While Monday mornings is not something Taekwoon is a fan of – well, any morning really – the morning after getting as much as ten hours of sleep was surprisingly hard. Due to his lack of sleep night-to-Sunday, he had gone to bed as soon as Wonshik had announced his departure home after an entire afternoon and evening of chatting. They had mindlessly chatted about music, the artists and genres they liked and admired until the hours had passed without them noticing. Well-fed with dinner made by Taekwoon’s father, Wonshik had returned home with the happiest smile Taekwoon had witnessed him wearing so far. He was pretty sure his own face was mirroring it quite accurately as well, making his father give him incredulous looks all evening; he had never been one to smile much. Dumb smile still making his facial muscles ache, he had crashed into his bed hours earlier than he had in years; his entire body feeling warm and gooey.

Despite the harsh morning, his brightness lived through the night and all morning – only to disappear in an instant when he arrived in their classroom to find Wonshik’s seat empty. Worry engulfed his gut, but he tried to convince himself the other would just come later than him. Sitting sideways, back to the windows so he could keep an eye on the two doors to their classroom and Wonshik’s desk at the same time, he fiddled with his hands restlessly and waited.

By the time their teacher entered the classroom Wonshik had not yet arrived, and Taekwoon became thoroughly worried. Barely excusing himself to the restroom, even though leaving during class was not allowed, he hastily left the classroom and half-jogged towards the stairs leading to the school rooftop.

There was a small hope within him that he was clinging to with desperation; that Wonshik was simply skipping class, lying on the roof and listening to music like he often would.

With heart beating heavily in his chest he ran up the steps, two at a time, all the floors until he reached the door to the rooftop. Flinging it open and basically throwing himself through it, he saw no sign of life on the rooftop. He jogged around, heartbeat loud in his ears, looking behind all possible hiding spots, only to stop by the edge of the roof.

Squinting with much effort, he was able to make out the shapes of three boys standing in a half circle in front of Wonshik by the toolshed beside the soccer field. He was easy to spot after all, blonde hair a pretty unique trait in their school.

Turning on his heel, he ran back to the stairs.

--

Wonshik had known from the moment he ran away from his respective bullies, that he would have to face them again the following week. He had been hoping it would not be first thing Monday morning, though. He had been in such a good mood after the best weekend he could ever imagine having.

He had barely halfway crossed the soccer field before he was surrounded by Seongjoo and Minjeong from Saturday night, as well as their overgrown friend Jinhae. He had never found them especially scary as individuals, but in a group of their usual three, or even just two, they were undeniably intimidating. All of them were older, bigger and stronger than him by far – he himself lean but skinny and light; the perfect easy target. He increased his pace, despite realizing it was already too late for him to escape. They lead him like a sheep lead by shepherds towards the toolshed, until they were out of sunlight and prying eyes. Not even if they tried, nobody would be able to see them through the windows covering the walls of their semi-modern school building.

He could feel his heart racing, his mouth was dry from suspense, and his mind was racing to find some kind of way out of this. For once he really wanted to get to class. But he was cornered against the wooden shed and all escape routes were blocked by the three students grinning at him wickedly. They had not even spoken yet, but he knew what was coming. The smaller and definitely uglier of the three, Minjeong, spoke up first, as usual.

“Did you really think running away would do you any favors, my dear Wonshik?” He sneered. Wonshik made a face at the way he addressed him, but didn’t pleasure them with any answer. He just leaned back against the wall behind him, getting as far away as possible. They were still all at a safe distance from him, but he knew it would not last very long. Chest heaving with his breath increasing, he could see they were annoyed with him. He had once thought he would simply become used to this, simply accept it as something he had to endure, but fear and anger had too much of a grip on him. Beneath all the built up suspense, he could feel his anger building – to his own dread. The frustration of never being left alone, left in peace, was getting to him. He just wanted to be left alone and enjoy his time with his new friends. Why was it too much to ask for?

Jinhae was cracking his knuckles. He had yet to finish what Taekwoon had interrupted that day Wonshik first noticed him, but they never attacked him first. They always made his blood boil, his vision going white in pure rage and arm flinging out to attack – only then would they finally attack him. And he never had a chance. Not even one-on-one.

It was all a game to them after all; how long would it take for them to make Wonshik attack? He had seen them take bets before, eyes cracking open from where he was lying on the ground from being knocked down, seeing them exchanging big bills of money between themselves while snickering like they had no care in the world for the violence they had just caused another human being.

He hated them. Loathed them. But he had long since given up on finding an end to this endless hell.

He dreaded the disappointed look on Taekwoon’s face when he would see him with another black eye.

