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tigerh0shi · 2 years

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Love has no language

Summary: You are having a difficult time learning Korean and Junhao is more than ready to help you.

Warnings: none.

Gif is not mine.

•°♡°•°♡°•°♡°•♡°•

The robotic female voice talking to you through the headphone was not clear enough to understand what it was trying to say.

You couldn’t figure out if the voice was saying water or a really softly fire, because the sound was way too similar.

You looked to your right; the girl (who you were almost a hundred percent sure was named Hannah) was writing hurried phrases into his notebook, easily following the class. She would probably get a perfect score on the upcoming exam.

You tried to disintegrate the whole sentence, taking word by word to try to understand what you were supposed to translate. But both words would make perfect sense.

You left the space and went into the next sentence, which for your relief was a basic one, how old are you? In both formal and informal.

연세가 어떻게 되세요?

몇 살이에요?

You quickly wrote your answer and the translation. At least you were able to understand one of them.

The headphones were big enough to cover your whole ears, but even with them you could still hear some classmates talking behind you, and your teacher saying 수업에 집중하세요, telling them to pay attention.

Breathe, you got this.

The voice now asked 화장실이 어디예요?, and you remembered that 어디예요 means where but you just couldn’t remember what the first word meant.

The girl, Hannah, took the headphones out of her head and closed her backpack, she was already done with the whole practise.

— Class, before you go please remember to take your last week’s exam with you.

You gave up, there wasn’t much else to do, you should go to the library and keep studying there.

Hannah was walking with another student, both waiting for the big group of students to get out of the classroom and make some space for them to get their own exams.

The boy next to her took his exam and seemed really disappointed.

— 제가 공부했더라면 시험을 합격했을 거에요…

Hannah on the other hand seemed pretty happy with the result of her efforts.

— I will need your help, I screwed this up.

— Sure, 내일 공부하러 독서실에 갈래요?

— Are you asking me if we should go to the library tomorrow to study?

— Yeah! See? You’re doing better.

— I think I can skip some classes and meet tomorrow.

They kept talking next to you while you went to take your own exam, and damn, it was bad. Like embarrassing bad.

You will have to make at least 85/100 in your next exam or you would lose the year and have to start again next year.

Hannah laughed when the teacher told her something, and you saw the chance and took it.

— Ummm, Hannah, right? — The girl looked pretty confused, probably didn’t even remembered your face. — Hi, I am (y/n), I heard you are really good in this class and I was wondering if I could take your notes? I have to retake this exam and take the one we have next week…

— Why don’t you have your notes?

Trying to put your nervous self deep down under all the Korean you have learnt in the past four months, you tried your best to sound as native as possible.

— 저는 지난 수업을 안 들었어요.

If you weren’t wrong, you just told her you haven’t attended the last class.

Your teacher was around, so both of you tried to switch to Korean instead of English, since this was a really diverse class with students from all over the world, it was easier to use English than everybody’s native languages, and, if you remembered correctly from the first class, she was Japanese.

— 오늘 수업이 몇 개 있어요?

You panicked for a second, whenever you had to use Korean you felt like if you had an anxiety attack, you were constantly scared to switch to informal instead of formal or sounding way too foreigner what if the other person couldn’t understand what you were trying to say?

It was even more embarrassing when you constantly felt like the whole class was learning so fast, you couldn’t help but compare yourself with them. What did they have that you didn’t that helped them so have such a fast speed to learn new words and conjugate them?

She’s asking you how many classes you have today, you know those words. Focus!

— 이 것은 … 저의 마지막 um 수업이에요.

— I see, well if it is your last class, then I guess you can take them and give it back to me tomorrow morning?

— Yeah, thank you, really!

(…)

You were alone in the library, everybody was using other tables to studying. But even with the distance from one table to another almost everybody looked at you when your phone started making noise, informing you of a new call.

It was Minghao. One of your new roommates.

The school provided scholarships for foreigner students, giving them a place to sleep and a spot for studying Korean (besides the basic subjects) in a really good university there.

You had been the last student to travel to Korea, which led you to take the last free bed. And in this case, you had to share the department with two other guys.

Xu Minghao and Wen Junhui.

Both guys were Chinese, and one and two years older than you respectively.

You went to the group chat and quickly wrote 지금 공부를 하고 있기 때문에 너랑 통화하고 싶지 않아, you had to memorize how to say something as simple as I don’t want to talk with you on the phone because I’m studying now because they usually called you randomly through the day to make sure you didn’t need anything.

You received thumbs up as a reply and they kept things quiet until you informed them you were on your way back to the department.

(…)

— I just wish I could express what I feel better, you know? It’s just so… it’s so annoying to spend more than five minutes thinking of the way I should put the words and then practise them mentally before speaking. And while I’m speaking, I just am constantly scared that the person would not be a me to understand me because of my accent.

You took another sip of the glass of water Minghao had brought you to calm you down when he saw you were almost crying when you crossed the front door.

— I always sound so dumb, you don’t know how smart I am when I talk in my native language.

Minghao nodded, letting you vent all your feelings.

— Why am I even here? I didn’t attend one class and I am falling behind the whole class. Is it even worth it? I miss my family… I feel like I am missing seeing them growing up. It was my mom’s birthday last week and I couldn’t be there for her. I’m so sick of this. Why do I have to keep trying?

— Do you know how to say that? 요즘에 한국어를 열심히 공부하고 있지만 아직도 잘 말할 수 없어요, it means even though I am studying Korean hard these days, I still can’t speak well. Junhui taught me that sentence so whenever I was by my own I could explain to people why, maybe I was having a hard time thinking a certain word or how to say something.

— Do you think you could write that down for me?

— Sure, another really useful one is 아직 배우고 있어요, it means I’m still learning. And it’s something you should also remember yourself. You came here to learn, and you still learning. It’s hard, but you can’t compare a language you have been speaking your whole life to one you are just starting learning. You’re smart. Nobody but yourself thinks you’re dumb. You have been here for what, five months? Give it some time…

— Is that your book? — Junhui asked, sitting next to you and opening the black book right in the middle.

— Yeah, I completed my notes today. One of my classmates passed the exam and she had some things and sentences written down that could help me.

— They are school related… — Minghao commented readying the list over Junhuis shoulder.

몇 반이에요? = What class are you in?

몇 학년이에요? = What grade are you in?

저는 1-2이에요 = I am in class 1-2

저는 3학년이에요 = I’m in third grade

제일 좋아하는 선생님이 누구예요? = Who is your favorite teacher?

제일 좋아하는 과목이 뭐예요? = What is your favorite subject?

— What do you usually do when you study? — Junhui asked, looking straight into your eyes.

— I usually just read and copy all over again the things I have to study, and eventually they get stuck in my head.

— That’s what you were doing when we called you today in the library? — Minghao asked. You nodded in reply.

— It just doesn’t work this time, I have been reading this for more than two hours and I still mess up whenever I’m trying to review myself. I really feel like crying.

— Okay, I think you are a little bit stressed, enough of the book.

— What?

— You need practise, the more you talk the more you will learn. C'mon, let me see… okay, here it’s, you need to review directions, right? It’s almost two, let’s go and eat something. Didn’t you say you knew a good restaurant near by the school? — Junhui asked, standing up from the chair.

— Let’s keep talking in formal, the exam won’t be in informal. — Minghao told Junhui, sending up from the couch and walking towards the door. — 그 식당이 어디에 있는 지 알아요?

— 식당이? What was that?

Junhui started moving his hand in front of him, like if he was taking food from an imaginary plate.

— Restaurant? — Junhui said the happier yes, lifting his arms in the air.

— What was I asking, then? — Minghao asked, a serious expression on his face. He was really good at masking his emotions.

— You are asking if I know where that restaurant is?

— Exactly, try to answer in Korean.

