What is Real?

2 ⋆ The Trigger

Suwoong rubbed his eyes as he made his way off the bus. Once again, his dreams kept him waking numerous times throughout the night. The same voices and scenarios over and over.

His day dragged on like usual- the same monotone teachers teaching the same monotone classes as he tried his best to stay focused. He managed to nearly make it through until lunch, but his mind dragged him back into the darkness of his daydreams.

"Suwoong, listen carefully."

The voice echoed around him as his mind left the classroom.

"You need to wake up. We need you."

He could feel the hard school chair beneath him, but his vision remained dark and all he could hear was the familiar voice still calling his name.

It seemed to only last a second, but as he opened his eyes he could feel the gazes of his classmates as they packed up their bags. Once again, he had missed another lesson.

;

"How was class today, buddy?", Jung Daehyun, Suwoong's 'life-long' friend asked as he leaned over the cafeteria table.

"How would he know? He isn't even awake for 5 minutes!", Hangyul snorted, which earned him a swift slap in the side from Suwoong.

"I paid attention today, I swear!", Suwoong defended, but soon added in a low mumble, "For most of the time."

"I admit", Hangyul spoke, "you lasted pretty well in our morning class."

"See?", Suwoong gleamed. "Maybe I'm getting better!"

A snicker came from the boy sitting on the other side of him. "You better hope you're getting better." He was facing his group of friends but Suwoong caught his snarky comment clearly.

"Sorry?", he questioned, slightly agitated at the boy's rudeness.

The boy turned to face him, becoming recognizable as Taehwan, one of the jocks and famous around the school for always trying to seem bigger than everyone. Suwoong has had problems with him before.

Taehwan seemed to have the most fun with Suwoong, due to his unusual sleeping issue, and often chirped remarks at him or nudged him in the hallway. 

"You heard me, sleepyhead." Taehwan teased, earning him the attention of the surrounding students.

Something burned deep inside Suwoong. Something that was not normal for the typically cool-headed boy. He was fed up with this bully constantly on everyone's backs. "Mind your own business, Taehwan." 

It was time for him to stand up for himself.

Taehwan's squad chattered with excitement as Suwoong's boldness got Taehwan to his feet, the jock looming over the smaller boy.

"Sorry, was that hostility?", the bully laughed. "I would totally challenge you to a fight, but I'm afraid you might just fall asleep."

Suwoong stood to face the bigger boy, earning him a sharp caution from Daehyun which he briskly dismissed. There was something fueling him today. Something new and bold. 

"Challenge accepted."

Taehwan's brows lifted at the declaration. He chuckled, moving away from the table as a circle of spectators formed around them.

"Suwoong", Daehyun hissed, "stop this before you regret it."

Suwoong glanced at his friends, a worried look reflected on both of their faces. 

"I am tired of this bully thinking he can do whatever he pleases", Suwoong announced to the growing crowd. His body shivered with an array of emotions - fear, confidence, anger, and this new feeling of something more powerful.

A deep laugh came from Taehwan's throat. "Okay, hero, you can have the first move then."

Suwoong didn't waste any time to lunge at the bigger boy, throwing a fist aimed at his face. Taehwan easily dodged the reckless attack, giving Suwoong a firm shove. Recovering quickly, Suwoong whipped around, charging at Taehwan. The fight was very quickly concluded as Taehwan's fist slipped through Suwoong's defences, driving him to the ground.

The impact immediately threw Suwoong into darkness. He felt as though he was floating, a tingling sensation coursing through him. It wasn't long before he could hear those voices again, but this time much clearer.

"Suwoong... Suwoong!... He's waking up!"

The tingling turned into a burning feeling as Suwoong desperately tried opening his eyes. He wanted to escape this darkness. 

A scream escaped his lips as the burning grew more intense, his eyes bursting open as he sat up rapidly. He took a few seconds to regain his breath and to allow his eyes to re-focus. 

"Finally. You're back."