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"Son can't you be any faster?" Deruth slowly said as he peered down the window again. "He's been waiting for thirty minutes and it's hot outside."
Cale was brushing his teeth after haphazardly throwing his uniform on. His expression becoming more and more annoyed while he fixed his clothes with one hand.
"I told him not to treat me any differently, it's his fault so let him sweat." Cale replied like he didn't care in the slightest but Deruth could see how he was moving much quicker than he usually did.
Cale glanced towards his father through the mirror, "Why didn't you let him in if you were so worried?"
"I did... Well I told Ron to."
Cale sighed and finished brushing his teeth. He knew Ron disliked Choi Han quite a bit, although the reason was unknown. Or maybe he did know...
He quickly tied his hair with his signature black ribbon while Deruth's words faded in the background. He thought about the boy who was waiting for him at the gate. His heart kept doing a stupid thump thump that he was trying, and failing, to stop.
Right, he and Choi Han were dating now. Dating! After years of dancing around each other, hang outs that stretched for hours, and overthinking if the varsity player actually liked him—Choi Han had finally mustered up the courage to ask him out yesterday.
And Cale felt embarrassed remembering how quick he was to say yes. He covered his ever growing hot face with one hand as he desperately buried that thought away.
"Cale? Are you listening?"
Oh, Deruth was still talking to him. "Yes. I'll grab some bread to eat on the way."
Deruth frowned at that, Cale hadn't been able to eat full meals every morning since school started. "Maybe it's time for you to wake up earlier, son-"
"Not happening. See you later." Cale quickly shut Deruth's proposition by closing the door, and descended the stairs to go to the kitchen. Quickly grabbing a sandwich Vicross made and thanking him quietly.
Basen and Lily went to school earlier than he did so most of the servants' attention was now solely on him. Worrying about slightly wrinkly clothes, packing him more snacks for the day, and just pampering him nonstop that it took a while for him to finally open the front door.
The crisp air alongside the chirping of birds and the rays of the sun greeted him as he stepped outside. But that wasn't what caught his attention. It was the fact that Choi Han was standing outside the gate talking peacefully with Violan like this whole situation was normal.
Like waking up at the crack of dawn just to wait for him and risking the chance of being late was normal.
Or maybe it was now. Couples seem to do many idiotic things from what he's read in novels. Maybe Choi Han was like one of those green flag MLs that don't mind standing for half an hour waiting for their lazy boyfriend without even calling or texting.
Right, Choi Han should have at least texted him. If he did, Cale would have stopped deliberately sleeping late, got up early, and fixed himself properly.
But now he was walking towards them hoping that he didn't look too messy.
... Cale almost stopped walking after he realized what he had just thought. Seriously, as if he cared if Choi Han saw him look horrible. Cale didn't care one bit; he knew he wasn't perfect. Still, he tucked a strand of hair behind his ear once he reached them.
And then didn't acknowledge Choi Han's presence at all.
"Good morning mother."
Violan had her usual updo hairstyle with no strand out of place. Cale was sure he was the opposite of her at the moment.
"Good morning. You finished quicker today." She smiled elegantly, but Cale knew something about it was different.
He knew it because he always smiled the same way at Alver, and it was always bad news—not for Cale of course but for the “sun” council president of Roan Academy.
"Did I? I didn't notice." Cale feigned ignorance as he felt the stare of the black haired boy intensify.
Violan merely smiled again and turned to the boy still outside the gate, "You should come by every morning, Choi Han. Then Cale would finally wake up early."
"Can I...?" Choi Han sheepishly asked while Cale glared at him.
"No. Mother, is there a car available?" Cale dismissed the request in Violan's stead. He wasn't sure if his heart could take walking to school with him daily, and Cale wasn't ready to not sleep in too.
Violan glanced at Choi Han, Cale narrowed his eyes at that, "No there isn't. Which is good, you can get some exercise today, Cale."
Choi Han nodded at that happily. Cale looked back and forth at them knowing that they orchestrated the whole thing, then finally sighed and opened the gate.
