Jeongguk stared down at Daeun with wide eyes. She allowed her eyes to travel down his body pausing at his stomach. Jeongguk jumped when she grazed her fingers over his open wound. "Are you alright?" She asked looking back up at him.
Jeongguk blankly nodded his head. His eyes wandered over her face. Without a second thought, he reached out and grabbed her cheeks. Daeun stared at him with wide eyes. He pulled away and grabbed a notepad out of his pocket. She watched as he scrambled words down on paper before handing it to her. She read over the words;
~What happened to your face?~
Daeun laughed before pointing at his stomach. "What happened to your side?" Jeongguk looked down at the open wound on his side. Without lifting his head back up he pointed at the dead man that was laying there. Daeun nodded her head in understanding. "Did you kill him?" Jeongguk nodded. "Why?" Her voice came out as a whisper making Jeongguk lookup.
He held his hand out for his notepad. She handed him it and watched him.
~He was a bad man. He was trying to hurt the women.~
Daeun re-read his words. "So you were protecting her?" Jeongguk nodded. She smiled at that before poking Jeongguk's forehead. "Would you mind if I helped you clean that up?" Daeun nudged his wound making him hiss in pain. She smiled shyly at him before taking his hand and pulling him towards the cafe. Jeongguk shook his head, knowing where she was intending to bring him.
She noticed the change in his body language. "You don't want to be around people?" He shook his head. "Fine. Stay here and I'll be right back." He didn't have time to respond as she rushed back to the cafe to grab some of the supplies that she needed.
She understood how dangerous this was, but she honestly couldn't care less. Jeongguk wouldn't hurt her. At the same time, he didn't want her to know that it was him under the mask. He wanted his identity kept a secret. After tonight he was going to make sure that she never saw him in this form again.
He rubbed his face from under his mask before releasing a sigh. His side ached in pain as a burning sensation had finally entered his body. Releasing a hiss, he grabbed his side, allowing his mask to fall back over his face. Daeun came back and kneeled in front of him. She gently grabbed his hand removing it from his wound.
She placed some alcohol on a cotton pad. When she grabbed the hem of his shirt she looked back up at him for permission. He eagerly nodded his head wanting nothing more than for the pain to be completely gone. She pulled the shirt up just enough to expose the wound. She softly patted the opening with the cotton pad. Continuing these motions she kept her eyes glued onto the wound.
Daeun looked up at his mask covered face. His presence felt oddly familiar. Making her stomach twist in knots. For reasons unknown. When the area was cleaned of blood and the wound was disinfected she grabbed a small bottle of ointment. Daeun opened the bottle and squeezed some of the ointment onto her fingertips. She lathered the cream onto his wound making sure not to make it bleed again.
Jeongguk stayed still and watched her work. How was she so good at this? How did she know exactly what to do?
Even though the mask, she could feel his intense stare on her. To finish her work she placed a bandage around his wound to make sure that it won't get infected and heal without a problem. After she was done she grabbed his hand and cleaned the blood off of it. As well as her own.
He bowed respectfully towards her. She smiled softly before gathering the supplies and waving goodbye. Before Jeongguk could stop himself he grabbed her free wrist, stopping her. He pulled out his notepad as he released her. He wrote his words quickly before handing the notepad to her.
~Meet me here tomorrow at 9:30 pm?~
Daeun raised a brow at him. "May I ask why?" Jeongguk rolled his eyes from under his mask yet he still responded to her question.
~I want to thank you properly, so please meet me here tomorrow.~
A smile tugged at Daeun's lips. "You don't have to thank me, it was my pleasure. But I guess I'll still come," She said. Jeongguk nodded his head in understanding. "If I'm a few minutes late, just wait. Okay?"
After Jeongguk nodded his head they parted both secretly excited to see each other tomorrow.
When the next day rolled around, Daeun got up and began her morning routine. She stayed over Hyuna's last night and planned on continuing for a while. Just until her dad cooled down. Her body was sore and she hasn't gotten any sleep and was exhausted. Rolling out of bed, Daeun rushed to the shower. The hot water relaxed her aching muscles.
She dressed in a simple pair of black jeans and a white hoodie that was a size too big for her. She threw her hair up into a messy bun and threw on her white Nike Air Force's. Casual and simple. Just the way she liked it.