--

Taekwoon sprinted with all he had across the soccer field, the school entrance on opposite side from the tool shed. He had barely been able to sneak his way past a janitor on his way through the school halls, trying to jog as fast as he could through the halls without making too much noise and drawing too much attention. He cursed his sneakers for making squeaking sounds as the turned corners with barely low enough speed to avoid slipping. The moment he was outside the main doors of their school, he turned into a full sprint; his long legs and agility doing him all the favors he needed. He crossed in record speed, slowing down as he came closer and coming to a full stop at a safe distance to catch his breath. His ears were desperately listening for any proof of violence, but he could only make out muffled voices of boys speaking.

Catching his breath back to a more normal level, he moved closer with care to not make any sound; the voices gradually becoming clearer.

“such a shame you got away Saturday night, we could have had so much fun together, you know.” He heard voices snickering. Relief washed over him as he realized they had yet to actually harm Wonshik. He moved around the shed to crouch around the corner from the four boys, waiting for the right moment to jump in and snatch Wonshik and just run to their classroom where they could hide under the safety of Mr. Cha’s witness.

“Yeah, we only wanted to hang out with you.” Another voice, slightly higher in pitch from the first one, joined in. “Why did you run away, Wonshik?”

“Yeah, why did you run away?” Their tone was clearly mocking, trying to rile up his friend into making the first move – he had no doubt. He just hoped Wonshik’s anger would hold long enough for his to find and opening. The sound of someone clearing their throat and the spitting made Taekwoon clench his fist. He could feel his initial determined state slowly turning into something else.

“Did you run away to your boyfriend?” The higher pitched voice put extra weight on the last word, saying it in a way that made it seem like the filthiest thing imaginable. Taekwoon’s gut sank in dread. No…

“Don’t think we haven’t noticed your new friend, dear Wonshikkie.” The lower pitched voice said, and Taekwoon could basically hear he was smiling so wickedly. He felt his chest beating, a certain familiar pressure to his skull making its arrival. Fists and jaw clenching and unclenching as he listened at full attention, despite his heart beating loudly in his ears.

“Don’t you think you’re moving on a little too fast?” There was a slight silent pause, but Taekwoon sprung up to a stand as he realized where they were about to go.  “I mean your step-fath-“

Taekwoon had heard enough bull.

--

“You boys have a real talent in making people angry, don’t you?”

Wonshik had tears in his eyes from the pressure he was feeling in his entire body, his entire storage of resistance utilized to hold himself back from attacking. He had clenched his fists to the point of making deep, painful marks in his palms, and the pressure on his skull had made his vision blur the moment he realized what the boys in front of him were about to suggest. They had never pushed this far. They never needed to.

He had gasped to gather air to shout over whatever Minjeong would about to say, when Taekwoon suddenly stepped up from his side, the corner of the shed, and stood in front of him. The three boys jumped back in surprise, Seongjoo releasing a slight shout.

Wonshik felt as if he was about to explode, and the sight of Taekwoon standing up in front of him made him release all the air in his lungs with a pitiful whimper and the letting go of pressure he had holding him. Knees buckled and he slid along the wall to sit weakly, head lolling with no power to keep it up straight. Black spots clouded his vision for a moment as he struggled to even his breath, but by keeping his eyes on the feet of his friend he was able to control it before it became any worse.

“I suggest you leave.” He could barely recognize Taekwoon’s soft voice being turned into something as fierce and full of loathing as what he heard coming out of him. He tilted his head to look up at his impressive broad build, made to look even bigger by the stance he had taken. He was keeping his arms slightly out from his body, which successfully made him seem bigger than normal. A mixture of relief and worry washed over him and he tried to move, but his body refused to listen to him.

The laugh the boys gave in answer made his stomach drop in dread, the sounds familiar to him; they only saw this as a part of their wicked game. Taekwoon was simply an extension pack. He took a deep breath, closing his eyes, and willed his muscles to listen. How had he exhausted himself from simply doing nothing?

When he opened his eyes again, Taekwoon’s stance had changed into something he thought he would only see on TV with his father; a perfect stance that of a boxer. His eyes flickered over at the three opponents and saw the slight hitch of hesitance in them all. They didn’t count on Taekwoon having a pair of balls, it seemed. Not that Wonshik had expected much more than big words either.

“Are you going to fight us three on one, pretty boy?” Minjeong said, but Wonshik had never in his stay at this school ever heard his voice be this insecure. He couldn’t help a smirk. They’re actually intimidated. Something close to pride filled him.

“You can still walk away.” Taekwoon said coolly, making Wonshik admire him even more. At the same time he felt his arms finally listening to him and lifted his body up against the wall so he could push with his legs to get up on wobbly limbs. Taekwoon’s head turned slightly to the side to watch his movement for a moment, before turning his attention back to his targets.

