Chapter 2: Apologies and Fights

I let my eyes get used to the light and was confused on where I was. I looked around and it took me a second to realize that I was in my dorm room. I was still a little dazed when I grabbed my phone and looked at the time. It read 1:26 P.M. At that point, I slowly gathered my thoughts and looked at my notifications.

I had 7 unread messages and 3 missed calls from San. Scrolling more, I saw that I also had a missed call and an unread message from Jongho. After I saw these, it finally sunk in. I slept through all my alarms and seeing what time it was, I already missed my classes.

I sighed and debated on whether or not I should just fall asleep again. Before I could go back to sleep, I got another message but this time it was from Yunho. It was a slight surprise since he usually just calls me. I checked the message:

Yunho: "(Y/N), are you still in your dorm room?"

(Y/N): "Yeah, why?"

Yunho: "I'm outside your building. Could you come out?"

I was a little confused but I replied that I would be down soon. I went and quickly washed up and headed down.

When I got there I saw Yunho and the guy that harassed me yesterday. I got a little nervous at the sight of him remembering what happened yesterday. It was replaced with curiosity when I saw that both Yunho and the other guy looked even more nervous than I felt.

I walked up to them with a slight delay in my steps to see if they would notice me. Yunho was the first to see me and both him and the other guy came rushing towards me.

Yunho: I am so sorry (Y/N)! This is all my fault. I was the one who put him up to this. Please put the blame on me.

???: (Y/N), don't listen to him. I was the one who went through with it. Get mad at me. Gosh, I'm so sorry for putting you through something like that. I deserve all the blame.

I was utterly flabbergasted. I have two guys in front of me apologizing, and I don't even know why.

(Y/N): Woah, hold on. What are you guys even apologizing for?

They looked at each other briefly before Yunho spoke in a somewhat shy tone. He reached a hand to touch his hair.

Yunho: Aren't you mad about yesterday? It was a horrible prank.

I was still confused but started to piece together everything.

(Y/N): Wait, that was a prank!? Yunho, what the crap were you thinking?! It's not even horrible, it shouldn't have been done in the first place. And you! Why the freak did you go along with it?!

They both seemed to deflate after my little explosion. This made my anger calm down slightly, but I waited for an explanation before I gave them anything else.

Yunho looked down and mumbled his words.

Yunho: So you are mad…

(Y/N): Yunho, how could I not be? That was such a stupid prank to pull. Both of you should be ashamed. I'm honestly going easy on you. If you guys did it to someone else, I would be doing a lot more than just yell at you.

???: Sorry (Y/N). We just wanted to scare you slightly. We didn't want you to be so upset that you wouldn't show up to your classes.

I was taken aback by this and became even more confused.

(Y/N): Wait, what are you guys talking about?

Yunho: Isn't that why you didn't show up to class? I mean, I asked San to text you and he never got a response. He even said he asked another friend of yours to contact you but you didn't respond to them either. We thought that you figured out it was me that was behind it and was trying to ignore everyone because of spite…

Finally realizing what this was all about, I let out an exasperated sigh.

(Y/N): That's why you guys were apologizing at the start. Guys, it's ok. This is just a misunderstanding. I actually just stayed up too late last night and slept through my alarms. I didn't even know that what happened yesterday was because of you. You can tone down the apologies a bit. I'm still mad though.

This seemed to lighten their spirits ever so slightly and they apologized profusely. Once they were done, I turned to the other guy.

(Y/N): Now that this is over with, what's your name? I haven't learned it yet.

???: Oh, my name is Mingi. Again, I'm really sorry for what I did.

(Y/N): I know, I can tell. It's not ok but I can get over it.

Mingi looked down and pouted, making him look like a cute kid. This made me smile because I basically had two puppies in front of me.

(Y/N): Alright you two. You guys apologized so don't feel too bad about it. For now, why don't we go get something to eat and Yunho can tell me everything I missed.

They both agreed and we headed to the cafeteria since they both still had classes and didn't want to risk being late. We sat down at a table and Yunho caught me up on all that I missed. Fortunately, it wasn't too much for me to handle. After I was caught up, we decided to chat for a while.

