Stepping in to the house a cold friday winter evening, he removed his shoes and put them away, before putting on his slippers. Dropping of his backpack in his room before walking over to the kitchen where his step mom and the woman working in their house was seated over a cup of tea.
-God day, young master. Would you like something to drink? I will soon start with dinner. Jinko the worker asked standing up.
- I can do it myself. I´m gonna take a shower. He said walking past them to the fridge. No one cared about his bloody clothes, as if they were used to it.
Picking out a soda before walking back to his room. Tomorrow is his birthday, the day many look forward to, except him. He removed his school uniform, placing them in the laundry basket. Turning on the water in the shower, he placed himself under the stream. Letting the water fall all over his body. Thinking about that stupid argument that happened today as well.
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As he was standing in the hallway at school with his two best friends Hwan and Minje, just listening to them talk about what they were gonna do this weekend, not shipping in with his own plans. And if they would ask he would say that he would just play games. Before he could react his collar was grabbed and his entire body was jerked from the wall he was leaning on.
- Why the fuck are you flirting with my girlfriend?! Eun-woo screamed, eyes burning with rage
- Who the fuck is your girlfriend this time? Yong asked with a smirk on his lips
- Hah! You know it´s Mi-cha, we have been dating for 8 months now! His fists were starting to turn white, as the two twin boys behind him was looking out for any teachers.
- How would i now that? Yong lifted his hands, like he would surrender
- They have been the school couple for a while now. Hyun said, the shorter one of the twins said crossing his arms in front of himself.
You think i care about that? I got my own things to worry about. Yong said, grabbing ahold of Eun-woo´s arm
Why were you flirting with her?! Eun-woo said once again, not wanting to let it go.
I don´t even fucking know who she is! Yong said, loosing his temper. He had seen them a few times but his attention was never on her.
Out of nowhere, Eun-woo´s forehead found Yong´s nose bride with a loud bang. It took no longer for Yong´s fist to hit Eun-woo´s cheek, making him let go of the shirt and fall backwards. Yong almost threw himself on the boys body, punching and slapping. Eun-woo hit just as much back, trying to go for his ribs and stomach. A few hits in, and Yong was lifted of from his body, Eun-woo flew up on his feet, trying to hit him some more. But the other four boys were holding them back, as the PE teacher started to walk over.
Go back to class right now! You only have 4 months left of this year, before you start collage and i really hope you don´t go to the same one. He stated as he placed himself between the two boys, pushing them to go their different ways.
- Fuck you! Eun-woo screamed while he was wiping his bloody nose.
They have been at it since they started 1st class together, and the school have been doing everything they can to keep them apart. Different classes, lunch at different times, but sometimes things just happened, and it almost always ended up in a fight.
With blood on his sleeves he sat down at his seat, waiting for everyone else to come to class. And soon one by one students filled the empty classroom, and last the teacher stepped inside. She looked around and her eyes soon fell on the boy, a black eye and a bruise on his cheek, and his bloody shirt. She just shook her head and turned around to start the class. Once she talked about what she wanted, she let the students do their own work as she walked thru the classroom to help them.
Don´t you need to go see the nurse? She asked when she stopped by his seat.
He looked up at her, one eye swollen shut and shook his head, before going back to doing his papers.
She let out a sigh before walking away, letting him do his thing.
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After washing his hair and body he stepped out of the shower, wrapping the towel around his waist, and for the first time since he came home, looking in the mirror. The bruise forming over his nose and the eye hurt, several marks were visibel on his ribs and stomach. He grabbed a pair of sweatpants and a t-shirt and put it on, laying down on his bed, scrolling on his phone. An hour later there was a knock at the door, meaning dinner is ready. He put his phone on the bed and stepped out of the room, finding his stepmom sitting by the table. She was never mean, but they did not care for each other, the only thing on her mind was Yong-sun, Yong´s father. While Yong just thought she was taking up space that never needed to be filled. He sat down at the table, ignoring her as his food was placed in front of him.
- Hey. His fathers voice rang out as he stepped in to the dining room.
- Oh, welcome home honey! Ha-eun, his stepmom, said with the biggest smile as she stood up from her seat to give him a kiss.
- Hey dad. Yong said barley looking up, them together was nothing he wanted to see.
- You ready for tomorrow son? His father asked as he sat down on his seat at the short side of the table, eyeing the bruises on his sons face, but not saying a word.
- Yes sir. As ready as i can be. Yong said grabbing some food.