— But I don’t wanna mess it up, it’s embarrassing.

— (y/n) it’s just us, who else could understand the struggles of having to speak in another language better than us? We have been through the exact same thing.

— Don’t worry about it, try not to overthink it. If we have to correct you we will, so stop thinking if what you are saying makes sense, we will let you know.

— Okay, let me just remember what was the Korean word for bank.

You went to your vocab book, the one in which you have written down every single new word the teacher had said before.

Bank = 은행

— 식당은 은행 옆에 있어요 — Your voice went up at the end of the sentence, making it sound more as a question than an affirmation, but they didn’t say anything about it. Junhui just nodded. Opening the door for the three of you.

— 돈이 있어요?

— 네, 돈이 있어요.

— Perfect, then if we have money we should be heading now to the restaurant.

Talking to them, or trying to talk in Korean with them, was really different than speaking to an actual native who maybe didn’t have the patience Junhui and Minghao had. So, even though they were right there, next to you to help you in case you didn’t remember a word or get something mispronounced, you still feel your heart having a marathon inside your body.

Junhui pressed the bottom in the table and in some minutes a young man was ready to take your order. Minghao informed the man the situation and that you were there to practise, and Junhui used that moment to reassure you that everything would be fine.

— I want samgyupsal. — Minghao informed you, the reason everything on the menu that had been handling it to him. Junhui wanted the same and some rice.

— 삼겹살 셋개랑 밥 둘공기 주세요.

— Is it too early for soju?

— No, I also want one. Can you order us soju, please, (y/n)?

Looking at them both for approval you starred reciting the sentences that you had read that morning in your book, changing the word water for soju. — 소주 돌병 주세요

Junhui mumbled good job to you and in minutes you were eating the food that so proudly you ordered.

— 제가 낼게요 — Junhui said when Minghao finished the last spoon of food, his eyes finally leaving his phone.

— What? Why? Today you asked me if I had money, I thought I would be paying.

— We bring you here to practise, how are we going to make you pay? — Junhui explained, laughing, whoever who walk pass by you would think you just told the funniest joke ever.

— Do you have enough? I can give you some. — Minghao asked, wallet already in hand.

— It’s okay, you can pay for the coffee. — Junhui replied. With his jacket on, you three walked through the door, ready to practise even more.

(…)

You walked out the bathroom, hair still wet in a messy bun and pajamas on. Minghao was on the couch watching some drama on the tv, but turning it off when he saw you.— So, if I ask you who did you ate with today, what should you reply?

— 저는 밥을 친구랑 저의 어머니랑 먹었어요.

Minghao stayed quiet for a minute, looking at you really confused. — You just said you ate with your mom and friend. I’m not your mom…

— I know, but that was the first thing that came to my kind. It’s not like my teacher would now if that’s true or not.

— I mean, considering that you’re in a foreign country, with a scholarship that only allows students and not their families in pretty sure they will know, but you do you I guess.

— I’m nervous. — You confessed.

— I know, it is normal. But you did really well today, I really think you just weren’t using the right method for yourself, maybe just sitting and readying isn’t what works for you, you might need to practise more by talking with people.

— Thank you for taking the time to help me today, both of you. — You added when Junhui walked out of the shower and joined you on the sofa.

— I will prepare some green tea, it will help you. — Minghao replied instead, giving you a small smile and squeezing your shoulder lightly before heading into the kitchen.

— Please don’t forget we are here, I’m sorry we didn’t see before you were struggling… you always seemed so fine…

— I didn’t want to annoy you, everybody has their own problems and things to worry about so I just didn’t want to add to your own stress my problems.

— It’s okay if you need help, everybody does at some point of their lives. I know how frustrating it can be…

— Was it like that for you too when you came here for the first time?

— It was, I was really young and there weren’t many people from my country, similar to your situation, so I had to make myself learn it and speak it. I was like in a survival mode, I didn’t speak English back then, so for me it was constantly having to memorize words because I just wouldn’t be able to even buy milk from my own.

— I’m sorry.

— It’s okay. A year later Minghao came and we became friends really quickly, we could speak the same language so it was easier to express ourselves, and since I already had some knowledge in Korean, I could help him. He also had it difficult, it’s never easier to be away from the family and friends. And even though I was there for him, it is also frustrating to constantly you depend on someone else to be able to do the most basic things.— Junhui looked up for a second, trying to see if Minghao was coming back. — Don’t tell him I told you, but back then I would find him crying himself to sleep. He would always wait till it was so late than I would be probably sleeping to cry all his stress and frustrations away.

Junhui kept silence for some minutes, too deep in his thoughts to talk. — But yeah, that’s why we are trying to help you. We know it’s hard, and if we can be that support system that you might need, then we are here, ready for it. Minghao walked into the room again, three cups in hand and, drinking the green tea, you kept quiet, letting the movie in the background full the silence in the room.

And was like that how you fell asleep that night.

(…)

They haven’t contacted you for the whole morning, which was weird because they always made sure to send at Lear a text saying good luck whenever they knew you had an exam because you were always nervous and they knew it way too well.

But this time, nothing.

Not even a hi.

So you walked all the way to your shared department.

As soon as you opened the door a familiar smell hit your nose, and it brought back childhood memories you had absolutely forgotten about.

The whole living room was decorated completely different than that morning when you left the place.

It was filled with things from your country and pictures from your family and friends.

There was even a big welcome on the wall having the door written in your native language.

The TV was turned on, a well known movie for you was on pause, waiting for someone to press play.

And in the couch were both Minghao and Junhui with lots of food on the table they had placed in front of them.

With a thick accent they struggle for a bit trying to say welcome home in a language that was clarity foreign to them, and you just wanted to cry.

The whole department looked like a time capsule from your childhood.

There was even the music your mom used to play in the cloudy Sunday’s morning to listen while cleaning the house.

— What do you think? — Junhui asked, opening some of the bags with food that were in from of him and showing you the surprise.

— What is all this? When did you guys planned this?

You were I shook, frozen in your spot, looking at everything in the room.

— You said you missed your friend and family…

— … And your favourite food. — Junhui added to what Minghao was saying.

— So we make some research and found this new restaurant, I’m not exactly sure how accurate the food or taste is but well, you will be the one who will tell us.

— We talked to your mom too, and she helped us with the music and movies! We needed the help of Google translator, but we managed pretty well.

You walked towards them and hugged them. In all those months, this was the first time you felt something warm inside you, you felt loved. You felt like they care about you. And for a second it really showed how alone you had felt all this time. You couldn’t help but cried.

And cried.

And they hold you.

They didn’t ask questions.

They didn’t need to.

Because they knew it.

Knew it too well.

So they hold you as tight as possible, holding every piece of you, and for a moment you were scared that if they let you go, you would break again.

The food didn’t taste like the homemade version your mom used to cook you when you were younger, you didn’t even knew if the ingredients were from your country. But it felt nice and right.

And when you saw how happy they were to share this with you, it made everything even better.

You weren’t alone.

Not anymore.

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tigerh0shi · 2 years

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RECENTLY POSTED MASTERLIST

Painting under the moon [Chapter three] (09/12)

Love has no language (Junhui/Reader/Minghao) (10/12)

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tigerh0shi · 2 years

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Painting under the moon [Chapter two]

Summary: Jihoon painted his classmate, Kwon Soonyoung, by accident, and now he thinks Jihoon has a crush on him.

Warnings: Mentions of abusive household. Mentions of homophobia. Internalized homophobia.

Previous chapter | Next chapter

Painting under the moon masterlist

•°•°•°•°•

Lunch was really good that day, compared to what they had the day before, at least. However, Jihoon was mad.

Mad at his classmates for being complete jerks, for making him fun of him, for calling him Soonyoung on his way to the cafeteria and with Soonyoung for just smiling, accepting all the teasing and making Jihoon look dumb for being affected by their comments. It wasn’t funny.

