Let Me Dream || Victon

Chapter Twelve: "Homework"

Subin looked up as his room door opened, revealing Seungwoo. 

"You came!" he exclaimed, jumping out of his bed and tackling his friend in a hug. 

"I told you I would," Seungwoo said, laughing and holding him tight. He shut the door behind them before turning his attention back to Subin. "How are you feeling? I know those things have always scared you." 

"I hate them," Subin agreed, shuddering. "But it's okay now that you're here. I'm okay." 

"You're not okay," Seungwoo said, looking him up and down. "You're still all tense and nervous. You know the reporters left, right?" 

"I know," Subin sighed, allowing Seungwoo to lead him over to the bed. They both perched on top of it. 

"Talk about it," Seungwoo said gently, patting his back. 

Subin looked at the floor. He had so much he wanted to say, but it was hard to start. He felt guilty leaning on his friends like this and worried that he wasn't doing enough for them in return. At the same time, he wanted to ask for a hug, for support, but he didn't know how. 

"I just..." he whispered, his voice breaking. He felt a tear trace his cheek. 

Great. You didn't even say anything and you're crying already.

Seungwoo reached forward, hugging him. "I just what?" he prompted, rubbing his back comfortingly. 

"I don't want to be a lawyer," Subin whispered angrily, wiping the tears from his face. "I don't want to be a president. I don't want to study political science, and I don't want the publicity. I don't want any of it. I want to run away. Can I run away, please?" he whimpered.

"I know, believe me I know," Seungwoo whispered, holding him tight. 

Seungwoo didn't tell him it would be fine, because they both knew that it wasn't. Nor did he tell him that he didn't have to fulfil those expectations, because they both knew that wasn't an option. For either of them. 

Their lives had been set in stone, as were many. 

Seungwoo just let him cry for a while. 

When Subin finally calmed down, he leaned out of his friend's embrace. "What are we going to tell the press if they see you?" he joked, trying to lighten the mood. There was nothing either of them could do about their situations, so there was no point in crying any more than necessary.

"I'll tell them I was helping you with homework," Seungwoo said, winking. "We will ignore the fact that I was a business major and you're a political science major." 

Subin laughed, "okay. They definitely won't catch that." 

"I'm glad to see you smiling again," Seungwoo said, ruffling his hair. 

Subin just shrugged. "We just have to keep smiling, right? It'll be fine. Anyway," he said, changing the subject. "Tomorrow can I bring Gayoung to the hotel after school? I want her to meet you. She said she's met everyone except you and Sejun." 

Seungwoo smiled, putting an arm around his shoulders. "Of course. Bring her over."