BOT Summer 2012: Stumped by towelettepower
Title: Stumped
Author: towelettepower
Rating: PG-13
Pairing/Focus: friendship!Onew/Minho
Brief summary: Jinki think's there's nothing to lose when nobody knows his name, but Minho does. And it messes up with everything.
Warnings: Suicide attempt, unbeta'd
Minho knew Jinki back in elementary. He thought he was smart and friendly but he never understood why he was always alone or why people bothered him when he entered high school. He watches Jinki stumble into the classroom, the teacher sighs, then students snort and point at him when he walks past them to his desk. He keeps his head down, avoiding any eye contact with anybody and he pulls out his red notebook then starts writing.
High school sucks.
Jinki doesn’t have friends because friends eventually leave you. He doesn’t want to go through trouble with anybody so that’s why he’s always alone. What is there to lose when nobody knows your name?
Jinki writes everything in his notebook. He believes it’s the only thing that understands him. He writes in it every day, he doodles it in; he writes about his dreams, what he plans for the future, songs, what he did that day, what he’s thinking and he draws what he sees, what he wants to see. It explains everything about him.
He’s haunted by the same voices and faces. Every day he comes home from school with a new bruise, something to remind him he’s still living. He should be immune but it still pains him. Teachers say, “It’s just a phase.” He wants to laugh.
It’s just a phase.
--
Jinki had shut his locker door when heard a familiar chuckle, “Where are you going?” His voice was beautiful but the tone was disgusting, “Yah, look at me when I’m talking to you.” His voice echoed through the empty hallways. He couldn’t look; his body froze under the sound of his voice.
Rough hands found his long strawberry glazed hair, his head was pulled back and he felt warm breath on his face, “Remember what happens when you don’t listen?” His voice was now low and hoarse. What was he supposed to remember? He doesn’t remember what he has for homework. He doesn’t even remember this guy, “Well?" Jinki felt a lump stuck in his throat, he couldn’t say anything.
There was a sudden tug at Jinki’s hair and soon was being controlled under the other male. Jinki whimpered under the other person’s grip as they walk through the depths of the empty school then into the male’s locker room. The aggressive male pushed Jinki onto the cold tiled floors, when he tried to get himself up only to get his head shoved back down to the floor.
Jinki’s vision started to blur, he let out a few sobs, “No.” He felt the other male tug at his hair again, “Aw, is poor Jinki-Winky crying?”
“Don’t,” he pleaded, hot tears streamed down his face, “Please.”
The forceful male shoved Jinki back down against the floor; this time Jinki didn’t bother getting up, instead he let the side of his face rest on the dirty, cool tiled floor. He sobbed, hoping a way out, hoping Superman would bust through the walls and save him, but this is real life, superheroes don’t exist. Again, the other male grabbed a fist full of Jinki’s hair and dragged him into one of the shower stalls.
“Shut up, wimp.”
Jinki squeezed his eyes shut, he wanted to disappear once he heard the other male unzip his jeans.
Just a phase.
--
Jinki!
He stopped in his tracks. Funny, he thought he heard somebody call out his name. He shook it off as nothing then continued to walk.
Jinki!
There it goes again, he must be going crazy, nobody knows him...
“Jinki,” he immediately froze upon the feeling of somebody’s hand on his shoulder. He shut his eyes quickly getting prepared for what the other person what going to do to him. “Jinki?” When the other person finally had taken his hand off of him, he gasped for air, not realising he had been holding his breath.
Jinki looked down at his shoes, he shut his eyes tight, biting his lower lip knowing something bad will happen. He waits for the other person to tease him, hit him, anything but nothing. Absolutely nothing. He glanced up to see who wanted his attention.
A boy. A boy with large round eyes, he had tan skin, he was taller than him, his eyes were filled with curiosity as looked down at Jinki. Jinki wasn’t sure if he should be afraid or not, nevertheless, he still felt scared and wanted to run away.
“What do you want?” Jinki’s lower lip quivered. It was too late to wonder if he should ask or just walk away quickly, but this person stopped him, so what exactly does he want?
The boy’s eyes widen in surprise then he started to search for something in his bag, “You forgot this.” He held out a sheet of paper that was double sided with mathematical problems. Homework? Is this some sort of prank? He glanced around checking if there were nearby students were students hiding behind bushes or anything of the like.
Jinki carefully grabbed it, scanned the paper, then looked back at the boy skeptically. “What is your name?”
“Minho,” the taller boy replied, “Choi Minho.”
Jinki grabbed his notebook and pen from his knapsack then jotted Minho’s name in his notebook with a brief description. The shorter male cleared his throat before speaking again, he didn’t want to look back up so he kept his eyes down at his journal.
“Are we in the same class?” He asked, Minho answered saying yes. Jinki stuffed the items back into his bag, “I’ll get this done for you by tomorrow.” He moved out of the way and quickly walked, Jinki wanted to get out of there as soon as possible before other people started to bother him.
“Is it really that bad?” Minho asked, it wasn’t a problem for him to catch up with the shorter male.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Jinki stuffed his hands into his pockets. Was Minho still trying to talk to Jinki?
“I didn’t give that to you so you can do it for me, you left it on your desk and I was just trying to help you.” Minho explained.
Jinki halted then turned to face Minho, “What are you doing? You’re trying to help me?” Jinki wanted to scoff, he carefully scanned the area around them again to see if there were anybody spying on them, he’s now completely convinced that this is some sort of prank. Minho nodded his head, Jinki couldn’t believe this. Why would anybody want to help him? Nobody ever wanted to help before so why now?
“We’re still in school grounds, if people see you with me, they’ll start bothering you too.” Jinki warned him. “Don’t say I didn’t warn you because I just did.”
“It doesn’t matter, it seems like you need a friend.”
Jinki narrowed his eyes at Minho, “I don’t need friends!” Jinki cringed, then marched away from Minho. He doesn’t need friends. He doesn’t need anybody.
Minho caught up with Jinki again, “Just let me walk with you, we live in the same neighbourhood.” Jinki didn’t bother responding, he was tired from talking to him.
On their walk to their house, no words were exchanged. Just complete utter silence. They walked across the overpass, down some crescents, walked through a strangers backyard, then they were on some random alley, they were finally on the sidewalk again, before Minho got used to it, they were walking through a field. The trip was never ending and Minho tried not to forget which route they took. it seemed like they walked for an hour before they reached to Jinki’s house.
“You can go home now,” Jinki said once they arrived at his house.
“You live this far away from school? Is this why you’re always late for school?” Minho asked.
“I thought you said you lived around here,” Jinki furrowed his brows.