Her walk to school consisted of her blocking out the world and listening to her favorite playlist. Her mind began to wander somewhere else. She wanted to know who was behind the mask. It was clear that it was a man but everything else was blank. She wanted answers and she intended to get them.
As homeroom started Daeun stared at the window while Jeongguk kept his eyes glued on Daeun. Jeongguk needed to keep himself a secret or else it could cause serious problems for both of them.
She felt his stare making her turn towards him. He smiled at her. Daeun smiled back and stared at him in awe. She finally saw a spark of emotion in his empty eyes. Jeongguk stood up and made his way towards her. He plopped down in Jimin's seat, smiling at her. "Hey, Daeun," He said as he turned to face her.
Daeun mirrored Jeongguk's actions. "Hey, Jeongguk," Daeun smiled softly at him. He quickly roamed his eyes over his face. She covered her bruises. "How are you liking school so far?"
Jeongguk shrugged and tilted his head. "It's alright. Most of the classes are boring except for theatre," He countered. Daeun mouth formed into an 'o'. "Is it Mrs. Lee's class?" Daeun asked. Jeongguk nodded his head with a confused look.
"How'd you know that?" He asked her.
Daeun squealed softly. "I have her too, and I know she only teaches one class a day."
Jeongguk laughed making Daeun confused. "Okay, but why do you seem so excited?"
Daeun hid her face, trying her best to not let Jeongguk see her embarrassment. "I don't really like anybody in the class," Daeun shrugged.
The class soon began to fill up. Jimin and Taehyung walked in the class, their eyes immediately landing on Daeun with wide smiles. When they saw Jeongguk their smiles faded slightly before approaching the two. "Daeun!" Tae sang as he jumped on her. He sat on her lap with his arms around her neck. Daeun laughed and wrapped her arms around Taehyung trying to make sure that he didn't fall.
Jimin glared at Jeongguk who held his glare. The tension between the two rose as they continued their staring. "Chim?" Daeun called out to him.
Jimin's head snapped towards Da who had a suspicious look on her face. Taehyung didn't seem bothered as he stood behind Daeun playing her the hairs that escaped her loose bun. "Yes gongjunim?" He asked.
Daeun's eyes widened and Jeongguk's jaw locked. "Ew. Don't call her that," A high pitched voice spoke up. Of course, it has to be the last person that Daeun wanted to see. "I see you're back in one piece this time, what a shame."
Taehyung growled from behind Daeun, "Shut up, Mina," He snapped. Mina glared at Taehyung.
"What? You're gonna say I can't stand up for her because I was her friend at one point?" Jimin's face dropped with guilt. "Well, you can't because I have always been there for her. So back the fuck up before I get your ass kicked out of this school, and daddy won't be able to save you from this one, either."
Mina kept her face as stone-cold as possible. Trying to make the rest think that she wasn't afraid. "Yeah, what the hell do you have on me?"
Daeun looked at Mina with a devilish glint in her eyes. "How about you sleep with three of our teachers in the past week, one being a female and the other two being males, just to make sure you pass for the semester. Or how it was you who vandalized your own locker just so you could blame something on me, or how about the fact that you skip class every day to fu-"
"Alright!" Mina screamed. "How the hell do you know all of that?"
"The whole school knows because your quote on quote best friends are telling your business to everyone," Daeun said as her eyes switched from Mina to her friends who were glaring daggers at her. She smiled and waved at them.
They stared at her in confusion. "So fuck with me and my friends again and I promise that you, your best friends, your boyfriend, and all the teachers that helped you will be leaving this school and never coming back. Okay?" Mina nodded her head and walked away.
Taehyung back hugged Daeun. "When did my little kiyomi get all brave like that?" He asked.
Daeun plucked him. "What's up with the nicknames," She questioned while looking at her two best friends. Jeongguk sat there simply watching Daeun until he saw it. Her bruises.
They were starting to show from underneath her makeup. Taehyung's hand had her makeup smudged on it. He must have wiped it off when he wrapped his arms around her. Jimin was quick to jump to it before Jeongguk could gain her attention. "Your makeup is smudged."
Daeun's eyes widened. Jeongguk sent one last glare at Jimin before standing up. Daeun looked at him with suspicious eyes. He ruffled her hair before walking away smiling. She frowned at him before allowing herself to break out into a smile.