- It will be a long day tomorrow. You need to wake up at 6, so make sure to go to bed early and get sleep. Ha-eun said sitting down on her seat again.
- Yeah yeah. He waved her off, he already knew what was waiting.
He had been watching for years when the others in the gang had their done, not the same one, only the family by blood was allowed to carry the entire dragons, but the others had the dragons face on their backs.
- Don´t be rude to your step mother Yong. His father said harshly
Yong didn´t answer and just ate his dinner, as soon as he drank up the last of his soda he stood up, leaving his father and step mother by the table as they were still eating. Making his father sigh loudly and grab his forehead in frustration. He left the plate and everything behind and walking in to his bedroom, closing the door behind him and locking it. He laid in bed, playing some games for a few hours before deciding to go to bed, as they said it´s gonna be a long day. They are gonna start at seven and are counting on going on for 40-46 hours, so for him to make it to school on monday, he would not get much sleep. He put the phone down after putting on some music to fall a sleep to, and soon he slept, only to wake up when his alarm rang the next morning.
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As he was seated in the chair he would spend the next two days in, chest against the back of the chair.
- Did you eat a big breakfast? Ji-ho asked, one of his fathers men asked
- Yeah, a big bowl bibimbap and miso soup. Yong stated, removing his shirt and tying up his hair.
- You got everything? Phone, charger, all of it? Sang-ook, another of his fathers men, asked as he grabbed the stencil.
- Yeah. Yong said, putting in his headphones.
His father stepped in to the room, just as he started to apply the stencil. Yong put his head against the headrest and just waited. Once the father gave his approval of size and placement the machine started and so did the pain. He was given small pieces of food or treats from time to time, same with drinks.
If he had to pee he was given a bottle to pee in to make sure he wouldn´t lock himself in the bathroom for longer periods of time. After about 10 hours, the artist was changed as Sang-ook was getting tired. By hour 20, Sang-ook was back, and Yong´s arms were tightly tied in front of the chair, leaving bruises, as he was starting to spasm from the pain. By hour 30 Yong had cried, thrown up, and was now passed out on the chair. But they didn´t stop. He was past out for 6 hours as they kept going. And once they hit hour 44, they cleaned it of and moved him to his bed. Only four hours until he was supposed to wake up for school.
- Do you want us to call school and tell them your sick? Ji-ho asked sitting by the side of his bed.
Yong was laying spread out on his stomach, tear streaks on his cheeks, breathing heavily.
- You think dad would agree to that? He spat before turning his head and passed out once again.
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Eun-woo was already pissed when he left the classroom. as the guys in his class was loud and annoying. He was walking by himself over to the bathroom, and just as he turned the corner his shoulder hit someone else shoulder and as an instinct he pushed the other boy. Once his eyes meet the other boy´s, he meet the eyes of his enemy. But his eyes had dark circles under them, he looked hollow and tired. He gave him another push, thinking that he could let his anger out on the boy in front of him, maybe he would stop being angry. Hit sometimes and get hit sometimes and things would be good right? But the boy in front of him just stood there, not pushing back and not hitting back. As Eun-woo pushed him one more time and his back hit the wall his breath hitched and his face scrunched up. Eun-woo´s eyes grew big as he looked at the boy in front of him.
- Not today. Was al Yong could get out once he had caught his breath.
Eun-woo stood there, just starring at him, not saying anything. Yong took that as a sign to walk of, and all Eun-woo could do is stand there and stare at his back as his enemy walked away from a fight for the first time. He stood there for a minute or two before walking in to the bathroom that was his destination in the first place. Shaking his head to let go of the thoughts.
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Once school was over, he said good bye to his friend and walked over to the bus stop, waiting with the rest of the teens that was waiting on the bus. Walking in to the house, he stepped out of his shoes and in to the slippers, dropping his backpack by the door. The house was empty, like always. He walked in to his room, grabbed a change of clothes and headed in to the bathroom to take a shower. Once he was done, he stepped in to the kitchen to grab some ingredients to cook some food. Putting some rice in the rice cooker, frying some meat and some veggies with some sauce. Grabbing some side dishes and putting them on smaller plates, and placing them with a soda on the living room table, before going back to the kitchen and grabbing the rice and meat, putting it in a bowl. He walked over to the living room and sat down on the floor to eat, watching some series on the tv. His mind would wander to Yong´s face, a face of pain, he had never seen him make that face. Even when he was bleeding from wounds he had given, they had fought a lot over the years. Then he would snap back in to the tv in front of him, and then let it wander again. The fifth time made it really hard to get back to the tv, but his phone vibrating pulled him out of it.