“Yeah I did, but I actually live near the school.” This is probably why Jinki dislikes other people, they always tend to lie to get what they want. And he’s admits he does it too, but it’s only for the best for him and everyone around him.
“I’ll see you tomorrow,” Minho said as Jinki walked into his house without saying goodbye to him. Minho felt disappointed when Jinki left into his house. So much for friendly, Minho thought to himself as he slowly walked away. He sighed, what happened to Jinki?
--
The door bell woke Jinki from his slumber, he checked the time on digital clock that sat on top of his dresser, 7:40am. Why is somebody here so early on a Saturday morning? Jinki didn’t have time to think before the bell rang again, and again, and again. He groaned then sighed in defeat as he finally got out of bed to answer the door. When Jinki opened the door he saw a tall boy with large doe eyes. Jinki squinted to make sure he wasn’t dreaming, “Who are you?” He asks the other male, something tells him that he’s seen him somewhere before but not sure from where...
Minho furrowed his eyebrows then gave out a hearty laugh, “Don’t tell me you’re joking.”
“I don’t joke.”
Minho sighed and rolled his eyes, “It’s time to go to school. Why are you still wearing your clothes from yesterday?”
Jinki looked down at his clothes, how did this guy knew what he wore yesterday? He shrugged it off, “It’s Saturday, there’s no school today,” Jinki was going to shut the door until Minho stopped him from doing so. “It’s Thursday,” Minho corrected him.
Jinki widen his eyes in horror at Minho before he stumbled backwards then fell onto the floor and crawled behind the couch.
--
Minho stood there in shock as he watched Jinki hide himself behind the couch, he heart started to beat really fast, he didn’t know what to do. Without thinking his body went to go follow Jinki, when he looked over the couch Minho saw him with sitting against the couch, Jinki’s face was covered with his hands, his knees pressed against his chest, quiet sobs were coming out of his mouth. Minho sat down beside Jinki and pulled him into a hug.
To Minho’s surprise Jinki clung onto him, he cried into Minho’s chest. He couldn’t figure out what the smaller boy was saying, it was muffled.
“Kibum,” Jinki sniffled then trailed off, “Th-they call me names, beat me up,” Minho couldn’t interpreted the rest, Jinki kept on sobbing and clinging onto Minho tighter and tighter. He wanted to say something to comfort the other male, but he could only rub soothing circles on his back.
Kibum? Minho tried thinking who this Kibum person was, he thought back to the time where Minho met Jinki for the first time, and when he did, he remembered a boy with a girlish features who was sitting next to him.
When Jinki calmed down, he slowly lifted his head then once again he widen his eyes in surprise, “Oh my god! I’m so sorry!” he quickly pushed himself off Minho. Then again Jinki’s eyes filled with tears, “I didn’t mean to!” he pleaded, “I’m so sorry, p-please don’t hurt me.”
“I’m not going to hurt you...” Minho quietly said, he leaned forward to touch Jinki but retreated his hand, too scared to touch the other boy. He looked so fragile, he wanted to hold him again but afraid to break him. What should I do?
Jinki didn’t say anything, he choked on a sob. “I’m sorry,” He got up on his feet then quickly ran down the hallway to disappear. Minho watched him leave hurriedly, he quietly followed Jinki down the hallway, stopping in front of Jinki’s room, he let out a sigh, “I’ll go now...” he hesitated. “I’m sorry.”
--
Minho sat in class, staring at Jinki’s empty seat, wondering how he was... Should he check up on him later? Shouldn’t his parents be home? Or, maybe they were at work. Jinki could be possibly living on his own. But that house looks way too big just for one person.
“Lee Jinki?” Minho looked up at the teacher and saw her taking attendance. “Has anybody seen Lee Jinki?”
Minho cleared his throat, “he’s sick.”
The teacher sighed, “sick once again...” the noted something down on the clipboard, then she continued calling students names out.
--
Jinki was woken up by the door bell again, he was getting tired of this Minho guy. “What do you want this time?” Jinki glared at the taller male.
“It’s time for school,” Minho said with a smile.
Jinki checked the time, 7:45am. “It’s too early,” he deadpan.
Minho stared at Jinki at disbelief, “It’s time for school.” he said again, he walked into Jinki’s house uninvited. Unwelcomed.
“Hey, what do you think you’re doing?” Minho ignored his question then made his way to Jinki’s room. “What are you doing?” Jinki asked him again, slight anger in his voice.
Minho started to go through Jinki’s drawers picking out clothes for him to wear, “You have a lot of clothes I never seen you wear before.”
Jinki’s anger was soon washed away with sadness, “Kibum bought them for me...” And that’s when it got awkward, Jinki became numb and almost lifeless, Minho almost had to dress Jinki himself. The aura around Jinki seemed very gloomy.
And that was soon changed once Jinki saw the school, he started to panic, “What time is it?”
“It’s almost 8:30am,” Minho checked the time on his cell phone.
Jinki his bottom lip nervously, “ah, you go in first, I’ll stay here.”
“Why can’t we go now?” Minho asked curiously, why is Jinki so nervous about arriving for class early.
“I can’t go, but you can! Go, go before you’re late for class.”
“You’re going to get detention if you keep arriving to school late.”
“It doesn’t matter, just go already.”
Minho didn’t much time to protest before Jinki started shoving him towards the school. Minho wondered if Jinki is pushing him away because he wanted to him to finally get out of his hair or because of something else. Minho has yet to find out more things about the other male.
--
Jinki waited until everybody left the classroom, he didn’t know how long he waited before he thought it was time to finally eat lunch. He poked his head out, then looked left and right to make sure nobody was in the hallway before quickly walking to the bathroom. He shut and locked the bathroom stall’s door before he grabbed his lunch out of his bag and started eating his food. Peanut butter and jelly sandwich, two chocolate chip cookies and a small juice box is what he ate for the past two years for lunch. Nothing special.
“Jinki?” Before he managed to take a bite out of his sandwich somebody had interrupted him. How could somebody find him? Jinki hadn’t eaten lunch in that bathroom for awhile. He didn’t reply, he stopped breathing thinking it would help him someway.
“Jinki, I know you’re in there...” The familiar voice said. He still kept quiet, Not him... Not him... Please... No him... Jinki prayed. “It’s me, Minho.” Jinki sighed in relief, but that feeling was quickly replaced with annoyance. Didn’t Minho have anything else to do? Was he so bored that he just wanted to bug him about everything? Did he want to find out “juicy” things about Jinki so he can use it against him? Jinki was not dumb, this happens way too often, he’s not going to let it happen again.
“Hey,” Jinki heard a voice from above, he looked up and saw Minho’s big grin. Minho was in the other stall, standing on the toilet which is probably why he could see what Jinki is doing. “Is this where you usually eat lunch?”
