STUDY BUDDIES. | hajeongwoo

30.

maybe the word sweet was the term to describe how much happiness and euphoria he is feeling right now.

jeongwoo was awfully blushing hard, feeling his cheeks burn as if exposed to a very warm temperature despite the ambience of the surrounding right now.

it wasn't that very much hot either, and his loud, rapidly unstable heartbeat wouldn't even calm down.

his hands were all sweaty, too. having the urge to slip away and turn around to relieve the embarrassment he's been feeling right now, but it would be too frustrating if he wouldn't seize the chance of being with him as if they are lovers or maybe something else related to that.

he wouldn't dare turn it into waste when he clearly knew that this won't happen again, and so he swallowed his pride and continued along with haruto's dominant flow.

and it saddens him; somehow maybe haruto was just caring so he wouldn't embarass himself when they enter the place. embarrassment, too saccharine.

or maybe that wasn't the case at all.

back to reality, jeongwoo found himself being pulled by the other who's leading in front.
mixed emotions came rushing towards him, happiness, flabberghasted, but at the same time, nervous to be able to face people way too out of his league.

now focusing his gaze on the warmth of haruto's hand, he couldn't help but smile once again. his hands were so warm, unlike his cold demeanor.

and it wouldn't be that easy to enter an unfamiliar place he's never been too. the moment they entered the glamorous building, all eyes were on them.

some he noticed that it was just on the intimidating male in front of him, who's usual aura when he's with people was back, and some, were on him. the latter was the majority.

he could even hear whispers he doesn't even know about as they continued on averting their gazes towards him and him alone.

some were looks of perplexity, confusion, and worstㅡdisgust. it's cool how these people could discern the fact that i don't belong to them.

a few were keeping their proper attitude as they bowed down to show their hospitality towards the man in front of him, who's unusually ignoring them as they continued to sauntering towards the spacious lobby.

and all of these are making jeongwoo feel uncomfortable, his stomach twisting in so many ways he couldn't even understand as he continued to swallow his saliva to get rid of the lump on his throat.

not having the courage to say all of this to the male in front of him, he decided to squeeze the latter's hand a little more tight as he continued to walk towards wherever the taller male would bring him.

noticing the slightest change of action, haruto could only pull him much closer to him from behind, somehow feeling an ample amount of guilt.

they continued to turn a few corners and wandered around the huge company. even taking the elevator, and then back to the walking again, but this timeㅡwith fewer people.

still finding his presence peculiar, however, jeongwoo still couldn't erase the uneasiness he's been feeling ever since he took a step inside the building.

and why is haruto not saying a word towards him, anyway?

jeongwoo pressed his lips into a thin line as he continued to follow the male, his back being the only view he could see for the mean time.

longing for his voice that would definitely wash away the discomfort he felt, for sure, jeongwoo opened his mouth to at least utter something.

"haruto."

he knew so well that he heard, he knew he did. his calling was loud enough for him to hear, and qualified enough to let him know that he wanted to leave.

but haruto never stopped walking, it even made the pace escalate, making jeongwoo frown at the odd behavior.

"whatever happens, just stick with me."

was the only thing haruto responded after a few moments of silence. and as expected, it soothes him.

his voice, his presence, his overall existence, it calms him in whatever ways possible. even if it's just a simple "hey," or even an insult, it would still calm him whenever and whatever time it gets.

but what's odd was the uneasiness hiding beneath his voice, a strong yet faint calling of fear.

a few more turn until haruto stopped in front of a gigantic door not similar to the others he passed through.

who knows what floor they are in? jeongwoo lost his count and was distracted because of the male in front of him, who recently just turned around to face him with another heavy sigh.

"stay here. whatever happens, don't leave this place and wander around. i'll be fast," haruto stated, hesitant to leave the male alone in this cruel building full with unreadable people.

but setting his worries aside and putting the rest of his remaining trust towards the tanned male, he let go of his hand and turned around to enter the room, leaving jeongwoo alone and dumbfounded.

the insecurity came rushing again. fortunate enough for his case, there is only him left outside the hallway unlike the places he passed through just a few minutes ago.

it calmed him somehow, but it wasn't enough to dispel the discomfort. waiting and looking around while letting his guard up, jeongwoo bit his lower lip in impatience. he could never trust rich people that surrounded him this time, except for him, haruto.

after an anxious moment of waiting, he heard a creak at the door beside him and hurriedly composed himself, seeing a defeated haruto with a fancy-looking folder on his hand.

"what's wrong?" he asked, unable to contain his nosy side and waited for a response.

he still couldn't get used to seeing him so tormented and exhausted, and he couldn't bear being at the side of rainbow and cupcakes when his friend was on the other side of the circle.

"i'm all good. let's just leave this place."

that's what i wanted in the first place. jeongwoo thought, but somehow felt a little hurt when haruto doesn't trust him to open up even the smallest information like his family.

or maybe he was never making him uncomfortable despite his motives. becoming more and more understood, jeongwoo couldn't help but overthink.

but feeling the same warmth on his found again, came realizing that haruto took a hold of his hand without asking for permission this time. he never really mind it, in fact, he loved it. and he wanted to hold his hand and never let go.

walking again towards the exit of the building, it took a few more minutes to arrive at the first floor. exhausted for quiet a bit, the sight of the exit door made all the tiredness wash away from his existence. just until haruto stopped his tracks.

"ah, haruto! there you are!"

jeongwoo furrowed his brows in confusion as a tall man with a grin on his facw came walking to their direction.

he was wearing an expensive black suit that fits to be wear in this kind of place, his hair a brunet.

but before he could even continue his anatomy of the foreign male he saw, haruto pulled him closer to the side, making his vision land on his broad shoulders instead.

"what are you doing here?"

ㅡ
accidentally published this chapter when it's not even done yet. i know it's getting pretty much slow and uninteresting but i'll try to make it more thrilling so stick with me juseyow. and also, happy 5k! i still don't know why people are reading this trash and i've been having so many attempts on unpublishing this but it would be a waste since i exerted effort. leave your thoughts for motivation in the comments please! i love you all. ♡