Was it possible that I felt a bit better after going home yesterday? Almost like I was relieved?

I have concluded that if the school couldn’t help Jiwon like I expected it to, then surely, Mr. Kim might be able to lessen whatever burdens Jiwon was carrying and he wouldn’t be left alone with his injuries.

“What are you smiling about?”

I blinked back from my thoughts and immediately offered Jinhwan a smile. “Jiwon.” My mind was temporarily busy with other matters that I had forgotten we were heading to school and trying our best to get there on time.

The boy automatically clicks his tongue in disapproval upon hearing the name leave through my lips.

I grabbed onto his arm while a slew of my chuckles met his ears. “Oh, don’t be so upset in the morning.” I held onto his arm while he made no effort to give me his attention. “If it makes you feel better, my curiosity died down just a bit.”

Jinhwan’s features froze before he glanced at me from the corner of his eyes. “…Really?”

I hummed a response and nodded. 

“How did that happen? Did you find something out?” Jinhwan further questioned.

“Someone else stepped up to help him.” I replied. “Hanbin’s father to be exact.”

“Hanbin?” He repeated. “Kim Hanbin? From the classroom next door?”

I nodded once more. “Jiwon is required to stop by whenever he gets injuries with the threat of his family getting notified if he doesn’t.”

Jinhwan paused while a thought crossed his mind. “So his family doesn’t know what he’s doing?”

“Good point.” I muttered upon thinking about his question. “How do you keep something like that a secret?” The truth is literally written all over his face and body.

“Maybe…” Jinhwan breathed in before finishing his words. “They don’t care?” He answered softly, knowing how unfortunate that would be if it were the real reason.

I remained silent in response. Then why would the threat work to begin with?

With my eyes downcast and merely trusting Jinhwan to lead me in the right direction, I didn’t count on the sudden halt Jinhwan came to. I stumbled forward slightly before looking at him in surprise. “What’s wrong –“ I noticed his eyes set straight ahead and I turned to see what he was staring at so intently.

The face I was met with made me stiffen up in the same manner. “Jungmin.” I acknowledged him.

“Seon, you remember me?” The boy casually asked in response. Sure, he no longer shared the same uniform as us but I wouldn’t forget that face. It’s hard to overlook someone that had left such a large impression on us while growing up. Even stronger if it was a negative one.

And at the moment, he may be grinning at us kindly, but it was not enough to erase everything he has done thus far. The smile wasn’t fitting for someone like him.

“What do you want?” I questioned, trying my best to remain calm for my best friend’s sake. Subtly, I slid myself in front of Jinhwan, making sure to keep Jungmin at bay and from getting any closer to the boy behind me.

“Just greeting my previous classmates –“

“Okay, you’ve done it.” I interrupted. “You should hurry and get to school now, we don’t want to be late either.”

I watched his eyes shift from me then towards Jinhwan. “Hey, Jinhwan.” He took a step forward while I instantly pushed backwards, still keeping myself in between the two. I stared up at him while he stood waiting for Jinhwan’s response that was never going to come and I saw the change in Jungmin’s expression once he realized it. “I said, ‘hi’, Jinhwan. Aren’t you going to respond?” He tried reaching over my shoulder and I lift my hand to block it.

“Stop it.” I ordered, keeping my voice even and while standing my ground.

“Did you forget already, Jinhwan?” Once again he ignores me and continues to direct his words toward the silent boy. “About what I can do?”

“You’re in the way.”

The unexpected voice broke our attention and we turned to see whom it was. Right there standing behind Jinhwan was Jiwon. 

“What?” I blurted, momentarily stunned by his appearance.

“You’re blocking the sidewalk.” Jiwon repeated once more, slower this time.

“Then step around us.” Jungmin retorted.

Jiwon catches a glimpse of Jinhwan’s tight grip on my arm and soon looks up at the towering boy settled across from us. “It’s not just you guys that use this sidewalk.” He states blankly. 

Taking advantage of this chance, I hold onto the Jinhwan’s hand. “Let’s go.” I tug him along and manage to walk past Jungmin. When I looked over my shoulder, I found Jiwon following right behind our heels and his eyes catch mine. “Tha –“

Before I could get the entire word of thanks out, Jiwon sped up and made sure to leave us behind and out of earshot.

My eyes trailed after him in disbelief but it was short-lived when I remembered what deserved my attention more. “Are you okay?”

Jinhwan’s gaze never moved up away from the ground.

Trying my best to comfort him, I added. “Look at us, out in one piece –“ 

“I’m sorry, Seon.”

His words quietly meet my ears. “Oh, Jinhwan.” I sigh before chuckling softly. “Don’t apologize. I wouldn’t know what to forgive you for.”

I looked ahead as the school building came into view. 

“Though, you should thank Jiwon.” I shot him a quick look while he silently lifted his eyes to meet mine.

I wouldn’t have known how to get out of it if it wasn’t for him.

***

“You two are back.” Jiwon visibly shows his unhappiness at our appearances at his lunch table.

Without a word, I nudged Jinhwan’s arm while still offering the boy across from me a smile. Before coming here, Jinhwan and I agreed on what needed to be done.

“Thanks.” Jinhwan mumbled. “For this morning.”

Jiwon’s features remain impassive. “I didn’t do anything.”

He obviously did but denies it for some unknown reason. “You helped us.” I corrected him.

“Please don’t mention what you saw to anyone.” Jinhwan’s sudden request causes Jiwon to go silent. “It would…make me an easy target.”

I glanced at him, already knowing the motive behind his words and turned to Jiwon. “Promise him.”

Not bothering to further the current conversation, Jiwon looked away and back down at his food. “Fine. Whatever. Just let me eat.”

Taking it as he understands, I send Jinhwan a quick smile before starting with my own lunch. While I did so,