Jinki looked back down at his food, he lost his appetite, he sighed then put it back into his bag. What can he do now? He sat there on the toilet seat, maybe if he just sat there and not acknowledge Minho maybe he’ll leave him alone. Jinki pulled out his notebook then started doodling.
“Jinki, is this what you usually do?” Don’t reply, Jinki, he told himself. “Jinki?” At the point he wanted to yell at Minho to leave him alone. Keep your cool, keep your cool... He packed his things then walked out of the bathroom (with Minho following him). “Where are you going?” Minho asked Jinki.
Jinki slowly walked to the door, should he leave or stay? He poked his head out then looked to the left, clear. Looked to the right...
“WINKY!”
Jinki did the first thing that came to his mind: run. He quickly turned the opposite way from the group of the boys and ran down the hallway, he tightened the straps on his bag, and it was a good thing he wore his sneakers today. The adrenaline rush ran through his body, he couldn’t couldn’t hear anything else but the sounds of his breath and pulse through his ears, Get out of here.
Minho watched the scene unfold right before his eyes, it was all too much to process, before he knew it, he was trying to catch up with the group of boys who were chasing Jinki.
“Don’t let him get away!”
Jinki ran down the hall, when he arrive at one of the intersections of the school he turned right where the staircase was, he tried his best not to trip over his feet, Jinki looked at the corner of his eye and could see they weren’t too far behind. When he saw the gymnasium sign he quickly decided to through the gym, it wasn’t a good idea, teachers are always on the students asses for walking through the gym because they don’t want to scuff their perfectly waxed floors. The gymnasium was filled with students from the badminton team practicing. Jinki didn’t have time to stop to think what to do, he tried to dodge all the shuttle cocks and he heard some student yelling at him to get out of the way.
Once he finally exited the gym, he turned to the right and kept on running. Jinki thought he had an escape plan all figured out from here, but it turns out that he didn’t. The route to take him outside of the school was blocked for renovations. It was one of the hallways people hardly ever walked through, he turned around and the guys who where chasing him surrounded him. Jinki widen his eyes in horror, stop torching me and kill me already.
“Leave Jinki alone,” Minho appeared out of nowhere, everybody gaze was focused on him. Jinki would’ve taken this chance to run away, but he knew something bad would happen to Minho if he left. Is Minho stupid? Jinki thought to himself. “Minho, run!” Jinki yelled at Minho. “RUN!”
The leader of the group of boys chuckled, “ah, yes, Minho you better start running.”
Minho narrowed his eyes at the shorter male, he stood his ground. Jinki attempted to push him away and told him to run while he has the chance to, but Minho was being stubborn and just stood there. Jinki was irritated with the way how he was acting tough, like a hero. Minho didn’t do anything when the male just punched him in the gut, he just fell to the ground clutching his stomach.
The group of males started laughing, “you think you’re tough?” one of them said as they squatted now in front of Minho. Minho just glared at him, which wasn’t a good idea because that just got them angry. He grabbed a fist full of his hair then punched repetitively in the face.
“STOP!” Jinki couldn’t stand it anymore, he couldn’t watch somebody innocent get hurt. Everybody stopped what they were doing and stared at Jinki. He gulped then moved in front of Minho.
“You’re lucky this time Winky,” the leader said as he punched Jinki in the gut then they walked away. Jinki immediately fell to the floor clutching his stomach, he cried in pain.
Minho quickly came to his side, “we need to get a teacher.”
“NO!” Jinki gasped and desperately clutched to Minho’s shirt, he then lowered his head, “Please don’t...”
“Jinki, we need to get somebody.”
Jinki kept his head down, “Nobody will believe us...” he muttered. “Please.” Minho stared at Jinki then sighed in defeat.
--
“I told you to run away, but you stayed! What is wrong with you?” Jinki stared at Minho disbelief, “I warned you that they’ll start bothering you! Do you think you’re a hero?” They sat in Minho’s kitchen recovering from what happened at the school.
Minho wanted to point out that Jinki is finally talking to him without Minho initiating the conversation, but he remained silent and winced as Jinki pressed frozen vegetables over his bruises and lecturing him. He found it better that Jinki was talking to him rather than ignoring, he smiled.
“What?” Jinki furrowed his brows, Minho kept on smiling. “You’re really weird,” Jinki whispered as he slowly dabbed rubbing alcohol on his wounds, Minho hissed. “I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay...” Jinki’s face was so near Minho’s face, he gulped as take in Jinki’s features. It was the first time Minho actually saw his face without his long hair covering it. Jinki had put some of his hair behind his ear, his eyes were filled with concentration and he pursed his lips. His lips...
Jinki tried his best not to make any mistakes, when he felt Minho’s gaze at him he couldn’t help but to check if he was. Slowly shifting his eyes Jinki finally placed a bandage over Minho’s wound, his heart stopped as they made eye contact, they stayed that way for awhile, neither of them had no idea how long it was.
“All done,” Jinki hastily put everything back into the first aid kit, he can already feeling his cheeks heating up. “I’m going to go now,” he kept his head down so Minho couldn’t see his tomato face then he quickly made his way to the door.
“Wait, where are you going?” Minho doesn’t want him to leave, not yet.
“Home, I forgot I have to be home...” Jinki trailed off.
Minho is not dumb, it was obvious that Jinki doesn’t want to be there, Minho figured the least he could do is walk him home. “I don’t need an escort,” Jinki said as he saw Minho also putting on his shoes.
“Please don’t walk with me today. I really want to be alone now.”
“Can I ask you something?” Jinki remained silent. “Why do those guys always bother you?” Jinki shrugged, I don’t know, maybe you should ask them, he thought. “Maybe I will.”
Wait, did Jinki just say that out loud? He furrowed his brows, I hope he’s kidding.
Minho let Jinki walk home along this time.
--
On the third day Jinki was surprised he wasn’t woken up by the door bell, actually he wasn’t even woken up by Minho. Jinki woke up to get a drink that’s when he noticed Minho sitting in the living room watching the television acting like he lives there.
“How did you get in here?” Jinki asked Minho groggily, he was too tired to get angry at him this morning.
“The front door was unlocked.”
Jinki blinked, “Oh,” then he turned back to leave to bedroom so he can go back to sleep.
The second time he woke up Minho was making something to eat, “It’s lunch time,” he said with that same stupid smile. It kind of made his heart skip a beat.
Jinki sat down at the table, with tired eyes he gave Minho a sleepy smile, “Thanks.” He happily ate his food, when he finishe, Jinki got up then made his way to his room.
“Where are you going now?” Minho asked.
“Sleep.”
“It’s 3pm,” Minho sounded surprised. “All do you is sleep when you’re home?”
