Niel plopped onto his bed. He certainly had better days than today. His parents would ask if anything was wrong but Niel would just shrug it off. Instead of speaking with them, he chose to go straight up to his room. He groaned into his pillow, trying to let out his frustrations.

He was about to fall into a slumber when he heard a light knock on his window. It was just a pebble, but it was thrown from the window of his neighbor. Niel’s lips tugged into a small and tired smile as he grabbed a marker and a sketchbook from under his bed.

Hey, you okay?

Quickly in swift moves of his fingers, he scribbled back an answer.

I’ve been better. Thanks for asking, Minsoo.

The said neighbor squinted to get a better look at the message. He flipped to a new page and wrote in big bold letters.

Care to talk about it?

Don’t you mean write?

Same thing. So..?

Niel elaborated for a while. He doesn’t want to put pressure on Minsoo by sharing his problems. Another pebble was thrown at his window, getting him out of his thoughts. He thinks his window is going to shatter any day now by the number of times it had been hit by a small rock.

Just tell me. Don’t worry about it.

Minsoo seems sincere to accept the load of his problems. He wants to help, surely. Niel nodded towards him and began to write what was troubling him.

It’s about school. The first page said. He flipped to the next page.

I’ve worked hard to get a place..

Next page.

In the student council.

Minsoo nodded and as a sign for him to continue.

But of course, I get unnoticed.

My best friend...

He got to be vice president.

Minsoo felt a bit of pity for Niel.

Sure, he works hard. But..

I’m pretty sure I work harder.

Even other members said so.

I’m just frustrated now.

Niel finished up his story and Minsoo nodded understandingly. He wished he could just climb over that 6-foot high fence separating their houses and take Niel into the tightest embrace ever so he would forget of the issue.

I feel sorry for you.

Niel blinked at the response.

Don’t be. I deserve the shadows.

Minsoo shook his head vigorously. He’s denying, of course.

At least I feel better once I’ve shared..

My problems. Thanks for reading.

Minsoo stayed quite for a while. Then he scribbled something down.

Don’t thank me. I’ll always listen. Or read in this case.

I care about you.

 Niel blushed as he read that last line. Minsoo wasn’t usually this straight forward.

What has gotten into you?

Minsoo tilted his head in confusion.

What do you mean?

Niel inwardly sighed to himself.

You’re not usually straight forward.

Realization dawned to Minsoo. He said he cared, earlier. But he really does care.

But I do care. It’s no lie. You should know..

That I really care.

Niel’s eyes widen. Seriously, when has he been like this.

Are you high? e.e

Minsoo’s jaw slightly dropped at the question.

How could you think so?! OTL

Niel shrugged.

Please please please tell me what you think ;~~; I wrote this to release stress so I hope it's okay.