"Hey, do you think you could give me some info about Zitao?" Sungyeol found himself asking Sungjong as soon as he had gotten home, cell phone attached to his ear while he had ran upstairs to his room. 

For some odd reason, he had found himself unable to stop thinking about the other kid, despite how much Zitao had been right about him when it had came to Myungsoo. Even if Sungyeol knew the other had meant well, but when he had thought back to the car ride that he and Myungsoo just had, he couldn't help but think about what Myungsoo had mentioned - well, had written to him before he had went inside his house. Sungyeol couldn't help but take the initiative to drive the other home instead of leaving the younger boy to take a bus like he usually did, especially when he was more than able to do so since he didn't have any official tennis practices or matches at the moment.  He had even went so far to make sure Myungsoo had a ride for the next couple of days as well as he had wanted to make sure Myungsoo's ankle would heal enough so that he'd be able to walk without the aid of crutches. 

The thought of Myungsoo struggling to get on and off the bus, possibly endangering himself in the process with how crowded the buses were, let alone how high the doors were from the ground, was something that made Sungyeol cringe. Especially when he had a car and had more than enough money to pay for gas, even if Myungsoo's house was a couple of miles in the opposite direction of his house. And with the two of them being soulmates, it would not only be the right thing to do, but it would give Sungyeol an excuse to talk to the other a bit more, at least after the car rides that is. Because as much as Myungsoo could write his answers in his notebook, Sungyeol didn't want to chance the two of them getting into an accident if Myungsoo's answers were a bit too long for his questions. So even if the rides were silent or filled with Sungyeol's chatter, at least the two of them could spend a little time afterwards to actually talk to each other. 

And as much as Sungyeol driving Myungsoo home was an easy thing to do and something that Sungyeol didn't mind doing, Sungyeol still couldn't help but be a little surprised by how surprised Myungsoo had been when he had asked him. The other's reaction being something that Sungyeol had found odd since it truly hadn't been that big of a deal to ask and if it had been any of his friends, they would have just said 'Cool' and be done with it.

With the way Myungsoo had looked at him though when he had asked him that, the other having stars in his eyes, just like he had when Sungyeol had given him that red notebook, it was as if no one had done anything like that for him before. Which in turn made Sungyeol feel a little concerned, especially in regards to how Myungsoo had been treated throughout the years and what type of friends he had for him to look so happy for something so little. For something that most people would have just shrugged off, even if they were grateful for such a thing. 

But it wasn't until Myungsoo had realized that Sungyeol would be wasting money on gas for driving him home that made Sungyeol even more concerned. Because once that had happened, Sungyeol had to spend at least a couple of minutes telling his soulmate that a couple of miles out of the way wasn't that big of a deal, money wise at the very least, nor was it a bother for him to do so either. And while Myungsoo had perked up a little at Sungyeol telling him that he had wanted to drive him to and from school for the next couple of days as a way to spend some more time together, Sungyeol wanting to do a little more bonding since they really only had lunch together, Sungyeol couldn't help but feel like Myungsoo had been a little too worried over nothing. 

But not wanting to bring attention to those feelings, especially since it had been quite obvious that Myungsoo had felt bad enough about his injuries, Sungyeol just reassured him before driving him home. Sungyeol unable to keep himself from asking about Tao and telling Myungsoo that it had been nice to meet his friend, Sungyeol had found it quite surprising when Myungsoo admitted to the two of them only knowing each other for less than a day. Because as much as Sungyeol didn't care about how long the two of them had been friends, being under the impression that the two of them had at least known each other for a couple of months at the very least, it was more than a little disconcerting to find out that he had been completely wrong. And as much as Sungyeol could get behind people becoming friends quite easily, becoming quite protective of someone in very little time, the intensity of Tao's disdain towards him from earlier that day became something that confused him.

Even after the talk that the two of them had had, because as much as Sungyeol could see that Tao cared for the other, he still needed to make sure. Because as much as he could trust everything that he and Tao has spoken about, as well as how Tao had acted towards Myungsoo, there was still the possibility that Tao may not even be that trustworthy or loyal. And as much as Sungyeol could gander from his soulmate in terms of the other's relationships so far, something of which Sungyeol felt that Myungsoo didn't have much of and was something that he didn't necessarily feel comfortable asking Myungsoo just yet, Sungyeol couldn't help but feel as if Myungsoo didn't need someone like that.