Jinki nodded his head.
--
It was a routine now, Jinki was waken up by Minho every morning to go to school, Minho would always somehow find Jinki during breaks and lunch time, so he gave up trying to hide from him, then after school the taller boy would always walk Jinki home. It’s not like he hated Minho’s company, he was just concerned about Minho’s safety especially after what happened at the school..
“Can you come to my soccer tournament this weekend?” Minho asked Jinki one day as they walked together after school. Minho plays soccer? Jinki thought to himself. I thought the only thing he does is follows me around everywhere.
“Is there going to be people there?” Jinki blurted, then he felt stupid. “Sorry, of course people are going to be there...”
Minho cracked a smile, “I was wondering because it’s going to take place at Pacific park, it’s near your house.”
“I’ll think about it...” Then Jinki halted then stared up at Minho which was probably a bad idea, his doe eyes were always so pretty, he couldn’t look away, not now, “You must have other friends, right?”
Minho let out a hearty laugh, “Of course I do. I don’t have many friends in school but I do have lots in my soccer team.”
“Is that why you’re being my friend?”
Minho looked at Jinki confused then thought about it for awhile then said, “I’ve always wanted to be your friend.”
--
“What’s this, winky?” The notebook on Jinki’s lap disappeared. Jinki’s eyes widen in horror when he saw somebody else with his notebook.
“Please give that back,” Jinki held out his hand, his heart pounded so fast he couldn’t breath.
The other male chuckled, “Where’s that tall freak?”
Jinki tried to grab the book out of the other male’s hand, but he only got shoved to the ground, eyes filling with tears, he ran away. He ran away to the other side of the school where he knows nobody is going to be, running towards the school’s garage, he connected a long tube to the car’s exhaust pipe and rolled down the window so he can connect both. He grabbed the car key’s off the hook, then ran back to the car and started the engine.
He waited and waited, not knowing what he was waiting for. Jinki let out a cough then another, oxygen was slowly starting to disappear, soon enough he was greeted with darkness.
--
Minho heard loud laughter at the opposite side of the hallway; their voices were audible enough to hear their conversation. “Winky is really a fag.” Minho walked over to the group who was laughing.
“Isn’t that Jinki’s notebook?” Minho asked the group of boys.
“It’s none of your business Choi,” one of the boys who had the journal handed it to the boy behind him.
“May I have Jinki’s notebook so I can return it to it’s rightful owner?”
A piece of paper that looked like it was ripped out of Jinki’s journal caught his eye, ignoring the other male’s insults, he picked it up. He heart stopped for a second, he started to tremble, then he quickly turned around staring at the paper.
He entered the school’s garage, and there it was: the same exact car that was drawn by Jinki’s on the paper. He ran towards the vehicle and pulled out the tube, he saw with his eyes closed. “Jinki!” He banged on the window, but no response, he must be unconscious. “JINKI!” he tried opening the door, of course it was locked, “SHIT,” he cursed out loud, then he looked for something around the garage that could break the window, he grabbed the nearest wrench that was sitting on counter. Aggressively he started to pound it against the glass window until it shattered.
Please be okay, please be okay, Minho repetitively said over and over again. He carefully pulled Jinki out of the car then held Jinki in his arms as he dialed the emergency number on his cell phone. He choked back on a sob as he told the operator what had happened.
“Oh god, Jinki, please be okay,” He cradled him, he couldn’t help but cry, what else could he do? Jinki looked so lifeless, Minho pushed Jinki’s hair out of his face so he could get a better look at his face. He traced the contour of his face, he wished Jinki would suddenly wake up and tell him it’s all a joke, but it’s not. Nothing is a joke right now.
It felt like it was too long before the ambulance arrived.
--
Jinki felt uncomfortable, slowly opened one eye after another eyes he was faced with an unfamiliar ceiling, his head hurt and the monitor’s repetitive beeping noise did not help at all, he could feel a tube down his throat, he groaned. Wait, a tube? Too scared and tired to check. he sighed and slowly let his eyes close, It was dark outside and inside his room, it was probably pass midnight. He , he fell back into a slumber, too tired to do anything at all.
When he woke up again, it was quite obvious he was in the hospital, why am I here? Jinki asked himself. I thought I was... He couldn’t finish his own sentence. He gulped, or at least he tried to with the tube down his throat. A nurse came in and told him his current condition, he couldn’t understand one medical term she said. “You got a visitor, he’s been coming here everyday to check up on you.” The nurse told him, then Minho walked in with his smile plastered on his face, then sat down on the chair next to the bed.
“How’s it going? Minho asked so casually.
Jinki shrugged, and wanted to say, ‘how would you like it having a tube down your throat?’ but he obviously couldn’t talk. As Minho walked closer to Jinki’s hospital bed it was hard not to notice the obvious black eye and that his left cheek was swollen. Jinki widened his eyes and pointed a Minho’s face.
“Oh this?” Minho pointed at his swollen cheekbone, he gave a little smile feeling a little bit better that Jinki shown so much concern towards him when he should worry about himself. He felt kind of guilty though, “It’s nothing, don’t worry about it.”
Jinki couldn’t help but think it was all he fault that he gotten beaten up again. Minho noticed the sadness in Jinki’s eyes, he sat at the edge of his bed, “Ah, don’t worry Jinki. I don’t think those guys will ever bother you again.”
Jinki furrowed his brows from confusion. How does he know? And that’s when it clicked in. Minho probably had beaten them up or something else, but how could he? There was only one of Minho and six of them. Jinki pointed at Minho again.
Minho shrugged, “Of course my friends helped me,” he winked at Jinki.
Jinki couldn’t process this information. Last time he check, Minho got beaten up by them. Why didn’t he beat them up at school? And how come he hasn’t seen or met any of Minho’s friends? Jinki had so many questions for him but sadly he couldn’t talk but play charades.
Minho’s eyes lightened up, “ah, I got something for you.” He searched for something in his bag then handed him a red journal. Jinki’s journal. Although some pages were ripped out and stuff back into the book, nonetheless, it was still Jinki’s. He traced his fingers over the cover, Minho had brought it back to Jinki. He started to tremble, his eyes started to fill with tears, he looked back up at Minho and smiled. Jinki genuinely smiled at Minho.
Minho started to dig in his bag again, this time he gave Jinki a navy blue notebook. “Open it,” he smiled. Slowly he opened it, he saw Minho’s writing:
To Jinki,
I hope one day you’ll treasure this journal too.
From Minho
At this point Jinki started to shed tears, he grabbed a pen from Minho’s bag then started to scribble something in his new journal, he made sure Minho wasn’t looking, he showed him what he wrote underneath Minho’s note:
I’m glad I have a friend like you.
