The next several weeks passed by in a flash.
He was beginning to warm up to Yeong Gi, and although Hyuk didn't trust him completely, the guy was persistent so they'd end up hanging out together more and more often.
Before Hyuk knew it, he had already become accustomed to Yeong Gi and treated him like a friend. They'd skip class together and hang out at school, then go to the pub or Yeong Gi's hideout after school.
It was a good thing for Hyuk since he didn't really want to go home, and by the time he realised it, he was spending more time outside than at home. Some days, he didn't even go home at all. He had already completely given up on school so he was absent on most days as well. He'd spend his time with Yeong Gi and his gang.
However, this came with a drawback.
He missed Yeo Ri a lot. He wanted to see her, but he was in denial. He didn't want to run to her so he switched his attention to Bomi. She had a pretty face and a sexy body, and even though Hyuk only had Yeo Ri in his mind, he couldn't help but become slightly attracted to Bomi.
The girl spent much effort to seduce Hyuk, and in the end, somehow managed to convince him to get together with her. Of course, as a woman, she could easily tell that Hyuk already had someone else in mind since he was so distracted whenever she was with him, but that was fine. She was an easy-going and loose girl, so having someone who also didn't want any commitments suited her well.
Just like usual, Hyuk was together with Yeong Gi.
They were hanging out at the pub again. Yeong Gi held a shot glass in his hand and slowly swirled its content as he watched his cronies half-heartedly. Hyuk sat on one of the comfier seats, leaning into the chair with his eyes closed. He was trying to catch up on lost sleep again.
"Hahaha!" One of Yeong Gi's followers laughed as he pushed around a male student. The student was shivering as he stared at his feet, clearly scared after being surrounded by these good-for-nothings.
"Tsk. Is this all you have in your wallet?" Another said, his face distorting in annoyance after rummaging through the student's wallet.
"I-I haven't gotten my allowance yet," the student shakily explained.
"And what does that have to do with us? You should've asked for more!" The guy said, grabbing the student's hair and dragging his head back and forth. "Just say that you need extra money to buy revision books or something. Works every time," the guy said, snorting.
The student glanced up for a brief second, his eyes darting to Hyuk who was wearing the exact same uniform as him, though Hyuk had tactfully covered it up with a jacket. His eyes flashed almost pleadingly for the young man to wake up, but to no avail, Hyuk continued to doze off. He'd ask for Yeong Gi's help, but it was clear that he was the leader of the bunch.
The student could only lower his head once again, hoping for the nightmare to end. "I-I'm sorry," he mumbled.
"F*cking useless c*nt," the guy said. He was just about to hit him when a voice interrupted him.
"Hey!"
At the entrance, another male student was panting heavily, his eyes glaring at the group.
"Who are you?" They asked, assuming an intimidating stance. However, the newcomer was not scared by them at all. He merely frowned before taking a step forward, "Let him go, you punks."
"In Guk-ah!" The bullied student seemed to have seen a saving grace when the newcomer came. He was both relieved and touched at the other student's appearance.
"C'mon, Ra Won-ah. Don't hang with these b*stards anymore," the guy said, sending a disdainful glare at the guys. His look was especially scathing when his eyes brushed over the Lee-Ji duo.
The guys seemed discontented by In Guk's words, but Yeong Gi's voice suddenly rang out, stopping them dead in their tracks. "Don't bother touching him. His dad's pretty rich. Just let them buzz off. We might get in trouble, after all," Yeong Gi said in his usual nonchalant tone, waving his hand dismissively.
"Tch," one of them silently clicked their tongue. The boss had spoken, so they had to follow. Though none of them would openly admit that Yeong Gi lorded over them, it was clear to see from their demeanour that he was the boss.
They backed off from the weakling and his hero, throwing back the empty wallet to its owner. In Guk caught the wallet with one hand, passing it back to Ra Won in a nicer manner.
In Guk did not bother thanking Yeong Gi. He sent a final glance over to Hyuk, his frown deepening. He could recognise Hyuk; they were in the same class, after all. He was annoyed that Hyuk didn't even help or do anything when his own classmate was in trouble. With Ra Won in tow, he exited the establishment as quickly as he came in. It was a good thing that nothing happened.
The next day.
Hyuk was rarely at school nowadays, but who knew what came over him as he actually attended class like a proper student.
But of course, instead of paying attention to the lesson, he was sleeping.
After class ended, the students sitting near him scurried away, leaving a clear area around him as if he was someone with an infectious disease.
"Hey."