He needed a true friend, a best friend, that he could talk to and depend on, someone that could understand him.

So wanting to make sure that Tao was actually an okay guy, or at the very least, didn't have an ulterior motive that you'd see in a soap opera, the type of ulterior motives that would probably make Myungsoo cry in the end if that was the case, Sungyeol could only wait for his  younger friend to give him some answers. Sungyeol needing to know that Tao was okay and that he didn't have to worry about him when it came to Myungsoo. 

Hearing the other sigh on the other end of the phone, almost as if he couldn't believe Sungyeol was asking that, it wasn't long before Sungjong was replying to him, "Why are you asking me this question and what do you want to know?"

"I just want to make sure that Tao's an okay friend for Myungsoo, especially since they haven't really been friends for more than a day... Don't you think it's a little odd that Tao's been acting as if they've been friends for at least a couple of months, let alone years? The guy barely knows Myungsoo... It's weird..." Trailing off, suddenly unable to voice the rest of his thoughts, at least not yet, Sungyeol could only wait for Sungjong to answer him. 

Only for the other to give a small, almost sad sounding sigh when he replied, "I don't know what to tell you Sungyeol, but I don't think it's that weird, at least when you compare what happened to how Myungsoo's usually treat-"

Unable to stop himself from interrupting the other boy, especially since it would be good for him to get some confirmation on some of his thoughts when it came to Myungsoo's situation with the friend department, he couldn't help but ask, "How's he usually treated?" 

"Sungyeol, he can't speak and no one really knows any sign language and while he's gotten off relatively well with being able to answer questions by writing his answers down, most people usually ignore Myungsoo... They don't bully him, but they definitely don't go out of their way to be friendly to him... I've never really been able to speak to him either and while I admit that I should have tried harder with me being in my position and all and knowing the things I do, but I wouldn't find it odd that Myungsoo hasn't had much social interactions until he met you.

"So for Zitao to want to be his friend and to warm up to him like he did, even going out of his way to speak to him, something that no one else has really done, I don't think it's weird that the two became friends... Zitao may be new, but he noticed Myungsoo... I don't think he has an ulterior motive to be friends with him, at least if I go by the information that I have."

Intrigued by what Sungjong had ended with, even if his hands had become a bit shaky when Sungjong had confirmed a lot of Sungyeol's questions, questions that Sungyeol may not have been ready to have answered just yet, he found himself asking, "What do you know about him?"

While the other could only sigh again, this time in exasperation, before going on as he saw no harm in answering, "Supposedly he had gotten pulled out of his last school for fighting, which sounds quite terrible and something I don't condone. But from what I've gathered, he had only been fighting because some guys had been picking on one of his friends - a deaf friend that is, so it makes a bit of sense for him to have befriended Myungsoo right away. Especially when he's Myungsoo's seat-mate and after witnessing some other students doing what they usually do when it comes to Myungsoo, it wouldn't surprise me that he felt the need to protect Myungsoo. And you know how Myungsoo is, once you get past that shyness of his, he's quite sweet... Those smiles and the way his eyes look when people like him... Tao noticed, just like how some of our other friends have noticed. 

"And as weird as you think it may be for the two to become fast friends, it's not as weird as soulmates literally getting married within weeks, sometimes even hours, and  yet, they stay together forever. So I don't think it's as weird as you're making it out to be Sungyeol, especially with as sweet as Myungsoo. Even Sunggyu-hyung has warmed up to Myungsoo within a short amount of time and he usually is the worst when it comes to meeting new people. So I think you're worrying a bit too much for nothing, but it's good to see you actually doing that. Because it means you care and for you to care like that, especially for someone other than our friends, despite the fact that you two are soulmates and are destined to be, it's nice to hear you say that. Even if it's a bit later than most, you know?"