Author: towelettepower
Rating: PG-13
Pairing/Focus: friendship!Onew/Minho
Brief summary: Jinki think's there's nothing to lose when nobody knows his name, but Minho does. And it messes up with everything.
Warnings: Suicide attempt, unbeta'd
Minho knew Jinki back in elementary. He thought he was smart and friendly but he never understood why he was always alone or why people bothered him when he entered high school. He watches Jinki stumble into the classroom, the teacher sighs, then students snort and point at him when he walks past them to his desk. He keeps his head down, avoiding any eye contact with anybody and he pulls out his red notebook then starts writing.
High school sucks.
Jinki doesn’t have friends because friends eventually leave you. He doesn’t want to go through trouble with anybody so that’s why he’s always alone. What is there to lose when nobody knows your name?
Jinki writes everything in his notebook. He believes it’s the only thing that understands him. He writes in it every day, he doodles it in; he writes about his dreams, what he plans for the future, songs, what he did that day, what he’s thinking and he draws what he sees, what he wants to see. It explains everything about him.
He’s haunted by the same voices and faces. Every day he comes home from school with a new bruise, something to remind him he’s still living. He should be immune but it still pains him. Teachers say, “It’s just a phase.” He wants to laugh.
It’s just a phase.
--
Jinki had shut his locker door when heard a familiar chuckle, “Where are you going?” His voice was beautiful but the tone was disgusting, “Yah, look at me when I’m talking to you.” His voice echoed through the empty hallways. He couldn’t look; his body froze under the sound of his voice.
Rough hands found his long strawberry glazed hair, his head was pulled back and he felt warm breath on his face, “Remember what happens when you don’t listen?” His voice was now low and hoarse. What was he supposed to remember? He doesn’t remember what he has for homework. He doesn’t even remember this guy, “Well?" Jinki felt a lump stuck in his throat, he couldn’t say anything.
There was a sudden tug at Jinki’s hair and soon was being controlled under the other male. Jinki whimpered under the other person’s grip as they walk through the depths of the empty school then into the male’s locker room. The aggressive male pushed Jinki onto the cold tiled floors, when he tried to get himself up only to get his head shoved back down to the floor.
Jinki’s vision started to blur, he let out a few sobs, “No.” He felt the other male tug at his hair again, “Aw, is poor Jinki-Winky crying?”
“Don’t,” he pleaded, hot tears streamed down his face, “Please.”
The forceful male shoved Jinki back down against the floor; this time Jinki didn’t bother getting up, instead he let the side of his face rest on the dirty, cool tiled floor. He sobbed, hoping a way out, hoping Superman would bust through the walls and save him, but this is real life, superheroes don’t exist. Again, the other male grabbed a fist full of Jinki’s hair and dragged him into one of the shower stalls.
“Shut up, wimp.”
Jinki squeezed his eyes shut, he wanted to disappear once he heard the other male unzip his jeans.
Just a phase.
--
Jinki!
He stopped in his tracks. Funny, he thought he heard somebody call out his name. He shook it off as nothing then continued to walk.
Jinki!
There it goes again, he must be going crazy, nobody knows him...
“Jinki,” he immediately froze upon the feeling of somebody’s hand on his shoulder. He shut his eyes quickly getting prepared for what the other person what going to do to him. “Jinki?” When the other person finally had taken his hand off of him, he gasped for air, not realising he had been holding his breath.
Jinki looked down at his shoes, he shut his eyes tight, biting his lower lip knowing something bad will happen. He waits for the other person to tease him, hit him, anything but nothing. Absolutely nothing. He glanced up to see who wanted his attention.
A boy. A boy with large round eyes, he had tan skin, he was taller than him, his eyes were filled with curiosity as looked down at Jinki. Jinki wasn’t sure if he should be afraid or not, nevertheless, he still felt scared and wanted to run away.
“What do you want?” Jinki’s lower lip quivered. It was too late to wonder if he should ask or just walk away quickly, but this person stopped him, so what exactly does he want?
The boy’s eyes widen in surprise then he started to search for something in his bag, “You forgot this.” He held out a sheet of paper that was double sided with mathematical problems. Homework? Is this some sort of prank? He glanced around checking if there were nearby students were students hiding behind bushes or anything of the like.
Jinki carefully grabbed it, scanned the paper, then looked back at the boy skeptically. “What is your name?”
“Minho,” the taller boy replied, “Choi Minho.”
Jinki grabbed his notebook and pen from his knapsack then jotted Minho’s name in his notebook with a brief description. The shorter male cleared his throat before speaking again, he didn’t want to look back up so he kept his eyes down at his journal.
“Are we in the same class?” He asked, Minho answered saying yes. Jinki stuffed the items back into his bag, “I’ll get this done for you by tomorrow.” He moved out of the way and quickly walked, Jinki wanted to get out of there as soon as possible before other people started to bother him.
“Is it really that bad?” Minho asked, it wasn’t a problem for him to catch up with the shorter male.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Jinki stuffed his hands into his pockets. Was Minho still trying to talk to Jinki?
“I didn’t give that to you so you can do it for me, you left it on your desk and I was just trying to help you.” Minho explained.
Jinki halted then turned to face Minho, “What are you doing? You’re trying to help me?” Jinki wanted to scoff, he carefully scanned the area around them again to see if there were anybody spying on them, he’s now completely convinced that this is some sort of prank. Minho nodded his head, Jinki couldn’t believe this. Why would anybody want to help him? Nobody ever wanted to help before so why now?
“We’re still in school grounds, if people see you with me, they’ll start bothering you too.” Jinki warned him. “Don’t say I didn’t warn you because I just did.”
“It doesn’t matter, it seems like you need a friend.”
Jinki narrowed his eyes at Minho, “I don’t need friends!” Jinki cringed, then marched away from Minho. He doesn’t need friends. He doesn’t need anybody.
Minho caught up with Jinki again, “Just let me walk with you, we live in the same neighbourhood.” Jinki didn’t bother responding, he was tired from talking to him.
On their walk to their house, no words were exchanged. Just complete utter silence. They walked across the overpass, down some crescents, walked through a strangers backyard, then they were on some random alley, they were finally on the sidewalk again, before Minho got used to it, they were walking through a field. The trip was never ending and Minho tried not to forget which route they took. it seemed like they walked for an hour before they reached to Jinki’s house.
“You can go home now,” Jinki said once they arrived at his house.
“You live this far away from school? Is this why you’re always late for school?” Minho asked.
“I thought you said you lived around here,” Jinki furrowed his brows.
“Yeah I did, but I actually live near the school.” This is probably why Jinki dislikes other people, they always tend to lie to get what they want. And he’s admits he does it too, but it’s only for the best for him and everyone around him.