"We'll be leaving now..." He dragged Choi Han by the sleeve forcefully.
Before they could walk farther away, the black haired boy called out, “Bye mom- I mean auntie!"
Which resulted in Cale yanking his sleeves even more.
Violan quietly let out an amused laugh as she watched the two go. What a nice boy... But was he the match for Cale?
She contemplated it for a while then shook her head, it was too early to judge them. For now, Violan could only watch and monitor the two.
Meanwhile, Cale was having a headache. What idiot would call their partner's stepmother, mom, after a day of dating!? Choi Han apparently. Tsk.
Still, try as he might, Cale couldn't help the small smile creeping onto his face at the thought of Choi Han already thinking about marrying him.
A few moments passed by in silence as they walked together peacefully. Finally, Choi Han spoke, “Good morning, Cale.”
Cale stopped walking entirely. He removed his grip on the other’s sleeve and finally took a good look at him for the first time that morning. And of course, once their eyes met, Choi Han had such a soft expression befitting the way he greeted him.
The redhead then nodded at the greeting and was a second away from walking forward again when he realized that he should probably respond properly.
What should he say though? Talking with Choi Han had never been difficult before but now he was overthinking on what to say.
“...Have you eaten yet?” That was all he could manage before looking away towards his sandwich.
Partners ask that question all the time right? It should be fine.
Cale inspected the ingredients thoroughly. Wow, it had salmon, how fancy. Vicross outdid himself as per usual.
He heard the other chuckle behind him so he turned to look at him. “What's so funny?”
Choi Han looked at him incredulously while he covered his laughter with the back of his hand.
Earlier, he had been wondering why Cale had gone silent and looked like he was thinking about something important.
But he was actually just… pfft. How cute was that!
Especially since other people would have just greeted him back and thrown in a polite "how are you?"
But Cale wasn't a normal person, definitely not, so Choi Han knew that the simple question people would overlook most of the time was him showing his care in his own ways.
To put it simply, being asked if he’d eaten yet by the Cale Henituse was practically receiving an I love you or an I care about you but in Morse code.
And here he thought Cale had been angry at him for being outside his house…
“Nothing’s. Funny. I've eaten already so don't worry.” Choi Han walked to match Cale's pace.
Cale narrowed his eyes at that. Choi Han lied about not finding anything funny but it didn't seem important, still… “You ate instant noodles again, didn’t you?”
He watched as the other visibly gulped. He was right.
“Maybe…?”
Cale sighed, “Choi Han, you know those are unhealthy.”
“I know, but it's too expensive to keep buying take out everyday. I'll make it up to you by eating better at lunch, hm?”
Cale was confused, why did he have to make it up to him? …Ah was it because he was worrying?
Damn it he was acting like those stereotypical romance MCs!
Choi Han didn't make things any easier either. Why doesn’t he know how to take care of himself?
“Well, you should at least eat something again, you waited so long… Here, have half of it.” Cale held out the food towards him. Choi Han should eat some more or else he wouldn't absorb information unlike him who had perfect memory.
Choi Han went silent as warmth filled him inside.
Cale hadn't eaten yet, he was sure of it. It was evident from the fact that his hair wasn't dried properly and how his collar was crooked that he'd just woken up. Yet, he was sharing his food… Oh what did he do in his past life to deserve being with Cale? He was eternally grateful.
He pushed the sandwich away at last. “There's no need, Miss Violan wouldn't want me stealing your food.” Choi Han chuckled, “She’d get mad at me.”
Cale furrowed his brows slightly, Choi Han wasn't stealing though? He was offering it to him, that's why he should just accept it.
Or was it because of something Violan said?
Sigh, his family shouldn't have known about this whole relationship so quickly with how overprotective they were.
The thing was… He had thought he was under the radar after he came home last night. But Cale guessed he acted weirdly because Ron had asked him why he was smiling at his phone.
He did not know he was unconsciously doing so. So while Cale was shocked with himself, Ron had stepped closer and glanced down at his contacts.
And lo and behold, Choi Han's name was there.
