Hyunseung’s back collided harshly with the bricked wall outside the school grounds;
Lungs heaving roughly as another heavy punch made its way across his face.   

“So you’re the guy going around talking crap about my girlfriend?” Junhyung grabbed

onto the collar of the fallen boy as he slammed his fist across the swollen cheek
yet again. Blood splattered into the lonesome Tuesday morning, waiting for the
other to say even a single word. “Are you going to say anything?” Junhyung
tried to find the strangers eyes, curious as to why he wasn’t saying anything or
even trying to defend himself. After all, this was Junhyung’s only way of defending his behavior.

Hyunseung’s breathing was heavy, vision only concentrating on the trickles of
blooding dripping onto the dirt of the ground. “What a waste of time.” Junhyung
slammed Hyunseung even harder against the wall before making his way from the scene.

He found a gap between his dark fringe, staring at each and every step the
person took further from him. Hyunseung coughed, eyes making
sure to catch every last glimpse of the leaving boy. He couldn’t help but smile
to himself as he wiped the corner of his bleeding lip.

The person had finally left his sight, a small sigh falling off his
lips as he stared at the blood soaked clothing on his body.
His fingers dug into the ground, body trying to balance itself
out as he got to his feet. He checked one last time if he was
completely gone before limping his way down the path towards his home.

“Hyunseungah!” Mrs. Jang screeched as Hyunseung hesitantly
stepped through the front doors of his home. “What on earth happened.”
She began to panic the closer she got to her son. “Oh dear!” She made
her way to him as Hyunseung winced with discomfort from her appearance.  
“I’m fine mom.” Hyunseung sighed internally, just loving his luck at the moment.

“Fine?” Mrs. Jang pulled back the hoodie to see the actual amount
of scars the boy had on his face. “What do you mean you’re fine?
You’re bleeding profusely.” She hurried towards the bathroom quickly
looking for a towel and any medication she could find. “Omo Hyunseung… Who did this to you? ”
Mrs. Jang knew her son wasn’t one to get involved in such business so the thought
of that frightened her even more.

“I’m fine, really.” Hyunseung grabbed her hands before she had a
chance at taking off any off his stained clothing. “Really…”

Hyunseung knew for a fact his parents weren’t going to be home now yet
that didn’t seem to be the case. At least his father wasn’t here
he thought. That made this situation somewhat better.

“Hyunseung, you’re bleeding…”

“Mom,” He looked into her eyes, lips forcing a smile on them.
“I’m going to take a shower and when I come back, we can talk.”

“But you’re bleeding…” She repeated as she herself wasn’t sure what
else to say given the current situation. The sight of her son made her forget everything.

“It’ll stop. And plus. it’s not that bad.” He made sure that grin was
plastered over his face as he made his way upstairs. “I’ll be quick!”
He tried to make his voice as cheery as possible before sneaking into his bathroom.

He was lucky and he knew it. Excusing himself to the bathroom gave
him just enough time to come up with a story for the state he was in.
The last thing Hyunseung wanted to do was lie to his parents.
But granted the situation he was in, lying seemed like the only option.

He stepped into his bathroom, door quickly closing. His hands fell onto the g
ranite counter, body leaning in towards his reflection.
Hyunseung, what have you gotten yourself into?
He looked over the damage, face cringing with disgust at the sight of himself.
He was shocked his mother hadn’t collapsed from the way he looked.

He threw his clothes into the corner as he stepped into the steamy shower.
His hair fell across his face, eyes staring at the red surrounding him. His eyes
closed instantly, images of what happened slowly coming back to him. At least you throw a good punch, Junhyung…

“Well, if it isn’t my son.” Junhyung walked into his house to see
his father sitting on the living room couch. “Happy to see me?”
Mr. Yong spoke over the newspaper in his hands.

“What are you doing here?” Junhyung spoke hastily as he
threw his belongings onto the wood floor.    

“Is that anyway to speak to your father?” Mr. Yong shut the
piece of paper, face quickly getting serious.

“Father?” Junhyung sneered. The young man couldn’t recall the last time
he saw his parents. They seemed to enjoy popping up whenever they felt like it.
“Last time I checked, I never had a father. You’re just someone that unfortunately brought me into this world.”  

