Why do you like me?
Walk Next To Me
Love is ………………………………………. wanting to see you happy even when I am not part of your happiness.
Thud.
It was the sound of a book drop from the door. It was Luhan who looked stunned walking in just when Donghae finished his sentence.
At the other side of the room was Hyukjae, who appeared immobilized by that sudden confession. He blinked his eyes a couple of times, trying to understand and process the words that was expressed. Both of them were frozen, rooted to the ground and were searching Donghae’s expression for answers.
“Erm, sorry, am I interrupting?” Luhan asked innocently. The young boy stayed at the door, as if afraid to come in the classroom with the two teachers.
Donghae’s gaze softens at Luhan’s appearance. “No, you can come in.”
Luhan quietly stepped into the classroom and tiptoed to his seat. He was still unsure if he should be there since there seemed to be an obvious tension between his two teachers.
“I better go now.” Hyukjae announced while avoiding Donghae’s eyes. Before Donghae could respond, Hyukjae scooted out of the classroom, leaving Donghae feeling unsettled.
‘What just happened? Did I really say it? Is that how I really feel about him? Is that really what my heart believes? Did he hear me? Did he just left without saying anything?
“Mr Lee, are you all right? You look…………sad.” Luhan asked curiously. He did not want to appear nosy but his teacher looked truly dejected.
Donghae smiled weakly. “I am ok. We will start once the rest of the class is here.”
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10 am. It was only 10 am but Donghae felt exhausted from his first class. He was not able to focus on teaching, plus he was groggy from the lack of sleep. He was thankful that his students were well behaved today and he did not have to stop any arguments or fights in the classroom. A little part of him believes that they can see that he was not his usual self too, and perhaps that was why most of them were obedient.
‘I think I better go wash my face to wake myself up.’ He thought to himself.
He was about to enter the gents when he saw Heechul walking over to him. He realized he had not been officially introduced to Heechul. There was an air about him and the way he walks. The students were all bowing and greeting him as they walk passed him. He must have some sort of a good reputation in school. Everyone simply toned down their voices or stop playing around whenever they were walking anywhere near Heechul.
Heechul spotted Donghae and waved. After seeing him in a fight with Hyukjae, Donghae could not help but felt slightly terrified of him. He was like a gangster teacher; even the language he used was harsh.
“Donghae right? The Fish?” Heechul asked as soon as he was in front of Donghae.
“Err…yes that would be me.” Donghae bowed.
“You are Heechul the art teacher, I remember.” Donghae continued.
“Call me hyung.” Heechul reprimanded.
“Sorry, hyung.”
“Did Hyukjae spent the night with you, a few days ago? He did not come home and last night he was a wreck.” Heechul asked.
Donghae was surprised. “Come home? You live together?”
“Yeah. We are roommates you know, not gay. Just to make things clear. People always think I am gay I am not sure why.”
Donghae chuckled. “Maybe its because you are pretty?”
“I am handsome. I know.” Heechul interrupted. “So, you know what happened to him? He did not say a word since he got home and he left early this morning. Heard you two got pretty close last week.”
“What makes you say that?” Donghae was starting to get curious.
“He talks about you a lot, like really a lot. At first I thought he was mad at you but since he talks too much about you, I am beginning to think he likes you. I know you saw us beating the crap out of each other that day but we are close so I am naturally worried for my dongsaeng.”
“Oh, I am not sure what is wrong with him, he doesn’t really tell me much.” Donghae lied. He was the worst liar. He could not even look at Heechul’s face when he said that. He simply looked down and mumbled his words hoping that Heechul would stop interrogating him. Why was he feeling guilty?
“Aish! I thought you knew. Its ok then. If you see him, tell him I am looking for him. Since you are his new friend, do take care of him. He is like a brother to me. No one is allowed to hit him except me. If you hurt him in any way, you will have to answer to me. Understood?” Heechul threatened.
Donghae nodded in fear.
“Why do you look so afraid of me? I am a nice guy! You’ll see!” Heechul chortled.
