"I'm okay." Jungwoo whispered. "But I'm kinda hungry," A small laugh slipped past his lips as he watched Seonghwa and Johnny both get up and run into the kitchen.

He walked over and sat in between Sicheng and Ten on the couch, who immediately started babying him.

"I love you, baby." Ten coed as he placed a small kiss on Jungwoo's forehead.

"I love you more, sweety" Sicheng said as he pulled the boy into his arms. 

———

So...just found out that choir might get cut in my school. After 3 years of working my ass off to be amazing...just to get half the credit my sisters do. I got into honors choir and literally was deemed the "leader" by the girls in my section this year. I led the whole choir by myself during auditions so we could all be in honors together. I've poured my heart into the last three years and I might not even get credit for it. 

Well I hope you have an amazing day or night!