Jihoon could hear his father’s voice reproducing on his mind, calling him weak for letting something stupid as being platonically relating to a guy he barely talks to getting to his nerves.

Junhui was eating his lunch with such hurry that his friend was actually concerned. How was possible for a human being to put so much food in their mouth without choking?Junhui finished all his rice with a burp and quickly states drinking the water bottle he had in his backpack.

(Something that always triggered Jihoon because what would happen if he doesn’t close the bottle right and then all his notes end up ruined in the water?)

— Are you going to finish that? — Junhui asked, eyeing Jihoon’s untouched food with, his now half empty, water bottle in hand.

— Do you even have space on your stomach? — The smallest asked, annoyed. Junhui laughed, his eyes now fixed on the vending machines on their left. Leaving his seat for some minutes, before coming back with a bunch of candies. — What? I was craving something sweet, wanna some?

Junhui didn’t hesitate to start as soon as Jihoon moved his head, letting him know he wasn’t interested in eating it. — They are watching us.

Junhui’s eyes were focused on the tables behind Jihoon, who purposely chose that seat to ignore the eyes that never left his back. — And they are watching us.

Soonyoung was already in a table talking to Wonwoo when Jihoon entered the cafeteria, so he walked for some time trying to find the table with the most amount of distance from that table. His luck only was able to give him a table between each other.

Jihoon didn’t know what he was supposed to do, apologies for being the reason of the jokes? These people were suspecting he liked guys, wasn’t that enough for Soonyoung to hate him? Maybe Jihoon needed to apologize. But then, Soonyoung didn’t really look annoyed in the classroom so maybe he only had to laugh it off and wait for it to become another rumour before another one starts?

His cheeks became two perfect tomatoes wannabes. Even though he turned his head, Jihoon was aware of his pink neck. — Why don’t we go to get changed? I don’t think coach Kim will enjoy us being late for his class.

— Don’t tell me. I’m basically one step closer to fail his class. — Junhui cried, putting both his and Jihoon’s empty recipients on the table ready to wash them on his way to the exit.

(Jihoon ignored the way Soonyoung’s eyes followed both of them.)

The school didn’t have a closed space for the p.e. class to take place in, so they had to deal with rainy or cold days - like the one Jihoon was leaving that day - with the light green jacket and comfy sweatpants the school provided for the students as sport uniforms.

Jihoon’s pale skin made a big contrast with the emerald green. But in Jihoon’s opinions, Junhui’s honey skin looked way better with that colour than his own.

There were already other ten students, out of the eighteen, waiting for the class to start.

With a hand on his elbow, Junhui took both of them to the big group. Jihoon didn’t wait much before sitting in the grass, it was wet and cold, obviously thanks to the weather.

The coach was already talking to Jaemin and Wooseong, Jihoon’s classmates.

It wasn’t any news their coach had favouritism for them both. They weren’t just tall or strong (or fast), they were pretty much their school pride, winning almost all of the matches they had with other rival schools. And Jihoon was extremely jealous.

Before he could even complain about the cold, he was feeling, their coach called everybody to start a ten minute warm up.

— Breath and try to hold it for some time before you let the air scape of your body. — Junhui reminded Jihoon. His long legs could take him way further if he wanted to, so Jihoon was appreciating his friend’s efforts for trying to keep up with Jihoon’s pace.

— Did you bring water? — Jihoon asked with a dry throat. Junhui nodded his head, both trying to keep all their energy left to finish the ten minutes. Jaemin and Wooseong passed next to them for the fourth time.

— Why are they going so far for? — Junhui talked when both, Jaemin and Wooseong, were five meters away from them. — It’s not like they would get extra points for that.

— I mean, maybe the coach has actually given extra points and that’s why we are barely surviving. — Jihoon joked.

— Okay, everybody! We will start doing some passing, form groups of four and take a ball. Move!

Jihoon’s shoulder met with someone’s hand and when he turned around, his classmate’s eyes were already looking at him. Mike smiled. — Wanna make group with me?

— Sure. We’re three then, we need one more.

Mike turned around and started seeing if someone was alone. Jihoon’s eyes fell on Soonyoung’s team and in Soonyoung smiling face. His group was Wonwoo, Hyunmin and a foreigner student named James.

Wonwoo was wearing his contact lenses instead of his round glasses. Jihoon wonder if it would be expensive if they broke in a p.e. class when everybody seemed to think they were participating on the Olympics, and if his family could afford to pay for it.

Jihoon’s family wouldn’t be able to.

— Doyeon! You alone? — Mike yelled, raising his arm to get Doyeon’s attention. — We’re four now. Why don’t you bring the ball so we can start?

Jihoon always felt overwhelmed whenever he had to show off his skills with any sport, so the first seven minutes really were like help for Jihoon. He was constantly looking at his teammates faces whenever the ball fell or when his legs didn’t bring him to jump high enough to save the game.

But Doyeon actually made things easier, showing off his tricks and also failing to pass the ball most of the time.

However, Jihoon’s anxiety made an appearance once again when the coach asked Jaemin and Wooseong to form two teams.

Wonwoo and Doyeon made it to the top ten.

Soonyoung was chosen before both of them, and even though Soonyoung always showed quick reflexes and an impressive elasticity (aside from long legs that helped him to run fast) he was never in the top five.

Jihoon, Junhui and James made it to the last.

Jihoon’s face felt really hot for the humiliation he was feeling for being chosen in the last. It was like everybody in that room was better than him, and they were proven him that everybody knows it.

— Jaemin, your team is first. Who’s going to start the game?

Jaemin passed the ball in between his hands, looking at Wooseong.

— Why don’t you do it, Soonyoung? It seems like you enjoy them more than us anyways. — Some people on the opposite team laughed, followed by Soonyoung a beat slower.

Soonyoung moved his hand behind the ball before jumping, making a beautiful and clean pass to the other side of the open space. Jihoon’s team tensed up a little bit before some students yelled me and went for the ball, using all their strength to send it back to the opposite team.

His short height felt like a disadvantage for sports like basketball or volleyball, especially when his classmates always picket the taller guys first, which always ended up Jihoon feeling completely embarrassed for being picked up last and totally unmotivated to even play.

Constantly pushing him to the side, making him not participate. And when he was actually included, the stress he felt for making sure his teammates didn’t think about him as even more useless, usually made him look like a fool whenever he wasn’t able to catch the ball or run as fast as it was needed.

Jihoon wanted to tell them to go easy on him, since he couldn’t use the advantage they all have, but the thought of begging them to not hate him for not being the best at sports only made him feel even more pathetic.

Junhui wasn’t much better than him either, even though he was rather tall, his capacity to make him fall with his own feet always brought him back to the last in the best contest list.

This was probably one of the reasons why Jihoon wasn’t a sport lover. He always felt like everybody else was better than him.

Even his own father gave up on make Jihoon’s the sport prodigious within his friends group.

— Jihoon that was an easy one! C'mon! We’re losing because of you!

Jihoon preferred to bite his own tongue to not talk back, or die of embarrassment.

— Lee Jihoon! If you don’t try, you will not be passing this class!

Another ball passed.

Someone pushed him to the other side. — If you’re not going to do it, then don’t disturb us and move!

Jihoon wanted to run to the bathroom.

— Are you sure you don’t want me to go with you? We can wait for the bus together.

— It’s okay, Jun. You don’t have to. I will probably sleep all the way home.

— All you need is to forget everything when you get home, don’t think about today. Okay? They aren’t worth it.

Jihoon had been already at the front door when he started hearing voices coming not necessary from behind the door but loud enough to sound like it.

— You think I am an idiot?! You come home late, if you come back home at all. Who’s that woman sending pictures to you?

