"Wow. From a master-servant relationship to lovers.. They sure do surprise everyone,"

"And on top of that, for Seungri to swing the other way is just.."

"I wonder what's so special about that Averager.. Jiyong, right..? He seems pretty plain to me.."

"Perhaps he casted something on Seungri so that he'll like him, you know nowadays there are still people who practices witchcrafts and all that.."

"Or maybe Seungri is really in love..?"

"Pfft. Nonsense. The Ice Prince we all have gotten known for years is a cold-hearted bastard. And why would someone like Jiyong, who is an ordinary guy on top of that, change him..?"

"Yeah, that's a mystery. An absurd one.."

 

 

 

Jiyong fastened his pace as he walked across the lockers hallway to his first class. He turned a deaf ear towards the sickening murmurs and whispers that he came to hear as he passed by the students. Muttering gratitude under his breath for he finally reached his classroom, Jiyong entered and straightaway took his normal seat beside Youngbae, ignoring the eyes directed towards him. His bestfriend had quirked a brow at his annoyed expression, but Jiyong gave him a small, tight smile and shrugged it off.

 

The teacher sitting at the front of the class was doing his own work, ignoring the noisy animal-like9students in his class. Well, the finals are over, and it's about a month before the Spring Ball and next, Graduation Day. Of course the male teacher was glad that it won't be long till these spoiled brats will finally leave him alone. He let them watch a movie in the class, and even though some of them weren't paying attention to the film played in front, the teacher only turned a blind eye on them and finish any work he had in his laptop.

 

Jiyong tried focusing on the movie -- even though clearly it wasn't a good one, he couldn't even recognize any of the cast -- but his efforts were to no avail since his ears kept picking up whispers and several vague mentioning of his name, and when he turned around, he would be met with gazes directed on him, eyes that spoke of jealousy, annoyance, and a bit amount of unfairness and disbelief. It's like they were mocking him, belittling him -- judging him for reasons he knew himself.

 

It's been three days after the whole school found out about their newfound relationship, and various reactions are given from each 'categories'.. Their different-status relationship had clearly disrupt the Reputation System, and for the Ice Prince, who had been one who strongly held onto the stupid principle, to be involved in something like this, is just unacceptable.

However, of course they won't tell that to Seungri. They knew that his place in the society is higher than them, and it is only safer to keep whatever unsatisfactory they had to themselves. 

 

But, Jiyong is just an Averager. So it won't do them any harm if they pick on him. 

 

The cool kids, of course they made sure to glare at him with dominant eyes, face full of arrogance every time he walked past them. Indirectly delivering the message that they won't ever accept him in their league even if he's got Seungri as his backup -- the doors will never be opened for his ordinary .

And they had the courage to do so because it seems like Jiyong never tells Seungri anything about the unfair treatments that he had been receiving from the cool kids ever since the news broke out. Unfortunately, that only made them feel safe, thus they continue the murmurings in the hallway, the not-so-whispering in classes and the variety of gossips and theories created about Jiyong. Some of them were about him seducing Seungri to gain wealth and power, even to the point of saying that Jiyong was applying voodoo on the Ice Prince.

 

They all were being absurd, really. How much hatred they have for Jiyong and Seungri's relationship to the extent of spreading lies.. At some point, it hurt Jiyong to realise how their relationship was actually frowned upon by others. It actually wasn't just because of the difference of their social status, Jiyong was sure that it was also due to them being both guys. As much as Jiyong had hoped before, he had to accept the fact -- the cruel reality -- that Korean netizens aren't fully ready to accept gay couples yet.

 

Even some of the Averagers gave him the odd eye -- the looks that displayed curiosity, disgust, and disbelief. Yes, most of his friends still treat him like they always do, but some of them had stopped talking to him, and they clearly seem do not want to acknowledge his presence when Jiyong's eating with them at their usual table.

 

The first reason of them doing so was the same as the cool kids -- because Jiyong had disobeyed the Reputation System. In their opinion, he was doing things as he like even though he only started studying in Shindong High this year.

 

The second reason being they're actually jealous of him.

For years, the Ice Prince had been treating them like nothing, ignoring them when they approach him, insulting them because they weren't as rich as him. Seungri even said once that they are way below his league, and it would be a total waste to spend any of his precious time with any of them. And suddenly boom -- the Ice Prince is suddenly in a relationship with someone who's one of them, the kid who just came on their last year, senior year. Now, that is so unfair to them.

