Let's hold on a little longer. We got this, they got this, everyone has this. As long as we keep sticking together everything will be just fine.

—NOTVANTE

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"You know, I think you're the first person that's actually been this nice to me. Especially a guy.."

Taeyong threw me a very confused look. It was so hard for me to actually hold in the laughter at his sharp eyebrow poking upward while his face displayed confusion.

"I'm sorry haha it's just that your facial expression was incredibly funny. Why that look?"

He dropped the look and turned to look straight ahead.

"Why do you say it like that? You say it as you've never had a close friend to trust."

I fiddled with my fingers in embarrassment.

"Maybe, its because I've never been this close to anyone apart from my Eomma. Usually, people don't like to hang out with me. They think of me as a waste of space that just replaced those they can't be with.. kind of sad actually.."

Taeyong stared at me a little longer before grabbing my hand and quickly helping me cross the street. A reckless driver zoomed past us in the process.

"Dang adults.. so rude at this time of the hour. And you know what? I think you're wonderful. I don't know why people would say such things."

I shrugged. Even when I didn't do anything weird or out of the ordinary I was still judged, pointed at, talked about.

"I understand that from you. I just don't understand why people would behave such a way when I never even did anything to offend or hurt them. I simply shared a classroom and a teacher with them.. I'm so confused.."

He chuckled at my rambling.

"Really, there's nothing to be confused about. Or lost about. Like I said, and I'll repeat myself again, you are amazing. Actually, you are one of the most understanding people that I have met in all my existence. As strange as it sounds. I think that's why I liked you. You've had a very unique heart; one that not many were worthy of having."

I bowed kindly, taken back by his statement. I never thought that a person as ordinary as me would make such a great impact on someone's life. It felt really good to be told otherwise.

"Okay.. well I thank you for being so nice and sincere with me. I think my night just got a little better. I was worried about a couple of things, but I don't feel too worried about anyone. And you? How's your life? Anything happy happened recently?"

He nodded and smiled, then pointed at me. I pointed at myself confused.

"Me? What about me? I want to know what makes you happy. Or something that made you happy recently."

"Well, I'm pointing at you for a reason. You've been a positive impact on my life. I really like your nature. You're very caring and supportive. I like that about you the most."

"Thank you, Taeyong. I feel rather bad for making you walk me home tonight.. you didn't have to.."

"Oh, I did. It's dangerous here at night. Especially now that most adults roam around in the night. They tend to do things and then never regret anything. I feel much comfortable keeping an eye on you."

As we reached my bungalow cottage, I thanked Taeyong for what felt like the thousandth time. He waved his hands up and told me that there was really no need in all the formality and that I was his friend so as a friend to another friend, it was the least he could do. I waved goodbye and quietly headed inside to not wake up mom at all.

When I checked on her she was still passed out, snoring softly a complete mess. I pulled out my phone and quietly took a picture of her, laughing under my breath as I noticed our blah pug blending neatly in the picture. It was a bit too dark to see her laying against moms side.

"too cute.. honestly haha.."

I slipped off my slippers and changed out of my outfit to a much comfortable one before throwing myself on the bed. From that small fall before I was beyond exhausted and my ankle pulsated painfully here and there. I sighed. Today was honestly a very long day. Still, I was glad that I met Taeyong and the other boy whose name I still don't know. How do I still not know his name? I could've asked Taeyong all this time and I forgot.

"Okay.. well, for now, I'll rest. Good thing tomorrow is Saturday. I could take the day off to help mom with anything she needed help."

Next morning when I woke up, I was shivering like crazy. My teeth clattered together as I moved.

Did I leave my window open again? Or did I turn my fan on?

Opening my eyes to be hit with a bright light was not what I expected at all. I quickly closed them again before sitting up. I gasped and looked around. My left arm was numb and I couldn't move it as I fully sat up.

Where the heck was I at?

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