— Who do you think you are going through my phone?!?! I don’t have to explain anything to you, it’s not like it will make sense in that small head of yours. Stick with what you’re good at, cooking and keeping your mouth shut. I work everyday to bring money and this is what I receive from you. You’re so ungrateful.

— I do actually deserve some explanation here, I am your wife! If I would he the one receiving pictures from other men what would you do?!

— Please, just look at you! You’re old. Who’s going to ever look at you, let alone send you pictures? They would be doing you a favor. Want me to keep fighting? I would leave and what are you going to do then? How are you going to feed yourself and your son? Shut your mouth before you get yourself in trouble, i’m warning you.

Jihoon couldn’t hear any sound, his whole house getting silent in seconds. If Jihoon would come home just now there will no way to tell there was someone inside at all.

Without thinking twice Jihoon’s feet started moving backward, putting more and more space between the door and himself. The park was close enough to his house to bring himself there just by walking so, adjusting his jacket over his shoulders and a navy blue cap Junhui gave him, Jihoon basically ran the first two blocks.

The park wasn’t the biggest or pretty in the whole city, but the few trees with huge on his rooms made up for the lack of green the winter brought with it. There were some people there, mostly walking throughout the park, so Jihoon had the privilege to choose a seat to rest for some minutes. The concrete was so cold and his ass freezes in just minutes. Jihoon groaned, he didn’t have to look at his own reflection on his phone to know his nose was already red.

He put his backpack over his lap, in a failed attempt to bring some warmth to his legs. He should have put on a beanie and a scarf that morning, so he would have them with him to fight the cold evening. Even the inside of his pickets didn’t help to provide any warmth to his fingers. Actually Jihoon was scared they would fall off.

What should I do now?

He still had some lectures to do for his classes next morning, so opening his backpack Jihoon took his history book, starting reading about what happened back in the 80’.

It was difficult to focus on the words describing all the stories and events that happened decades ago with the constant noise of the cars, buses, and motorcycles. He could even hear some kpop song in the background, someone probably doing a dance cover.

In front of him, some people were gathered around a coffee truck. A warm beverage would be amazing not just for his cold cheeks and nose, but for his whole body, and throat. Using the last money he had on his savings, Jihoon walked shyly towards the man who was selling it. There were even donuts, but unfortunately if Jihoon buy the coffee he would be short on money to but one of them. They smelled good though, so Jihoon made sure to give them a good sniff while he was waiting. It almost felt like he was eating them.

Someone pushed him from behind. Jihoon was mad, but stayed quietly.

— What can I give you, son? — The man asked Jihoon when the girl who was before he played for his own coffee.

— One coffee, please. — Jihoon replied, glad that his jacket was big enough to hide part of his face with it. It was always awkward to interact with people.

— Here you have. — The man gave him his hot beverage, his hands feeling extremely happy with the sudden warmth. Paying the old man, Jihoon was ready to move back to his cold seat. — There’s sugar if you want some. What can I give you, lady? — The man moved on from Jihoon to a woman next to him.

His tongue wasn’t really happy with how hot the temperature was but his hands were more than happy to wait until the coffee was at a more reasonable temperature.

A tall guy with a black hair and big haircut walked pass him, returning seconds later.

— Jihoon? — The stranger was Jihoon’s older friend, Choi Seungcheol. Even behind the white mask, Seungcheols prominent nose and long lashes were obvious. — What are you doing here?

Seungcheol walked the few steps there were away from the seat Jihoon was currently sitting at and took the space next to his friend. His grocery bag left behind on the floor between Seungcheol’ s feet.Jihoon shrugged his shoulders, looking at the red socks Seungcheol was wearing, picking under his blue jeans. — I just wanted to distract myself from all the homework.

Seungcheol inspected Jihoon’s face for some seconds before leaning back, relaxing his shoulders and manspreading even more. His black turtleneck would most likely end grey. — By yourself? This would be better if you have a dog, you could pretend it’s for its own good.

— What were you doing here?

— It was Jeonghan’s turn to do the grocery shopping but since he was busy with an easy I decided to do it myself. There’s a new restaurant a couple of blocks from here, did you see it? The food is amazing, if you’re free this weekend we should go there.

— I don’t think I will be able to, I have all this homework and my midterms are around the corner so…

— I will pay, you brat. I think it would also be a good way to get Jeonghan to breath some fresh air.

— What was he studying again?

— He’s majoring in psychology, please tell me you remember mine or otherwise you will be paying for the meals and the coffees.

— Engineer, but don’t take this in the wrong way, I still don’t understand what engineers do.

— It looks like it will be raining at any moment now, do you want me to drive you home?

— It’s okay, Seungcheol. I can walk, I don’t wanna come back yet anyways.

— You know, we will be eating some pasta with meatballs tonight, do you wanna come? It’s been a while since the last time we hang out together.

— I really need to start this paper tho…

— I know, last year, it’s always a pain in the ass, but next year you will be starting your first year in a new university and everything will be a little less stressful.

— Why don’t you call your mom, and let her know you will be at my place tonight? I can drive you to your school tomorrow on my way to my classes.

There was this distinct smell whenever Jihoon entered into Seungcheol’s department. It was strong, like mint, but mixed with something more sweet.

There was already an extra pair of white sneakers with the boots and shoes Jihoon already know belonged to Seungcheol and Jeonghan. There were even Jeonghan flip flops throw under some red shoes.

— Give me your backpack, I would leave it in my bedroom. Jeonghan is probably in the sofa. — Seungcheol disappeared into his own bedroom, beating Jihoon at taking his shoes.

Jihoon checked himself in the big mirror next to the door. His hair was kinda messy because of the wind that attacked him on his way to the park, and his cheeks and nose were both red. You could tell he had spent some time outside.

— Are you going to come or are you waiting for us to make a big introduction? — Jeonghan’s voice was loud enough to make sure Jihoon know he was talking to him.

Walking quickly, following the voice. The place wasn’t a mess, but you just know there were someone living there. From the two cups in the lavamanos, the pillows in the flour being used as chairs and the magazines on the table.

Jeonghan was busy writing something down on a paper, his straight long red hair (for Jihoon’s surprise. Last time he had met with Jeonghan the oldest had a platinum blonde curly hair.) in a messy bun, and lips pressed together into a thin line. There were two dark circles under his small cat-like eyes.

In from of him, there was another guy with short black hair and piercing on his left ear. He was also writing something down, but he was looking far less stressed as Jeonghan.

— Oh, right, Jihoon this is Joshua, Jeonghan’s teammate. — Seungcheol introduced the unknown person to Jihoon, sitting next to him and inviting Jihoon to sit in front of him. Jeonghan welcoming him, taking his notebook and cup of untouched coffee away from the small space.

— And your new friend. — Joshua interrupted him.

—… And my new friend. Joshua this is Jihoon, we have been friends since he was this big. — Seungcheol said, putting his hand on his own hip. Getting a hit in the elbow from Jihoon. — Just kidding, but it has been… what? Seven years?… Eight?

— Nice to meet you. — Joshua lifted his eyes from his own notes, giving Jihoon a tired smile before going back to read them. — We still have a lot to do.

Jeonghan sighted with much more strength he actually needed to, passing his hand throughout his hair. — This is the fifth time I read this and I still don’t get it. This is impossible, I swear! Why am I even studying this, I am going to fail.

— We have been with this for more than six hours already, you should take a rest now, we both actually. Let’s continue this tomorrow. — Joshua replied, starting to clean his little space.

— Let’s eat. Everything is always better when you have a full stomach. Go and take a shower. I will start cooking. — Seungcheol took his phone out of his pocket, looking for something before going to the kitchen.

— So, Jihoon… What are you planning to study next year? Bet you’re tired of hearing that question. — Joshua softly laughed, his eyes falling into Seungcheol who was cutting some onions behind him.

