The next morning, Brian approaches the boys who are waiting at the slope. Jae's talking to Sungjin and Brian recalls the conversation they had last night. Sungjin may have feelings for someone - who it was wasn't revealed, and Brian didn't tell his best friend of his possible feelings. They usually tell each other everything, but Brian didn't ask who because he wouldn't know what to do if the answer to that wasn't Jae. Sungjin and Jae are talking about their project and Wonpil arrives at the same time Brian does.

"Good morning," Jae says and Wonpil gives a smile and responds,

"Good morning," before making his way to Sungjin's side.

Brian gives Jae a small smile and talks to Wonpil about their project that they should probably start. Junhyeok and Dowoon are saying they haven't started either, and the group laughs as they make their way to the school. As they're getting closer, they approach a crowd and hear muffled yells and Jae doesn't process what's happening until Brian's already running into the middle of the circle, helping Seungmin up.

"I told you that if you did this again, I would beat your -" Brian reminds through clenched teeth as he clutches the guy's collar, 

"Brian, it's okay," Seungmin says,

"Oh, look at your boyfriend coming to save the day," 

"He's not my boyfriend-" Seungmin's weak protests are barely heard as Brian pushes the boy named Kisung out of the circle,

"What's your problem?" Brian asks, glare narrowing at Kisung who's smirking,

"My problem? Seungmin and I have no problem, right?" Kisung asks, and Brian turns to look at Seungmin who's eyes are situated on the ground and he nods out of habit.

"See? So why don't you mind your own business," he says as he pushes Brian,

"Seungmin is my business," he replies, not giving any ground and chuckling. The smile on Brian's face causes Kisung to falter, his eyes aren't scared or irritated anymore - they look like they're enjoying this. Jae watches, supporting Seungmin as he pulls them out of the circle, trying to create distance between him and Kisung

"I don't like having to repeat myself," Brian starts,

"But you don't seem like you like to listen, am I right, Kisung-ah?" 

Kisung's lips quiver and Brian laughs, 

"If I see you anywhere near Seungmin," he pauses, and smiles before patting Kisung on the cheek,

"Well... if you're curious, try it."

The Brian in front of him is one Jae doesn't recognize. His eyes are wild yet focused and purposeful, that smile isn't care free and playful, even his laugh sounds different and Jae wonders why Brian has that side to him. 

Brian releases Kisung's collar and shoves him before telling him off, and Kisung walks away his jaw clenched and steps angry. 

"All of you guys are just as bad as Kisung," Brian says, pointing around the circle that was just watching Seungmin taking punches,

"Disgusting," he says under his breath before shoving past a few people and rejoining the group who were walking Seungmin to the infirmary. It's a quiet walk and Jae wonders if this has happened before because the other boys didn't even flinch when Brian ran into the circle, they barely blinked as they took Seungmin away from the situation. 

"I'll stay with him for a bit, I'll meet you guys in class," Brian informs, leaning on the wall beside the bed Seungmin was sitting on,

"Kang Bri, your stuff," Sungjin says, holding out an arm,

"Thanks," he replies with a small, grateful smile. 

The group leaves, Wonpil helping Sungjin with Brian's stuff while they all talk about their projects. Jae lingers just a little longer, slowing his pace so that he sees Brian sitting beside Seungmin through the small window and he doesn't know why his mind doesn't leave them even as they walk down the hall to class.

"Seungmin..." Brian starts and doesn't know where to go from there,

"I'm sorry," Brian looks to his side, noticing Seungmin's eyes that are fixated on the floor,

"You keep getting into this mess, you should stop, people might get the wrong idea about us-"

"Am I suddenly dating someone because I stop some from beating up an innocent kid?"

"No, but I can't help but feel special." he admits, surprising Brian.

"You're like my knight in shining armour, and I get that I already confessed but if you keep coming to my side like that, what do you expect me to do?"

"So what do you expect me to do?" Brian fires back,

"You want me to just let Kisung break your glasses? Bust your lip? Blacken your eye?"

"Sometimes, yes!" Seungmin replies,

"Honestly, sometimes I wish you would... Because then I wouldn't feel special, then I wouldn't hug that panda you gave me a little tighter at night," he finally looks into Brian's eyes, and Brian hates the tears that line them,

"So yeah, sometimes I wish you would just ignore me like everyone else because then I wouldn't think we could be something more than just damsel in distress and knight in shining armour."