It was too late to hide anything after seeing Ron’s scary benign smile that sent shivers down his spine.
Then well… things escalated from there—Rumors spread amongst the servants like wildfire until it came to the attention of his parents and siblings.
Cale had thought that telling the truth would spare him from questions of his now existent love life but it just sparked even more.
Cale's mood soured just thinking about it. He could have slept more during that time of questioning.
It wouldn't be good if Choi Han was having a hard time due to his family.
“Did she say anything to you?”
Choi Han tilted his head, “Um… She did tell me to take care of you.”
Oh.
Cale nodded at that, it was a pretty normal thing to say for a parent.
The other turned away looking pleased, “And that I should never hurt you because if I did—”, he now had a smile on his face, “—they’d place a massive bounty on my head! Haha!”
…What? Seriously?
Cale had a dumbfounded expression. Who would say that to their son’s boyfriend!?
Well it was nice to know they cared about him so much but still.
Actually putting that aside, why was Choi Han happy about this?
Choi Han glanced towards him, a smile still plastered on his face. “You don't have to worry Cale! I would never hurt you, and if I ever do in the future… I'm glad to be hunted down by your people!”
Why would you be glad! Are you a secret masochist…?
Cale didn't know what to feel. Choi Han's words counted as romantic, he was pretty sure, though he really had to talk to his family about saying weird stuff to him.
I would never hurt you.
Heh.
Heh?
Ugh.
Cale tried his best to stop thinking about Choi Han's words. He was starting to have soft mushy thoughts, how horrible.
“I see… You shouldn't think about it too much, Violan was just joking.” Cale said quietly while knowing she was not at all.
Choi Han nodded at that.
They started walking in silence again while Cale began munching on his food. Delicious. He hummed happily.
Hm?
When he looked at Choi Han, he found out that he’d been staring at him already—and his sandwich. Aigoo, he really was hungry. He should have just said so.
Little did Cale know, Choi Han had stared at him because he'd looked adorable eating happily.
Cale broke a portion off and handed it to him. Choi Han looked confused but he was adamant, “Just take it. It's a small bite.”
Choi Han still hesitated. “Would you… be happy if I did?”
“I will be happy.” Seriously, this varsity player was too kind. It's not like he'd starve because Choi Han would eat one bite.
“Okay.” The black haired boy finally took it and ate.
Cale felt a weird sense of accomplishment feeding him for some reason. Oh, some ketchup smudged on the side of his face.
Cale carefully removed it using his thumb, “Is it tasty?”
Choi Han blinked at him, a rose tinge spread through his cheeks.
Hm? The food wasn't spicy though?
The other coughed and covered his face with one hand, “It depends… Who made it?”
“Vicross did.”
“Then it's plain.”
Cale let out a disbelieving laugh. Seriously, what the hell was Choi Han's problem with the Molans? He stopped after he found Choi Han staring again because god he still wasn't used to the other staring at him warmly.
Well, he was sure Choi Han had been doing so for a long time now but he'd only noticed just recently.
And like so, the comfortable atmosphere came back. Cats passed by, the breeze became cooler, and soon they were halfway towards the main road.
They also came across several lovey-dovey couples holding hands or kissing on the streets.
Cale didn't pay attention to them, but Choi Han did. Which made him conscious over the fact that they were walking so close together that their hands occasionally brushed.
This was his chance…!
Choi Han concentrated very hard to make sure his palms weren't sweaty. After he finally got the courage, he casually grabbed Cale's hand and looked dead straight forward.
Cale flinched. He glanced upwards to see Choi Han sweating bullets. Oh.
He felt relieved to know the other was nervous about the whole thing too. But Cale had to show that he shouldn't be.
Cale gently intertwined their fingers together which made Choi Han finally look at him. That familiar red tinge decorated both their faces as they quickly turned away from each other.
It was a bit embarrassing doing pda, Cale never thought he'd do such things. But he'd admit it wasn't bad at all, feeling Choi Han's warmth on his hand.
Other passerby and vendors watched as the two had small grins they were trying to conceal.