“I’ll see you tomorrow,” Minho said as Jinki walked into his house without saying goodbye to him. Minho felt disappointed when Jinki left into his house. So much for friendly, Minho thought to himself as he slowly walked away. He sighed, what happened to Jinki?
--
The door bell woke Jinki from his slumber, he checked the time on digital clock that sat on top of his dresser, 7:40am. Why is somebody here so early on a Saturday morning? Jinki didn’t have time to think before the bell rang again, and again, and again. He groaned then sighed in defeat as he finally got out of bed to answer the door. When Jinki opened the door he saw a tall boy with large doe eyes. Jinki squinted to make sure he wasn’t dreaming, “Who are you?” He asks the other male, something tells him that he’s seen him somewhere before but not sure from where...
Minho furrowed his eyebrows then gave out a hearty laugh, “Don’t tell me you’re joking.”
“I don’t joke.”
Minho sighed and rolled his eyes, “It’s time to go to school. Why are you still wearing your clothes from yesterday?”
Jinki looked down at his clothes, how did this guy knew what he wore yesterday? He shrugged it off, “It’s Saturday, there’s no school today,” Jinki was going to shut the door until Minho stopped him from doing so. “It’s Thursday,” Minho corrected him.
Jinki widen his eyes in horror at Minho before he stumbled backwards then fell onto the floor and crawled behind the couch.
--
Minho stood there in shock as he watched Jinki hide himself behind the couch, he heart started to beat really fast, he didn’t know what to do. Without thinking his body went to go follow Jinki, when he looked over the couch Minho saw him with sitting against the couch, Jinki’s face was covered with his hands, his knees pressed against his chest, quiet sobs were coming out of his mouth. Minho sat down beside Jinki and pulled him into a hug.
To Minho’s surprise Jinki clung onto him, he cried into Minho’s chest. He couldn’t figure out what the smaller boy was saying, it was muffled.
“Kibum,” Jinki sniffled then trailed off, “Th-they call me names, beat me up,” Minho couldn’t interpreted the rest, Jinki kept on sobbing and clinging onto Minho tighter and tighter. He wanted to say something to comfort the other male, but he could only rub soothing circles on his back.
Kibum? Minho tried thinking who this Kibum person was, he thought back to the time where Minho met Jinki for the first time, and when he did, he remembered a boy with a girlish features who was sitting next to him.
When Jinki calmed down, he slowly lifted his head then once again he widen his eyes in surprise, “Oh my god! I’m so sorry!” he quickly pushed himself off Minho. Then again Jinki’s eyes filled with tears, “I didn’t mean to!” he pleaded, “I’m so sorry, p-please don’t hurt me.”
“I’m not going to hurt you...” Minho quietly said, he leaned forward to touch Jinki but retreated his hand, too scared to touch the other boy. He looked so fragile, he wanted to hold him again but afraid to break him. What should I do?
Jinki didn’t say anything, he choked on a sob. “I’m sorry,” He got up on his feet then quickly ran down the hallway to disappear. Minho watched him leave hurriedly, he quietly followed Jinki down the hallway, stopping in front of Jinki’s room, he let out a sigh, “I’ll go now...” he hesitated. “I’m sorry.”
--
Minho sat in class, staring at Jinki’s empty seat, wondering how he was... Should he check up on him later? Shouldn’t his parents be home? Or, maybe they were at work. Jinki could be possibly living on his own. But that house looks way too big just for one person.
“Lee Jinki?” Minho looked up at the teacher and saw her taking attendance. “Has anybody seen Lee Jinki?”
Minho cleared his throat, “he’s sick.”
The teacher sighed, “sick once again...” the noted something down on the clipboard, then she continued calling students names out.
--
Jinki was woken up by the door bell again, he was getting tired of this Minho guy. “What do you want this time?” Jinki glared at the taller male.
“It’s time for school,” Minho said with a smile.
Jinki checked the time, 7:45am. “It’s too early,” he deadpan.
Minho stared at Jinki at disbelief, “It’s time for school.” he said again, he walked into Jinki’s house uninvited. Unwelcomed.
“Hey, what do you think you’re doing?” Minho ignored his question then made his way to Jinki’s room. “What are you doing?” Jinki asked him again, slight anger in his voice.
Minho started to go through Jinki’s drawers picking out clothes for him to wear, “You have a lot of clothes I never seen you wear before.”
Jinki’s anger was soon washed away with sadness, “Kibum bought them for me...” And that’s when it got awkward, Jinki became numb and almost lifeless, Minho almost had to dress Jinki himself. The aura around Jinki seemed very gloomy.
And that was soon changed once Jinki saw the school, he started to panic, “What time is it?”
“It’s almost 8:30am,” Minho checked the time on his cell phone.
Jinki his bottom lip nervously, “ah, you go in first, I’ll stay here.”
“Why can’t we go now?” Minho asked curiously, why is Jinki so nervous about arriving for class early.
“I can’t go, but you can! Go, go before you’re late for class.”
“You’re going to get detention if you keep arriving to school late.”
“It doesn’t matter, just go already.”
Minho didn’t much time to protest before Jinki started shoving him towards the school. Minho wondered if Jinki is pushing him away because he wanted to him to finally get out of his hair or because of something else. Minho has yet to find out more things about the other male.
--
Jinki waited until everybody left the classroom, he didn’t know how long he waited before he thought it was time to finally eat lunch. He poked his head out, then looked left and right to make sure nobody was in the hallway before quickly walking to the bathroom. He shut and locked the bathroom stall’s door before he grabbed his lunch out of his bag and started eating his food. Peanut butter and jelly sandwich, two chocolate chip cookies and a small juice box is what he ate for the past two years for lunch. Nothing special.
“Jinki?” Before he managed to take a bite out of his sandwich somebody had interrupted him. How could somebody find him? Jinki hadn’t eaten lunch in that bathroom for awhile. He didn’t reply, he stopped breathing thinking it would help him someway.
“Jinki, I know you’re in there...” The familiar voice said. He still kept quiet, Not him... Not him... Please... No him... Jinki prayed. “It’s me, Minho.” Jinki sighed in relief, but that feeling was quickly replaced with annoyance. Didn’t Minho have anything else to do? Was he so bored that he just wanted to bug him about everything? Did he want to find out “juicy” things about Jinki so he can use it against him? Jinki was not dumb, this happens way too often, he’s not going to let it happen again.
“Hey,” Jinki heard a voice from above, he looked up and saw Minho’s big grin. Minho was in the other stall, standing on the toilet which is probably why he could see what Jinki is doing. “Is this where you usually eat lunch?”