Brian looks at Seungmin whose eyes have returned to the ground. He wonders why he likes him so much, and then reflects on his own feelings for someone he knows is unattainable. Seungmin is a good kid, and having Brian at his side would probably get Kisung to stop. Brian doesn't really know how he came to this conclusion, but it happens, and after a few moments of silence, he breaks it with

"So then let's date."

Jae's barely focusing on the lesson as he waits for Brian to come back, and when he does, he tries to read his expression as if that'll tell him what happened in the infirmary. Just like the first time he walked in late, Brian acts like nothing happens, smiling at the boys when he makes his way to his seat after giving a bow of apologies to the teacher. Before Jae gets to ask if Seungmin's okay, Brian turns to Wonpil to confirm their plans of going to the library after school to start their project.

The rest of the school day passes by quickly, or maybe Jae's just distracted. Even when the group goes their separate ways as Brian and Wonpil head to the library, Jae makes a mental note to make sure to text Brian later tonight.

Wonpil and Brian are sitting at one of the tables available at the library, their poster progressing quickly as their teamwork is pretty good. 

"How's Seungmin?" Wonpil asks, and Brian shrugs, replying

"Okay, I guess. Stupid Kisung kid is pissing me off though," and Wonpil hums in response.

They continue to work, getting their project done and they're impressed with themselves. Wonpil offers to take it home and then they decide to go get some food before parting ways. It's dark outside, understandable due to how much time they spent finishing their project, granted they were extremely productive but still. They settle down at a restaurant nearby the school, it's not too busy and the owner recognizes Wonpil and already knows what he's going to order. Brian and Wonpil are laughing about something trivial when the laughter dies down as their food comes along with some extra side dishes, courtesy of the owner. In between bites they discuss their upcoming plans, how time is flying and Halloween is coming up, and after that Christmas. When on the topic of doing a Secret Santa with the friend group this year, Wonpil says a line familiar to Brian,

"Hey Bri, can I tell you something?" and Brian takes a spoonful of his soup, nodding and saying

"Yeah of course, Piri,"

Wonpil's hesitation and playing with his spoon doesn't go unnoticed and Brian comforts,

"Or you don't have to, it's cool."

And Wonpil's awkward chuckle is his response of "nevermind". Brian moves on naturally, politely asking if they can get more side dishes and the owner has more on their table in no time. They move on to talk about how they'll present it, agreeing it would be best to split the information up while also talking about certain topics together to demonstrate that they did in fact as a team.

After they finish eating, they walk home, Brian saying he'll walk Wonpil home because it's dark outside. They're walking in comfortable silence, enjoying the breeze that is growing colder with each day as Halloween approaches. 

"I think I'm starting to like someone." Wonpil says, startling Brian who was kicking a stone along the way,

"Oh," is the immediate response accompanied by a surprised expression.

Why do they confide in me? Brian thinks. He's grateful they trust him like that, but who is he supposed to go to? He concludes he won't tell anyone about his own potential feelings and keep it to himself.

"That's... Good?" Brian replies with a small smile, unsure himself, and Wonpil laughs,

"I mean I guess... I just don't know what to do with these feelings. What if they don't like me back?"

I know mine doesn't.

"Like, what if I ruin things with them?"

I probably would.

"Is it better to just not say anything?"

For me, definitely. 

"Not sure, Piri-ah," Brian starts,

"Sorry I can't give the best advice... but personally, if I liked someone, in the future I'd rather look back and know I tried than regret not saying anything and wonder what we could have been, you know?"

Liar. I can't tell him.

Wonpil hums in response,

"Yeah, I'd probably feel the same," he sighs and continues,

"Well, I'm not sure yet - I've just been confused lately... if in the future I'm sure of my feelings, I think I'll be able to tell them."

"Personally, I would confess only when I know that I'd be okay with whatever answer they give me," Brian explains,

"Like, of course I'd be hoping for the feelings to be mutual, but I think I'd need to know I'd be okay if it wasn't."

Wonpil looks to his side, slightly surprised,

"For someone who hasn't accepted a single confession or admitted to feelings, you seem like you think about this a lot," Wonpil comments, a friendly smile on his face and Brian laughs,

"I guess..."

"How about you, Bri? Any feelings or anything on your mind?" 

The question catches him off guard and causes a small,

"Huh?" to escape his lips.

"Uh nah," he collects himself, shaking his head,

"You know I don't wanna involve myself with anyone..."

He immediately thinks of Seungmin.

"Yeah, but you can still like someone and not act on it," Wonpil points out and Brian just smiles. He's extremely thankful they reach Wonpil's house just then because he doesn't want to explain himself. 