"Yeah, I know, but I can't help but feel a bit weird about it... Like I'm glad he has a friend like Tao, especially if Tao is going to stand by him, but what if that's not the case... This could really hurt Myungsoo if it turns out to be that way, he's too nice to be hurt that way, too pure and with how much I've ed up and am bound to up, he doesn't need someone that would hurt him even more as well... Sungjong, you've seen how he is, despite how shy he can be... It's almost as if he looks at us as if we're the world to him. And as weird as this is to say, I don't want his world to be crushed because someone wanted to take advantage of him."

Feeling his cheeks turn red at what he had just said, something that he didn't expect to say, but had came out like word vomit, Sungyeol couldn't help but swear, "... Is this what it's like to have a soulmate? It's barely been a couple of days since I told myself that I'd do better when it came to Myungsoo, but I never expected to feel or think this way..."

Hearing Sungjong laugh at his words, almost as if he thought they were funny, it took the other a few moments to calm down so he could answer, "Sometimes, but it's a bit different for Hoya and I. But you've seen Sunggyu and Dongwoo together, they found each other and became a couple a few days later and love each other just like Hoya and I. So it won't be long until you're used to feeling that way, let alone realizing you're in love. That's how soulmates are and as much as they've taught us about this type of stuff in school, it's something altogether when you actually are going through it. And as long as you do your best to be understanding, kind, and someone that your soulmate can count on, things will be fine... Myungsoo really likes you Sungyeol, so you just paying attention to him is already you winning half the battle."

Groaning a little, but feeling a smile tug across his lips, only to realize that Sungjong hadn't detered all of his worries, a question was quick to fall from his lips, "Do I have to worry about Tao at all?" 

"Oh, Sungyeol, I don't think you do and if it turns out that Tao isn't an okay guy, Myungsoo will always have us. It's not like we'll be going anywhere anytime soon, so if things don't work out with him, we'll always be there to pick up the pieces. You'll be there to help him out, because if it something like that did happen, I'm sure you and Myungsoo will be much closer than you are now, so it's only natural. And I'm sure if something like that did happen, Lee Haena would have his neck as she wouldn't be happy to know that her cousin was being awful to people like Myung-"

"Wait, Lee Haena? Super popular, pretty, and kindhearted Lee Haena that Woohyun's been crushing on for years now, that Lee Haena?" 

"Yes, Zitao's her cousin and from what I hear, they're quite close. Why do you ask?"

Eyes lighting up at the information, only for that fact that he was sure that Woohyun would appreciate it, especially if Tao was going to stay Myungsoo's friend, Sungyeol couldn't help but hum, "No reason, was just surprised is all."

While Sungjong sighed on the other end of the line, already knowing what he had been thinking, because it had probably crossed his mind as well, he changed the subject to what they had been talking before, "Going back to what you had been telling me, I think Zitao's okay and I wouldn't worry too much, alright?" 

"Alright."

Letting Sungjong take over the rest of the conversation, Sungyeol answering him when he had needed to do so, while also telling him that he and Myungsoo were going to have a date later in the week, Sungyeol felt a lot better about the things that had been plaguing his mind. Deciding to give Zitao the benefit of the doubt, beecause as odd as Zitao's behavior had been, he hadn't done anything to say that he wouldn't be a good friend to Myungsoo, despite Sungyeol's worries. And Sungyeol did want to believe the best in him, at least for Myungsoo's sake that is. Even if Zitao would probably be a bit of a pain in the from time to time when it came to his and Myungsoo's relationship. Something that Sungyeol was sure to happen until he had proven himself, which was fine with him because Sungyeol wasn't going to fail.

xxxxxx

Closing the door to his house so that he could lean against it, only to groan in pain due to the movement, back smarting in pain, Myungsoo couldn't help but shakily breathe as he grasped his shirt near his heart. The organ was beating way too fast, but not because he was suddenly having heart problems, but was due to the sudden emotions that had engulfed him as soon as Sungyeol had asked him out. The taller boy having asked him to go on a date that weekend when Myungsoo had opened the door of the other's car as he needed to leave so he could start dinner.

