POLAROID

Chapter Two - In Frame

"What do you want with him?" The Senior questions them. "Well, uh..." Jiro hesitates before continuing with a sheepish smile. "You see we're just trying to settle an argument is all."

"That right?" The Senior scoffs. "You're Kang Jiro, right?"

"Uh, y-yes?"

"Yeah, see I've heard a lot about you, Kang Jiro, the big shot nepo baby who likes to act like he owns the place. You and your wannabe gang like to go around harassing girls and bullying underclassmen for shits and giggles," the Senior lays out, flustering the Junior who tries to cut in but the older continues. "Now, I don't know what you want with that Sophomore but last I checked this school has no tolerance for bullying and it's what, three strikes before you're kicked out? I'd estimate a guess you've run through at least two by now, you wanna go for three?"

Jun-Seo's eyes widen in surprise as he carefully takes in the unexpected words spoken by the older. A sense of gratitude and realisation washes over him as he processes the fact that, despite his initial doubts, the older is helping him.

Jiro's jaw clenches tightly, the building anger evident on his face as he leers at the Senior who is unfazed by the look. Understanding all too well the consequences of instigating a conflict with an Upperclassman, Jiro takes a deep breath to steady himself, forcefully unclenching his fists before tucking them into his trouser pockets. He gives the Senior a strained smile before leaving the room with his friends trailing behind.

The Senior makes sure they're gone before turning his attention to the closet. He scoffs lightly, shaking his head as he walks over to it. "Hey, it's okay, they're gone. You can come out now," he assures him.

The closet door creaks open, revealing just enough space for Jun-Seo to cautiously peek his head out. With a quick scan of the room, his brown eyes darting in every corner, he ensured the coast was clear before stepping out of the cramped space.

The Senior can't help the amused scoff that leaves him. "Are you okay?" He asks. "Yeah, s-s-sorry about barging in like that, a-and thank you for helping me," Jun-Seo says.

"It's okay, I know a prick when I see one," The Senior says. "I'm Im Yeon-Gi by the way."

"Song Jun-Seo, it's nice to meet you hyung,"

"Song Jun-Seo? You're Naeun and Rin's brother, aren't you?"

"Uh, yeah, s-seems to be my new n-n-nickname around here," Jun-Seo laughs sheepishly. "You mind me asking what you did to get on Jiro's bad side?" Yeon-Gi asks.

"I b-b-bumped into him and spilt juice all over his sh-shirt, he's pretty much hated me s-since," Jun-Seo explains in a sheepish tone.

Yeon-Gi scoffs at how childish that sounds. Jun-Seo frowns, nervously pulling at the fabric of his sweater sleeve. "H-He's not gonna leave me alone, is he?"

"I don't know, but if it were me, I'd let somebody know. Might not be easy, but it's better than hiding in closets," Yeon-Gi advises him. The younger nods timidly in response. He thanks Yeon-Gi and then leaves the room, his mind wandering back to what Ha-Jun had said to him the other day at the Bus Stop.

"Learn to take care of yourself 'cause there won't always be someone there to help you."

Jun-Seo pauses in his steps, standing in the empty hallway for a moment becoming lost in thought. His grip on his bag straps tightened.

"Hey,"

Jun-Seo jumps slightly at the sudden voice, his heart beating a little faster. Turning around, he's surprised to see Ha-Jun standing a few feet away from him. "Uh, h-hi," Jun-Seo utters nervously, trying to steady his voice.

Ha-Jun's eyes rake over the younger's face. "Something wrong?" He asks.

Jun-Seo hesitates for a brief moment, his uncertainty palpable as he contemplates his reply. Instead of an immediate response, he cautiously inquires, "Do-Do you really wanna kn-know?"

Ha-Jun, with a nonchalant shrug, shoots back, "I asked didn't I?"

A moment later, the pair are settled under the shade of the Oak Tree in the courtyard. Jun-Seo's gaze wanders around, taking in the surroundings, each detail appearing even better in person. "A-Are you sure it's okay to be out here?" He asks. "It's fine, barely anyone comes out here anyway," Ha-Jun replies as he rests nonchalantly against the trunk of the tree, his hands creating a pillow for his head.

Jun-Seo hums in response, picking at some blades of grass. Ha-Jun, noticing the subtle signs of unease in the younger's demeanour, gently probes, "This about Jiro?" Jun-Seo's brow furrows, shaking his head. "...is it about what I said yesterday?"

As Jun-Seo nervously fidgets with his sleeves, his voice falters, and he struggles to express himself fully, "Well, k-kind of," he starts, pulling his knees up to his chest. "I-I guess it got to me more than I'd like to admit. I've-I've never been good with conflict or confrontation, just th-thinking about it puts me on edge. S-So, while I get what you meant, it's just easier s-s-said than done, and in case you haven't n-noticed, I'm no good with words or a-actions."

Ha-Jun's eyes shift. "You seem fine to me,"

The unexpected response from the older causes a sudden warmth to rush to Jun-Seo's cheeks. Sensing his blush, the younger swiftly turns his head aside, hoping to conceal his flustered state. Ha-Jun looks at him, his eyebrow cocked. "What?"

"Uhm- I- n-nothing." Jun-Seo stutters nervously his voice trailing off as Ha-Jun raises an eyebrow, a small but unmistakable grin appearing on his face.