The next morning, Sooho wouldn't stop pestering me about what happened yesterday. Eventually, I had to admit my little crush on him-such a pain in the ass. School was uneventful aside from the usual: a new kid joining our class and the girls trying to befriend me to get closer to Sooho.After leaving the library and heading to the bus stand, I noticed how dark it had gotten. I'd been offered a spot in a night study academy, but I immediately refused. Why would I want to spend even more time in a place that felt like a prison after spending my whole day in school, which felt no less than a jail itself?
Getting on the bus, I spotted Sieun already aboard. Scanning the bus, I saw that every seat was occupied, and I wasn't too keen on sitting next to a stranger. I scanned my card and walked down the aisle, choosing to
stand by the window and grip the railing instead which was right infront of the seat sieun was sitting on.
Just as the bus started to pull away, I felt a sudden tug on my hand, pulling me backward. I spun around to see Sieun's hand gripping mine, and before I knew it, he was guiding me back to the seat beside him.
"Uh, thanks," I mumbled as I settled back into the seat, not wanting to disturb him any further.
We both got off at the same spot, and I walked a little ahead of him, lost in my own thoughts. Suddenly, two men appeared, blocking my path. "Are you..." one of them started, holding out a package. "We usually have this stuff delivered. Don't expect direct deals from now on."The person buying is older," added the other man.The first guy quickly shoved the package into his pocket, clearly annoyed. "Get out of my way," I said, uninterested in their business.The man in front of me looked shocked. "She said get out of her way," I heard Sieun's voice behind me, firm and clear. "You're blocking our path."
"Are you getting on my nerves? Do you have a death wish?" one of the men said, his tone menacing. I felt myself being pushed behind Sieun, who had a firm grip on my wrist."What are you staring at?" the guy in front continued. "Stop staring before I bust your face."Before things could escalate further, another guy stepped in, pushing the aggressive one aside. "Leave," he said quietly but firmly.Sieun didn't waste any time. Without a word, he began walking away, pulling me gently but firmly along with him.He dropped me off all the way to my front door, his hand still gently holding mine. As we reached my apartment, I tugged my hand back, prompting him to release it immediately."Um, sorry," he said, sounding slightly flustered.I smiled, appreciating his presence. "No, thank you so much for today," I replied, feeling a wave of relief. "I really don't know what could've happened if you weren't there."He nodded, his expression serious yet soft. "Stay safe," he said quietly.I hesitated for a moment before asking, "Tomorrow at nine?"He gave a subtle nod, confirming our plan. As I was about to head inside, I remembered something and turned back around."Inform me when you get home," I said, realizing he didn't have my number.He looked at me, puzzled. Right, he didn't have my number. I walked up to him and extended my hand. "Pen?" I asked.He pulled out the same pen he had used earlier as a weapon. I took it from him and quickly scribbled my number on his palm. "There we go. Message me when you get home, okay?"With that, I turned and walked inside, feeling a mix of emotions.
As soon as I reached home, I crumbled in embarrassment. "Seriously, I could've just asked for his phone number, not written on his palm!" I groaned, feeling the weight of my awkwardness.
Switching on the TV and letting the noise drown out my thoughts, I headed to the kitchen to have dinner.
In the midst of washing the dishes, I received a message that simply read, "Reached home." Talk about being brief. Sighing, I gave him a thumbs up and wished him good night before heading to bed.The next day, we had a mock test. The paper was easy, and things were going smoothly until the new kid suddenly slammed his hand on Sieun's neck. It was odd, but I decided to ignore it. What was even stranger was when Sieun stood up in the middle of the exam and left the room. I watched him leave, feeling a pang of worry.He came back after some time, and I couldn't keep my eyes off him. I noticed him remove something from his neck, and it suddenly clicked. I looked down at my paper, realizing what must have happened. My thoughts were interrupted by Sieun slapping himself repeatedly, finally stopping when the teacher called him out.
Later we were all busy correcting our answer papers.
Sieun had slammed his hand on the table, drawing everyone's attention. He shot a glare at the new kid before abruptly standing up and walking to the back of the class. Without warning, he grabbed a book and slammed it into Youngbin's face, then drove a pen into Youngbin's minion's hand, pinning it to the table. I gasped loudly, clutching Sooho's arm.
But Sieun didn't stop there. He continued to pound Youngbin's head with the textbook, showing no mercy. I stood up in alarm as Sieun wrapped Youngbin's head in a curtain and continued his brutal assault. The curtain was soon stained with blood. My eyes widened in fear and shock.
Just as I was about to move toward him, Sooho stopped me and walked up to Sieun. Before I could react, before Sieun could kick the fallen boy on the floor Sooho grabbed Sieun,throwing him onto the floor.
"Don't cross the line; that's enough," Sooho said, hands in his pockets. Sieun glared at him. "Who do you think you are?","Just think of me as a guardian angel who you woke up from sleep," Sooho replied nonchalantly."Is this funny to you?" Sieun's eyes widened with anger."Yes, a little," Sooho said with a smirk.Before I could react, Sieun threw a pouch at Sooho. The next thing I saw was him charging at Sooho with a chair in his hand.
I watched as Sieun swung the chair again, but Sooho dodged it easily. On the third attempt, Sooho took advantage and punched him square in the face. I quickly grabbed Sooho's arm to stop him from going in for another punch, sensing the tension rising. "You should've listened to me," Sooho muttered.
"You can't tell me what to do," Sieun shot back, still fuming. Just before things could escalate further, the teacher walked in.
Apparently he was taken away by the teacher. Me and Soohi were walking towards my library trying to recollect what had just happen.
"Your boyfriend is crazy," Sooho muttered beside me.
"For the hundredth time, he's not my boyfriend," I sighed. "Besides, he had a valid reason."
"Yeah, but to beat the guy bloody like that?" Sooho questioned, raising an eyebrow.
I shrugged nonchalantly. "I dunno, maybe a free nose job?"
He just shook his head before dropping me off at the library and heading to his part-time job. Guess there won't be any more tutoring after today. After finishing up my study session, I headed to the bus stop and, of course, there was Sieun sitting there. Letting out a small sigh, I walked over and sat next to him, not even bothering to pretend I hadn't noticed him.
"So, are you suspended or what?" I asked, glancing at him.
He just shook his head, indicating no. Well, that's a relief. I paused for a second before asking again, "Is he?" This time, he nodded, signaling a yes.
Sighing, I rummaged through my bag and pulled out a small cream, handing it to him. He looked at me, confused, his expression making me smile. Blushing slightly, I turned away. "For your lips," I whispered softly, feeling my face heat up.
He looked at me once more before tucking the cream into his pocket. "I'm sorry," he said quietly.
"For what?" I asked, genuinely confused.
"About the tutoring session," he replied. "I couldn't make it today."
I immediately shook my head. "No, that's totally fine," I reassured him. "Don't worry about it."
He nodded in response, and the rest of the bus ride passed in peaceful silence. As we reached my stop, he walked me to my door, and I asked him to send me a message when he got home. It was becoming a comforting routine, one I found myself looking forward to each day.
A few minutes later, I received a reply from him: "I reached."
After some thought, I sent him a message: "Whatever happened today must have been a lot for you. But I want you to take a step back from everything, give yourself some time, and take care of yourself. Rest and eat well. Good night."