— I’m not really sure yet, maybe business.

Joshua nodded, his eyes never leaving Jihoon’s and the last was getting more and more uncomfortable. Already feeling small and his face hot, he stood up and went next to Seungcheol.

— Joshua, do you want to take a shower as well? I can lean you some of my clothes.

— ’s fine, I will do it. — Joshua answered, already walking to both of them. — Hot chocolate? There’s also coffee, but I don’t know if it would be okay to drink some, it’s already late… oh! Jeonghan bought tea! Finally! We have been running out of it for two days already.

— You know, it’s funny ‘cause neither Jeonghan or I are big tea fans, but lately it seems like that’s the first thing we have to keep buying.

— You were the one who said feel free to act comfortable with us so I don’t understand what’s behind this. What do you want, Jihoon?

— Whatever you make would be okay, thank you. — Jihoon reassured.

— You have a face of someone who enjoys sweet things. — Joshua guessed. — Hot chocolate, then.

— We have cream and that chocolate syrup we saw in the cafe we went last week too in the fridge. — Jeonghan talked, walking into his bedroom and returning some minutes later. — Wow. That smells really good, Cheol. Good job!

Seungcheol smiled and Jihoon had to keep his mouth shut about teasing his friends for his red cheeks because he was the one feeding Jihoon that night.

— Let’s go to the couch. — Jeonghan told Jihoon, once the younger had his cup in hand. — Do you like Harry Potter? I heard somewhere there will be a marathon tonight.

— It’s been a hot minute since the last time I watched them. Is this new?

Jeonghan, who was busy changing the tv shows and news until he found the channel with the movies he wanted to watch, turned to Jihoon with a confused look on his face and a little huh?. It wasn’t until Jihoon started tapping the sofa that Jeonghan finally understood.

— Oh yeah, my mother gave it to us. It’s really comfy, right?

— I forgot to give Joshua some clothes for him to change, could you do me a favour, Jeonghan?

— Sure, no problem. Tell me everything when I come back.

— You have watched them before! — Jihoon protested.

(Seungcheol’s cooking skills were okay.)

(Jeonghan fell asleep as soon as the fifth movie ended.)

The oldest came back with a pillow and two blankets, his blue pajama shirt unbuttoned.

— Joshua usually sleeps on the sofa, but it is all yours tonight. — Smiling, he handed the items to Jihoon. — If you’re hungry, you’re free to eat whatever you find. I will be in my room, and Jeonghan is in his with Joshua, if you need anything you let us know.

— Thank you, Seungcheol.

— You don’t have to. I am your friend, and I worry about you. Don’t become a stranger, please. — And before his body disappeared for complete, Seungcheol talked again. — Send a text to your mom.

Jihoon: Goodnight mom.

Mom: Goodnight, son!

Mom: Will I see you tomorrow morning?

Jihoon: Seungcheol will drive me there and then to school, don’t worry!

Mom: Okay

Mom: I love you.

Jihoon: I love you too

Jihoon did not contact this father at all that night.

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tigerh0shi · 2 years

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Painting under the moon [Chapter two]

Summary: Jihoon painted his classmate, Kwon Soonyoung, by accident, and now he thinks Jihoon has a crush on him.

Warnings: Mentions of abusive household. Mentions of homophobia. Internalized homophobia.

Word count: 4k

Previous chapter | Next chapter

Painting under the moon masterlist

•°•°•°•°•

Lunch was really good that day, compared to what they had the day before, at least. However, Jihoon was mad.

Jihoon could hear his father’s voice reproducing on his mind, calling him weak for letting something stupid as being platonically relating to a guy he barely talks to getting to his nerves.

(Something that always triggered Jihoon because what would happen if he doesn’t close the bottle right and then all his notes end up ruined in the water?)

— Are you going to finish that? — Junhui asked, eyeing Jihoon’s untouched food with, his now half empty, water bottle in hand.

Junhui didn’t hesitate to start as soon as Jihoon moved his head, letting him know he wasn’t interested in eating it. — They are watching us.

Junhui’s eyes were focused on the tables behind Jihoon, who purposely chose that seat to ignore the eyes that never left his back. — And they are watching us.

His cheeks became two perfect tomatoes wannabes. Even though he turned his head, Jihoon was aware of his pink neck. — Why don't we go to get changed? I don't think coach Kim will enjoy us being late for his class.

— Don't tell me. I'm basically one step closer to fail his class. — Junhui cried, putting both his and Jihoon's empty recipients on the table ready to wash them on his way to the exit.

(Jihoon ignored the way Soonyoung's eyes followed both of them.)

The school didn't have a closed space for the p.e. class to take place in, so they had to deal with rainy or cold days - like the one Jihoon was leaving that day - with the light green jacket and comfy sweatpants the school provided for the students as sport uniforms.

Jihoon's pale skin made a big contrast with the emerald green. But in Jihoon's opinions, Junhui's honey skin looked way better with that colour than his own.

There were already other ten students, out of the eighteen, waiting for the class to start.

With a hand on his elbow, Junhui took both of them to the big group. Jihoon didn't wait much before sitting in the grass, it was wet and cold, obviously thanks to the weather.

The coach was already talking to Jaemin and Wooseong, Jihoon's classmates.

It wasn't any news their coach had favouritism for them both. They weren't just tall or strong (or fast), they were pretty much their school pride, winning almost all of the matches they had with other rival schools. And Jihoon was extremely jealous.

Before he could even complain about the cold, he was feeling, their coach called everybody to start a ten minute warm up.

— Breath and try to hold it for some time before you let the air scape of your body. — Junhui reminded Jihoon. His long legs could take him way further if he wanted to, so Jihoon was appreciating his friend's efforts for trying to keep up with Jihoon's pace.

— Why are they going so far for? — Junhui talked when both, Jaemin and Wooseong, were five meters away from them. — It's not like they would get extra points for that.

— I mean, maybe the coach has actually given extra points and that's why we are barely surviving. — Jihoon joked.

— Okay, everybody! We will start doing some passing, form groups of four and take a ball. Move!

Jihoon's shoulder met with someone's hand and when he turned around, his classmate's eyes were already looking at him. Mike smiled. — Wanna make group with me?

— Sure. We're three then, we need one more.

Mike turned around and started seeing if someone was alone. Jihoon's eyes fell on Soonyoung's team and in Soonyoung smiling face. His group was Wonwoo, Hyunmin and a foreigner student named James.

Jihoon's family wouldn't be able to.

— Doyeon! You alone? — Mike yelled, raising his arm to get Doyeon's attention. — We're four now. Why don't you bring the ball so we can start?

But Doyeon actually made things easier, showing off his tricks and also failing to pass the ball most of the time.

However, Jihoon's anxiety made an appearance once again when the coach asked Jaemin and Wooseong to form two teams.

Wonwoo and Doyeon made it to the top ten.

Jihoon, Junhui and James made it to the last.

Jihoon's face felt really hot for the humiliation he was feeling for being chosen in the last. It was like everybody in that room was better than him, and they were proven him that everybody knows it.

— Jaemin, your team is first. Who's going to start the game?

Jaemin passed the ball in between his hands, looking at Wooseong.

— Why don't you do it, Soonyoung? It seems like you enjoy them more than us anyways. — Some people on the opposite team laughed, followed by Soonyoung a beat slower.

Soonyoung moved his hand behind the ball before jumping, making a beautiful and clean pass to the other side of the open space. Jihoon's team tensed up a little bit before some students yelled me and went for the ball, using all their strength to send it back to the opposite team.

Constantly pushing him to the side, making him not participate. And when he was actually included, the stress he felt for making sure his teammates didn't think about him as even more useless, usually made him look like a fool whenever he wasn't able to catch the ball or run as fast as it was needed.