Jimin watched not enjoying the scene while Taehyung was trying to cover the bruise that he had fully revealed. Daeun didn't pay any mind to it, her eyes were focused on Jeongguk.
Mina turned around to talk to Jeongguk but he dropped his head on his desk and ignored her. She huffed in annoyance before turning around. Daeun snorted. Jimin sat down in his seat and gave Daeun an odd look. "What?" She asked before thanking Taehyung for fixing her makeup.
Jimin groaned before speaking, "I don't like you hanging around bunny boy," He claimed.
"Bunny boy?" Daeun scrunched her nose at the nickname. "His name is Jeongguk and last time I checked, you don't have a say in who I hang around, do you?" Her glare was harsh making Jimin shrink in his seat while shaking his head no. "Thought so," She snapped.
Jimin lowered his head. He hasn't been such a great friend to Daeun these past few years and now he was trying to boss her around. Jimin reached for Daeun's hand. Before he could actually grab it she yanked her hand back. Frowning, Jimin pulled his arm back towards himself before slamming his head against his desk. Taehyung pouted at Daeun. "What?" She asked with a pout herself.
"Don't be so mean to Jimin," He whispered while nudging just head towards Jimin. Daeun glances at Jimin. She pinched his thigh making him yelp. He lifted his head to glare at her but smiled when he saw the small smile played on her lips.
Taehyung looked between the two of them. "Jimin, say sorry," He scolded. Jimin frowned before whispering an apology. "Good boy," Taehyung teased, making Jimin groan in annoyance.
"Good boy my ass," He bit back making Daeun smack him.
She grabbed Taehyung and pulled him closer to him, shoving his head into her chest. "Don't speak to my child like that," She hissed.
Jimin glared at Taehyung who smiled innocently at him. Daeun allowed Taehyung to go to his seat. The principal made his entrance into the room. The entire classroom was soon filled with silence. "Your teacher, unfortunately, couldn't make it in today, so you will all be guided to the auditorium to watch a film," Everyone gathered their belongings and made their way towards the auditorium.
Jeongguk sighed when he got shoved for the tenth time. He ran his hand through his hair, tugging on it out of frustration. Daeun bit her lip to prevent herself from laughing at him. "You know that you could just linger in the back and stuff like that won't happen," She claimed, making Jeongguk look at her.
He frowned while looking down at her. "Are that always like this?" She nodded while grabbing his arm. Daeun pulled him back with her so they wouldn't get crushed in the middle of the rushing students. Taehyung and Jimin were a few steps behind the rest.
Taehyung smiled while holding his hand out towards Jeongguk. "Nice to meet you, I'm Taehyung," He introduced.
Jeongguk placed his hand in Taehyung's, shaking it. "Jeongguk, and likewise," Jeongguk responded with a smile. Jimin walked quietly. Daeun peeked at him. A frown overtook his features as he kept his low.
Sighing, Daeun walked beside him, nudging him. Jimin looked at her before putting his head back down. "What's wrong, Chim?" She asked.
He shook his head. "I just feel bad. I haven't been the greatest friend and I always try and manage your life and I'm sorry," He claimed while lifting his head to glance at her. She ruffled his hair with a huge smile on her face. "How many times must I tell you, Park Jimin, that I don't care what happened in the past, but don't let it affect what we have right now. Got me?" Jimin nodded with a smile.
They finally arrived at the auditorium. The class began to fill up the rows. Daeun got stuck between Jeongguk and Taehyung and Jimin next to Taehyung. They had the entire row to themselves. Taehyung and Jimin were talking amongst themselves. Leaving Daeun and Jeongguk out. Jeongguk spoke up, "Do you have a partner for theatre?"
Daeun looked at him before shaking her head. "Ah, no. The class was always uneven so when we had projects I'd do monologues," She explained as she stared at the movie that began to play on the screen.
Jeongguk did the same while leaning towards her to whisper. "Would you mind being my partner?" He asked as he moved so he was no longer leaning down towards her.
Daeun turned her head to look at him. Jeongguk kept his eyes trained on the screen, laughing at the scene that had just passed. He looked down at Daeun, feeling her burning gaze. "Yeah, I would love to," She smiled making his face burn.