“Why did you come pick me up?” Cale said after a while, smile successfully hidden. “Didn't I tell you to treat me normally?”
“But isn't it normal to do so?”
“Well I guess, since we're—” Cale couldn't continue that sentence to save his life. “—Still, it's too troublesome.”
Choi Han considered it for a moment. “I usually do it with Rosalyn though? I don't find it tiring.”
“What?”
They both stopped in their tracks. Cale had a look of betrayal as he pursed his lips into a thin line.
Deep down Cale knew he shouldn't be bothered by it. Rosalyn and Choi Han were best friends. That's all.
Yet, it irked him that this wasn't his first rodeo.
Choi Han must have noticed something had ticked Cale off so he immediately explained. “Oh! I only do it when she has too many things to bring for Science class.”
He scratched his cheek and continued, “It's actually my first time waiting for so long. But I didn't mind it at all.”
Because it's you.
Cale didn't know what to say so he ended up dragging him along the road again.
Choi Han watched him silently for a moment then leaned closer, “Do you want me to only pick you up, Cale?”
Cale squeezed his hand. A yes.
Or not because he immediately added, “No, it's not like I own you, do what you want.”
Two differing answers from Cale's mind and body huh. Choi Han smiled to himself, he had a feeling he knew what Cale truly felt.
Choi Han hoped Rosalyn and his other friends would understand.
They’ll probably call him a simp and Choi Han knew he wouldn’t be able to say a word against it. He'd do anything Cale asked him to—if it's reasonable—especially if it made him happy.
“Oh, but this doesn't mean that you can keep walking me to school everyday.” Cale added.
Dang it.
Still, Choi Han nodded at that which made Cale smile.
Afterwards, words flowed easier between them like it usually did. Time passed by as they savored every moment they had with each other. Enjoying it so much that they didn't realize the sky was turning grey.
They only noticed it when Cale finished complaining about his council duties and Choi Han began ranting about Vicross giving stingy portions of lunch food.
“Seriously?”
“Yes! Then he gives the person after me double the food!” Choi Han enthusiastically retold the story and Cale listened attentively.
“Remind me to be after you then.” He said lightly.
Choi Han laughed at that, “Please, he already gives you more— hm?” He felt a drop of water in his hair, making him look up.
Could it be…?
No, please not now! Not when they're having this moment! Come on, just be his imagination!
Cale blinked as water dropped into his eyes. It was gonna rain, very soon.
It reminded him of a popular scene in movies. The one where the two love interests shared an umbrella in the rain.
Would they be doing that next?
That weird heart racing feeling crept back again but when he turned to Choi Han, the scene in his head evaporated. The other had closed his eyes like he was preparing for the inevitable.
“...You didn't bring an umbrella?”
“No I—” he scrambled to find words, “—I was really excited to see you so I forgot!” It had been hot outside so he thought he didn't need it.
“How can you forget something so essential?” Cale asked disbelievingly.
“Did you bring one?”
“No! I rushed because I was excited too!” Cale finally said what he truly felt and fell silent.
They both blinked at each other.
The droplets were starting to pour down. But even as the atmosphere turned cooler, they both seemed to not notice.
Slowly, Choi Han removed his hand from Cale’s and started unbuttoning his jacket. Slinging it onto Cale's body.
It was slightly oversized, perfect for shielding him from the rain.
The redhead grabbed the front of it, adjusting it to fit his figure better. He glanced at the other, then made room to fit two people. He motioned with his chin for Choi Han to go besides him already.
Choi Han didn't pay him any mind as he undid his polo and draped it over his head.
“That's too thin…” Cale worryingly said. Choi Han would definitely get drenched with just that. He saw him mouthing the words ‘it’s fine’.
No it's not fine! Is this idiot trying to catch a fever?
“We're close to the main road, let's find a taxi quickly.” Cale told him hurriedly.
However, as much as they briskly walked through the streets, the pace Cale set was unbearably slow.
Of course, for him the pace was just right.
Choi Han noticed the rain picking up speed. If they continued like this, they’d definitely be late and wet.