Jihoon wanted to tell them to go easy on him, since he couldn't use the advantage they all have, but the thought of begging them to not hate him for not being the best at sports only made him feel even more pathetic.

Junhui wasn't much better than him either, even though he was rather tall, his capacity to make him fall with his own feet always brought him back to the last in the best contest list.

This was probably one of the reasons why Jihoon wasn't a sport lover. He always felt like everybody else was better than him.

Even his own father gave up on make Jihoon's the sport prodigious within his friends group.

— Jihoon that was an easy one! C'mon! We're losing because of you!

Jihoon preferred to bite his own tongue to not talk back, or die of embarrassment.

— Lee Jihoon! If you don't try, you will not be passing this class!

Another ball passed.

Someone pushed him to the other side. — If you're not going to do it, then don't disturb us and move!

Jihoon wanted to run to the bathroom.

— Are you sure you don't want me to go with you? We can wait for the bus together.

— It's okay, Jun. You don't have to. I will probably sleep all the way home.

— All you need is to forget everything when you get home, don't think about today. Okay? They aren't worth it.

Jihoon had been already at the front door when he started hearing voices coming not necessary from behind the door but loud enough to sound like it.

— You think I am an idiot?! You come home late, if you come back home at all. Who's that woman sending pictures to you?

— Who do you think you are going through my phone?!?! I don't have to explain anything to you, it's not like it will make sense in that small head of yours. Stick with what you're good at, cooking and keeping your mouth shut. I work everyday to bring money and this is what I receive from you. You're so ungrateful.

— I do actually deserve some explanation here, I am your wife! If I would he the one receiving pictures from other men what would you do?!

— Please, just look at you! You're old. Who's going to ever look at you, let alone send you pictures? They would be doing you a favor. Want me to keep fighting? I would leave and what are you going to do then? How are you going to feed yourself and your son? Shut your mouth before you get yourself in trouble, i'm warning you.

Jihoon couldn't hear any sound, his whole house getting silent in seconds. If Jihoon would come home just now there will no way to tell there was someone inside at all.

Without thinking twice Jihoon's feet started moving backward, putting more and more space between the door and himself. The park was close enough to his house to bring himself there just by walking so, adjusting his jacket over his shoulders and a navy blue cap Junhui gave him, Jihoon basically ran the first two blocks.

The park wasn't the biggest or pretty in the whole city, but the few trees with huge on his rooms made up for the lack of green the winter brought with it. There were some people there, mostly walking throughout the park, so Jihoon had the privilege to choose a seat to rest for some minutes. The concrete was so cold and his ass freezes in just minutes. Jihoon groaned, he didn't have to look at his own reflection on his phone to know his nose was already red.

He put his backpack over his lap, in a failed attempt to bring some warmth to his legs. He should have put on a beanie and a scarf that morning, so he would have them with him to fight the cold evening. Even the inside of his pickets didn't help to provide any warmth to his fingers. Actually Jihoon was scared they would fall off.

What should I do now?

He still had some lectures to do for his classes next morning, so opening his backpack Jihoon took his history book, starting reading about what happened back in the 80'.

Someone pushed him from behind. Jihoon was mad, but stayed quietly.

— What can I give you, son? — The man asked Jihoon when the girl who was before he played for his own coffee.

— One coffee, please. — Jihoon replied, glad that his jacket was big enough to hide part of his face with it. It was always awkward to interact with people.

— Here you have. — The man gave him his hot beverage, his hands feeling extremely happy with the sudden warmth. Paying the old man, Jihoon was ready to move back to his cold seat. — There's sugar if you want some. What can I give you, lady? — The man moved on from Jihoon to a woman next to him.

His tongue wasn't really happy with how hot the temperature was but his hands were more than happy to wait until the coffee was at a more reasonable temperature.

A tall guy with a black hair and big haircut walked pass him, returning seconds later.

— Jihoon? — The stranger was Jihoon's older friend, Choi Seungcheol. Even behind the white mask, Seungcheols prominent nose and long lashes were obvious. — What are you doing here?

Seungcheol walked the few steps there were away from the seat Jihoon was currently sitting at and took the space next to his friend. His grocery bag left behind on the floor between Seungcheol' s feet.Jihoon shrugged his shoulders, looking at the red socks Seungcheol was wearing, picking under his blue jeans. — I just wanted to distract myself from all the homework.

Seungcheol inspected Jihoon's face for some seconds before leaning back, relaxing his shoulders and manspreading even more. His black turtleneck would most likely end grey. — By yourself? This would be better if you have a dog, you could pretend it's for its own good.

— What were you doing here?

— It was Jeonghan's turn to do the grocery shopping but since he was busy with an easy I decided to do it myself. There's a new restaurant a couple of blocks from here, did you see it? The food is amazing, if you're free this weekend we should go there.

— I don't think I will be able to, I have all this homework and my midterms are around the corner so...

— I will pay, you brat. I think it would also be a good way to get Jeonghan to breath some fresh air.

— What was he studying again?

— He's majoring in psychology, please tell me you remember mine or otherwise you will be paying for the meals and the coffees.

— Engineer, but don't take this in the wrong way, I still don't understand what engineers do.

— It looks like it will be raining at any moment now, do you want me to drive you home?

— It's okay, Seungcheol. I can walk, I don't wanna come back yet anyways.

— You know, we will be eating some pasta with meatballs tonight, do you wanna come? It's been a while since the last time we hang out together.

— I really need to start this paper tho...

— I know, last year, it's always a pain in the ass, but next year you will be starting your first year in a new university and everything will be a little less stressful.

— Why don't you call your mom, and let her know you will be at my place tonight? I can drive you to your school tomorrow on my way to my classes.

There was this distinct smell whenever Jihoon entered into Seungcheol's department. It was strong, like mint, but mixed with something more sweet.

There was already an extra pair of white sneakers with the boots and shoes Jihoon already know belonged to Seungcheol and Jeonghan. There were even Jeonghan flip flops throw under some red shoes.

— Give me your backpack, I would leave it in my bedroom. Jeonghan is probably in the sofa. — Seungcheol disappeared into his own bedroom, beating Jihoon at taking his shoes.

— Are you going to come or are you waiting for us to make a big introduction? — Jeonghan's voice was loud enough to make sure Jihoon know he was talking to him.

Walking quickly, following the voice. The place wasn't a mess, but you just know there were someone living there. From the two cups in the lavamanos, the pillows in the flour being used as chairs and the magazines on the table.

Jeonghan was busy writing something down on a paper, his straight long red hair (for Jihoon's surprise. Last time he had met with Jeonghan the oldest had a platinum blonde curly hair.) in a messy bun, and lips pressed together into a thin line. There were two dark circles under his small cat-like eyes.

In from of him, there was another guy with short black hair and piercing on his left ear. He was also writing something down, but he was looking far less stressed as Jeonghan.

— Oh, right, Jihoon this is Joshua, Jeonghan's teammate. — Seungcheol introduced the unknown person to Jihoon, sitting next to him and inviting Jihoon to sit in front of him. Jeonghan welcoming him, taking his notebook and cup of untouched coffee away from the small space.

— And your new friend. — Joshua interrupted him.

—... And my new friend. Joshua this is Jihoon, we have been friends since he was this big. — Seungcheol said, putting his hand on his own hip. Getting a hit in the elbow from Jihoon. — Just kidding, but it has been... what? Seven years?... Eight?

— Nice to meet you. — Joshua lifted his eyes from his own notes, giving Jihoon a tired smile before going back to read them. — We still have a lot to do.

Jeonghan sighted with much more strength he actually needed to, passing his hand throughout his hair. — This is the fifth time I read this and I still don't get it. This is impossible, I swear! Why am I even studying this, I am going to fail.

— We have been with this for more than six hours already, you should take a rest now, we both actually. Let's continue this tomorrow. — Joshua replied, starting to clean his little space.

