The sun shined through the curtain blinds as a sign that he needed to wake up. He tossed and turned in his bed, not wanting to get up. It was going to be the first day of school and he wasn’t looking forward to it at all. His mother and brother kept trying to convince to him that it would be fun, more fun than homeschooling, but he highly doubts it.

Homeschooling was not fun, but he would rather be with people he was comfortable with than at a school filled with people who would look at him like he’s different. He couldn’t even speak and had no form of communications, there’s no way he would fit in. He would look out of place.

His head kept pounding and he didn’t even realize Junsu had rushed into his room while pulling on his arm. “Come on Jae! It’s time for school. You will love it!” Junsu’s face was bright and happy, maybe because he could articulate speech. Jaejoong wished that he could speak like Junsu. He was so envious of his brother.

Jaejoong gave him a nod and went to the bathroom to get ready. He looked at his reflection and made sure he looked fine before heading out. He could see how happy his mother was seeing that he was going to regular school, he put on a smile so that she would not worry about him. He didn’t want to make his mother worry about him and not be able to focus on other things.

-

On the way to school Junsu kept on talking about his new boyfriend. How sweet the guy was and how excited he is to introduce Jaejoong to him. Jaejoong tried to keep up with the conversation even though he was in his own thoughts, his thoughts of fear and anxiety. “I’m sure you will also find a person there too, someone who will take good care of you!” Junsu grinned in happiness.

Jaejoong started to do hand signs because it was the only way they could communicate. Everyone in the family had to learn it because of Jaejoong. Jaejoong felt bad that they all had to learn something because of him but they told him to not worry, they were happy about it.

-Does anybody look at you differently because you have a boyfriend and not a girlfriend? Isn’t it out of the norm to be homoual?- Jaejoong motioned.

“It is out of the norm to be honest, but I could care less. He’s my boyfriend. We both love and cherish each other. It doesn’t matter what anyone says. They got their own opinion and it isn’t important.” Junsu replied. He was always an optimistic person who liked to look at the world in a positive light.

Jaejoong just nodded, he didn’t understand how Junsu could be so optimistic and he was so pessimistic. They were brothers.

-Do you think you can do me a favor?-

“Sure what is it?” sign language was easy to pick up for Junsu now. He reads Jaejoong like they are having a normal conversation.

-Could you keep it a secret that I’m mute? I mean you can let your boyfriend know but other than that I don’t want anyone knowing-

Junsu hesitated for a moment wondering why Jaejoong would make such a ridiculous request. People would find out sooner or later. But if Jaejoong wants it to be a secret, Junsu cannot be the one to say no. “Yeah sure. I won’t tell anyone.” He doesn’t know how long it can keep up because students will get suspicious on why Jaejoong never talks.

-Thank you Junsu. I love you-

“No problem.” Junsu smiled but a question was still pondering in the back of his head. “Jaejoong-ah, how come you don’t want anyone to know? I mean being mute isn’t a bad thing.”

-Because I don’t want anyone to treat me differently or give me special treatment. Though I’m sure I will look like a freak in their eyes. I just want to fit in and be a normal student. I don’t want to be the kid who stands out and gets in trouble with my peers-

“Sooner or later they will find out Jaejoong. If they see a student never talking to anyone wouldn’t they be suspicious? I don’t want to disrespect your decision, I’m just giving you inputs.” Junsu said while holding on Jaejoong’s shoulder to assure him it would be fine and not to worry. Jaejoong had the tendency to worry too much but Junsu cannot blame him.

-The longer they don’t know; the happier I will be-

Jaejoong knew he was being stubborn right now but he wanted to drag this out as long as possible. To give himself more time and to step away from what is considered as a freak or an outcast.

Junsu didn’t want to ask any more questions; he knew where Jaejoong was coming from. He will give his brother full support knowing Jaejoong will most likely need it. Junsu knows the school is a tough place and Jaejoong is going out on a limb here but Jaejoong will definitely pull through. Jaejoong is a gift from heaven and luck will always be on his side. Junsu wanted to laugh at himself for thinking so many thoughts of his brother just going to school. Now he was starting to overthink like Jaejoong.

Of course Jaejoong would fit in! Who wouldn’t like Jaejoong?

-

Once they arrived at the school, Junsu saw Yoochun from afar. Yoochun quickly rushed over and embraced Junsu with the most welcoming hug. Junsu felt the lack of oxygen from his body. Yoochun was literally crushing him! “I can’t breathe you idiot!” Junsu yelped and Yoochun had to let go.

Jaejoong smiled at the cute sight in front of him. Junsu then turned over to look at Jaejoong, “Yoochun this is my brother Jaejoong. He’s beautiful right?”

Yoochun nodded and shook Jaejoong’s hands. “You are very beautiful. I hope it’s not a hassle dealing with Junsu.” Right when he said that Junsu slapped him on the shoulder playfully for making fun of him.

Yoochun and Jaejoong stared at each other but both sides did not know what to say. Junsu bit his lips knowing he has to explain this to Yoochun. “Chun there’s something I have to tell you.”

“What is it?”

“Jaejoong…he’s mute.” Junsu said while trying to explain the rest of the story to Yoochun. Jaejoong played with his fingers while watching Yoochun’s change in expression. He knew it. People think he’s a freak, a person who doesn’t belong in the school.

He wanted to run away and just go home but instead Yoochun looked at him with a soft smile. “It’s ok to be different. I will help you around here and make sure no one gives you any troubles.”

Just that simple sentence made Jaejoong feel welcomed. Maybe he’s overthinking, not everyone will treat him differently. He just has to try to fit in.

-

When everything was settled they headed to class together. Jaejoong tried to calm himself down and tell himself that everything will be alright. He sat down on his seat and pulled out his Lyrics notebook. This was the notebook where he writes lyrics for his songs, he treasured it more than anything. It’s his prized possession.

Junsu noticed that Jaejoong wasn’t focusing so he passed him a note.

Jaejoong we are in class. You can write the lyrics when we aren’t in class.

Jaejoong knew Junsu was right. This was a learning environment; he didn’t want to get in trouble the first day of class. He quickly put the notebook away and stared at the front of the room.

He looked at the students and wondered if anyone is up to being friends with him - a mute. Suddenly a tall handsome guy walked into the class. His spikey hair and the smug upon his face already showed how dashing and good looking he was.

“Yunho sit by me!” all the girls screamed out in unison, not caring about their lack of pride. The school and especially the girls loved Yunho; they all swoon over his good looks.

Instead of sitting by any of them, Yunho sat next to the empty seat beside Jaejoong. He gave Jaejoong a smile and then looking at the front of the room. Everyone stared at him dumfounded not knowing why Yunho took a seat next to the new kid.

Jaejoong didn’t understand either but then he guessed Yunho must want to get away from those girls that are distracting his learning. While sitting there, Jaejoong couldn’t help but notice how ridiculously good Yunho smelt, Yunho sure knew how to wear cologne. He felt like a freak but at least no one could hear his thoughts.  

Yunho turned to look at Jaejoong and leaned over to write something on the top of Jaejoong’s paper.

You have really pretty eyes

Jaejoong blushed when reading what was written on the top of his paper. He gave Yunho a nod as a sign of thanking him. Maybe this is better than home school…