 

The third reason is.. well.. they don't really think guys should date each other, especially if they are from different social levels. Though, actually for some of them, homoual relationships aren't that disturbing. But still, even if Seungri decides to be gay, why must it be Jiyong..? Why can't it be any other guy among the jocks or whatever..? Why is it one of them..? Why Jiyong..? 

 

 

"Jiyong, I know the reason for your tight face, you know I technically knows everything that happens in school, right..?"

 

Youngbae couldn't help it, yes he wanted to give Jiyong some alone time because he's a big boy now and he fan handle his problems himself. But somehow his mother instincts are kicking out and he decided to meddle in after seeing Jiyong doodling some stickmen tied together with ropes and a big pot -- perhaps to cook them all, considering the big fire underneath it..

 

Jiyong sighed dejectedly, "I don't know, Bae.. I thought this whole thing would pass someday.. but it keeps getting worse everyday, and it's only been three days..!"

 

"You know this 'thing'--" the shorter guy gestured quotation marks using his fingers,  "--doesn't only involve yourself, right..?" Somehow Youngbae was guessing that Jiyong haven't told Seungri about this--

"So does that mean I have to talk about this with Seungri ..?" 

 

Bingo.. Youngbae rolled his eyes, he knew this idiot bestfriend of his ttoowell..

"Duh..? He's your boyfriend, isn't he..? He needs to know what's going on -- which he won't know because these fake motherfakers act all innocent in front of him, unless you tell him."

 

Jiyong realised that Youngbae was spilling out real facts. Seungri was having it easy because everyone around him are always pretending. Even though they don't approve his new (first) relationship, they would never show it in their pretty faces. 

He should let Seungri know, that the others were picking on him, but..

 

"But Seungri had been going through his own issues recently. I don't want to add this to his worry.. He probably would lash out on everyone, since he did get into a fight because of me last week.." I don't want to be a burden to him.. 

 

They're only in high school and if Jiyong isn't able to withstand this small obstacle in their relationship, how would he be able to face the greater ones that will come in the future..?? Seungri will probably get tired of him -- because Jiyong's too weak, too vulnerable to be in his world.. Perhaps he'll see Jiyong as an extra luggage that will affect his journey.

 

If the reactions of others towards them -- particularly him because they don't show it in front of Seungri -- are as bad as these in high school, how worse could it be in the outside world..? The adult world..?

Is being with Seungri the best thing to do..? Or will it affect Seungri's career and life someday..?

 

It's hard to admit, but Jiyong's been having these kind of thoughts lately, and they scare him... It had came to the point where Jiyong starts to wonder if meeting him was the best thing that happened to Seungri.. or is it the opposite..?

 

Youngbae seemed to know what Jiyong's been thinking, he could actually see the smokes coming out of his bestfriend's ears. "Ji, are you perhaps worried that your presence in Seungri's life will affect his future..?"

 

Jiyong gulped, his throat feeling a bit dry all of a sudden. "... No. Why would you think so..?"

 

Why..? Because Youngbae had known him since they were in diapers. He could practically hear the insecurities playing repeatedly in Jiyong's head like a broken cd. His bestfriend was definitely feeling as if he was the cause for more people to hate Seungri, the reason more are going to fake their treatment towards the Ice Prince. 

 

Youngbae didn't really understand the need for Jiyong to think that way. Can't he see that Seungri doesn't really give a damn about others..? The Ice Prince had always known that the people around him are two-faced creatures, and that never affect him in any way. Youngbae was sure that the only thing that matters to the Ice Prince at this moment is Jiyong and Jiyong only.

 

He was sure that Jiyong will soon realise that one important fact, "Nothing. Just curious." So he need not talk about it, Jiyong is experiencing enough for these past few days, no need to lecture him more. He believes that his bestfriend will make the right decision, Youngbae had faith in him.

 

"So when is Jaesang coming..?" Youngbae remembered that the younger had informed him that his uncle is finally visiting them after hiding for months -- almost a year, actually.

 

"Oh, I almost forget..! Hmm.. about two weeks from now.. I don't know if it's safe enough yet for him to return to Korea, let alone coming to Seoul.. but he insisted that everything's gonna be fine.. I hope so though.." 