- Hey mom. He said as he answered
- Hey baby, how are school? His mom asked
- It´s fine, last class before winter break is tomorrow. How are things with you and dad? When are you coming home?
- That´s good, it is good with us. That´s why i´m calling actually, we wont be home until the 5th.
- THE 5TH?! It came out louder than he was thinking it would.
- Oh, yeah. Well you see, Mr Jung needs your dad to do some meetings here. And it´s a lot of pain to back and forth you know. So it´s easier for us to stay here. His mom explained
- What about christmas and new years? This time it was almost a whisper
- Well you are old enough now. You can celebrate with your friends, how about Hyun and Hakyun? The three of you could have fun together? His mom tried
- They are leaving to celebrate with there grandma. His voice drained and tired.
- Oh, well you will figure something out. It´s still a few days away... Her voice trailed of, like something was taking her attention
- Three days. Eun-woo stated coldly
- Huh? What did you say? Her attention turned to him once again.
- Three days until christmas. He stated again.
- Oh honey. You know how important this work is for your dad. His mom tried again
- Yeah. Not like he owns the company right?
- Son, This is important to both me and your father. We need to do this if we are going to work with Bab company. His mothers voice was sharp this time, like she was telling him no to a cookie before dinner.
- Yeah, more important than your son apparently.
- I.. N... You know we care about you. Call your brother, why don´t you? You can celebrate with him. His mom tried to change the subject.
- If you really cared you would know he is in America. He said right before he hung up.
Not caring for her response, he threw his phone on the couch and laid down on the floor. Ignoring the incoming text and calls. Tears forming in his eyes, this is not the first time this has happened to him. When he was young, his bother always came first in his parents eyes, since he was the good son. And once their company grew it was always the company first, and any spare time was spent on giving the attention to his brother. They would barley look at him when he sat down at the dinner table, whether he came home with a A on a test or a black eye. At the end he just went to bed and waited for the days to pass.
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Yong sat up in his bed, his back less sore now that it was been a few days. He stood up and took a shower before getting dressed. Some black cargo pants and a gray t-shirt, and black zip up hoodie. Half of his hair went up to a bun in the back of his head. He stepped out of his room and in to the kitchen.
- Good morning young master. Jinko said as she was standing in the kitchen, preparing for the christmas dinner later today.
- Morning Jinko. Yong said walking past her to the fridge
- You want me to make breakfast, young sir? Jinko asked as she rinsed her hands.
- I got it. He said, grabbing some sandwiches and a juice before walking over to the table to sit down.
His father and step-mom walked in to the kitchen just as he took a bite.
- We are going out for breakfast. Ha-eun stated as she walked past Yong sitting there, ignoring him.
- Oh, okay. Jinko said as she kept on shopping vegetables.
- Are you going somewhere, Yong? His father asked looking at him
- Yeah. I need to meet Hwan. He said as he pushed the last pice of food in to his mouth, rinsing it down with some juice. Not wanting to be at home.
- Just make sure you are home before 2pm. Ha-eun said as she grabbed her bag, flinging it over her shoulder.
Yong stood up, ignoring her and placed the glass in the sink.
- Why don´t you wish it right away? Ha-eun asked with a sneering voice
- You can leave it young master. Jinko said looking at Yong and nodding.
- Listen to your mom. His father said as he put on his clock looking at his son with a glare.
- I would. But she is dead, remember?! Yong spit out, pushing by them.
- HEY! COME BACK HERE! His fathers voice roared in the entire apartment
Yong ignored it, put on his shoes and grabbed his jacket, and stepped out. His body moved faster then his head and he was already halfway down the stairs when he realised it it christmas, and Hwan had already left to Busan, to his dad´s family.
- Shit.
He stepped out thru the door, the cold hitting his face. Just as the door was about to close behind him, he could hear the elevator ping. Making him move once again. He went in to the convenience store, grabbing an energy drink and a pack of smoke. He stepped out, putting one in his mouth, bringing his lighter to his face and lit it. He walked over to a park and sat down on a bench. Leaning forward in his seat, placing his head in his hands, rubbing his face. After about an hour, he stood up, eyes meeting the boy on the bench on the other side. Making him smirk.
- What are you doing here? He asked the boy sitting there.
