Morning light filtered in through my non existent curtains as I got ready for school.
I was standing infront of the mirror, reliving yesterday. It all felt so surreal but each time I looked under my bed the duffel bag stared right back at me.
"Fucking hell" I cussed as I ran my hand through my messy crimson hair in frustration.
What game is this person trying to play? I can't tell if they are trying to blackmail me or use me to sell these drugs for them.
I shook my head aggressively, I was not going to let this person mess with my head.
There was a knock on the door that interrupted me from my train of thoughts.
It's definitely the gym owner and I'm behind on rent.
"Kim Tae-hyun!" He called out my name, I remained quiet. If I stayed quiet maybe he would go away.
"Kim Tae-hyun! I know you're in there" he yelled banging on the busted door, one weak kick on it would surely blow it away.
Reluctantly, I opened the door for him. "Sir, I was just listening to music on my phone I couldn't hear you" I laughed awkwardly when my eyes met his irritated expression.
He was not your average landlord, Mister Hwang was incredibly huge and muscular. One punch from him would send about anyone to the hospital.
"You're late on rent" he reminded, impatiently tapping his foot on the ground.
"I know, I will give you your money by the end of today."
He clicked his tongue, "you're good kid, Tae-hyun that's why I'm so easy on you."
Is that why you make me pay rent for this rundown shack?
"Thanks for understanding."
He bid me farewell and went down to his apartment. I went back inside and grabbed my school bag but before I could leave I caught sight of the duffle bag beneath my bed.
Maybe someone might buy from school.
I reached under my bed and pulled out the bag, took a few pills and shoved them in my pocket.
On my way to school, I saw Seok-jin patiently leaning against a wall. The moment his eyes met mine, he straightened up.
"You're late today" he stated as we began marching to school.
"Did you see the texts I sent you?" I asked immediately.
He rolled his eyes, "so what someone knows we deal drugs."
"It means we're being sloppy" I remarked. I did not want to spend the rest of my youth in jail, he might like it because it would give him street credit but I do not give the slightest shit about being feared especially if I had to go to jail first
"Whatever" he dismissed, he threw his hands into his pockets. "It's not like jail isn't in our future."
I know what he meant.
I told him everything except the fact that the stranger handed me a full bag of ecstasy. I had my own bills to pay and I can't afford to share, especially now.
The second we arrived at school, time had seemed to slow down. Everyone was frozen in place.
"What's going on?" Seok-jin mumbled into my ear and I shrugged my shoulders, I was just as lost as he was.
Then I noticed something, one person that seemed to be moving. The object of everyone's admiration.
A boy our age, he had light brown hair that bounced with each step he took. Dark coffee brown eyes that sparkled with so much intensity. A smile so bright it could outshine any star.
How could anyone be so beautiful?
For a second our eyes met.
I froze in my spot.
"That's the son of that fucking celebrity doctor" Seok-jin spat through gritted teeth, he clenched his fist in anger.
Seok-jin hated the rich, no he despised them with every ounce in his body. "Do you wanna mess with him?" He asked resting his arm around my neck.
I recoiled at his touch and ripped my eyes away from the boy. "I think I'll pass" I said, indifferent to his games.
I may not like people like him but I can not hate someone if they haven't done anything to me.
"But feel free to have your fun."
He eyed me from head to toe, suspicion swirled in his chestnut-brown eyes. "Don't tell me you have the hots for him" he groaned, disappointed.
I walked away from him, my hands in my pockets.
I do not feel anything for him, I just think he's cute even if I did it would not work out.
He ran up from behind me, "wait seriously?" He questioned.
"No."
He let out a relieved sigh. "Good because I'm going to mess with him."
"Goodluck"
As soon as I set foot in class Woo-sung bombarded me with questions.
"Where were you yesterday? I had to cover for you! You know how many trust points I'm losing with the teacher's?!" He nagged me as I settled into my seat.
He was basically the only person I talked to in this dreaded class and the person that helped me stay in school.
He dropped a notebook on my desk and adjusted his glasses. "I wrote down everything from yesterday's classes be sure to study these later" he ordered, crossing his arms over his chest.
When the hell did I get married?
Woo-sung and I had a simple arrangement, he needed Adderall to help him stay focused on his studies and I gave it to but in return he would help me maintain average grades.
"Okay" I replied so he would leave me alone, and he did not.
"Did you hear about the new kid?" He asked. My mind wandered back to Ji-hoon.
I'm sure by now everyone knows him.
"Apparently he is in our class" he whispered.
I cocked my head to the side. "What the fuck does that have to do with me?"
He shrugged his shoulders, "I don't know. I just thought you should know."
"Piss off" I ordered with a scowl. I was not in the mood to play gossip girl.
I had bigger problems.
My eyes darted around the room searching for some desperate person to sell to but there was no one.
Everyone seemed so excited and it was without a doubt about the new transfer student.
The second our homeroom teacher strolled into the class, everyone scattered to their seats like scared mice.
Ji-hoon followed closely behind, his eyes scanning the classroom.
"We have a new student joining us today," he announced. "Introduce yourself."
Ji-hoon grinned brightly. The girls looked at him as if he were the last piece of meat in the world.
"I'm Lee Ji-hoon," his voice was husky. "I hope we get along."
The girls all squealed, excitedly like hyenas.
He's good-looking but not that good-looking.
I let out an unimpressed huff, and our eyes met for the second time that day.
The teacher pointed in my direction, "Go seat next to him."
My eyes never left his as he approached the empty space by my side. He stretched out his hand to me, "I hope we can be friends."
I was not going to mess with you, but I'm also not planning on being your friend.
I avoided eye contact and ignored him brutally. The whole class gasped at my manners.
Even the teacher was stunned.
Then, a laugh filled the classroom.
My eyes slightly widened when I saw Ji-hoon laughing, wiping away a nonexistent tear.
"You're funny, you know that," he commented, pulling back the chair before he sat down.
The tension in the class melted away.
He moved his chair closer to mine and I quirked up my eyebrow at him.
Why is he so weird? Don't move closer to me.
The teacher cleared his throat awkwardly and started today's class.
"Those are cool piercings where did you get them?" He beamed at me as though i was the most interesting thing he had seen all day.
I remained silent and folded my arms over my chest. I rolled my tongue inside my mouth. "I got it from this sick dude down in Gangseo, he's the best" i whispered.
Okay, new plan mess with him.
"I can take you to him after school" I offered with a grin.
Let's see if a rich guy like you will set foot in Gangseo.
His lips curled up but there was something off about his smile, it did not reach all the way to his eyes.
It was like he wanted it or maybe i was reading too much into it.