“Really?” Mr. Yong grabbed Junhyung’s collar, eyes sending nothing
but disgust his way. “Lucky for you, you’re stuck being my blood until you die.”
He pushed his son as he made his way towards the kitchen.
“You need to get your act together. I’ve had enough of your attitude.”

“I’ll just leave. Maybe disappear somewhere as if I never existed.”
Mr. Yong stopped in his tracks. “That I can always do.”
Junhyung began up the wide flight of stairs, gold chandelier reflecting above him.

“You try and do that.” Mr. Yong yelled back. “I’ll personally come
find you and make the rest of your life as miserable as possible.”

“As if you hadn’t already.” Junhyung slammed his bedroom door, locking
it that instant. His head began to throb with pain, eyes falling closed once
his back met with the surface of his bed. “.” He looked at his vibrating
phone. “You really do know when to call.” Junhyung spoke annoyed.
He hesitantly pressed the button, mind just wanting to relax.

“Yeah?”

“So I heard your dad’s back in town.” Hara spoke chipper.
“Have you two discussed a dinner date yet? I’m dying to see your parents again.”

Junhyung smiled w disbelief. He found it quite amusing how his mood
managed to get even worse. “Is that why you called? What is it that you want?”

“Um, perhaps chat with you?” She paused for a second.
“Why do you always talk to me like that? I am your girlfriend, aren’t I?”
She sighed through the phone. “You should be a little nicer you know…”

“Listen,” Junhyung sat up as he felt the persistent stinging in his
head getting worse. “If you have nothing to tell me then I’m hanging up.”
His voice became softer even though his words were harsh.

“You know,” Her voice, he especially hated it now for some reason.
“If you ever need a shoulder to cry on, you know where I’ll be.”
She laughed as Junhyung turned his phone off completely.

“ you and that devilish laugh of yours.” Junhyung stared the
wall ahead of him, eyes feeling heavier the more her words sank in.

He didn’t want to admit it but he knew it was true. Even if he had to, he
knew no one would be there. His tears didn’t matter because in the
end no one cared about them. “No one ing cares.”
He chuckled as the loneliness began to take over yet again.

Days like this he hated. He knew he could only count on himself for support – yet even today,
he managed to hate everything about himself.

A few droplets fell onto hand. “.” He didn’t even realize when or
how the tears managed to accumulate. He wiped his eyes with the
back of his hand. “Ow,” He looked at his hand, curious as to what
managed to scratch him. He stared at his bruised up knuckles,
thoughts quickly changing from his miserable life to the boy he came across today.

He rubbed his fist as he tried to recall the events that happened
earlier. Unfortunately for Junhyung, the only image he had in his
head was the bloodied up man that wore a sweater way too big for him.
But also, the name Hyunseung somehow stayed in his head for the rest of the night.  

“Typical work from Junhyung, eh?” Lee Joon messed
with his hair as Junhyung sat un-amused at his desk.  

“What are you talking about?” He asked,
looking at Joon from the corner of his eyes.

“Words been going around school that you beat up some kid.” Junhyung
smirked, eyes rolling at his friend’s comment. “It’s been a while, hasn’t it?”

“Yeah. And?” Junhyung asked. He found it funny that not
even twenty-four hours went by without the entire school flocking on his business.

“And?” Joon sighed. “I’m just trying to have a conversation with you.
You make it sounds like we’re not friends anymore.
You’ve been distancing yourself more and more recently.”

“Were we friends ever?” Junhyung threw his attention
at the female storming into the classroom.

“Yah, what do-“ Joon’s complaint quickly cut off from
an irritated looking girl walking towards their seats.

“Junhyung,” Hara threw her purse on his desk. “Why didn’t you tell me you took
care of that idiot when I called you last night?” He looked at her, eyes slightly annoyed.

So that’s why you called. Junhyung thought as he looked at the
female. “Oops, seems it crossed my mind. My bad.”

“It crossed your mind? How can that even be possible?” She slammed her hands
onto his desk. “This is an important matter yet you just forgot to tell me?”

“Wait, is the idiot you guys are talking about the same guy everyone else is talking
about?.” Needing to add his two cents into everything, Joon chipped in.