— Let's eat. Everything is always better when you have a full stomach. Go and take a shower. I will start cooking. — Seungcheol took his phone out of his pocket, looking for something before going to the kitchen.

— So, Jihoon... What are you planning to study next year? Bet you're tired of hearing that question. — Joshua softly laughed, his eyes falling into Seungcheol who was cutting some onions behind him.

— I'm not really sure yet, maybe business.

Joshua nodded, his eyes never leaving Jihoon's and the last was getting more and more uncomfortable. Already feeling small and his face hot, he stood up and went next to Seungcheol.

— Joshua, do you want to take a shower as well? I can lean you some of my clothes.

— 's fine, I will do it. — Joshua answered, already walking to both of them. — Hot chocolate? There's also coffee, but I don't know if it would be okay to drink some, it's already late... oh! Jeonghan bought tea! Finally! We have been running out of it for two days already.

— You know, it's funny 'cause neither Jeonghan or I are big tea fans, but lately it seems like that's the first thing we have to keep buying.

— You were the one who said feel free to act comfortable with us so I don't understand what's behind this. What do you want, Jihoon?

— Whatever you make would be okay, thank you. — Jihoon reassured.

— You have a face of someone who enjoys sweet things. — Joshua guessed. — Hot chocolate, then.

Seungcheol smiled and Jihoon had to keep his mouth shut about teasing his friends for his red cheeks because he was the one feeding Jihoon that night.

— Let's go to the couch. — Jeonghan told Jihoon, once the younger had his cup in hand. — Do you like Harry Potter? I heard somewhere there will be a marathon tonight.

— It's been a hot minute since the last time I watched them. Is this new?

Jeonghan, who was busy changing the tv shows and news until he found the channel with the movies he wanted to watch, turned to Jihoon with a confused look on his face and a little huh?. It wasn't until Jihoon started tapping the sofa that Jeonghan finally understood.

— Oh yeah, my mother gave it to us. It's really comfy, right?

— I forgot to give Joshua some clothes for him to change, could you do me a favour, Jeonghan?

— Sure, no problem. Tell me everything when I come back.

— You have watched them before! — Jihoon protested.

(Seungcheol's cooking skills were okay.)

(Jeonghan fell asleep as soon as the fifth movie ended.)

The oldest came back with a pillow and two blankets, his blue pajama shirt unbuttoned.

— Joshua usually sleeps on the sofa, but it is all yours tonight. — Smiling, he handed the items to Jihoon. — If you're hungry, you're free to eat whatever you find. I will be in my room, and Jeonghan is in his with Joshua, if you need anything you let us know.

— Thank you, Seungcheol.

— You don't have to. I am your friend, and I worry about you. Don't become a stranger, please. — And before his body disappeared for complete, Seungcheol talked again. — Send a text to your mom.

Jihoon: Goodnight mom.

Mom: Goodnight, son!

Mom: Will I see you tomorrow morning?

Jihoon: Seungcheol will drive me there and then to school, don't worry!

Mom: Okay

Mom: I love you.

Jihoon: I love you too

Jihoon did not contact this father at all that night.

24 notes · View notes

tigerh0shi · 2 years

Text

horanghae ❤️ wooahae

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tigerh0shi · 2 years

Text

Updated Masterlist

Started: 12/10/21

Last Updated: 20/11/21

Total Works: 2

[SEVENTEEN]

♡ Painting under the moon (soonhoon)

♡ Just a bad grade (Soonyoung/reader/Wonwoo)

16 notes · View notes

tigerh0shi · 2 years

Text

Painting under the moon [Chapter three]

Summary: Jihoon painted his classmate, Kwon Soonyoung, by accident, and now he thinks Jihoon has a crush on him.

Warnings: Mentions of abusive household. Mentions of homophobia. Internalized homophobia.

Previous chapter | Next chapter

Painting under the moon masterlist

•°•°•°•°•

– Thanks for joining us this morning, Lee Jihoon. Please take a seat.

Soonyoung had been already in front of the headmaster, uniform in perfect condition and smelling like mint (probably coming from his toothpaste) because the fresh smell was constantly invaded Jihoon’s nose whenever the other student talked.

Jihoon’s heart missed a beat when the realized hit him. Soonyoung probably asked for a meeting to talk about the whole painting situation. Even though it had been over two weeks since that moment, their classmates haven’t turned down- not even a tiny bit- of the teasing.

The past Wednesday Jihoon walked to his math class with a very vulgar and rather explicit draw and Jihoon x Soonyoung written all over the blackboard (with others phrases that Jihoon chose to pretend he didn’t see them).

And the last Monday, Soonyoung pushed against Jihoon in the cafeteria, making a scene in front of everybody and getting Soonyoung’s food all over the floor and himself.

To say that Jihoon have been avoiding any closeness with the tallest was an understanding; especially after finding lots of draws of Soonyoung and him with different condoms on his backpack. (Luckily, he managed to get rid of them before his father saw them).

– I call you for two reasons; the first one, yesterday, the University of the Blue Sky opened their inscriptions for their Literature program, a contest. As you might know, the first five students with the best score will receive scholarships for the next year. It has been informed to me that you haven’t applied for any university yet. Your literature teacher thinks this program could be a good opportunity for you.

– Oh, my… I was actually thinking of applying for a university here… I am not really feeling like living on my own yet. I was planning on majoring in business.

Putting his chin over his hands, the headmaster nodded his head, taking some instants to think before talk again.

– I see… well, as you know inscriptions for universities will end up soon. I think you should really considerate doing this program, maybe just as a plan b. Your teacher thinks you could have a really good future in Literature and so do I, based on your grades and exams. And this brings us to the second reason why I called you this morning. Even though your grades in Literature and English are really good, you’re almost failing Physical Education.

Jihoon’s cheeks heated, feeling too embarrassed to have Soonyoung, who was good at sports, hearing this. And even though Jihoon deep down knew that Soonyoung probable already knew based on the way Jihoon barely could hit a ball during their classes, it was something he would have preferred to talk about in private, not with his classmate next to him.

– You need to pass the class. Your coach and I talked. You’re not a bad student, Jihoon. So you should really focus on this class, okay? You will have an overall exam at the end of the year, so you have around four months, if the coach thinks you did well then you pass.

– And if I don’t?

– Then you will have to come here in summer to pass the class. I’m sure you don’t want that and neither do I, so that will not happen. Kwon Soonyoung is a volunteer in our school’s YANA team, so I figured out, since Soonyoung’s grades in Physical Education are good, he could help you with the basics you are missing.

YANA was a group made by the students, the name standing for you are never alone, and it was a help for students who were failing classes, as far as Jihoon knew, and to make friends. He only knew about them because it was announced to them in their first year, as a way to make them feel less nervous about not knowing anyone to those who came from different cities or different schools than the rest.

Jihoon glanced at Soonyoung, who was nodding; his eyes fixed on the director. His ears slightly red at the recognition of his good grades.

Jihoon looked back to the front.

– Soonyoung, aside for helping your classmate, the most volunteer work you do now it will open more opportunities to enter into a good university. So, I’m looking forward to your teamwork. That’s all; please go back to your classes. Do you need me to write you a pass for your teachers?

The hallway was empty, the classes long started. The silence between them was already awkward, but Jihoon didn’t know if he preferred to keep the uncomfortable atmosphere between them for the rest of his life or crossing the classroom’s door together and hear all the teasing.

– We can talk later… to coordinate and all that. – Soonyoung awkwardly said before opening the door and sit at his usual spot.

– Thanks for deciding on joining us, both of you. Jihoon please take a seat and hurry up catching to what you missed.

The class laughed and Jihoon made himself smaller in his seat.