(Y/N): So, Mingi, were you always friends with Yunho?

Mingi: Pretty much. At first, we were just roommates but as we got more comfortable with each other, we became really close friends.

(Y/N): I'm guessing it was really close to go along with his idea of a prank yesterday, right?

Seeing how they reacted, I laughed slightly.

(Y/N): Sorry, couldn't help myself.

Mingi: You're fine. I honestly deserved it.

Yunho: Oh, that reminds me. After our "prank," Mingi and I were camping out by my car, kind of panicking and unsure of how to make it up to you. While we were there, San actually came up and when he saw me, he looked like he wanted to drive over me with my own car. He started to yell and get onto me, alongside Mingi of course. San was so scary. Geez, just thinking about it sends shivers down my spine.

Mingi nodded his head in agreement and even shivered a little to prove the point.

(Y/N): I've never seen San angry, well, not that angry at least. Are you sure you guys aren't just exaggerating?

Both Mingi and Yunho shook their heads.

Mingi: I don't even know him well and I was terrified.

Yunho: Yeah. Honestly, if he could get away with it, he'd probably murder us then.

(Y/N): Ok, now you guys are exaggerating. Yunho, me and you both know that San isn't a violent person. If he genuinely wants to kill you, you either pissed him off beyond his limits or he's lost his mind. Maybe even both.

This prompted a chuckle from someone behind me. Turning around, I see San and Jongho standing nearby.

San: Yeah, that pretty much sums up my reasons.

(Y/N): When did you guys get here?

San: Long enough to hear that last part.

The two of them pulled up chairs and sat with the rest of us.

San: So, I'm guessing (Y/N) already chewed you two out, huh?

Yunho: Yes and more. By the way, I don't think I ever met you? What's your name?

Jongho: My name's Jongho. I'm friends with these two.

Jongho indicated with both of his thumbs to me and San.

Yunho: Nice to meet you, Jongho! This guy right here is Mingi.

The five of us continued to talk until Mingi and Yunho had to leave for their next class. San also stayed for a bit before he had to leave as well. This left just me and Jongho together.

Jongho: So, (Y/N), do you have anything planned for the rest of the day?

(Y/N): Not really. Why?

Jongho: I was hoping you might come to the park with me.

(Y/N): Is this a date?

Jongho: I forgot to mention that Hongjoong will be there as well. He wanted some inspiration but didn't want to go alone. Just extending the invite to you.

I let out a small laugh.

(Y/N): Alright then. I'll go. But, I'm guessing that you wanted this to be a date?

Jongho stayed silent and got a little red. I laughed once again at another success at my teasing. We then left the cafeteria and met up with Hongjoong who just got out of work.

We got to the park and just walked around for a while. Occasionally, Hongjoong would write something in his notebook that he brought with him. After a while, we stopped at a bench that was overlooking the lake here.

(Y/N): Hey Hongjoong. I've been meaning to ask, what do you need the inspiration for?

Hongjoong got a little shy before answering.

Hongjoong: Oh, um, I was just planning on doing something but wasn't sure how to go about it. That's all.

(Y/N): Is it an art piece for a client?

Hongjoong: Not exactly. I'm actually trying to write a song.

(Y/N): Wow, really? That's so cool! How far are you with it?

Hongjoong: Not too far. I have a basic idea of what I want; I just really wasn't sure how I was going to proceed with it.

(Y/N): Well, once you're finished with it, I'd really like to hear it.

Hongjoong: Of course! Don't worry Jongho, you'll hear it too.

Jongho: I better.

We stayed at the bench for a few minutes before deciding to leave. As we got closer to the park entrance, we started to hear a commotion. Looking up ahead, we could see a crowd of people. I knew immediately that it was some fight and looked at Hongjoong and Jongho. I could tell none of us wanted to go through that, but it was the only way out of the park.

Keeping very close to each other, we slowly inched closer to the inevitable crowd. We could hear the shouting increase with each step we took and I dreaded the sight we would have to see. We were basically a part of the crowd now, though, keeping to the outskirts.

