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Boston, Massachusetts.
LEE JENO
Jaemin is next to me as I end my call with Haechan. I gave him a brief explanation of what happened with Fletcher and Jaemin before canceling today's meeting with the team. – I decided that the best thing for Jaemin was to return home and rest. Hence, I'm guiding him to the entrance gate, still holding his hand as we walk. Oddly, he hasn't shed a tear or said a word either. Perhaps he's still shocked after experiencing such a traumatic event.
-Jaemin, let me take you to your dormitory. – I said after pressing his hand gently, trying to capture his attention. Fortunately, it worked, and Jaemin looked back at me.
Jaemin hummed and nodded.
—Are you okay? – I asked after seeing Jaemin's response.
—Yes. And thank you – Jaemin merely said before releasing a subtle smile.
—Alright. Here, let me help you – I said before taking his backpack off his shoulder and placing it on mine. Shortly, I patted his back and guided him to my car.
Moments later.
After taking Jaemin to his condominium, I realized he lived near my building. It surprised me and made me feel better knowing he wasn't far from my home. Somehow, I enjoyed learning where to find him whenever he needed me. Or I may need him.
Jaemin is opening the entrance door, shortly allowing me to enter before him. I thanked him before we took our shoes off and walked further into the place. Jaemin closed the door and took a deep breath. Finally, I saw some stress coming out of him. Yet, I deduced it wasn't everything he had endured.
-Stay as much time as you want. I don't mind. – Jaemin soullessly said before taking my jacket off, shortly placing it on the entrance hangers.
-Thanks, Jaemin. – I answered before walking to him, observing every move he made.
Jaemin went inside the restroom and took out a first aid kit. Immediately, I thought that perhaps Fletcher hurt him, yet that wasn't the case. Jaemin took out a gauze and a small cuticle pusher and started cleaning underneath his nails.
"Did he scratch Fletcher to defend himself?" I thought.
I looked at Jaemin, confused, attempting to decipher what he was doing.
-I tried to fight back, and at least I got something useful from our encounter. – Jaemin merely said before taking another deep breath, shortly placing the residue inside a test tube. He placed the lid on it before closing the box and taking it back to its place.
-You don't have to tell me; I know you did your best. – I sincerely said before Jaemin looked at me, confused.
-How did you find me? – Jaemin asked.
-Renjun told me. After I saw him at the meeting without you, I asked him where you went and with who. – I explained, making Jaemin look at me, bewildered.
-Why? How did you know about "his" intentions? – Jaemin asked.
"He can't say his name anymore," I thought.
-I won't speak until you let out everything you're holding inside. – I stated while crossing my arms. My words immediately made Jaemin avert his glance from me, and he began fidgeting his fingers.
-I don't know what you mean. – Jaemin said.
-After what happened, do you think I'll believe you don't feel anything? – I questioned, turning slightly upset. -Na Jaemin, I'm a law student; I can tell when you lie. And I can read your eyes better than anyone.
-Because you've been observing me too. Am I right? – Jaemin questioned, his accusation leaving me speechless. -Yes, I noticed it some days ago. Then, Renjun and Alice told me how obvious it was before we met. But back then, I didn't see it through. – Jaemin exposed his knowledge before shaking his head.
-Do you believe I'm like Fletcher? – I questioned without hesitation.
-Stop! Jeno, don't say his name. – Jaemin freaked out, making me look at him, concerned.
-Let it all out, Jaemin. See? You are enduring too much! – I protested, upset.
-I don't want to, Jeno. – Jaemin said while breathing fast.
-You are so stubborn! – I complained before releasing a long sigh—. Tell me anything. Please – I insisted, making Jaemin look away from me mournfully.
-I was scared. I became paralyzed after I felt 'HIM' touching me and turning more aggressive. – Jaemin anxiously revealed, making me feel very upset. Then, he continued speaking—. Nothing happened because you arrived on time. But still, I never expected to be in such a vulnerable position.
—I'm sorry you had to go through it – I sincerely admitted before closing my hands into fists. I'm fighting with myself since I want to console Jaemin as much as possible. I don't want him to feel alone.
"Screw it! I'll do what I want!" I thought.
Hesitantly, I walked to Jaemin and embraced him, shortly caressing his head while trying to console him.
—I'm sorry – I murmured while closing my eyes, holding Jaemin tighter. Suddenly, I felt his arms wrapping around my torso, causing me to feel at ease. Yet, almost immediately, Jaemin started sobbing while hiding his face against my shoulder. – I couldn't believe such heartbreaking sounds could come from Jaemin's mouth. I wanted to cry myself after listening to him.
The moment lasted seconds before Jaemin pulled me away eventually, leaving our faces close. I caressed the back of his head while he faced down, looking embarrassed as his tears continued to drop.
—I'm sorry; I shouldn't be disturbing you – Jaemin suddenly said before stepping back from me and walking away.
—Jaemin, it's okay – I said while watching him go to his bedroom—. Jaemin! – I called his name, but he still went inside and hurriedly closed the door.
"I won't leave you," I thought.
I released a long sigh and looked at the ceiling. Unfortunately, I realized Jaemin's lack of trust in me. That's why he ran away and didn't feel relaxed when I consoled him.
The following morning.
NA JAEMIN
I slept for the rest of the day after leaving Jeno. Truthfully, I felt awful for acting so oddly around him; however, I couldn't keep it together. Ever since yesterday's incident, I haven't felt the same. – The morning came very fast, yet my attitude remained the same. I still feel confused, dirty, and used.
After stretching, I exited my bedroom, and soon a sweet aroma hit my nose. I rubbed my eyes gently and looked ahead, shortly finding Jeno in the kitchen with a cup of coffee.
—Jeno – I said in shock while looking at him.
—Good morning! I prepared breakfast, and don't worry; I didn't sleep here. I only came back early after leaving last night – Jeno explained before giving me another coffee cup.
—Thanks. And how did you enter again? – I asked.
—I took the keys – Jeno answered.
—Oh! I guess you did – I merely said before drinking some coffee.
"It is surprisingly yummy," I thought.
I drank more before looking back at Jeno—. Why did you return? – I asked, confused.
—I came back because of this – Jeno said before showing me a declaration format in his hand—. You must assess Fletcher with the authorities; he can't get away with his actions – Jeno earnestly said as I took the paper and reviewed it.
—I know; I didn't plan on letting him go. But even though I want to proceed, we still have to conclude the academy's case – I pointed out before giving the paper back to Jeno.
—Are you sure that's what you want? – Jeno asked while placing the form away.
—Yes. But when I decide to take legal action, will you represent me? – I questioned, sincerely wanting Jeno's support in this situation.
—Of course, count on me – Jeno subtly smiled before taking a deep breath—. Today, we must go to the mysterious condo, but I don't know if it's the best for you – Jeno worriedly pointed out, causing me to snicker slightly.
—I'm not weak, so I'll go – I stated before looking at my coffee.
—I know, but still, I worry – Jeno admitted. His words caused me to look at him to meet his eyes.
—But we have lessons; we can't miss them – I pointed out.
—I talked with the headmaster and our teachers already. They gave us a day to go to the condo – Jeno revealed, causing me to frown at his words.
—What did you tell them? – I asked.
—That we had an accident; that's all – Jeno assured me, and somehow, I did trust his statement.
"Why is Jeno protecting me so much? Did I scare him too much yesterday?" I thought.
—Jaemin, stop overthinking and have breakfast. Please. Yesterday, you went to sleep on an empty stomach – Jeno softly told me, making me slightly blush. He's being too gentle.
—Alright – I said before we sat at the dining table, and shortly Jeno served my food.