158 Petty (2/2)

”What are you, an elementary school kid? So childish,” Hyuk answered, his mouth curling into a frown. They weren't even that close, he thought. Perhaps, the only reason Hyuk had kept him around was because he was lonely. Although Hyuk often went along with his whims, he could not seem to bring himself to like Yeong Gi. At most, he tolerated the guy's presence. In the first place, he only went to the pub or Yeong Gi's hideout to get away from home.

”And what's with that thing earlier? I thought you hated that Chu Min Guk or whatever.”

”It's Joo In Guk,” Hyuk corrected him irritably. ”and he's not a bad guy. Just a little stupid.” For some reason, he felt annoyed when Ji Yeong Gi made fun of that nosy idiot.

”Who cares?”

Hyuk narrowed his eyes at Yeong Gi, his so-called 'friend'. Yeong Gi was currently acting like a child whose favourite toy was stolen from him; so petty and unreasonable.

As if sensing his displeasure, Yeong Gi wiped the ugly emotions on his face. He smiled brightly, ”Hey, let's hang out at my place today. Just us two bros, yeah?”

”No thanks,” Hyuk replied curtly. He wanted to go home and rest after school. At this point, it didn't even matter if Yeo Ri was home or not. His body was in so much pain that he temporarily stopped giving a f*ck.

”Fine. Next time, then.” Yeong Gi smiled tightly. He took a deep breath, as if trying to calm himself down. ”Next time, then,” he repeated. It sounded as though he was warning Hyuk.

Hyuk stared straight at him, watching the minute changes in the guy's eyes. Although he was smiling, Hyuk could not help but feel that it was too fake. His eyes were clearly not smiling. He felt a chill go down his spine. He somehow knew that the guy was dangerous.

Ji Yeong Gi blinked, and the dangerous feeling went away.

”I'll see you at the rooftop during lunch, then. What do you want to eat? There's a new bread released at the school store; I can ask someone to—”

”—Go eat with your lackeys or something. I'm gonna sleep during lunch. Don't bother me,” Hyuk cut him off rudely. He was tired of entertaining this selfish guy. Enough was enough; he'd already finished repaying the favour.

”...”

Hyuk walked away without turning back.

Ji Yeong Gi stood like a statue on the rooftop, now all alone. An indescribable expression crossed his face for a fraction of a second before disappearing.

”Lee Hyuk...” he mumbled. ”It's fine. This is only the first time. He's just really tired right now,” Ji Yeong Gi said to himself, as if to console himself from Hyuk's rejection. ”Making friends takes time... Just be patient... that's right, just be patient. He'll come around sooner or later. Just be the bigger person and go reconcile with him later. He's worth the effort, remember?”

As if he had reached a consensus with himself, Ji Yeong Gi nodded.

He thought to find Hyuk during lunch, but before he could, Hyuk was called to the principal's office and was suspended for three days. In the end, he didn't get to see Hyuk.

Yeong Gi still could not contact him.