I could only see some glimpses of some guys, I presume, beating each other up. We almost got to the entrance when we heard the crowd roar and I turned back to see what happened. They parted and one of the guys came flying at us, landing next to our feet. He was really bruised up and I felt so bad for him. He was clearly very weak; it looked like he couldn't even keep his head up. He caught our eyes and said so quietly:

???: Please… help…

Tough Looking Guy 1: Hey! Where do you think you're going squirt?

Looking back up, I saw a somewhat buff guy and another buddy of his coming towards us. I didn't know what I was going to do, but I couldn't leave this guy to be hurt anymore.

Tough Looking Guy 2: Oh, looks like he's made some friends. Ha! Pathetic.

The guy's eyes were fixated on the two with much fear. I could see that he was backing up every so slightly towards us.

Tough Looking Guy 1: They're probably not friends. This loser has no friends. Hey! Sorry about that. We'll just take this garbage out of your way and you can go.

I was not ready to back down, but to my surprise, Jongho stepped up and faced them.

Jongho: Sorry, but the only garbage I see is right in front of me.

(Y/N): Uh, Jongho? What are you doing?

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw that Hongjoong was getting concerned as well. I've never seen Jongho's strength like San said, but I really doubted he could take on these two.

I tried to get Jongho to back down by touching his shoulder but that didn't phase him. By the looks the two were giving to him as well, I could tell he struck a nerve with them.

Tough Looking Guy 1: You really gonna talk tough, huh. Well, I guess it's time for us to show you some manners.

They both advanced and the crowd started cheering. I was getting really scared and was debating on whether or not I should call the police. Before I could do anything though, the first threw a punch aimed directly for Jongho's head. However, Jongho dodged it so swiftly and countered with his own blow to the head. His punch must have been quite powerful since I heard a slight cracking when it connected.

The guy stumbled back a little and looked a little dazed. The second was in disbelief but threw his own punch. Jongho, like before, dodged the attack and did a critical counter to the guy's gut. He also stumbled back but at this point, the other was up and ready to attack. Seeing as they couldn't get a good angle going in one on one, they charged together.

Jongho was able to keep up with them, only getting hit ever so often. I was in awe, watching this fight start to blur. I couldn't move; I was so entranced. However, I caught something in my peripheral vision. Somehow, one of the guys was able to get behind Jongho, without him knowing, and was ready to deal a fatal blow.

(Y/N): Jongho! Behind you!

Jongho turned around and was able to block the attack. However, this left him open to the other. Taking his chance, he rushed Jongho. I froze, dreading what I was going to see. However, the guy who was getting beat up got to his feet and landed a punch on the guy's temple.

This completely knocked him out and he fell motionless to the ground. This sudden distraction gave Jongho an opening and he landed a punch to the guy's gut. He also fell to the ground but more out of breath than being knocked out.

Tough Looking Guy 1: Alright! You win. Please just stop.

Jongho didn't say anything but instead gave the guy a death glare that held all the meaning he needed. The crowd started to disperse, though some went to the two guys. It was at this point when I realized I was holding my breath. Letting it out, I made my way to Jongho.

I stopped halfway when I saw that the guy we saved was very unstable on his feet. Fearing that he would faint, I rushed towards him. My guess was right and he collapsed. Luckily, I was quick enough and caught him before he hit the ground. I slowly lowered him down, doing my best not to have him go completely limp.

I could tell he was on the verge of unconsciousness and was doing all he could to keep his eyes open. He started to lean on me but I didn't really mind. I was more worried about how we were going to get him home than some physical contact.

I supported his weight until Hongjoong kneeled down and gave the guy a water bottle. He grabbed it but it was clear he was too weak to lift it. Hongjoong then moved his arm up and supported it to let him drink. He got to halfway before Jongho joined us and sat down.

Jongho: Thanks for the save back there. That probably would have ended badly if you didn't come in clutch.

The guy let out a pained chuckle.

???: I should be thanking you. You're the one who saved me.

Jongho: I guess that's true. Anyway, how are you feeling? I can tell you took quite a beating.

???: I'd say I've had worse but this is the worst I've felt. I really can't feel much of anything right now.

He took a glance up at me and seemed to get shy.