“Wait, people are already talking about this?” Hara smiled, eyes gleaming Joon’s
way. “Good. People need to know how pathetic he is.” She looked at
Junhyung. “See, now people will know how deep our affection is for one another.”

“Does it make you that happy?” Joon asked while Junhyung seemed annoyed.
“But I’m curious. What did he even say? Supposedly that idiot started some rumors
about you but I have yet to hear any of them.” He smiled her way as she threw a glare his way.

“Yeah,” Junhyung questioned. “What did he even say? You told me to shut him
up because he kept starting things about you.”
Hara’s eyes went wide, her expression confusing Junhyung. “What?”
He asked her. “Why are you looking at me like that?”

“What… You don’t believe me? You’re always like that
Junhyung. Always questioning me and-”

“I never said that.” Junhyung stopped her rant. “I’m just asking you what he exactly
he said. Why are you getting so defensive?” His body leaned
forward, eye narrowing with interest.

“He said I was a .” She quickly spoke.

“A ?” Junhyung replied. “That’s all?”

“What do you mean that’s all?” Hara retorted, Joon unable to contain his
laughter at her expression. “What are you laughing at and no,” She looked
back at Junhyung. “He also said I was a that slept around with everyone.”

“A and a …” Junhyung began flipping through his phone,
loss of interest quickly taking over. “Ok, cool. Great to know, thanks.”

“Really Junhyung...”

“What?” He spoke yet his eyes stayed planted with the phone screen.
“People say crap like that about everyone here.” He sighed.
“At least you have everyone’s pity now, right?”

“You really don’t care if I’m getting hurt or not.” Her voice was quiet. “I ask you
to do one thing for me and you make it seem like such a hassle.
Am I really that burdensome? You could at least pretend to care.”

Junhyung looked at her once she began collecting her things off his desk.
“Of course I care. Otherwise I wouldn’t be beating up random people first
thing in the morning, would I? And plus it’s not like
he’s hurting you physically. They’re just words-”

“Just words?” She looked at him one final time. “You know, I wish your words
would be sincere.” She began towards her seat as the teacher entered the classroom.

“Yeah, why can’t your words ever be sincere. You’re
always so mean to us.” Joon whispered out.

“Shut up.” Junhyung sighed as an oncoming headache began consuming him y
yet again. He couldn’t stand this day or the people surrounding him.
All he wanted was to get hit by a truck. That’s all.

I shall protect you – rather it be storms of nature or storms that people create, I’ll be there – fear not my queen for I am your shield – and you, the sole light that guides me through the night.

Hyunseung shut his book, hand suppressing an oncoming yawn.

“See you later Hyunseung.” Hyunseung waved as the young
lady working at the café directed towards him.  

The November air hitting across his body felt great. It was Sunday. He
had less than half the day left before his freedom ended.

He stepped onto the mulch, face smiling as he made his way over to the
set of swings waiting for him. Rather than going home, Hyunseung decided to stop by his favorite spot.

It creaked with each movement he made. “Ahh…” Hyunseung’s eyes closed
as he enjoyed the moment. The playground was empty, as usual. It seemed like it
was always like that. Even growing up, Hyunseung seemed to be the only kid on the swings.

“Hi.” A six year old Hyunseung spoke. “Can I sit here?” He asked as his eyes moved onto the empty spot.

“Why?” Junhyung asked.

Hyunseung stared, unsure how to answer. “I- I don’t know.” He spoke. “Does there need to
be a reason why?” He asked, quite unsure why he asked what he had. A few short seconds
passed before Hyunseung took a few steps toward the empty swing. He looked over onto
the lonesome looking boy. “I’m Hyunseung. What’s your name?”

Junhyung turned his head, little brain of his confused by the person next to him. “Why?
You wanna laugh at me too?” The reply struck Hyunseung. “You don’t need to know.
No one needs to know my name.” Junhyung got up from his seat
and made his way across the playground.

“You’re silly.” Hyunseung stared at the empty swing next to him, memories attacking
him like they always would. “Jun – Hyung. Was is that hard to say?” He smiled as
he remembered the little Junhyung in his head. “It’s becoming impossible to stay away
from you.” He looked toward the sky, worry written over his face. And it’s
impossible to stop this beating whenever I think of you-

“Really?” Hara snickered as she walked by the library doors. She was
going to just pass by but a certain glimpse caught her attention.
“You go ahead, I’ll be there.” She sent her friend off as she began taking a few long strides forward until she reached the boy.

