#waykimforever

The Red Black Jacket

Fluke could probably write a better fic to make all of us cry but this legendary jacket deserves its own story. Whoever said jackets can't hurt you was lying :)

In the morning, Way finishes getting ready for school and he goes to the kitchen to make himself some toast for breakfast.

His eyes wander around the empty house, hoping from the bottom of his heart for even a glimpse or a sign that today would be different than every year before. It could be whatever - A birthday gift, a card or even a post-it note, but there was none of that, as usual.

The house felt quieter and colder today.

As far as he remembers, he had never received any present from his father. Call it pointless, but each year he continues to dream and pray that something will change or a miracle will happen.

In the past, when Way was but a small child, he would buy his own cake from the local bakery and sing himself a birthday song. He would light the candle for himself and blow it out by himself. He would softly make a wish and savor the small slice of cake alone.

But as time went on, he became tired of doing it. He didn't see any point. None of his wishes ever came true anyway.

He sighs, finishing the slice of toast. He washes his hands and goes to put on his school shoes. 

To him, it's just like any other day. Except while others celebrate their special day, he is reminded that he isn't someone who is loved.

Way has become increasingly skeptical that his birthday will ever be different from the way it has always been. Over the years, he had learnt that expectations will only lead to disappointment. The more expectations you have, the more you're going to be hurt.

So to protect himself, he will have no expectations.

He won't tell anyone else in his life when his birthday is.

And when Kim throws him the red and black jacket in school, to say he's shocked would be an understatement.

"It was on sale so I bought it" Kim said nonchalantly.

Way felt a rapid warmth spread all throughout his body. He almost becomes giddy with happiness. 

This is the first birthday present he's ever gotten in his entire lifetime. Heck, this is the first time someone has even remembered his birthday. How did Kim even know it was his birthday? It's too much to take in.

Even though Kim refuses to admit he bought it for Way's birthday present, it seems he really wanted to give the jacket to Way.

"It was a good deal. The jacket even has two pockets." Kim adds on, while Way is already putting on the jacket even though it's a hot day outside.

Way tries his best to figure out the underlying meaning of Kim's words. What's so good about having two pockets?

"What do you mean?" He'd rather just ask for the answer directly.

"Next time when someone tries to pick on you, you can put your hands inside and clench your fists to calm down."

"So that you won't get into so many fights."

Way's heart jumped at the statement. He was incredibly touched.

Not only had Kim remembered his birthday, bought him his first ever birthday present, and now there's even such a sweet meaning behind it?

Way couldn't believe that all of this good had happened to him. Because he met Kim, he had gotten a chance to experience true happiness. Because of Kim, he now has someone who he can call a true friend, someone who is always by your side to support you and look out for you.

He'll forever be thankful for that.

Way moves forward and embraces Kim in his arms.

"Thank you, Kim." 

Kim moves his hand up to pat Way's back, sensing that he had been lacking warmth all this time.

From that day on, Way wore that jacket almost everyday. It was almost like a second skin that rarely left his body.

It got to a point where Kim once asked him if he's ever washed the jacket since he received it.

It's one of Way's greatest treasures. It's a symbol of Kim's feelings.