???: Oh, and uh… sorry for leaning on you…

(Y/N): Don't worry about it. You just took a beating and can barely keep your eyes open. The least I'm worried about is you leaning on me.

This seemed to make him relax a little more. I did feel that he moved slightly away which I could only silently smile at.

Hongjoong: Well, at least it's over for now. How did you even end up in that situation?

???: Long story that I don't want to get into. Just know it was a bunch of stupid decisions.

Jongho: Understandable. By the way, what's your name? I'm Jongho.

Yeosang: My name is Yeosang.

We then stayed there for a few minutes just getting to know each other. We found out that Yeosang actually went to the same college as us and was even in the same dorm building as me.

It was a surprise since I never saw him. Though, to my fault, I tend not to notice things, let alone people. We continued to talk before Yeosang spoke up.

Yeosang: I can feel my legs now. I think I should start heading back.

He started to stand up but lost his footing. I caught him once again and he leaned on my shoulder.

(Y/N): Are you sure you can walk? I didn't see the full fight but you are in pretty bad shape right now.

Yeosang: I might need some help getting there...

Jongho: That's all you needed to say.

Jongho then took Yeosang to where his weight was shifted onto him. It was a lot more effortless than I was expecting from someone who was just in a fight earlier. It was then when I saw how bruised Jongho's knuckles were.

I went and took his free hand.

(Y/N): Jongho! I didn't even notice. Are you ok? Your knuckles are so purple…

He seemed taken aback by the sudden attention.

Jongho: Oh! Uh, don't worry about it. It doesn't actually hurt that much despite how bad it looks. I haven't fought in a while so my knuckles aren't used to it anymore.

(Y/N): In a while??

He chuckled nervously.

Jongho: I see that I have some explaining to do. I'll get to it but maybe later.

With that, we headed to Yeosang's and my dorm building. Hongjoong had split off from us a bit earlier since his dorm was on a different side of the campus.

Near the entrance, there was someone waiting outside. Once he saw us, he came over and took Yeosang, in which he gave no resistance.

???: Sorry for any inconvenience this guy caused you. Trouble just seems to follow him.

(Y/N): It was no problem. Though, I'm surprised you knew he caused trouble.

???: I kind of have a 6th sense when it comes to him. You'd be surprised. There was this one time where...

Yeosang: Ok Wooyoung! You can stop now.

Even in the dim light, I could see Yeosang getting red.

The guy, whose name I assumed was Wooyoung, let out a laugh.

Wooyoung: Alright. I'll stop...for now.

Yeosang just rolled his eyes, clearly wanting to leave. I'm pretty sure if he wasn't so injured, he would've walked right into the building and left him behind. We said some brief goodbyes and they headed inside the building.

Jongho: Well, I guess I should get going too. I'll see you tomorrow (Y/N).

(Y/N): Hold on. You're not going anywhere.

Jongho: I'm...not?

(Y/N): Not with your knuckles looking like that. Besides, even though you weren't as injured as Yeosang, I can tell that you're hurting. You were limping the whole way back.

Jongho: You noticed, huh?

(Y/N): It wasn't that hard to see. It was like Yeosang was one leg and you were the other but you guys had no coordination.

Jongho looked down, embarrassment showing on his face.

Jongho: Was it that noticeable?...

(Y/N): Yes it was. Now come on, I have some ice packs in my dorm room. Stay and rest up for a while.

I gently grabbed Jongho's arm and led him inside the building, not waiting for him to protest. He followed me since I didn't feel any sort of resistance, though it might have just been because he knew I wasn't going to take "no" as an answer. We made it to my dorm room in silence and I sat him at my desk.

Opening my closet, I pulled out the box where my mom stuffed a bunch of first aid supplies and medicine. There was quite a lot packed in there so it took me a moment before I got to the ice packs. I pulled out one and squeezed it to activate the chemicals inside. I handed it to Jongho and sat on the edge of my bed. He put the pack on his hand and looked around the room awkwardly.

(Y/N): What? Expecting a bit more from my room?

He smiled.

Jongho: I guess. Didn't expect it to be so minimalistic.