Jiyong continued scribbling on his notebook while half of his focus was on the movie played in front. Youngbae yawned, muttering 'I hope so too,'

 

But seriously, Youngbae hoped things will be better for his bestfriend soon. The younger had suffered, and sacrificed too much, he deserves better.. Although somehow Youngbae's instincts were telling him that Jiyong will make a sacrifice again for one last time..

Hmm...

Perhaps it's nothing.. Youngbae shrugged it off as he slumped further into his chair.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The next day found Jiyong balancing his food tray as he ascended the stairs to the school's rooftop. Seungri's face greeted him the moment he opened the door to the rooftop, and he had given his boyfriend the sweetest smile he could muster.

Yes, today was still like -- the students are still treating him the same as the day before, if not worse -- but seeing Seungri's face somehow made him feel a lot better.

Jiyong proceeded to sit on the stone bench, putting his tray beside him, and naturally the Ice Prince placed his head on Jiyong's lap, as he laid himself on the bench. Jiyong started eating after confirming that Seungri didn't want to consume anything, and they started talking about their day.

 

Jiyong started asking first, and Seungri had made a face before answering, "It was weird.. I guess..? My teammates started asking genuine questions about me, as if they wanted to know me better.. I think maybe it was because of the sudden news of our relationship, and they realised that they never really knew the real.. me..-- those are Dae's words.."

 

Seungri was furrowing his eyebrows at his thoughts, and Jiyong immediately  them with his fingers gently to stop the crease on his boyfriend's forehead. "But you were the one who shut everyone out in the first place, right..? That's why they didn't get to know you better before.."

 

"Yes, true.. But even if I shut them out, is faking their treatment towards me a right thing for them to do..? Perhaps they realised how much of an they were being, and decided to start anew with me.. It was nice at first, until it got to the point where it overwhelms me, they were trying to be friendlier, but I felt-- suffocated..? I don't know if I was glad that some are still being their normal fake selves.."

 

"So that's why you called me up here..? To get away from them..?"

 

"Well, yes.. But--" Seungri held Jiyong's hand that were caressing his cheeks, "I just wanted to see you.. I miss you, Ji.."

 

The Ice Prince was looking anywhere but him, and he tried hard to maintain his poker face after confessing that he had been missing his boyfriend. He mentally scolded himself for acting like a girl who's getting all flustered under the eyes of her boyfriend.

 

Jiyong thought that was cute, so of course he couldn't help but tease the Ice Prince, "Really..? You missed me..?"

 

Seungri glared at him -- and that made Jiyong chuckle heartily, resulting the Ice Prince's heartbeat to double its speed -- and muttered 'shut up' under his breath. They continued talking about classes, and Jiyong avoided the topics regarding his friends now and then because he knew he won't be able to lie if Seungri asked him. He didn't want Seungri to worry, the Ice Prince had his own life to take care of--

 

And that reminds Jiyong. He had been wanting to ask Seungri about this particular issue, despite the thing being a bit sensitive for the Ice Prince. But Jiyong needs to know that Seungri was okay -- if everything is okay..

 

Jiyong gulped before starting, "Hey Seungri.." Seungri hummed, playing with Jiyong's fingers as he waited for whatever Jiyong had to say.

 

"How's everything at home..?"

 

Seungri stopped fiddling with Jiyong's thin fingers as he sighed, "You want the good news, or the bad news..?"

 

"Hmm.. I always prefer for the good ones first.." Seungri hummed an 'okay' before blowing an odd strand of hair that fell on his forehead, Jiyong smiled as he helped removing it properly.

 

"Alright... After that night, everyone seemed more.. open towards each other. My father gathered everyone together the following night and confessed everything, admitting his sins and apologizing for his mistakes.. He truly seemed like he regretted being a selfish arsehole.  Haejin seemed to have forgiven him, and I could see that they truly love each other. I, myself, am starting to try forgiving him, and have stopped hating my family. Maybe we'll be able to finally be a real family someday -- I could vision it in my head, but for sure it'll need some more years though--"

 

Jiyong held his hands tightly, and Seungri looked up to see Jiyong smiling lovingly at him, "I'm happy for you, Seungri.."

 

Seungri's life has been getting a lot better, the situation with his parents and his past had been settled. Things are getting better for the Ice Prince, and Jiyong can't help but to be happy for him.

Suddenly his conscience interjected, does he really still need Jiyong in his life then..?

 

Jiyong was brought out of his reverie when Seungri brought Jiyong's hand that he was holding and placed their joined hands on his chest.