Her arms crossed, eyes glaring his way. “Wow,” She sounded flabbergasted.
“Hopefully you're reading a martial arts book loser.” Hyunseung looked at her,
wondering what the noise was about. “Seems that he got your face pretty good.” She laughed. “Good.”

“May I interest you in a book, perhaps the ‘How to be Less Annoying’ collection.”
He looked to his side. “It’s down that aisle if you’re interested.”

“Excuse me?” fell open, mind not use to this type of informal speech.

“What do you want exactly?” Hyunseung spoke, eyes
attached to the wall. “Haven’t you had enough fun?”

“You obviously haven’t learned anything.” Annoyance quickly began consuming
her the longer his eyes stayed away from her. For her, all eyes always had to be focused on her.  

“I have.” Hyunseung interrupted her. “I’ve learned
how big of an annoyance you actually are.”

“Wh-“

“You’re like that fly that just won’t go away. It keeps buzzing
around you until you feel the need to slam your head against a counter.”

Hara’s eyes were wide and face enraged. “Keep it up. You’ll definitely
regret acting this way towards me.” She smiled, trying
to throw his words to the side yet they kept ticking at her.

Hyunseung opened his book back up
where Hara quickly headed somewhere.

“Yah!” Hara yelled out as
she reached the group of boys.

“What’s up?” Joon asked, curious to her panting.

“Junhyung, that loser,” She spoke a word inbetween each breath. “He’s in the library.”

Junhyung looked at her from his seat. “What trouble did you get yourself into now?”

“I didn’t do anything.” She yelled out. “He attacked me!”

“Attacked?” A few of the other boys butted in.

“OMO!” The other girl's expressions went wide at her statements.

“Please define your term of attack.” Junhyung got up as his feet brought
him closer to her. He eyed her, noticing she looked completely fine.

“Well, he made fun of me and yelled at me. He keeps hurting my
feelings and speaking towards me as if I’m mentally challenged.”

Junhyung rolled his eyes. “Seriously Hara, what’d you
do to him? This had to of been initiated somehow.”

“Why are you blaming me?” She stepped in front of him.
“I didn’t do anything. He started it.” His head tilted as she stared at him. “Either you go and defend me or
I’ll have no other choice but to tell my dad.” Her eyes went wide as she looked his way. “Last thing
you want is another person on your back.”

“Let’s go.” Joon began to head towards the library before Junhyung reached his hand
forward, stopping him. “Come on, he might leave.”

“I’ll take care of this.” Junhyung looked at him. “I’ll deal with him.” Junhyung rushed off into the
distance, knowing he had no other choice but to satisfy the princess’s needs.

“-“ He muttered to himself as he made his way into the halls. He hated the fact
that she always had to bring his father into the picture. She knew she could get
away with anything with just one mention of him. Even though Junhyung
wasn’t afraid of his father, he’d rather not deal with his torments.

Junhyung’s feet slowed down as he walked through the doors. The room was
quiet. The smell of worn out books filled his airways the more steps he took into
the area. His eyes glanced left and right before stopping on a figure in the far
distance. He sighed before he began walking towards the man. He ran through
his mind what exactly his plan was but nothing seemed to make sense. He
was about ten steps away before a sudden urge to
blend into the bookshelves over took him.

He peeked through an opening in between the books, wondering if his presence
had been spotted. He sighed once more as his body decided to slide onto the
ground. “What am I doing?” He whispered to himself as he found another
gap towards the direction of Hyunseung. He felt weird nerves flow through
him from the possibility of being spotted. He wasn’t all too sure why he chickened out.

The longer he watched the person the more he couldn’t understand why
he wouldn’t leave Hara alone. A part of him didn’t believe her words
whatsoever yet he knew he had no other choice but to protect her.  

His attention quickly snapped on to Hyunseung. He watched the man shut his
book and just stare into the distance. Junhyung looked to where he was
staring but found nothing particular that direction. He looked back at Hyunseung
as his shoulder leaned into the bookshelf. He rubbed his eyes as his chin rested
itself on the metal of the shelf. Junhyung sat there watching before
he realized the sun had set and the boy had left