Jinhae opened his mouth for the first time to bark a mocking laugh. Taekwoon’s head whipped to his side, turning his full attention to him. Wonshik could see from the side of his face that he was frowning angrily. His eyes were already quite sharp, but with added anger it was quite unnerving.

“Why? You think you stand a chance?” Jinhae asked, his deep and intimidating voice making Wonshik doubt absolutely everything. He was the only one worth being scared of, though he rarely spoke or did anything. Always the silent support, always the one to take on Wonshik alone when he exploded into his anger fits after the two other’s riled him up.

Taekwoon only shrugged in answer, coming off as quite cocky and making Minjeong and Seongjoo’s brows rise in surprise and amusement. Despite now being able to stand up, Wonshik found he was unable to push himself away from the wall. He was getting increasingly frustrated with his body, making annoyed huffing sounds. Every time he did, Taekwoon’s eyes would flash over at him in worry.

There was a tense moment of nothing happening. Taekwoon was simply standing ready to move, the three bullies still standing in a circle around them but not at the ready. The seemed simply dumbfounded by Taekwoon’s appearance and behavior, the student entirely unfamiliar to them and therefore unpredictable. Wonshik they always seemed to know what he would do.

The moment was then suddenly broken as Taekwoon made an abrupt false move towards Jinhae, making the other lunge out in sudden surprise. Taekwoon shifted his stance from a right-sided one to a left-sided, avoiding Jinhae’s blow and stepping closer at the same time. Taekwoon’s left hand flew forward and connected with Jinhae’s face, and to Wonshik’s shock; Jinhae fell straight backwards and to the ground. He suddenly remembered that Taekwoon was left handed, and left out a surprised laugh.

It was all a blur of motion from then, Minjeong and Seongjoo shouting curses and then turning to run away, Taekwoon grabbing his hand and wrangling him to stand and run.

He was dragged all the way to the roof of the school, Taekwoon locking the door behind them as Wonshik collapsed to the ground, breath heaving, when he didn’t have anyone to hold on to anymore. Taekwoon leaned back on the door, his breath also heavy, and slid down to sit. There were a few moments of heavy breathing on both parts, and then Taekwoon started laughing the most beautiful laugh Wonshik had heard in his life. He joined in, holding on to his stomach where his muscles ached.

They sat like that for several minutes, catching their breaths only to start laughing again. Sunlight warmed their sweaty bodies as their laughs turned into a calm and content silence.

Wonshik rolled over and struggled up to a sitting position, across from Taekwoon, a bit of distance between them. “You were really cool back there.” Wonshik’s eyes were shining with admiration. Taekwoon couldn’t bear to look at him. “Man, you looked so freaking pro! Did you learn martial arts or something?”

“I box on the weekends.” Taekwoon answered with a shrug as if it was the most normal thing a person could do on their spare time.

“What? Really?” Wonshik gaped like his jaw was falling off. “That’s so cool!”

“It’s not that special.” Taekwoon tried to calm Wonshik down. He never told people what he spent his weekends on, unless the only other option was to lie. Boxing as a sport always drew such reactions from people, and the attention made him uncomfortable. Regret filled him as he could basically feel and touch the admiration coming from the other, without even having to look at his face.

“You’re really cool.”

“Stop that.” He demanded, but as he looked up at Wonshik and saw his wicked smirk he realized that Wonshik knew. That little .

“You’re so cool.” He could see he was anticipating the reaction. He did not disappoint, his entire body cringing at the praise.

“Please shut up.” He pleaded, grimacing.

“You’re cooler than Kanye.”

“Oh my God.” He curled over and hid his face in his arms, his face was surely bright red already, and he felt sweat trickling down his spine. Wonshik could barely hold back his laughter.

“Please teach me your ways.” His tone was begging, in a mocking way. Taekwoon had had just about enough of this.

“I’m leaving. Bye.” He got up, turned to unlock the door, his entire body on fire from embarrassment. He was pretty sure he was blushing all the way down to his toes.

“I could only dream to be as cool as you!” Wonshik shouted after him and he couldn’t help but laugh before even finishing the sentence. This was getting way past ridiculous, but he felt himself laughing breathily as well.

“Wait! Let’s go together!” He heard the other shout as he reached the rooftop door handle with his hand. He didn’t wait.

--

AN: Ohman this was so hard to write. Action scenes are new territory to me, there's so much to learn! 

I would like to point out that all the non-vixx characters in this fic are OC’s and not any idol or actor or celebrity they might share names with.

Viking