 

"Thanks, Ji.. You know, you should really be proud of me that I decided to forgive him and not hating him anymore.." because if it was the old Seungri, perhaps he would've made an oath to not acknowledge the mayor as his father anymore, ignoring his father's apologies, turning a cold shoulder to everyone's attempt to advice him to do otherwise.

Luckily, he had Jiyong in his life, and the gumball had mended his broken self..

 

Jiyong rolled his eyes at the proud words, not annoyed or anything, but definitely in love, "Whatever.. so what's the bad news then..?"

 

"Okay.. Now that I've realized what being a politician had done to my father, how he had changed after being one... I suddenly have doubts if I could really control myself in the future if I was to be like him someday.. I thought of changing my ambition, but I still haven't the slightest idea of what I want to be aside from the next Mayor.. So yeah, I'm currently ambition-less.."

 

Jiyong almost snorted, THAT is the bad news??  "That's nonsense, Ri.. To change someone like you is harder than looking for a needle buried deep in the Pacific oceans.."

 

Seungri had hit his arm, saying that the comparison was ridiculous, although he let that nickname slide though... "I guess I shouldn't worry much, hmm..? After all, the only person who could change me is you.. And you will be there with me, right..?"

 

"Uh-- yeah.. Of course, Seungri.."  The Ice Prince noticed the slight waver in his voice, but decided not to think about it too much. He closed his eyes and sighed aloud.

 

" I can't believe that we're finally graduating in a month!! Finally, I'm leaving this hell on Earth.."

 

Jiyong smiled, endeared by how Seungri seemed like a boy who couldn't wait to see the first snow. "Time flied really fast, though.. It feels like it was only yesterday when I accidentally bumped into some cold bastard with puppy eyes-- Ow!"

 

"That cold bastard is your boyfriend now, remember..?"

 

Jiyong pouted, because Seungri had pinched his arm, but he couldn't stop the wildly reddening of his cheeks. Stop blushing, Jiyong..!

 

"This reminds me -- the Spring Ball.. I'm coming this year -- because Daesung had made me promised -- and you're coming with me," Seungri closed his eyes, waiting for Jiyong to react.

 

Wait, what..?

 

Jiyong blinked, "Was that how you're asking me to be your date to the dance..?"

 

"Uh, yeah..? As if you're going with anyone else.. You're mine, remember..?" Seungri spoke nonchalantly, as if the dance was a normal event that takes place everyday.

 

And Jiyong couldn't help but sigh.. What did he do to have such a non-romantic boyfriend..?

 

"Plus, if I had done something sickeningly-sweet and romantic, say like -- kneeling in front of you while a band plays some corny love songs behind you, and then some people emerge from the crowd and turn around to let you see the words printed on the back of their shirts -- which somehow form Will-You-Be-My-Date-To-The-Dance..? -- of course you'd be doing one of your extreme body flush, as you blush from your head to your damn toes.. and then you'll be mad at me for humiliating you in public, saying that I purposely let everyone see how cute you are when you turn into a red tomato, and you'll blame me for spending my money on  unnecessary things, and--"

 

Jiyong had to cover Seungri's mouth to stop him from talking, because even though Seungri was just trying to create some excuses to prevent him from admitting that he actually didn't have the courage to ask him properly like how boyfriends do, Jiyong hated to admit that the Ice Prince was right.

 

"Of course I'll go with you.. Who else in this world would want to accompany you if not me..?"

 

"Shut up,"

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Two weeks later, Jiyong was in class, and the teacher was giving everyone a mock test to kill some time. Things aren't getting better with the students' treatment towards him, but he was grateful that they aren't getting any worse.. At least he could still handle the situation.. although he was having some disturbing matter weighing at the back of his itchy mind recently..

 

Suddenly, the classroom door burst open, revealing one of the school's clerk. Jiyong chuckled, remembering that the last time this scene happened was when Seungri had found out that he's going on a farm trip and tried stopping him -- the Ice Prince failed though, and Jiyong was feeling hot on his chair right now as the scene of them kissing to make up the time they aren't going to be with each other was replayed in his mind.

Ugh..

 

"Kwon Jiyong..?"  Jiyong looked up, blinking cluelessly at the sudden calling of his name. What could it be this time..?

"You are called to the office, now bring your bag with you,"

 

Weird.

 

Jiyong wasted no time as he wordlessly packed his things, promising Youngbae that he'll tell everything later, and later followed the clerk while ignoring the murmurs that had started to arise among the students. He sighed, being summoned to the office isn't going to give him a better image..