"Get home safe, Bri," Wonpil says and smiles as he waves,

"I will! See you tomorrow!" and Brian waves back before heading back home. 

Brian's enjoying the silence but his mind is in disarray. Seungmin, Wonpil's potential feelings, Sungjin's that are possibly blossoming, and Brian's own for-

His thoughts get cut off by his ringtone that seems deafeningly loud in the serenity of the evening. 

"Hello?" he says,

"Hi Bri!" Jae says and Brian habitually smiles.

"Hey, what's up?" 

"Just wanted to talk to you,"

The way Jae says that like it's nothing makes Brian realize what Seungmin meant earlier.

They talk about random stuff, before Jae asks,

"How was Seungmin?" 

On the other line, Jae was waiting and wondering why Brian went quiet.

"Okay, I think."

"That's good," and Jae wants to slap himself when he asks,

"What did you guys talk about?" Jae himself doesn't know why he's so curious, but there was something about the way Brian sat down by Seungmin and looked at him that makes Jae feel something - something he can't name, or describe. 

"Uh," Brian says, wondering why Jae asked and sighs,

"Nothing in particular, just wanted to make sure he was okay..." he lies.

"Oh okay.. Sorry, was just curious," Jae tries to save himself and just awkwardly laughs.

"It's cool," Brian says, smiling at the ground. 

"What're you doing right now?" he asks, and that sends Jae off talking about his present actions, which is finishing up his portion of the poster, what he planned to do, the dream he had during an accidental nap. It's moments like these where Jae just talks about himself that Brian finds himself smiling at the smallest things. The way Jae gets carried away when talking about the dream, or his little snorts of laughter before he even gets to tell the funny part of it.

They stay on the phone until Jae says he has to go, and Brian hangs up with a "good night". He puts his phone back in his pocket as he's approaching his house, and catches Sungjin leaving his own.

"Oh, Kang Bri where were you?" 

"Project with Piri," 

"Oh... 'till this late?" Sungjin asks,

"We grabbed some dinner and I walked him home... Where are you off to?"

"Jae has the project right now, but I forgot some stuff so I'm gonna go give it to him,"

"Couldn't wait 'till tomorrow?" and Brian hopes his voice doesn't sound defensive, because those words just slipped out.

"We were just texting, and I said I could bring it over, so," 

Brian nods and recalls Jae's rather sudden need to hang up and lack of reason.

"Wanna come?" Sungjin asks, and Brian shakes his head,

"Nah, I got things to do. Be safe though, call me if anything happens,"

"Will do, see you tomorrow, yeah?"

"Yeah yeah," he replies and they do their handshake before Brian watches Sungjin head in the direction of Jae's house.

In his room, Brian holds his phone in his hand before he sends a message to someone.

Kang Younghyun [Brian]: Hey, can we talk?

Brian's leg shakes impatiently as he waits for a response. After a couple of minutes, Brian's phone vibrates and he reads

Seungmin-ah: Okay

Kang Younghyun [Brian]: I just wanna apologize for earlier today...

Kang Younghyun [Brian]: I would apologize in person, and I will as soon as I see you tomorrow, but I just needed to tell you right now

He lets out a sigh of relief, laying down on his bed and waiting for Seungmin's reply, if he gets one.

Seungmin-ah: It's okay

Seungmin-ah: Sorry for slapping you 

Kang Younghyun [Brian]: Nah I deserved that

Kang Younghyun [Brian]: and everything you said

Kang Younghyun [Brian]: I said we should date without thinking how it would make you feel, and I swear it wasn't my intention to make it seem like I pity you

Seungmin-ah: Sorry my rejection wasn't as cool as yours lol

Brian laughs at his screen,

Kang Younghyun [Brian]: sorry my confession wasn't as cool as yours

Seungmin-ah: that was barely a confession, don't think highly of what you did!

Kang Younghyun [Brian]: ouch.

Kang Younghyun [Brian]: are you sure you accept my apology?? LOL

They talk for a while, getting to understand each other more, and Seungmin tells Brian that even he doesn't know why Kisung picks on him. Brian tells Seungmin that he'll be seflish and stick by Seungmin's side, even though it may make him feel special - he'd rather that than Kisung beating him up everyday - and Seungmin agrees, saying he'll try not to. Brian's thankful for Seungmin who's willing to talk and listen, despite what happened in the infirmary. Before they say good night, Brian apologizes one more time and Seungmin assures that it's okay.

Kang Younghyun [Brian]: seriously though Seungmin, I'm so sorry for that move

Seungmin-ah: Brian, it's okay.