He knew Cale didn't care about attendance which made sense with how unhurried he was. But he did. So to make things enjoyable, “How about we race?”
“What?” Cale had a puzzled expression. Racing right now when they could slip on a puddle and get a concussion, seriously?
Choi Han nodded, “Up until the main road. It's not far so you won't get tired quickly, or…” his eyes crinkled. “Are you scared you'll lose?”
The rain and jacket covered Cale's growing grin. Of course he'd lose but Choi Han was getting too cocky. “Hah! I'm pretty agile myself.”
Due to his sickly physique, Cale’s weight compared to paper. Which didn't help in most situations aside from activities like running.
“You'll need to give me a head start though—about thirty seconds?” Cale watched as the other thought about it.
Choi Han nodded. “Okay, thirty seconds…” Cale started preparing himself, "...Starting now!”
Cale took off as fast as he could, maintaining his consistent breathing in the process. He took a turn in one of the alleyways then another. Using his familiarity of the neighborhood to pass through shortcuts. It was his strategy to win against a crazy stamina junkie like Choi Han.
“Haaaah, whew…” Cale managed to maintain a steady pace but he had started to lose his breath. Still, Choi Han was undoubtedly way behind.
He wondered what Choi Han's face would look like after he won. It made his satisfaction level go through the roof.
"Exhausted already?”
Cale flinched and slipped on one of the puddles he’d been trying to avoid. Thanks to Choi Han's reflexes, he didn't fall.
Their faces inches apart alongside Choi Han's steady grip on his waist made him almost forget what they were doing. Keyword being almost because Cale could never easily forget stuff for some reason.
“How did you find me…?” Cale asked bewildered while still panting.
Choi Han wasn't able to answer quickly because he’d ended up staring at Cale longer than he was supposed to. After catching his mistake, he quickly set Cale upright, “Ah, I asked around for a redhead that was running! Hehe.”
“But that's- that's cheating isn't it!?” Cale pointed an accusing finger at him. It was unfair that Choi Han was leeching off his strategy.
The other tilted his head, “Why would it count as cheating?” Choi Han leaned closer and fixed the jacket on him. “I was sure you'd use some shortcut so I agreed to that head start—” he took a step back and gave Cale one of his big toothy grins, “Thanks!”
Without further ado he set off in a rush leaving him behind.
“Hey you!” Cale cursed under his breath while the rain poured harder than before. With no other choice, he ran to catch up.
It was evident that Choi Han wasn't taking this seriously with how he kept looking backwards and smiling at him. Giving him the idea that he could still match his pace then immediately running forwards again and again and again.
It would be a lie to say that Cale hated this. Well, he hated the running for sure but Choi Han seemed to be enjoying himself so much.
Cale chuckled to himself, thanking the rain for hiding it from the other. Screw it, he loved seeing Choi Han so happy that it even made him forget the pain in his legs!
Wait, what pain?
He stopped running and catched his breath. “Choi Han wait… I don't think I can—”
Choi Han slowed down and turned back. Smiling softly, he reached out his hand towards Cale. “We're here, let's go grab that taxi.”
Cale glanced up at him with an irritated expression. The main road was now in sight, just a few steps away.
Choi Han followed his line of sight. “Ah, you can walk to the finish line first if you want.”
They'd gotten out of the neighborhood with twenty minutes still remaining. That's why he didn't mind losing.
The redhead’s face lit up. Cale didn't care if it was out of pity. He believed the phrase a win is a win through and through.
So he shamelessly went past Choi Han with the little bit of strength he had on his legs until—
He stepped onto the road and looked back. “I win-”.
“Hey! Get out of the way!”
Some kids bumped into him as they ran. They shouted in a panic, “There's a monster! We're all going to die!”
Choi Han rushed towards him. “Are you okay?” He asked, steadying him. Cale nodded but he was still staring at the kids.
Monster?
Two of the children stayed near them. The blond kid stared at them intensely.
“Master Venion, what are you doing!? We have to get out!” The kid with brown hair said in a hurry while shaking the kid named Venion.
