Within These Shadows || Park Chanyeol/Do Kyungsoo || Book 1

30

Kyungsoo sat before his laptop in his dorm room, and looked up different types of symbols. He had been trying to find the symbol carved on the ring for three days. However, it was a complicated one, and also, he couldn't find much time to look it up either, in the midst of classes and working on his thesis topic. Even Chanyeol was busy with giving interviews for internships, so Kyungsoo couldn't ask for his help either.

Spoke of the devil and the devil arrived; Chanyeol entered into the room, looking all tired, with files in hand.

"I'm back," he sang.

"Welcome back," Kyungsoo sang along. "So, how was the interview?"

"It was good. They said they'll let me know by next week if I've got it or not."

"Okay. Freshen up, and then we'll go out to eat."

"Okay. Are you doing your homework?" Chanyeol asked, grabbing his towel.

"No. I'm actually looking up this symbol, but I can't find it anywhere."

"What symbol?" Chanyeol looked confused.

"See this ring?" Kyungsoo held up his hand to show his ring to Chanyeol.

"Is that new? You don't like jewellery, I'm surprised you're wearing one." Chanyeol took a closer look at the ring.

"It's a gift from Jay, birthday gift."

At that, Chanyeol grabbed Kyungsoo's hand and got all excited, "Whoa! Jay gave you a ring?! What!?" Chanyeol started laughing, turning his fanboy mode on. "I knew it! I knew there was something between you and Jay! Admit it, Kyungsoo!"

"Yah!" Kyungsoo pulled his hand out of Chanyeol's grasp. "Michyeoss-eo? (Are you crazy?) What are you even saying?" Kyungsoo's cheeks started heating up and he looked away to focus back on the laptop screen.

"Aigoo! If there's nothing there, then why is you blushing, my boi?" Chanyeol chuckled, poking his best friend's chin teasingly.

"Aish! Jinjja!" Kyungsoo moved his chin away and gave a death glare to Chanyeol. "If you're not gonna be of any help, then kkeojyeo! (get lost!)"

"Arasseo, arasseo! I'll help. Let me see the symbol again." Chanyeol took Kyungsoo's hand and observed the ring again. However, nothing came to his mind, instead, he was more confused.

"Why do you need the meaning of this symbol though? I mean it could be just a design. Right?"

"Jay said the symbol has a meaning."

"Then why not ask her?"

"Really Chanyeol-ah? If she had told me, would I be looking it up?" Kyungsoo deadpanned.

"But why do you need the meaning though? I mean, why is it so important?"

"'Cause—" Kyungsoo stopped saying whatever he was about to say. If he told Chanyeol that the meaning was special to Jay and she had given a ring to him which held a special meaning, there would be no end to his teasing.

"'Cause?" Chanyeol asked.

"'Cause it's bugging me and I can't study properly. So, I want to find out what it means." Kyungsoo lied, clearing his throat.

"Meh. I'll go take my shower. You keep being at it."

"Yeah, okay." In a way, Kyungsoo was glad that Chanyeol decided to go for his shower. Otherwise, he'd be asking more and more questions, and eventually might end up finding the truth.

*

One week had passed and Kyungsoo was still trying to find the meaning behind the symbol. He had managed to find the name of the symbol, however, it didn't make sense to him. The symbol was that of Courage, but what special meaning could it hold to Jay, he was yet to find out.