- What? I´m not allowed to be here or what? Eun-woo spat looking up at him.
- Ay, christmas peace for a day. Yong said lifting his hands
- Fine. For today.
- I´m just asking what you are doing here on christmas? Shouldn´t you be home with your perfect family? Yong asked, sitting down beside the boy.
- Hah, you are asking me when you are sitting here as well? Eun-woo put his arm on the arm rest and turned to the boy next to him
- I was just heading home now. Yong said picking out another cigaret from the pack and lighting it.
- Oh yeah, you have been here awhile already, haven´t you? Eun-woo grabbed the pack from Yong´s hand, steeling a cigaret, placing it between his lips.
- Don´t you have anyone waiting on you at home? Yong asked, giving him the lighter.
This is the first time they have a conversation without it ending in a fight 30 seconds in.
- Not really. Eun-woo answered, blowing out smoke between his lips.
Yong just looked at him, not saying a word.
- Yeah, not so picture perfect as it seems. Eun-woo said raising his eyebrow, chuckling
- So, where are they? Yong asked after a few minutes of silence.
- Brother are in America and mom and dad in Japan. To much work to go back and forth apparently.
- Seriously? Yong asked looking shocked
- It only takes 2,5 hours, right? Yong asked again when Eun-woo said nothing.
- Yeah, about that. Eun-woo said, shrugging his shoulders.
Yong looked at the time, it being 1:30, just a half hour until al of the guest would come. The guests being the members of the gang and their family´s and a few of his step moms family and friends. Yong stood up, looking down at the boy still seated on the bench.
- Stand up. Yong said looking at him
- What, why? Eun-woo looked confused but stood up.
Yong grabbed his arm and pulled him along with him, all the way in to the elevator.
- What are we doing here? Eun-woo asked as Yong pressed the button.
- Celebrating christmas. Yong shrugged.
They stepped out of the elevator and in to the apartment, already bussing with people.
- Is it even okay for me to be here? Eun-woo asked, grabbing Yong´s jacket arm
- Oh, young master, you are here. And your brought a friend? Jinko said as she walked over to them in the hallway sounding shocked
- Hello mam. Eun-woo bowed to the woman in front of him.
- His staying for dinner, we always have leftovers anyways. Yong said hanging up his jacket.
- Oh, i´m just the worker. Yes of curse. Why don´t you go and change? Almost everyone is here already. Jinko said pulling out a pair of slippers to Eun-woo.
- Yes. Yong said pulling him along with him, passing by everyone that was standing around and talking.
Yong waved at Ji-ho that waved at him, pushing Eun-woo in to his room. He grabbed two white long sleeved button down shirts, and some dress pants, holding one of each out to Eun-woo who was just starring at him.
- These should fit. The bathroom is over there if you want privacy. Yong pointed at a door in his room.
Eun-woo grabbed the clothes and walked in to the bathroom, changing clothes. Still a bit confused about why he brought him there.
- They are a little bit big, but it´s fine. Eun-woo said as he walked out of the bathroom.
Yong, who was standing there, back towards him, just pulled his shirt over his shoulders as Eun-woo stepped in. He turned around and started to button his shirt, as the other boy was just staring at him. He pushed his shirt in to his pants, while looking at Eun-woo.
- Just do me one favor. Yong said as he grabbed his phone, putting it in his pocket.
- Sure, what? Eun-woo looked at him puzzled
- If someone asks about what your family does, lie. Yong just stated as a knock at the door came thru.
The door opened and there stood his dad, looking at him. But soon his focus shifted to the other boy in the room, standing just a few meters from his son.
- Jinko said that you brought a friend. His dad said, turning to him again, letting go of what happened this morning.
- Yeah, is that a problem? Yong asked looking back at his dad. Eun-woo reacted on how cold Yong´s voice was, even to his father.
- Of curse not, it´s just the first time you bring someone home. Come on, lunch is being served. Yong-sun said leaving the boys standing there, not even saying a word to Eun-woo
- Come on. Yong said, also leaving the room.
Walking out to the living room that was changed to several tables, people everywhere. Eun-woo finally understood why he told him to lie, and also why his dad said that he never brought someone home. The entire room was filled with men and their families, everyone in white shirts and black pants, some with ties and some without. But what they al had in common was tattoos and scars, anyone could tell that they were gangsters. A child, around 3 years old, came running up to the two boys and Yong instantly picked her up.