(Y/N): If I decorate it, there will just be more stuff to clean up afterwards. Besides, I like this simple style. It's therapeutic in a weird way.

Jongho: Hm, I guess it is. Though, what do you do when you are here?

(Y/N): Mainly homework or just sleep. To be honest, I rarely stay here; I'm usually out with San.

Jongho nodded in response but stayed quiet. He shifted the ice pack onto his other hand; revealing the purple on his knuckles. That reminded me that I had some arnica ointment from when San kept getting bruises in his dance classes.

I went back to my closet and brought it out. I went to Jongho with it in hand and debated on whether or not I should just give it to him. Jongho stared back at me with a question in his eyes.

(Y/N): Hm, keep the ice pack on your other hand. I'll apply this to this hand.

Jongho: I can do it myself. It's no trouble.

(Y/N): Just focus on the ice pack. This won't last too long.

I then took his hand and spread the ointment on his knuckles. It was a small area so it really didn't take much; unlike how much I used to have to use on San. I then moved onto his other hand which still had the lingering cold of the ice pack. Once that was done, I put everything away and laid down on my bed.

(Y/N): Today has been unexpectedly tiring.

Jongho: Tell me about it.

I laughed.

(Y/N): Right, you were just in a fight. By the way, you still have some explaining to do.

Jongho: *sigh* Guess I do.

Jongho began to tell me that he used to do boxing in highschool. He also explained that his teacher taught them without gloves and they only wore them when they were in the ring. His teacher said it was so they would get used to punching hard with their bare fists, so when they put on the gloves, they would have to put more force to match their bare hands.

I didn't really understand but Jongho seemed to enjoy talking about his past so I didn't question anything. I laid there and listened to what he had to say, commenting every so often. It was the first time I saw Jongho so passionate about something and it made me smile.

Jongho: How many times is this going to happen?

I sat up, laughing awkwardly.

(Y/N): I was staring again, wasn't I?

Jongho: Yup, this time with a dopey grin on your face.

Embarrassment was all I could feel and I hid my face by facing the wall. I could not believe I let this happen twice; I really need to be aware of what I'm doing. Suddenly, I felt a dip in the bed beside me. Turning, I saw Jongho looking at me with a soft smile.

Jongho: Don't worry about it (Y/N). It's kind of cute to be honest.

I shrugged my shoulders but it felt nice that he wasn't weirded out. After that, we just sat on my bed and talked. We talked about anything: school, life, and anything else that came to mind. It was a nice bonding moment between us and it was relaxing to have. I rarely get a chance to just sit down and talk to someone nowadays.

We did this for who knows how long until Jongho decided to leave. We said our goodbyes and I watched him as he went down the hallway. Closing my door, I went back and laid on my bed. It was then when I realized that my heart was beating. It wasn't out of anxiety or anything; it was something else. It felt cozy and warm.

At that moment, I heard my phone start to ring. Looking at the caller ID, I smiled seeing San's name pop up.

I answered the phone.

(Y/N): Let me guess, you're calling me to freak out because of the fight we got caught in?

San: No, I already did that with Hongjoong. Pretty sure I annoyed the crap out of him. I'm calling because I wanted to check in with my best friend. You're fine, right?

(Y/N): I'm fine, San. Though, being honest, you should be talking to Jongho; he was the one taking the hits.

I heard him let out a small laugh.

San: Maybe you're right but I know he's strong. He won't let some pathetic low lives beat him up. ...especially with you there.

(Y/N): Hm? What did you say?

San: I said especially with that crowd of people there. Got to impress them!

I heard him laugh once again and all I could do was smile. We ended up talking for a while before he decided to call it a night.

San: Welp, goodnight (Y/N). I'm going to head to bed. Love you bestfriend~

I let out a small chuckle.

(Y/N): Love you too Sanie.

I could hear a smile cross his face before he hung up. I set my phone on my nightstand and laid back on my bed. Today was so eventful that I didn't even realize how exhausted I was. This day must have drained me so I didn't waste too much time getting ready for bed. As I drifted off to sleep, I couldn't help but think about that warm feeling I had when Jongho was here.