Jinki looked back down at his food, he lost his appetite, he sighed then put it back into his bag. What can he do now? He sat there on the toilet seat, maybe if he just sat there and not acknowledge Minho maybe he’ll leave him alone. Jinki pulled out his notebook then started doodling.
“Jinki, is this what you usually do?” Don’t reply, Jinki, he told himself. “Jinki?” At the point he wanted to yell at Minho to leave him alone. Keep your cool, keep your cool... He packed his things then walked out of the bathroom (with Minho following him). “Where are you going?” Minho asked Jinki.
Jinki slowly walked to the door, should he leave or stay? He poked his head out then looked to the left, clear. Looked to the right...
“WINKY!”
Jinki did the first thing that came to his mind: run. He quickly turned the opposite way from the group of the boys and ran down the hallway, he tightened the straps on his bag, and it was a good thing he wore his sneakers today. The adrenaline rush ran through his body, he couldn’t couldn’t hear anything else but the sounds of his breath and pulse through his ears, Get out of here.
Minho watched the scene unfold right before his eyes, it was all too much to process, before he knew it, he was trying to catch up with the group of boys who were chasing Jinki.
“Don’t let him get away!”
Jinki ran down the hall, when he arrive at one of the intersections of the school he turned right where the staircase was, he tried his best not to trip over his feet, Jinki looked at the corner of his eye and could see they weren’t too far behind. When he saw the gymnasium sign he quickly decided to through the gym, it wasn’t a good idea, teachers are always on the students asses for walking through the gym because they don’t want to scuff their perfectly waxed floors. The gymnasium was filled with students from the badminton team practicing. Jinki didn’t have time to stop to think what to do, he tried to dodge all the shuttle cocks and he heard some student yelling at him to get out of the way.
Once he finally exited the gym, he turned to the right and kept on running. Jinki thought he had an escape plan all figured out from here, but it turns out that he didn’t. The route to take him outside of the school was blocked for renovations. It was one of the hallways people hardly ever walked through, he turned around and the guys who where chasing him surrounded him. Jinki widen his eyes in horror, stop torching me and kill me already.
“Leave Jinki alone,” Minho appeared out of nowhere, everybody gaze was focused on him. Jinki would’ve taken this chance to run away, but he knew something bad would happen to Minho if he left. Is Minho stupid? Jinki thought to himself. “Minho, run!” Jinki yelled at Minho. “RUN!”
The leader of the group of boys chuckled, “ah, yes, Minho you better start running.”
Minho narrowed his eyes at the shorter male, he stood his ground. Jinki attempted to push him away and told him to run while he has the chance to, but Minho was being stubborn and just stood there. Jinki was irritated with the way how he was acting tough, like a hero. Minho didn’t do anything when the male just punched him in the gut, he just fell to the ground clutching his stomach.
The group of males started laughing, “you think you’re tough?” one of them said as they squatted now in front of Minho. Minho just glared at him, which wasn’t a good idea because that just got them angry. He grabbed a fist full of his hair then punched repetitively in the face.
“STOP!” Jinki couldn’t stand it anymore, he couldn’t watch somebody innocent get hurt. Everybody stopped what they were doing and stared at Jinki. He gulped then moved in front of Minho.
“You’re lucky this time Winky,” the leader said as he punched Jinki in the gut then they walked away. Jinki immediately fell to the floor clutching his stomach, he cried in pain.
Minho quickly came to his side, “we need to get a teacher.”
“NO!” Jinki gasped and desperately clutched to Minho’s shirt, he then lowered his head, “Please don’t...”
“Jinki, we need to get somebody.”
Jinki kept his head down, “Nobody will believe us...” he muttered. “Please.” Minho stared at Jinki then sighed in defeat.
--
“I told you to run away, but you stayed! What is wrong with you?” Jinki stared at Minho disbelief, “I warned you that they’ll start bothering you! Do you think you’re a hero?” They sat in Minho’s kitchen recovering from what happened at the school.
Minho wanted to point out that Jinki is finally talking to him without Minho initiating the conversation, but he remained silent and winced as Jinki pressed frozen vegetables over his bruises and lecturing him. He found it better that Jinki was talking to him rather than ignoring, he smiled.
“What?” Jinki furrowed his brows, Minho kept on smiling. “You’re really weird,” Jinki whispered as he slowly dabbed rubbing alcohol on his wounds, Minho hissed. “I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay...” Jinki’s face was so near Minho’s face, he gulped as take in Jinki’s features. It was the first time Minho actually saw his face without his long hair covering it. Jinki had put some of his hair behind his ear, his eyes were filled with concentration and he pursed his lips. His lips...
Jinki tried his best not to make any mistakes, when he felt Minho’s gaze at him he couldn’t help but to check if he was. Slowly shifting his eyes Jinki finally placed a bandage over Minho’s wound, his heart stopped as they made eye contact, they stayed that way for awhile, neither of them had no idea how long it was.
“All done,” Jinki hastily put everything back into the first aid kit, he can already feeling his cheeks heating up. “I’m going to go now,” he kept his head down so Minho couldn’t see his tomato face then he quickly made his way to the door.
“Wait, where are you going?” Minho doesn’t want him to leave, not yet.
“Home, I forgot I have to be home...” Jinki trailed off.
Minho is not dumb, it was obvious that Jinki doesn’t want to be there, Minho figured the least he could do is walk him home. “I don’t need an escort,” Jinki said as he saw Minho also putting on his shoes.
“Please don’t walk with me today. I really want to be alone now.”
“Can I ask you something?” Jinki remained silent. “Why do those guys always bother you?” Jinki shrugged, I don’t know, maybe you should ask them, he thought. “Maybe I will.”
Wait, did Jinki just say that out loud? He furrowed his brows, I hope he’s kidding.
Minho let Jinki walk home along this time.
--
On the third day Jinki was surprised he wasn’t woken up by the door bell, actually he wasn’t even woken up by Minho. Jinki woke up to get a drink that’s when he noticed Minho sitting in the living room watching the television acting like he lives there.
“How did you get in here?” Jinki asked Minho groggily, he was too tired to get angry at him this morning.
“The front door was unlocked.”
Jinki blinked, “Oh,” then he turned back to leave to bedroom so he can go back to sleep.
The second time he woke up Minho was making something to eat, “It’s lunch time,” he said with that same stupid smile. It kind of made his heart skip a beat.
Jinki sat down at the table, with tired eyes he gave Minho a sleepy smile, “Thanks.” He happily ate his food, when he finishe, Jinki got up then made his way to his room.
“Where are you going now?” Minho asked.
“Sleep.”
“It’s 3pm,” Minho sounded surprised. “All do you is sleep when you’re home?”