Donghae was still doubtful. This guy just threatened him in front of the gents and he expects to be accepted as a nice guy? He must be kidding. Donghae could finally understand why Hyukjae appeared cold in the beginning too. He must have been influence by this Heechul guy.
“Now, excuse me, I need to pee.” Heechul claimed and hurriedly made his way into the gents.
‘Gosh, what a weird guy.’ Donghae whispered to himself.
Donghae went into the gents after Heechul and soaked his face with water. He looked into the mirror. He did look awful, it was too obvious. He can never hide his feelings, be it happy or sad. He has always been transparent with the people around him, which was why it was easy for people to be able to read him like a book. He was also not used to lying blatantly, which was also the reason why he was uncomfortable to continue the conversation with Heechul.
He glanced at his watch. He had an hour break before the next class. Should he go look for Hyukjae in the dance studio? The conversation in the studio abruptly ended and he felt like he needed to hear Hyukjae’s respond before he goes out of his mind. What if he is busy teaching now? He did not want any students to walk in and accidentally hear them again.
‘I shall look for him after school ends today.’ Donghae decided.
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As soon as the school bell rang, Donghae jolted out from his seat. He scanned his empty classroom and his desk while rubbing his eyes. He must have fallen asleep on his desk while marking some of the students’ written work.
5 pm. It is so late? He had fallen asleep for the past 30 minutes but the short nap did nothing for his headache. He was still groggy and cranky and his mind was still in a whirlpool.
‘I need to look for Hyukjae now.’ Donghae reminded himself. He definitely thinks that he will not be able to sleep soundly tonight if he does not settle this by today. He quickly packed his things and locked the classroom up.
When he finally arrived at the entrance of the studio, he peeked inside. Hyukjae was dancing, alone in the studio. This was the first time Donghae sees him dance. He was a great dancer, his moves were slick and sharp and Donghae was simply awed watching him.
Hyukjae was engrossed in his dance. The loud music accompanied his dance moves and his eyes were fixated on the mirror, checking his every move ensuring he was moving right. The music was upbeat and Donghae could not help but felt like dancing to it too.
When the music ended, Hyukjae walked to the stereo and switched it off. He picked up his water bottle and gulped down the drink down his throat. He was wet with perspiration so he picked up a small towel on the floor to wipe the perspiration on his forehead away.
‘He looks even more gorgeous now that I have seen him dance.’ Donghae admired in silence.
“How long have you been standing there?”
That sudden question shocked Donghae out of his deep thoughts. ‘How long have I been standing here really?.”
“You can come in you know, instead of watching me from a corner like some kind of stalker.”
The embarrassed Donghae walked into the dance studio slowly. For reasons unknown he was nervous walking into the big studio. The studio looked so huge now that there are only two of them in it.
A part of him was angry that he got caught but another part of him was glad that Hyukjae invited him to come into the studio.
“So, do you dance?”
“I do, but only for fun and I am not really good at it.” Donghae answered sheepishly.
Hyukjae started to walk towards the frozen Donghae. As his steps gets nearer and nearer, Donghae’s palms started to sweat. ‘What is he going to do now?’ he thought.
Hyukjae stood right in front of Donghae and pointed to the floor.
“Lie down now.”
“Erm, what??” shocked and bewildered by Hyukjae’s request.
“I know you like me so let’s just get on with it. There is no one in the school at this hour so don’t worry about anyone walking in on us.”
‘What? Did he really say what I think he said?’ Donghae was beginning to doubt himself.
“Are you crazy?” Donghae finally responded, taking a step back from Hyukjae who was standing too close.
“Isn’t that what’s on your mind?”
“What? No! Not at all! You think I am a ert?” Donghae retorted.
Hyukjae let out a snickering laugh. He turned his back and sauntered to the mirror to check out how he looked. He then turned himself back to Donghae and sat cross legged on the floor facing him.
“So, why do you like me?” Hyukjae suddenly asked.
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