Timeskip(3 Days Later).
After sunset, the night was still young, the air chilly, but the dorms offered warmth. The academy hallway lights dimmed.
Entering Haneul and Mujin's dorm room. Haneul laid on his bed, fully awake, recalling the torment endured over the past three long days.
Flashback.
In a hidden spot at the academy, Haneul was on the ground, crawling on all fours, while Suhohja perched on his back, using him like a chair.
Minho Suhohja:
"What the f##k have I been telling you, idiot?"
Haneul Yoon:
"I– I– I'm sorry–"
Minho Suhohja:
"oH OH Oh oH! I– iM sO soRrY–"
"Y'have a neurological problem or somethin'?"
"Speak—"
*Smacks back of Haneuls head*
"Properly—"
*Smacks again*
"—Stupid."
*Smacks again*
2nd Year Senior #2:
"Why're you hiding from us, Haneul?"
"Don't you like us or something?"
Haneul Yoon:
"N– no! It's nothing like that!"
2nd Year Senior #3:
"It definitely is, don't lie to us, dumba##."
2nd Year Senior #4:
"It's obvious you're trying hard to avoid us."
"So, for your punishment—"
Suhohja gets off of Haneul and steps away.
2nd Year Senior #4:
"—you get some of– these!"
Haneul Yoon:
"Wait! Wait! Wait!–"
The 4 senior students start kicking Haneul in the stomach, pausing briefly after a few seconds.
Minho Suhohja:
"Hold him up, lower him down abit..."
"There we go."
They held Haneul up, while Suhohja readies up his fist before sending a final powerful punch to his stomach.
Minho Suhohja:
"BOOM!"
End of flashback.
The flashback brought back memories of the pain he had endured over the past three days, and he shuddered slightly as he relived the experience.
Haneul Yoon(INT):
"Everything I've feared what would happen to me, is coming true..."
"I just wish... I could..."
"No..."
*Cough*
Haneul held his stomach, lying on the bed, gazing at the ceiling. He then turned to his side, released a tired sigh, and drifted into sleep.
Timeskip(Mid-day/Noon).
In the Mana Basics Class, Mujin sat with his classmates, writing in his notebook and doing work aswell. Kuro slept on her desk, Hao fidgeted with a pencil, while Aya and Daewon whispered quietly. Ren and others worked diligently until Haneul returned, noticeably late, disrupting the quiet class.
Professor ???:
"Late again, Haneul?"
"How many times must I tell you this, young man?"
Haneul Yoon:
"I'm sorry, Mr. Saosang."
"I just wasn't prepared for class..."
Professor Saosang:
"Just—"
"Please do not be late next time, you do not want to fall behind class, alright?"
Haneul Yoon:
"Yes, Mr. Saosang."
Haneul quickly nodded and gave the teacher a polite bow, and then hurriedly walked over to sit next to Mujins desk, quickly pulling out his textbook and other items from his bag so he could start the day's work.
Tokiko scooted over to Haneul, who seemed to be stressing over his work. She spoke in a low, quiet voice, as if trying to not disturb anyone else.
Ayumi Tokiko:
"Hey, Haneul?"
"Are you okay? You haven't been coming to class earlier like you used to, is there something going on?"
Haneul Yoon:
"No... there's nothing wrong."
"I just haven't been getting good sleep."
Ayumi Tokiko:
"Right..."
Tokiko watched closely as Haneul rubbed the sleeves of his sweater. Upon closer inspection, she noticed a bunch of black spots on his wrists under the sleeves. When she reached to touch Haneul's arm and lift his sleeve to get a better look, he reflexively pulled his arm away and yelled out in surprise.
Haneul Yoon:
"No!"
Upon hearing a sudden shout from Haneul, who seemed startled by Tokiko's hand reaching out to touch him, the entire class fell silent. All eyes turned towards the young man, everyone slightly confused. The professor lowered his glasses and looked at Haneul, also appearing slightly puzzled.
Professor Saosang:
"Is there... a problem, Haneul?"
Haneul Yoon:
"N– no sir!"
"I just, I don't know..."
Professor Saosang:
"Do you want to see the nurse?"
"I suggest you go see one just in case–"
Haneul Yoon:
"No, thanks..."
Although everyone in the classroom, except for Wu, Mujin, and Ren, seemed slightly startled by the sudden yell from Haneul, they quickly went back to their work.
Cut to the large hallways(23 Minutes Later).
In the spacious hallways of the academy, Haneul trailed behind Mujin, getting closer, which made Mujin feel slightly uneasy due to the crowded surroundings.
Mujin Daeho:
*Sigh*
"Oi, Hanew, what the hell's going on with you?"
"And, you're also too close."
Haneul Yoon:
"O– oh, sorry."
He stepped back to give Mujin his space.
Mujin Daeho(Kade Northwood):
"What's going with you, kid–"
"Uh, Hanew?"
Haneul looked down at the floor for a few moments before lifting his gaze to meet Mujin's.
Haneul Yoon:
"Um, nothing, just... having terrible nights, and... Stress."
The two men then pushed through the dining hall's entry doors, the place already filled with students and professors chatting on the large lap tables. Mujin rubbed the back of his head as he walked, a gesture indicating slight confusion.
Mujin Daeho:
"Listen, I'm not a mind reader, y'know."
"I can't speak for others; I only know my own thoughts and motives."
"If you have something to say, then say it. And if not, I'm not going to waste any more time trying to pry it out of you."
Haneul Yoon:
"W– wait!"
Mujin stopped and turned to glance back at Haneul with an arched eyebrow. Haneul was feeling nervous about opening up to Mujin in front of so many people in the dining hall.
Haneul Yoon:
"Can't we just do this outside? I just don't want to tell you in here."
Mujin Daeho(INT):
"I can't believe I'm wasting my time with this kid."
Mujin Daeho:
"..."
"If it's that personal to you, then alright."
"Take me to where you wanna go."
Haneul Yoon:
"Thank you, Daesu."
"Just come with me, outside, I'll tell you right out there–"
Haneul froze when he heard and felt the familiar voice of none other than him.
Minho Suhohja:
"Now now, where's that little bastard?"
"?"