The thought of his father coming home to him not having dinner finished, let alone how much his father was already going to have his head when he noticed the crutches, had easily scared him. However, despite the fear that had went through him, he still couldn't help but feel warmth and happiness dampen that terror when he thought of his soulmate wanting to go on a date with him. Something of which Myungsoo couldn't have imagined happening due to how unworthy and disgusting he was. Dating was too nice of an experience for him to think that he even deserved to do something like that. Even if he and Sungyeol were soulmates and that dating should have been something that was expected to happen due to it being a natural progression in one's romantic relationship. But it was still something that had surprised him because he didn't think that Sungyeol would even want to do such a thing with him. 

Dating was the type of thing that was in romance novels, manhwa, and movies. It was fun, pure, and the type of thing that was supposed to make your heart race. It was for good and beautiful people. It was for soulmates with budding relationships. It was for couples that had wanted to have fun with their significant other, even when they weren't young anymore. 

The thought of being in a relationship that took part in that type of culture and being a part of a couple that would actually have their love bloom from getting to know each other through something like that, even if most of his information had been taken from the few romance manhwas and books that he had read, Myungsoo couldn't help but feel like he didn't deserve to be a part of it.

He wasn't a good person, he wasn't a beautiful person, and as much as he had wanted to date, to love someone, and have someone love him back, he couldn't expect such things. He didn't deserve to, especially when his father had made sure to make him realize such things. His self-esteem was literally non-existent due to how his life was, but was something that Myungsoo didn't know how to change. Myungsoo resigning himself to his life because that's all he really knew and could expect, Myungsoo deserving it because that's just how things were.

And as much as he loved Sungyeol and wanted to be a good soulmate to him, to be someone that was worthy of him, Myungsoo couldn't help but feel a little lost... To feel doubts.

Why him?

But not wanting to question his soulmate's judgment, knowing that Sungyeol had probably just asked him because he had just wanted to go on a date. Because that's what you did in a relationship, rather than thinking that Myungsoo was actually a worthy person to go with him. Even if Myungsoo had desperately wanted to be worthy of something like that, he couldn't help but focus on the happiness instead.

He focused on the way that Sungyeol had smiled at him when he had asked him out, at the way Sungyeol had asked him if he had any allergies or foods he didn't like, at the way Sungyeol asked him if there was anything that he didn't want to do, the other wanting to make sure that Myungsoo had a little bit of say when it came to their date, but was still a surprise, Myungsoo was touched. His soulmate was so good to him, so nice and caring, that Myungsoo couldn't help but love him more. 

Feeling tears come to his eyes, droplets uncomfortably warm, Myungsoo couldn't help but shakily wipe his eyes, his breath hitching as he did so. The events of that day finally getting to him and with him being in the comfort of him, alone with noone around to see him cry or breakdown, Myungsoo's shoulders started to shake as his emotions finally got the better of him. 

Confused, yet happy, he found himself beginning to cry.

How did I deserve someone like Sungyeol? How did I get someone so wonderful? Just how?

Back twinging in more pain and feeling more than exhausted, despite the nap that he had taken earlier, Myungsoo curled in on himself and continued to let out a small sob. Today had truly been too much for him, even if he had been gifted so many things.

Letting himself cry for a few moments more before he had to do his best to compose himself, he eventually pulled himself away from the door, krutches helping him move. Fear started to run through him again, happiness leaving him when he had noticed the time; the day wasn't over just yet.    

[ A/N ] : I know this update is very late and I apologize for that, but the last couple of months haven't been that great to me, especially since I've had to deal with some stuff that I didn't expect to deal with. And as much as I could write a long note about why I didn't update and have you guys know about what has been going on in my life to keep me from writing (you can check out the blog post I made if you really want to know), I rather you, as my readers, just focus on the story instead. Which I hope you guys are still enjoying. But anyway, thanks for sticking with me so far, even if I'm a bit of a lazy at times and can take too long to update.

And I didn't mention this last chapter, but the reason why I asked you guys to see sign language as universal, despite their being a 'universal sign language' (which is called Gestuno (or more commonly called International Sign) by the way), is because Gestuno isn't really that universal and many people, especially non-westerners/middle-eastern Europeans have trouble understanding it (this is what I've gotten from some of my research at the very least). So as much as there is a universal sign language, there isn't one that truly fits and works across the board for those that use sign language and are from different countries. So for the sake of the story, we're just going to assume that sign language is universal, at least between Korean and Chinese sign language that is.