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"Is it okay to just leave him?" "He'll be fine, Seung. He's not a kid." He gave me a concerned look as we exited the building. "So, were you the one who started that gay rumor about Dongil?" "Of course. It's a fun and easy way to get back at him without much harm."

He playfully shoved me as we headed to the bus stop. "So, what are you going to do now?" "Enlist some help in backing it up." "Now I'm worried." "Don't be. Now, you know where to go right?" "Yep. See you there." I briefly waved as he walked away. I quietly sat at the bus stop.

I sent her a few texts then smiled as she finally caved. "I can always count on her." The bus finally arrived and I frowned as it was crowded. I squeezed myself on then sighed. The bus came to a sudden halt, causing us to lose our balance. A few people fell, including me.

We helped each other up as we grumbled about how packed it was. I let go of his hand, only for him to firmly hold on. I looked up then felt a bit concerned. "Excuse me...?" He didn't look at me. I tried pulling my hand free, but he just wouldn't let go. "Sir..."

The bus stopped and he started pushing through, dragging me along. I was panicking. I grabbed onto a pole as he tried exiting the bus with me in tow. "Let go!" People started murmuring and complaining as I refused to get off with him. My grip suddenly loosened from the pole.

I was now on top of the man as the bus drove away. I pulled my hand free then sprinted down the block. I couldn't even see his face. I quickly rounded the corner and ducked into a store. "Someone chasin' ya?" I looked at the cashier who was leaning against the counter.

"In a way." "Need to call the cops?" "There's no point. I don't even know if he's still around." She nodded then went back to her phone. What did he want with me? I knew I've made trouble with people, but I never expected them to go this far. Something about him seemed familiar.

I made my way home then arrive at the front door. I opened the door and was greeted with silence. This was unusual. "Dad?" No response. I walked further into the house then looked around to see if he was asleep. He wasn't even in the house. "Did he finally decide to go to work?"

I entered my room then remembered that my folder was missing. I grew worried again. If any of it got out, I'd be finished. It was heavily personal. It spoke more than what my mouth did. I sighed as I tried to think of who possibly could've taken it.

My phone buzzed as I zipped up my bag. "Eh...He's there already..." I slung my bag over my shoulder then hurried out. Just as I turned around after locking the door, I bumped into someone's chest. "Where are you going?" "Somewhere you're not. Be happy." He held me back.

"I need you to stay home." "Why? So you can punish me for the most ridiculous things?" "No...We need to clean this place. Thoroughly." He must have hit his head or took some kind of pills. "Are you sick? Since when do you care about our state of living?"

"Just stay home." "Sorry, I need to go out. Maybe another time." I felt weird. He was being nice to me. Something had to be up. He's never nice without having ill intent. I quickly sent Seunghyun a text, letting him know I was on my way and to keep her entertained.

"Jorin, my favorite person." "Ugh, stop." She stood then handed me a piece of paper. "Don't ever make me wait with this guy ever again. His jokes are so dry." "You love Seunghyun though." "Until he started cracking jokes." She patted my shoulder then left the park.

"You said keep her entertained." "Yet you did the opposite. Anyway, we have his number." "Who's?" "Hakjin." "Doesn't he go to our school? Why couldn't we just go ask him?" "You know nothing." "Obviously, so answer me." I sighed as I sent the text.

"Approaching him in public is an automatic shut down. So you either reach him digitally or meet in private." "That's weird." "Like you're one to talk." My phone vibrated and I quickly looked down. "He's in." "So, what's gonna happen now?"

"Dongil will forever be labeled the school gay." "Won't he be bullied for it...?" "That's his problem. He shouldn't have messed with you." I noticed Seunghyun looked unsure. "Are you having second thoughts?" "No, I'm just worried about something..." "What?"

He leaned forward slightly then looked at me. "What if he commits suicide?" "Then he commits suicide. What do you expect me to do about it?" "Eric, you aren't that heartless..." "So you are having second thoughts." "Eric-" "I did all of this for you to change your mind?"

He held me by my arm firmly. "Eric, I'm not changing my mind, I'm trying to change yours. Won't guilt eat at you if you found out he killed himself because of your rumor?" He was looking at me with serious yet pleading eyes. "I won't, but if you really want this..."

I sighed then canceled everything with Hakjin. Naturally he wasn't pleased, but Seunghyun seemed to have regained some life. "Thanks." "You know I can't stand to see you upset. Now, your living situation..." He frowned. "Think Han's family will let you stay?"

"Eh...but she broke up with me." "Call her." I quietly watched as he talked on the phone with her. He hung up then gave me a small smile. "She said she'd call if they say yes or text if they say no." "Things aren't so bad now, huh?" "Thanks, Eric..." He gently nudged me.