Venion pointed at Cale, wearing an evil look as he said, “You dared block my way. It's only deserving that you become bait!”
The kid looked at the other and they both nodded. Soon after, they ran as fast as their little legs could go.
Choi Han shook his head. “They should be glad I don't hit children.”
That made Cale pay attention to him again. He noticed that he had his fist clenched. “What do you think they meant?”
“The monster? It's probably just their imagination. You know how kids are.”
Cale did know how kids were because of Lily. And he knew the fear they had on their looks wasn't just because of imagination.
As if answering his thoughts, a loud bark resounded on their path ahead. A massive black dog with wounds on his body and a broken chain on its neck emerged looking very agitated. It stared with anger while preparing to lunge straight at them.
Cale quickly hid behind Choi Han like he usually did. Judging from its appearance, the children must have been tormenting the poor dog.
He gulped at the realization that it surely hated humans. Because how the hell can he escape a dog that large if it jumped him? The chances were close to zero!
Feeling Cale shaking behind him, Choi Han took the initiative and picked up a rock on the ground.
“What are you doing! Don't tell me you're going to hit it!” Cale whispered urgently.
“Huh? Don't worry, this is how you usually make dogs leave. I'll only hit the ground near it.”
Commonly, throwing rocks near dogs make them startled or fear the person that threw it which makes them run away.
However, Choi Han should have thought about the injuries the dog had and its mental state.
Actually, he should have thought about their current situation with the rain that's threatening to flood the streets already.
Because as soon as he threw the rock, the rain had obscured his vision for a split second resulting in him hitting the dog on the head.
A small pause ensued.
“Ah. I missed.”
“Huh…?” Cale peeked over Choi Han’s shoulder to see the black dog furious and running straight towards them.
“What did you—!”
Cale wasn't able to finish his sentence because Choi Han quickly grabbed his arm and led the way. Not towards the school, the black dog was in that direction, but towards the neighborhood again.
“Run faster!” Choi Han yelled. The dog was catching up to them with ridiculous speed.
Cale panted as he tried to match Choi Han’s pace. But the exhaustion he had from the prior race was catching up to him.
The couple went to different alleyways and corners. Hid behind stalls and even trash cans. Did everything to get rid of the dog and yet.
It always knew where they were.
The clothes they'd placed on to cover them from the rain had long been removed for better visibility. So now they were exhausted, wet, and definitely late for class.
Finally, it seemed like the dog had lost sight of them. They were hiding behind a car trying to catch their breath. Even Choi Han was slightly tired.
Crazy. Choi Han really was insane to still look fine after that much cardio.
“Haaaah haah.. haaah.. Choi Han..” With words failing him, Cale beckoned Choi Han to come closer which he did, very worriedly.
“What's wrong is something hurting— ouch!”.
Cale had flicked his finger on the other’s forehead. This was all his fault, acting before thinking. Seriously, he was going to get sick now with everything hurting.
Choi Han held his forehead up looking like a kicked puppy. Cale sighed at the dramatic scene.
He ended up helping rub the other’s forehead to ebb away the pain which he was sure was non-existent because of how weak he was.
“I made a mistake by hitting that dog, Cale. I'm sorry.” Choi Han dropped his head in guilt.
They were missing their first period now.
Cale patted his back to reassure him, “You hit it hard but it's alright. We're still safe.”
“I hit it very lightly though?”
Cale's brows furrowed. “No you didn't?”
Choi Han thought about it, “I only used about five percent of my strength I'm sure…”
This guy is insane. Am I seriously dating him? Cale ended up having shivers down his spine thinking about Choi Han lightly tapping him and dying.
Choi Han looked at him with concern, “Can you still run?”
Cale shook his head, he was done for. “Just leave me as bait for the dog. I heard they like bones. I'm close to that. “ He closed his eyes and leaned towards the car, accepting his fate.
A loud bark resounded in the distance. Just great. Cale laughed quietly at the timing.
He heard shuffles nearby but no running. Did Choi Han not leave yet?
When Cale opened his eyes, he saw the other offering his back to him. “Hop on.”