•°•°•°•°•

The call connected, revealing a recently out of the shower Junhui. His wet hair –now blue- and bare face were looking at the phone, his face occupying the entire screen. – Oh, it connected, hi! Were you busy?

– Nah, I was about to start doing math. Did you need something?

– Just felt lonely, and thought of calling you. I could bring our homework and doing it too.

– Sure, let’s do it. What happened to your hair?

Jihoon’s focus was on the exercise written on his paper. Junhui’s body was out of fame, his white oversize t-shirt passing quickly in front of the camera as he hurried up to bring his backpack and start resolving his homework.

– I’ve been thinking about making it blue for a while, but it wasn’t until last night that I decided to buy the dye. I really like it. – Junhui made a close up to his new hair color, checking it himself more than to show it to Jihoon. – What do you think?

– It suits you, but I am wondering if they will let you go to school like that tomorrow.

Putting the phone in front of him like it was before, Junhui chuckled while he was looking through his notes the ones he needed it. – I thought about it too, but it’s navy blue. It’s kinda subtle, isn’t it?

Junhui started moving his head side to side slowly, looking how visible was in the camera. – I will bring you a beanie, but I am not sure if the teachers would let you use it in classes, tho.

– You’re a life saver. Just so you know. What are you listening to?

Jihoon looked to his laptop next to him, a random Spotify playlist was sounding. – It’s call um… let me check… Meant to be, by Bebe Rexha.

– I liked it. You still do math, right? I know there were two of them, in which I will need help, how are you doing with logarithms? I still don’t get it. And they say math is a universal language… I don’t think so.

– I started looking on YouTube for some help. I don’t understand Ms. Kim. I can send you the links of the videos if you want.

They both fell in silence, busy trying to do as much as they could without having to use YouTube or the help of internet.

– That’s it, I give up. This is impossible. – Junhui complained.

A text popped up on Jihoon’s screen. It was from Seungcheol asking him if he wanted to go home and have some pizza with Jeonghan and Joshua tomorrow night.

– Oh, do you remember Seungcheol?

Junhui lifted his head from the table, looking confused. – The guy who drove us to my place last year in your birthday? Yeah, why?

– He already did this exam, he probable have notes or something that could help us! I am pretty sure he did pass with good grades.

–Maybe he could help us! Do you think he would be free?

– I will ask him. Give me a second.

Jihoon: Sure, what time should be ready?

Jihoon: Do I have to bring something?

Jihoon: You were good at math, right?

Jihoon: could you help me and my friend? We’re struggling.

– I’m meeting him tomorrow night anyways, so i can ask him again tomorrow.

– I feel better now, there’s a chance that we could actually pass this… I’m so happy.

The song ended, and the whole room stayed quiet. The whole playlist had been playing for more than two hours already. Jihoon looked at the golden light coming through the window. It made everything look prettier. – Any song request?

– Therefore I am, it’s a song by Billie Eilish

Jihoon went to his laptop and searched the song, starting after an ad. If he wasn’t broke, he would pay for the ad remove, but right now it wasn’t a priority.

– Oh, this is new… I thought you would choose a ballad song or something like that.

– Yeah… I have to tell you something. – Junhui sited straight in front of the camera, face more serious and Jihoon knew he wasn’t joking, so he stopped paying attention to the songs and came back to video call. – I was thinking about joining the dance team. They were recruiting new members.

Junhui looked really nervous, almost waiting for a reaction.

– I honestly didn’t even know there was a dance team in the first place; do you have to prepare an audition or something?

Junhui relaxed his tense shoulders, leaning more to the camera.

– They will be evaluating us, I’m still not sure yet, tho. We’re also almost starting our exams… But if I do audition, I wanna use this song.

– I think you should try it

– Really? – Jihoon nodded. – I will think about it, I still have some more days before the auditions. I have to put the exams first though; my mom would travel all the way here just to kick my ass if I fail this.

The door slams and Jihoon knew that his father was not in a good mood. – I have to go; I will send you the links in a minute.

•°•°•°•°•

Jihoon was busy choosing his ice cream, but not busy enough to just not hear the voices behind the vending machine, a couple of meters away from him.

And he just wanted to die right there.

– Wonwoo, do you want ramen with that?

– And how are you going to pay for that, exactly?

– Wow, you’re incredible, Kwon Soonyoung. You both are older than me, are you really going to make me pay? I’m going to be the one cooking anyways, you should be treating me.

– Stop whining, I will pay. Soonyoung why don’t you go and look out for some chicken nuggets or something?

– Got it, should I bring fish too?

– Your best friend is trying to poison you.

– I’m asking you, you idiot. I know Wonwoo can’t eat fish… Oh! Hi…

Soonyoung, Wonwoo and an unknown guy where facing him, who was really regretting his midnight cravings.

Luckily he wasn’t the only one wearing pajamas. Actually, the unknown guy looked like if he straight up was taken out of bed five minutes before coming to the convenience store. The puffy cheeks and baby fat on his chin made a contrast with his long hair and broad shoulders.

Soonyoung wasn’t doing much better, his hair being a really good remake of a bird nest. His eyes looked smaller than at school, so maybe they really have woken minutes before going there.

– Hey. – Jihoon replied awkwardly, hand still in the fridge, not finished choosing between the strawberry or orange ice cream.

– Seems like we’re not the only ones with midnight shop lists. – The tallest joked, trying to light up the awkward atmosphere.

– However, no-one beats your fashion sense. – Wonwoo replied to the guy with a serious expression on his face, which broke into a laugh when the boy complained, followed by Soonyoung who smiled at the scene happening next to him.

– It’s your fault! You were the one craving food at this hour; I was ready to go to sleep.

Soonyoung moved closer to Jihoon, eyes on the floor until the space to reach the fridge with the nuggets, sausages and hamburgers were too narrow to be able to walk there. – Excuse me, I need to…

– Oh yeah, sure. Sorry. – Jihoon moved quickly, closing the door with a little too much strength than necessary.

– So… you have to start training for p.e? – Wonwoo asked Jihoon. He didn’t really seems interested on the question, so Jihoon was more than sure that the reason behind the small talk was to fill the silence and make the encounter less uncomfortable for all of them.

– I have, but did the coach told the class? Junhui didn’t tell me anything…

– Um, no… I actually told him. – Soonyoung replied with red ears. – I didn’t think it was a big deal, but probably should have asked before.

– I mean, I don’t think it is a big deal; people fail classes or exams all the time. – The guy next to Wonwoo talked, elbows on the fridge and back reclined, gaze going between Wonwoo and Soonyoung.

– That’s true, but it’s kind of different when you’re in your last year, Mingyu. – Wonwoo told him, fixing his own glasses. – Are you going to help him? It’s a YANA thing, right?

– It is, but we haven’t talked about it yet.

Soonyoung’s eyes met Jihoon for a brief moment, before looking back at Wonwoo, showing him the two different chicken nugget options for him to choose from. Wonwoo pointed to the orange option, before talking directly to Jihoon. – You should hurry up, there will not be much time left for you to change your grades.

Soonyoung’s arm barely brushed Jihoon’s back as he walked behind him.

– Yeah, maybe tomorrow? – Jihoon asked Soonyoung, who was passing the nuggets to Mingyu to hold, and receiving a pat on the butt in response. Both laughing even more when Soonyoung pushed Mingyu and the guy almost tripped over the snack machine behind him.

– Sure, whenever you’re free. – Soonyoung replied, a smile still visible on his eyes that were two thin lines now.

– Yeah, great…

The silence fell over them again, Jihoon not really sure how to get rid of them.

– Okay, I think we should be getting home, right? – Mingyu asked, hands on both, Wonwoo and Soonyoung, before nodding to Jihoon as a goodbye.

Jihoon’s cheeks tinted pink when he heard Mingyu’s voice saying well, that was awkward as they were getting away from him.

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