 

Arriving at the office, Jiyong was surprised, and rather confused to see Dami waiting for him.

 

"You--..?"

 

"I've signed the papers and all, you are allowed to leave early. Now, let's not waste any time, loser..!"

 

The female clerk raised an eyebrow at the odd petname, but of course Dami didn't have the time to care and explain as she pulled her still-clueless brother by the hand and together they left the school premise.

 

Once Jiyong was able to comprehend the current situation, they're already in a cab, on the way to--

 

"Wait. Where the hell are we going..?"

 

Jiyong noticed how distressed his sister was looking, the way she kept fiddling with her fingers was giving away that something bad had happened. Jiyong clutched his bag near to his chest, kind of nervous to know the reason for Dami inviting him early from school all of a sudden.

 

His sister hesitated before starting, her hands slightly shaking due to reasons unknown to Jiyong.. "Y-you know.. uncle is supposed to arrive in Seoul yesterday, right..?"

 

Jiyong's ears perked up. Jaesang had been keeping them worried since last night, because he should have been in Korea by that afternoon. However there was still no news from him even until midnight, and this morning also..

 

"Have you possibly received any news from him..?"

 Jiyong pushed away the awful theories that were building inside his head. Yes, something was clearly off, and Dami didn't seem to be trying to hide that fact.. But Jiyong didn't want to lose faith, there's no way everything is bound to go wrong when it comes to him.. It's impossible that everything in his life can't turn out well.

Just for once..?

 

"He's gotten into an accident, there was a truck and.. he's in a comatose state right now, the injuries are decreasing his chance of living--"

 

Jiyong stopped listening before his sister was able to finish explaining the dreadful situation. 

 

 

I knew it..

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It had been four days, and Jiyong had been skipping school since. He and Dami took roles in staying with their uncle in his ward, because somebody should be there when -- if, he regain his consciousness. The doctor told them that they'd be doing their best, but Jiyong understood his real message -- please don't have high hopes..

 

Dami had to work in night shifts for this month, so Jiyong had to stay overnight at the ward. Jiyong didn't complain, it's not like there's anything important happening in school, and it's actually a bit refreshing not to receive any odd looks or to hear any mentioning of his name at the lockers. He couldn't sleep much, and his back ache from taking naps on the couch in the ward, so he decided to skip school for awhile.

 

Jiyong wasn't really functioning well since he saw his uncle unconscious on that hospital bed, he even forgot to let Youngbae know what's going on.. But of course that bestfriend slash mother of his had made sure to phone him that night after he was suddenly summoned to the office.

 

Jiyong had cried -- it was a wonder how he could keep all those pent up emotions for the whole day, and Youngbae had tried his best to comfort him. He succeeded a little, although Jiyong didn't feel that much better. 

 

"Have Seungri been informed yet..?"

"..I don't want to burden him.."

 

Youngbae had scolded him again, and Jiyong had promised to inform his boyfriend... again..

 

 

But of course, Jiyong still hadn't told the Ice Prince anything yet, and he felt guilty for it. Seungri would most probably think that Jiyong didn't think of him as someone important enough to be informed about every single thing that happened in his life, he'd think that Jiyong didn't trust him enough. That was entirely wrong.

 

Jiyong does trust him, oh he trusts the Ice Prince with his whole heart.

 

But he doesn't trust himself. If he kept on relying on the Ice Prince, one day when they aren't together anymore, Jiyong won't be able to stay sane and calm at all if anything happens.

 

But why, though..? Why does he keep having these kind of thoughts lately..? Why is he expecting for the day when they won't be with each other anymore..?

 

Jiyong figured it must be due to the lack of sleep. He rubbed his heavy eyelids and got off the couch to walk out of the ward to get himself some coffee. Maybe he needed to restock his body's supply of caffeine so he won't be having any nonsense thoughts anymore..

 

Walking back towards the ward, Jiyong pondered further on his thoughts. He was never as happy as he is when he's with Seungri, and he was sure the same thing goes for the Ice Prince.. The Ice Prince learned to smile more, and Jiyong himself is having the giddiest time in his life whenever Seungri was near.

 

He changed Seungri into a better person, and Seungri gave him a new hope that there is another chance for him to be happy.. They're both very much in love with each other, and even a minute without being with each other was hard for them.

 

But is this-- their feelings towards each