Unbelievable. He wants to carry him while running and avoiding puddles? With Choi Han’s capabilities he could probably do it. But God it'll be embarrassing if anyone saw them.
“My legs hurt, I can't.” He came up with an excuse and looked away.
Choi Han sighed and turned to him. He then shifted to bridal carry Cale instead.
“Hey! What—” Cale finally understanding what the other was doing pushed him off.
Choi Han pursed his lips. “I'm not leaving you behind! Just let me carry you.”
Cale glanced up at him feeling really embarrassed. “Fine… I'll hop on your back.”
Because there was no way he’d allow himself to be bridal carried.
Cale ended up carrying both their bags while he was on Choi Han’s back. He had his arms wrapped around his shoulder while Choi Han had a firm grip on his legs.
After a few more questions from Choi Han about their position and if it was comfortable, they set off towards the main road again. Much quicker than before.
Wow, was I dragging him down that bad?
Without needing to look back at Cale and matching his pace, Choi Han was moving at light speed. He was also very steady so Cale felt like he was riding on a taxi.
With how fast they were, the dog didn't have a chance to follow them anymore.
Choi Han worried if it was making Cale dizzy. “Is the pace okay?”
“Yeah… I'm not that heavy right?”
“No, not at all!” He replied immediately. “You really should eat more.”
Cale hummed softly and placed his head on Choi Han's shoulder. He was cold so he was clinging onto the warmth the other had.
Choi Han froze at the contact for a split second. It didn't go unnoticed as Cale chuckled softly against his skin.
“Do you think we've finally lost it?” He whispered close to his ear.
“I- I hope so!” Choi Han was trying his best not to sound affected.
“Mhm, that's great.” He placed his cheek on the crook of the other's neck. “I wish someone would help with its injuries.”
“True… Do you wanna adopt it together?”
“Huh? Why would we do that?” Cale was having a hard time comprehending why Choi Han would want to adopt the dog that's been hunting them down.
“Oh I thought since you wanted someone to help it-” Choi Han stopped himself once he realized his mistake.
“Yeah the dog rescuers! There's no way I'll adopt it, it's too much work…”
Choi Han just nodded. Imagining Cale taking care of such a massive animal compared to his weak figure seemed very adorable but if the other didn't want to then it's fine.
The two quieted down after they arrived at the main road again and saw that it was packed with cars. If they catch a taxi now, they'll be even more late due to the traffic…
Choi Han sighed and hoisted Cale higher on his back, already walking towards the school.
It made Cale feel guilty. Ever since they walked this morning, they found themselves in unlucky situations.
If Choi Han had just gone to school without waiting for him then he wouldn't be so drenched and tired.
But then again, if Cale had just woken up earlier then none of this would happen either.
“Do you regret it?” Cale watched Choi Han's visible confusion as he asked.
“Regret what?”
“...Picking me up.” Cale lowered his gaze on the ground.
“Of course not!” He chuckled. “I don't mind anything that happens as long as I'm with you, Cale.” Choi Han stared at him while speaking which made him almost hit a pole.
He coughed, a bit embarrassed, “That was close…”
Cale smiled at that. “Are you sure? You're late because of me.”
“I'm totally sure! I'll be late for the first time but hm. We experienced a ton of firsts too!”
“Huh? What do you mean?”
“Hmm, we walked together in the morning, held hands, played under the rain—” Choi Han snickered, “—got chased by a dog… Those things outweigh being behind schedule for me.”
Cale became quiet and pondered about what he'd said. Right… They had done a lot of fun, yet tiring, things. Maybe he’d looked into the negatives too much huh?
Cale shifted so that he looked at him, “I enjoyed this too.”
The other had stopped briefly to exchange smiles with him. “...Enough for me to come by everyday?” He teasingly whispered, Choi Han knew Cale would say no anyways.
This time though, “Yeah. I'd like that.” Cale genuinely smiled softly which rendered Choi Han speechless.
Trying to keep his smile normal, Choi Han set off on a run towards their school. He failed as he shouted about seeing Cale every morning— he was so loud Cale was certain even the people inside the cars could hear him.