Kang Younghyun [Brian]: Honestly, when I said it I thought how you could like someone like me..

Kang Younghyun [Brian]: it was such a move like

Seungmin-ah: Yeah, I was mad too

Seungmin-ah: but you texting me right now, and still apologizing is part of why I like you lol

Seungmin-ah: Just like when you save me from Kisung, you care about me. That's weird saying it myself, but I don't think I'm wrong.

Seungmin-ah: someone like you?? someone who cares for others and even realizes their own mistakes

Seungmin-ah: How can I not like you?

Brian stares at his screen, just processing Seungmin's words. He thinks he needed to hear this affirmation - that he was worth being sincerely liked, not just for his assumed good looks. 

Seungmin-ah: ok that was embarrassing I'm gonna go now LOL

Kang Younghyun [Brian]: Sorry I don't like you back 

Seungmin-ah: "I didn't mean to pity you" also you: "sorry" x23482

Seungmin-ah: Don't worry about it! I'll get over you soon enough lol

Kang Younghyun [Brian]: Thanks for talking to me, Seungmin-ah! 

Kang Younghyun [Brian]: Good night (:

Seungmin-ah: Good night~ ^^

Brian goes to sleep with a small smile on his face. 

The next morning, the boys are walking up the slope like usual, Junhyeok and Dowoon are telling the group that they're going to start their project tonight, and Sungjin teases saying they probably won't even get it done in time. As their walking, Brian spots Seungmin, walking with his head down and turns to the group,

"I'll meet you guys in class, yeah?"

"On time?" Sungjin teases,

"Yeah!" Brian says with a smile, jogging towards Seungmin. The boy's face lights up when he notices Brian, and Brian ruffles his hair as he says a good morning.

Jae watches from Sungjin's side, and he finds himself struggling to listen to their conversation. His interest is piqued when he faintly hears Brian say,

"I'm sorry for yesterday."

"I said it was okay last night!" 

"And I said I would apologize again when I saw you today!" 

Jae's eyes seem to stay on the two even as they walk to class, Jae only turning away when they enter the building and Brian and Seungmin stay outside to talk a bit more.

The school day passes, and so does the week with each pair presenting successfully. Jae and Sungjin got the highest mark - which the group credits to Jae - while Brian and Wonpil, and Junhyeok and Dowoon were only 2-3 marks below. Other days pass too, each day normal, some more boring than others, and soon enough, Halloween is upon them.

"What're you gonna dress up as?" Jae asks Brian, and he shrugs. 

"Not sure, yet. How about you?" 

"Same, I don't know either,"

"Are we going to Haunt?" Sungjin asks,

"I haven't gone any of the previous years," Jae admits,

"Oh, then we have to go!" Junhyeok says, and Dowoon nods.

The group is doing their after school routine, and it was Dowoon's turn to choose. The convenience store owner knows them at this point, and even gives them discounts. They part ways expectant of each other's costumes tonight, and Haunt - their school held a festival for Halloween, consisting of a haunted house, and other creepy things throughout the night.

When they meet up later than night, it's already dark, adding to creepiness that seemed to be in the air. Jae's talking to Sungjin who's dressed up as a zombie, while the latter himself dressed up as Harry Potter as he already had the glasses. Wonpil's costume is a mad scientist, Junhyeok and Dowoon decided to match as dead pirates. They're just waiting on Brian before going into the festival.

When Brian comes into view up the slope, Jae's eyes widen and his heart swells slightly and he scolds the small "wow" that escapes his lips, that hopefully no one hears.

AUTHOR'S NOTE; 

hi hello my days! <3 it's zen! ^_^ oho i hope you enjoyed that chapter, it was fun to write lol and sorry the update took a bit longer than i expected but honestly, i've been pretty good with updating! LOL as halloween is next week, i'll probably update with a lil' Halloween centric chapter hehe! 

as always, please please please leave a comment! your thoughts on the chapter, or how this story is progressing so far. anything that caught your attention? any guesses as to how Sungjin likes? (: one of my favourite moments from this chapter was Sungjin and Brian seeing each other late at night and when finding out where each was coming from, and going they were kinda just like >.> <.< LOL 

anyway! that's enough rambling from me! GUYS I'M SEEING DAY6 NEXT MONTH I'M SO INCREDIBLY EXCITED AHH! if you guys wanna friends, msg me on kakaotalk! my ID is zenaya :D i would love to talk to you guys more and make My Day friends! ^_^

love you guys hehe i'll update soon, but until then - peace! - zen