He always disappeared when I needed him the most.
It had only been two weeks since Han joined the school. His Korean was poor, and no one wanted to talk or be friends with him. His eyes were always on Seungmin, who loved being alone—eating alone, sitting alone, and never talking to anyone except Jisoo, and that too rarely.
Han sat at his desk, resting his head on it, wondering why surviving alone was so hard. Suddenly, a boy came up and kicked his desk. Han quickly sat up.
"Oh, sorry, I didn't mean it. You're the American boy, right?"
Han smiled softly. "No, British. I lived in England."
"That's even cooler. Want to join us? Be friends with us?"
Han's heart leapt. Finally, someone wanted him. For the next week they went to cafés, fun land, the aquarium, the skating park—always together. But the problem was, they made Han pay for everything. He didn't mind, because he was just happy not to be alone.
One whole week felt like a dream. But on Monday in the canteen, that boy asked him to pay again. Han grew anxious; he had no money left. He forced a smile. "I don't have money today."
The boy's eyes darkened. "So you want me to pay for all of you?"
Han's voice trembled. "I'm sorry… I really don't have money today. Maybe you guys can pay this time?"
The group turned to each other.
"You said he had lots of money."
"You said it would be fun to be with him."
Han's eyes darted nervously, filled with shame. Across the room, he saw Seungmin watching. But when their eyes met, Seungmin quietly finished his food and left.
"I'm here all alone," Han thought bitterly.
The boy slammed the table. "Get up. We need to talk."
Han's chest tightened, his eyes glassy with tears. Still, he stood up, not wanting to cause a scene. They dragged him to the men's washroom. He hesitated, but the boy shoved him inside.
"Hold him," the boy ordered. His friends pinned Han to the wall. He squeezed his eyes shut, breathing hard as tears streamed down. Rough hands searched him, touching him everywhere.
Suddenly, a toilet door creaked open. A boy stepped out.
Han opened his eyes. It was Seungmin.
He looked at Han briefly, then went to wash his hands. Han's gaze begged for help, but Seungmin walked toward the door.
"Seungmin… don't leave me here," Han whispered desperately.
He paused for a second… then left.
The boys laughed. "You thought that creep would save you?" One of them punched Han in the face, splitting his lower lip. They searched him again and found his wallet.
"There's barely anything here," the boy sneered, "but you've got cards. You lied to me!" He punched Han again, then grabbed his chin. "From now on, never lie. You've seen what happens."
"Leave him alone!" a voice shouted.
It was Jisoo and his friend.
The boy smirked. "And if I don't?"
Jisoo stepped closer and kicked him in the chest. A fight broke out. Meanwhile,Woohyun hurried to Jeonghan's side and gently lifted him.
"Are you okay?" he asked.