Jinki nodded his head.
--
It was a routine now, Jinki was waken up by Minho every morning to go to school, Minho would always somehow find Jinki during breaks and lunch time, so he gave up trying to hide from him, then after school the taller boy would always walk Jinki home. It’s not like he hated Minho’s company, he was just concerned about Minho’s safety especially after what happened at the school..
“Can you come to my soccer tournament this weekend?” Minho asked Jinki one day as they walked together after school. Minho plays soccer? Jinki thought to himself. I thought the only thing he does is follows me around everywhere.
“Is there going to be people there?” Jinki blurted, then he felt stupid. “Sorry, of course people are going to be there...”
Minho cracked a smile, “I was wondering because it’s going to take place at Pacific park, it’s near your house.”
“I’ll think about it...” Then Jinki halted then stared up at Minho which was probably a bad idea, his doe eyes were always so pretty, he couldn’t look away, not now, “You must have other friends, right?”
Minho let out a hearty laugh, “Of course I do. I don’t have many friends in school but I do have lots in my soccer team.”
“Is that why you’re being my friend?”
Minho looked at Jinki confused then thought about it for awhile then said, “I’ve always wanted to be your friend.”
--
“What’s this, winky?” The notebook on Jinki’s lap disappeared. Jinki’s eyes widen in horror when he saw somebody else with his notebook.
“Please give that back,” Jinki held out his hand, his heart pounded so fast he couldn’t breath.
The other male chuckled, “Where’s that tall freak?”
Jinki tried to grab the book out of the other male’s hand, but he only got shoved to the ground, eyes filling with tears, he ran away. He ran away to the other side of the school where he knows nobody is going to be, running towards the school’s garage, he connected a long tube to the car’s exhaust pipe and rolled down the window so he can connect both. He grabbed the car key’s off the hook, then ran back to the car and started the engine.
He waited and waited, not knowing what he was waiting for. Jinki let out a cough then another, oxygen was slowly starting to disappear, soon enough he was greeted with darkness.
--
Minho heard loud laughter at the opposite side of the hallway; their voices were audible enough to hear their conversation. “Winky is really a fag.” Minho walked over to the group who was laughing.
“Isn’t that Jinki’s notebook?” Minho asked the group of boys.
“It’s none of your business Choi,” one of the boys who had the journal handed it to the boy behind him.
“May I have Jinki’s notebook so I can return it to it’s rightful owner?”
A piece of paper that looked like it was ripped out of Jinki’s journal caught his eye, ignoring the other male’s insults, he picked it up. He heart stopped for a second, he started to tremble, then he quickly turned around staring at the paper.
He entered the school’s garage, and there it was: the same exact car that was drawn by Jinki’s on the paper. He ran towards the vehicle and pulled out the tube, he saw with his eyes closed. “Jinki!” He banged on the window, but no response, he must be unconscious. “JINKI!” he tried opening the door, of course it was locked, “SHIT,” he cursed out loud, then he looked for something around the garage that could break the window, he grabbed the nearest wrench that was sitting on counter. Aggressively he started to pound it against the glass window until it shattered.
Please be okay, please be okay, Minho repetitively said over and over again. He carefully pulled Jinki out of the car then held Jinki in his arms as he dialed the emergency number on his cell phone. He choked back on a sob as he told the operator what had happened.
“Oh god, Jinki, please be okay,” He cradled him, he couldn’t help but cry, what else could he do? Jinki looked so lifeless, Minho pushed Jinki’s hair out of his face so he could get a better look at his face. He traced the contour of his face, he wished Jinki would suddenly wake up and tell him it’s all a joke, but it’s not. Nothing is a joke right now.
It felt like it was too long before the ambulance arrived.
--
Jinki felt uncomfortable, slowly opened one eye after another eyes he was faced with an unfamiliar ceiling, his head hurt and the monitor’s repetitive beeping noise did not help at all, he could feel a tube down his throat, he groaned. Wait, a tube? Too scared and tired to check. he sighed and slowly let his eyes close, It was dark outside and inside his room, it was probably pass midnight. He , he fell back into a slumber, too tired to do anything at all.
When he woke up again, it was quite obvious he was in the hospital, why am I here? Jinki asked himself. I thought I was... He couldn’t finish his own sentence. He gulped, or at least he tried to with the tube down his throat. A nurse came in and told him his current condition, he couldn’t understand one medical term she said. “You got a visitor, he’s been coming here everyday to check up on you.” The nurse told him, then Minho walked in with his smile plastered on his face, then sat down on the chair next to the bed.
“How’s it going? Minho asked so casually.
Jinki shrugged, and wanted to say, ‘how would you like it having a tube down your throat?’ but he obviously couldn’t talk. As Minho walked closer to Jinki’s hospital bed it was hard not to notice the obvious black eye and that his left cheek was swollen. Jinki widened his eyes and pointed a Minho’s face.
“Oh this?” Minho pointed at his swollen cheekbone, he gave a little smile feeling a little bit better that Jinki shown so much concern towards him when he should worry about himself. He felt kind of guilty though, “It’s nothing, don’t worry about it.”
Jinki couldn’t help but think it was all he fault that he gotten beaten up again. Minho noticed the sadness in Jinki’s eyes, he sat at the edge of his bed, “Ah, don’t worry Jinki. I don’t think those guys will ever bother you again.”
Jinki furrowed his brows from confusion. How does he know? And that’s when it clicked in. Minho probably had beaten them up or something else, but how could he? There was only one of Minho and six of them. Jinki pointed at Minho again.
Minho shrugged, “Of course my friends helped me,” he winked at Jinki.
Jinki couldn’t process this information. Last time he check, Minho got beaten up by them. Why didn’t he beat them up at school? And how come he hasn’t seen or met any of Minho’s friends? Jinki had so many questions for him but sadly he couldn’t talk but play charades.
Minho’s eyes lightened up, “ah, I got something for you.” He searched for something in his bag then handed him a red journal. Jinki’s journal. Although some pages were ripped out and stuff back into the book, nonetheless, it was still Jinki’s. He traced his fingers over the cover, Minho had brought it back to Jinki. He started to tremble, his eyes started to fill with tears, he looked back up at Minho and smiled. Jinki genuinely smiled at Minho.
Minho started to dig in his bag again, this time he gave Jinki a navy blue notebook. “Open it,” he smiled. Slowly he opened it, he saw Minho’s writing:
To Jinki,
I hope one day you’ll treasure this journal too.
From Minho
At this point Jinki started to shed tears, he grabbed a pen from Minho’s bag then started to scribble something in his new journal, he made sure Minho wasn’t looking, he showed him what he wrote underneath Minho’s note:
I’m glad I have a friend like you.