Not wanting to ruin his jolly mood, Cale just buried his head against his shoulder.
When they finally reached Roan Academy, the guard of the gate didn't want to let them in as they'd already missed the entirety of the first period.
By then, Cale had already hopped off Choi Han's back and was using his family status to get inside. When that didn't work, Choi Han had told the guard about every unlucky situation that happened to garner the guard’s pity.
Still, the guard was adamant and didn't allow them to pass. It was only when a car passed by that the guard made them enter.
Why you may ask?
The car had splashed mud water onto their backs, mainly Choi Han's because he’d reacted quickly to shield Cale. Looking at the two pitiable boys, the guard had made his decision to let them in—both still getting a tardy slip.
Thankfully, the two had spare gym uniforms in their lockers so they wouldn't have to come to class so filthy.
At long last the duo was on their way to their respective classes with drenched hair and items.
Cale looked down at his bag dejectedly. “I don't want to see what's inside…”
“Yeah me neither…” Choi Han ran a hand through his hair, “Eruhaben seonsaengnim’s going to kill me.”
Eruhaben was the homeroom teacher of the star section Choi Han was in. Cale was a hundred percent sure he’ll get a long lecture.
Hah! This is why I purposely flunk some of my grades.
Cale was enrolled in the silver section just after Choi Han's. He was sure he'd get some warnings but nothing else.
Cale hummed happily feeling satisfied. Choi Han who was watching him wondered just what he was thinking to still be so relaxed.
Finally, Cale stopped in front of his class. For a moment they just stood there staring at each other. Neither wanting to go yet despite literally spending an hour together.
Without Cale expecting it, Choi Han leaned down to give him a quick peck on the cheeks.
Seeing Cale's ears and face flush after being caught off guard made Choi Han worried, “Was it too quick…?”
…Wow. Now he was asking?
But who was he to judge Choi Han? Cale took pride in himself for being shameless! So Cale doubled down and reciprocated the gesture while Choi Han’s face was still close.
When Cale slowly moved away, he saw Choi Han's brain malfunctioning in real time. It made him snicker.
“Yes, it was too quick. You just asked me out.” He turned away to grab the doorknob.
“But you—”
Cale waved a hand dismissively, “Just go! You don't wanna be any later than you already are.”
Choi Han’s eyes widened as if he forgot about that detail after being lightly kissed on the cheek. He nodded and started walking to his section. Only after realizing halfway that he hadn’t said his goodbyes, Choi Han turned back just as Cale had opened the door.
“See you later, Cale!”
The smile that showed on his face embodied the true feeling of warmth. How could anyone not smile back after seeing that?
Cale mouthed a quick goodbye too then finally stepped inside. It was unusually quiet.
He blinked and looked around. Everyone was looking at him with smiles that they were trying to hide.
“You're incredibly early, kid. Had fun with someone?” Eruhaben's sarcastic comment made Cale's smile turn into a frown.
His classmates oohed. Cale even saw Cage who was seated by the windows mimicking a kiss.
God, someone saw that?
He resisted the sudden urge to walk out of the classroom.
Instead, he made his way to his seat. “I was late because of the storm Eruhaben seonsaengnim. My uniform was wet so that's why I'm wearing gym clothes.”
Cale was the odd one out in their class with his unkempt hair and improper uniform. It would have made any other person feel embarrassed but Cale didn't care one bit.
“Ahh I understand—” Eruhaben moved to continue writing on the board then looked back, “—But don't you usually use a car?”
Cale opened his mouth to answer but his teacher was quicker, “Then again you were with my student. Hm, I see. He's an exception huh?”
The class immediately began making kissing noises which made him drop his head on his desk.
“I digress! Everyone quiet down. Cale's not in the mood.”
Silence ensued for a few seconds making him feel relieved. However, because of the silence, someone's whispers was heard loud and clear.
“Maybe because Choi Han isn't here?”
“But they'll meet each other later right?”
Why do you care!?
Cale felt a migraine incoming; he just hoped Choi Han wasn't doing better than he was.