Sangwon quietly wrote. He could feel the gazes. He looked at his classmates and saw them looking at him with grimaces.
He folded his lips and looked back down. Trying to ignore the pain he felt. You're used to this. Why are you still hurt?
"Does he think he's like us? Why should we have the same classes as him?"
"What if I wake up and can't speak anymore because of him?"
"I pity their family. Truly, every good thing has a flaw. Despite being influential, they got cursed by having a mute"
"He thinks just because his family is the highest means he's better than us, at least we can speak"
Sangwon's shaking hand clenched his pen, he looked down not wanting anyone to see the tears that formed.
Was it his fault he was born this way? If given the chance to, he would have never wanted to be born.
"Who dares speak to my friend in that manner?"An angry voice boomed.
Sangwon quickly wiped his tears as he immediately recognised the voice.
Jia Hao. The son of the Minister of Chinese Affairs. He walked in, glaring at Sangwon's classmates who looked away.
"Be careful of what you say. For your family will bear the consequences. Trust me when I say that" He threatened.
He walked to Sangwon and grabbed his hand. " Let's go. My driver will take you home"
-
Jia Hao and Sangwon got out of the car.
"Thank you for the ride Hyung"
Jia Hao smiled as he patted Sangwon's head.
"Next time they talk nonsense, let me know. I'll deal with every one of them"
Sangwon gave him a small smile as he nodded.
Jia Hao began walking with Sangwon.
"How are preparations going for your brother's wedding?"
Sangwon frowned thinking of Junseo. An arranged marriage with a Senator's daughter.
'I don't know. I don't care'
Jia Hao shook his head. "You hate your brother. I see no reason why"
Sangwon folded his lips as he looked away.
Junseo. His father's favourite. Always sucking up to him. Like a puppet. Always controlled.
He grew up watching them like he was an outsider in his own family. Of course, he didn't like him. It's not like Junseo ever considered him a brother. He thought.
Jia Hao sighed seeing the frown on Sangwon's face. "Mm. You don't have to tell me-
Jia Hao immediately stopped talking when he felt water splash his legs.
Anxin's eyes widened in horror. His empty bucket fell out of his hands. He scurried over, deeply bowing to Sangwon and Jia Hao.
"My lords, I-I am sorry. I didn't think anyone would be h-here.. forgive this servant"
Sangwon was about to touch him but Jia Hao held his hand stopping him. He looked at Anxin. "Rise"
His eyes widened seeing how young he was. He looked at Sangwon. "Your father takes young servants?"
Sangwon sighed as he nodded. "Truly cruel indeed" Jia Hao said shaking his head in disbelief. He turned to Anxin.
"You. What's your name"
"Anxin" He said not looking at him. "A Chinese descendant?" Anxin nodded as he bowed.
Jia Hao couldn't help but pity him in that moment. A young Chinese boy serving in a different country.
Although he himself was seventeen, young, Anxin was quite too young to be a servant.
He sighed. Anxin flinched when he felt Jia Hao pat his shoulder. "It's okay. Get back to work"
Anxin quickly bowed as he scurried out, Jia Hao's eyes following him. "Life truly isn't fair" he muttered.
He turned to Sangwon. "I'll have to leave now Sangwon." Jia Hao said. Sangwon nodded.
'Go back safely hyung'
Jia Hao smiled as he hugged Sangwon, patting his back. "Remember what I said, Tell me if those brats disturb you. I'll deal with them"
Leo whistled as he walked out. He paused when he saw Sangwon and Jia Hao hugging.
Sangwon leaned out of the hug with a smile.
'Thanks Hyung' Jia Hao patted his shoulder and turned, walking back in the direction of his car.
Leo's brows furrowed seeing the smile on Sangwon's face. "He's never smiled at me"
-
Leo walked by the open door. He saw Junseo quietly writing. He walked by again and again.
"Leo" Junseo called out. He dropped his pen and turned to his door seeing Leo. Leo quickly bowed.
"You've crossed my door a million times. Tell me what you want?" Junseo folded his arms smiling.
Leo got into his room. "Young master please please please I have a favor to ask" He begged clutching his hands.
"What is it?"
"Please teach me sign language" Leo said and Junseo softly laughed. "You boy, you want to impress my brother?"
Leo sighed. "I want us to be able to speak freely"
Junseo looked at Leo smiling. "You really want to be his friend that badly. Okay, I'll teach you"
"Thank you thank you thank you, Young master." Leo bowed severally making Junseo chuckle.
"What do you want to learn first?"
"His name. Sangwon"
Junseo smiled. "Okay. Follow me" He said signing Sangwon's name. Leo copied him.
"Yes just like that"
Leo smiled as he signed Sangwon's name.
"How do I sign, How are you?"
A mischievous smile formed on Junseo's face.
"Now this one is tricky. You have to focus. Any mistake can change the meaning"
Leo gulped as he nodded, focusing his whole attention. He copied the signs from Junseo.
"Yes. Exactly that. Practice." Junseo said smiling.
"Is there—
Leo immediately ran out of Junseo's room after he learnt the signs. Junseo chuckled shaking his head.
-
Sangwon flinched when the door to his room opened. He saw Leo standing there panting.
Leo rubbed his chest catching his breath.
He cleared his throat and cracked his fingers.
Sangwon looked at him in confusion.
'Sangwon' Leo signed with all concentration.
Sangwon sat up on his bed, his eyes slightly widening as Leo signed.
Leo smiled seeing his reaction. He walked into his room and sat on his bed facing him. He let out a sigh as he focused.
'I want a kiss'
Sangwon's eyes widened. Leo looked at Sangwon confused. Did he get it wrong? He clearly signed How are you as Junseo taught.
He tried again. 'I want a kiss'
Sangwon looked at Leo in shock. His face heating up. He folded his lips as he blinked. He looked at Leo's anticipating face.
He hesitantly moved closer. His face turning crimson. He looked into Leo's eyes, his cheeks heating up even more.
He closed his eyes and pecked Leo's cheek.