He smiled before quickly turning his head towards the screen again. Taehyung placed his hand on Daeun's thigh as she rested her head against his shoulder. She played with his fingers, distracting herself from her own thoughts. Ever since yesterday, she hasn't been able to get her brother out of her head. She missed him. Terribly. Taehyung noticed the frown on Daeun's face. He used his free hand to poke her cheek. She looked at him. "What's wrong?"
Daeun sighed and intertwined their fingers together. Taehyung didn't mind much since he was used to this. "Just thinking," She answered. "Hey, can I stay at yours tonight?"
Taehyung smiled and nodded his head. "Of course, kiyomi. You're always welcomed."
Daeun smiled before closing her eyes. Jeongguk turned his head to look at them. His eyes wandered down to their intertwined hands that were resting on Daeun's thigh. His body began to heat up as an uneasy feeling entered his stomach. Daeun was fast asleep against Taehyung. Taehyung ran his thumb over the back of Daeun's hand while keeping his eyes locked on the screen.
Jimin had also fallen asleep. "You alright?" Jeongguk asked Taehyung.
Taehyung shook his head. "I'm worried about her," Taehying paused, squeezing Daeun's hand. "She bottles everything inside until she can't hold onto it anymore. She explodes with emotion and it is the scariest thing you'd probably ever witness. She breaks down. And then blames herself for everything that ever happens to her. It's hard to watch her break herself down like that. She thinks that we wouldn't understand her. So, she doesn't talk to us. You seem pretty close to her already, which trust me is probably one of the rarest things ever. Da doesn't trust easily, so for her to already have begun to show you her true self means something. I'm asking you, Jeongguk. Don't let her break herself down if you know that you can get to her," Jeongguk had his eyes glued on Daeun while Taehyung spoke about her.
Reaching over, Jeongguk brushed some of Daeun's loose hair away from her face. Taehyung looked at him. "I promise," Jeongguk whispered softly as he continued to stare at Daeun with a soft gaze. "I'll do whatever I can to help her."
Jeongguk spent the rest of the hour staring at the screen with his thoughts screaming at him. It was finally time to move on to the next hour and Taehyung had to literally fight with Daeun to get up. She groaned but still followed Jeongguk to their next class. "So, you aren't a morning person?" Jeongguk joked but Daeun glared at him.
He laughed as he entered the classroom making a few students give him odd stares. The girls glared at Daeun for being close to Jeongguk but she simply ignored that and followed him to the teacher. "Ms, would it be alright if Jeongguk and I were partners?"
Ms.Lin looked at the pair with a small smile. "Of course, I think that you'd make a great duo," She quickly winked towards the two before walking away leaving them puzzled.
Daeun shook it off before leaning over to grab the script for the week. "Woah, this is a lot more than I'm used to," Daeun whispered to herself as she looked over the script. "It's a romance scene. Are you okay with that?"
Jeongguk grabbed the papers out of Daeun's hand, looking it over. "I'm fine with it, are you? Plus, there is a kiss scene at the end," Daeun nodded her head as if she already knew. "I'll take it as you're okay with it."
Chanyeol looked at the two with clouded eyes. He didn't like the idea of Daeun with another man. Chanyeol excused himself from his group of friends before making his way over to Daeun and Jeongguk. "Daeun, can we speak?" He spoke sweetly but Daeun knew the madness that hid behind that silky voice.
"No. Me and my partner have a lot of work that needs to be done," She grabbed Jeongguk's wrist and dragged him over to the other side of the classroom. Jeongguk and Chanyeol held each other's stare as they parted ways.
When Daeun finally let go of Jeongguk he looked at her with an unreadable expression. "Why don't you like him?"
Jaemin kept her answer simple, "He's an asshole," Jeongguk didn't question her any further.
Ms.Lin gathered the class's attention. "Alright. You have a month to perfect this scene. You need to come with a setting and a background story as to what happened up to the scene. You need costumes as well. So work hard, work outside of class. I'll be checking in with you guys constantly, so make sure that you are actually doing the work," She ended off by looking at a few kids in the class with a knowing look.
Daeun stiffened a laugh at her teacher before looking back at Jeongguk, giving him her full attention. "So should we start?"