"𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐰𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐠𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝,"
~🌙 ~
After a week, everyone had forgotten about the whole incident. It was a gruelling week with girls thinking I was a horrible person, but at the same time Amy received just as much attention. The whispers were nothing. I never noticed them until someone pointed it out, or if they where being obvious. Nevertheless, I didn't phase me. Amy on the other hand, she struggled to find somewhere to fit in. No one wanted to work with her, and her friends ditched as soon as the news got out. She walked the school halls alone and people avoided her.
I did feel bad.
But not nearly enough.
I was a decent human being and felt remorse. I had forgiven her for her actions and made amends. However, that did not mean I wanted to be around her. Part of it was Jake's convincing.
"Look at her, Jay. She's literally an outcast," Jake pointed out.
I looked over in the direction he was pointing and saw Amy sat alone at a table. Watching closely, a group of girls were harassing her into giving the table up. A tall girl with curled hair had taken her tray from the table, whilst her friend grabbed hold of her bag. They jeered at her before putting her stuff at a different table. Of course, she followed and the group took their desired seats.
"It's not our fault. Pay no mind to it," I replied. I turned back to my food and took a bite without hesitation.
"Yeah, but no one deserves to be treated like that,"
He was right, but I couldn't just let her win like that. Who's to say she wouldn't let us down again?
"What do you want me to do about it? I can't change every opinion of everyone in the school," I explained.
"He's right, Jake hyung. People don't just change their mind overnight," Sunoo added. Sunghoon handed over his sandwich and nodded, agreeing with his statement.
"Thank you," Sunoo hummed.
"Why are you thanking me like you don't do this every day?" Sunghoon asked also handing him a juice box that matched his own.
"Just accept my good deed,"
Sunghoon rolled his eyes at his behaviour and carried on eating. The two of them were like lovers that hated each other. It was amusing and often the highlight of our lunch times. At the same time, they were secretly very good friends that probably confided in each other more than the rest of us could witness.
"On that note, you should do a good deed," Jungwon commented. I raised a brow at him and he just smiled widely with his dimples showing.
"Think of it like this. If it were the other way around, you'd want someone to sit with you and help you,"
"But I have you guys," I motioned to the seven of us sat together.
"And if you didn't? Come on Jay. She genuinely has nobody," Heeseung said in a slightly fed up tone.
I knew I was being a bit pathetic by not letting go of a grudge, but I couldn't help it. It's not everyday someone does you wrong like she does.
"If you don't do something, I will," Jake finalised. The boys looked at him as if to ask what he might do. He told us about how he would welcome her to sit with us so the idea of it wouldn't seem so bad to other people.
"I still don't think it is a good idea," I mumbled.
"You never think anything is a good idea," Jake added. I met his eyes and he was serious. Sometimes, Jake's kindness was too much for me and this moment was a prime example. There were times where you were allowed to be selfish and think of yourself. Jake would never understand that though. It was a fight I would easily lose.
"Fine."
***
Amy sat with us for a total of three weeks. I tried my best to keep my wall up and not let it falter despite the other's reactions. However, it soon became seven against one.
"Jay-ah. It's been so long... Please, can we just talk," she pleaded. She reached over from across the table and put her hand on my wrist. I shook it off, but she quickly replaced it with a tighter grip.
"What more can I say for you to accept me?"
"There is nothing, Amy!" the boys flinched from the sudden raise in volume. I apologised for startling them and turned to Amy to continue.
"Look, what you did was unacceptable. What you said about me? About us? That was unacceptable-,"
"And I'm sorry. I know it was wrong. I was desperate and I didn't want to seem weak," she defended. She looked genuine. Her eyes were rimmed with tears and her grip on my arm hadn't faltered. Amy would do this every lunch without fail, until I shoved her off. The boys were tired of it, and I was too. However, she was persistent and it eventually won me over.
"I can't say I can accept you as more of an acquaintance. My pride wouldn't allow that," I started, "but I... I-I understand what it feels like to be weak."
Her eyes softened and a glimpse of a smile played on her lips. I could tell it was hopeful, but it didn't last long. It was as if she knew to give up and stop prying. From then on, the guilt overtook me.
"I forgive you," I said finally.
The boys cheered in surprise, shocked looks plastered all over their faces. Ni-ki and Sunoo clapped whilst Amy smiled widely. I couldn't deny the beauty in her true smile. A thorn was pulled from my side and the air felt clearer. Not to mention, Jake would stop pestering me about forgiving her.
"Thank you so much, Park Jongseong. I promise, I'll be a better person to you and everyone else," she thanked with a small bow.
"Okay, okay. Hopefully, you'll find better friends to sit with that won't ditch you," I joked and she returned with a light laugh.
"I hope so too. I know I've overstayed my welcome, but not to worry! My cousin and his friends have moved from another district. I'll be alright to sit with them from today," Amy chirped.
"That's great," Jake nodded.
"I think you'd get along with them well. In fact... here they come!" Amy waved towards a group of guys who had just entered the hall.
There were five in total. One was tall with slicked brown hair. His posture showed dominance and superiority. Overall, he looked intimidating and much older than any of us. He was accompanied with some shorter guys who looked much friendlier, but at the same time followed him like sheep. Gang behaviour.
Amy ushered them over and they made their way over to our full table.
"We should introduce ourselves," Jungwon motioned to us and we followed. The seven of us had stood up as they approached us and we all said our 'hello's with a bow.
"Hello~ I'm Jungwon, and these are my friends. It's nice to meet Amy' cou-,"
"Which one of you is Park Jongseong?"
I froze as he mentioned my name, as did the others. The tall guy tapped his foot like a teacher waiting on a student. His entourage stood behind him, giving just as intimidating looks to the rest of us. His eyes flicked between us; his impatience clear on his face. The seven of us stood shocked and silenced by his sudden tone. I looked to our eldest for help, but all of them had their heads turned to me, waiting for me to put myself forward like I was a thief.
"Me," I raised my hand with a small smile.
The guy paused and looked me up and down. His hand raised to his chin where he rubbed his stubble. He was judging me by my appearance. Part of that thought didn't sit well with me. The fact he was being this way, despite our friendly attempt at an introduction ran anger through body.
A minute passed before he spoke again.
"So you're the douche that humiliated my baby cousin?"
***
A/N: Long chapter! I hope you enjoyed :)
!!!COMING SOON JANUARY 2021!!!
ENHYPEN's SUNGHOON fanfiction by camisansbtxte
I will be writing a fanfiction starring our ice prince all about living through a pandemic (quite relevant if I might say so myself).
This is a project is something I thought would be stupid - nobody would read it. However, it's something that I believe would help others that are struggling to get by through this time. I certainly have had hard moments, but one thing that got me through was ENHYPEN and their happiness.
Do follow me for more updates and follow along once I publish it it!