- Hey Bora, where is mom and dad? Yong asked looking at her in his arms, but her eyes was only on the boy next to him.
Looking at the boy beside him, who´s eyes were scanning the room. On the big christmas tree in the corner, filled with lights and decorations. On the tables that were placed in rows, with green table cloths, 3 different glasses, a water glass, beer and a wine glass. A napkin placed on the table with the silverware, a spoon, fork, knife and chopsticks. On the long table next to the wall was filled with al the food you could ever wish for. Bulgogi, galbijjim, tteokguk, japchae, jeon, kimchi, mandu, hotteok, rice, tteokbokki, different types of meat, carrots, cucumber, perilla leafs, and other vegetables. On one side of the food were plates, a lot of white plates both flat and deep, and on the other side were drinks, everything from soda, beer, soju, wine and more. On a smaller table next to it was several cup ramen with a hot water dispenser, for anyone to use. The tv on the wall was playing christmas movies for the children, some sitting on the couch and some on the floor, al of them dressed in their best outfits. The woman that came to the door when they arrived was running around, putting out the last of the food. People was talking freely with each other, some laughing and some more serious. Yong´s father was standing next to a woman, holding her waist while talking to another couple.
- Hey Yong! Sang-ook´s voice pulled Eun-woo out of the void he was in
- Hey. Yong said back as he looked over at the man walking towards them.
- Bora, i told you not to attack Yong as soon as he came home. The man said rubbing the girl on her back, her eyes still on the boy next to her favorite uncle.
- And who might you be? Ji-ho snook up behind Sang-ook and asked the boy
- Oh, hello. I´m... Eun-woo trailed of, not knowing how much he should say. Yong had just told him to lie about his parents but how much did he dare to say about himself.
- This is Woo. Yong said, nodding towards the boy next to him that had turned to him.
- Ah, Classmate? The two men asked at the same time.
- Yeah, his family is out of the country. So he was alone. Yong stated as he let the girl down, but she refused to move, trying to stand on his feet, holding his pants.
- Well, you are always welcome here. Ji-ho said, patting Eun-woo on the back.
- How is your back, by the way? Sang-ook asked, looking at Yong.
- It´s starting to itch. Yong said, pulling at his shirts waist line. He could feel Eun-woo´s eyes on him but ignored them.
- Okay everyone! Listen up. Yong-sun called out, making everyone walk closer and listen.
Even Eun-woo came with, even if he felt like he was in the wrong place somehow. But he was pulled by Ji-ho by the arm, as Yong had to lift Bora up once again. He placed her standing on one of the chairs, just hugging her instead, as Eun-woo stood next to him feeling small.
- Welcome everyone! Merry christmas! This year is a bit more special as my son Yong, finally has the family mark on him! Yong-sun said loudly as the men cheered and the woman clapped. Several were patting him on the shoulder and giving him side hugs, but the boy next to him just looked at him.
- And further more, for the first time in his 18 years alive on this world, he brought someone home! Even if i could have wished for a girlfriend instead of a friend, but that is beside the point. His father said, making several of the guests to laugh, as Yong sighed.
- Well! We hope you have a great celebration and a good feast. Feel free to eat as much as you want! And have fun! His dad shouted as everyone cheered.
Yong grabbed the boy next to him and the girl on the chair and went to grab some plates. Boram, came up and grabbed Bora to let the boys take their food, but Bora wouldn´t let go of her favorite person.
- You have to grab food, otherwise the seat next to me might get taken by Gun over there. Yong teased
All four of them looked over to the man standing a few meters behind them, a man in his 50, almost as wide as he was tall, long gray hair in a ponytail and a tattoo on his neck but with a smile on his lips as he waved at them.
- Mom, stop standing there, we need to get food. Bora said to her mother making everyone laugh.
Taking everything they want to eat on different plates, and grabbing some beers and found a place to sit down. Yong sat in between Eun-woo and Bora, and Boram sat on the other side of her daughter. The rest of the seats filled up quickly, as people were eating and talking. Yong was helping Bora with cutting some of her meat up when the question finally came.
- You said your name was Woo, right? What does your parents do for a living for you to be alone at christmas? A man on the other side of the table asked.
The man who looked to be around his 30s, ruffed up and a couple of scars on both hands and face, one very intense on his cheek, looked at the boy between bites, waiting for an answer.
- Oh, yes sir. My mom works as a designer and my father are a truck driver. They are in america right now, visiting my brother. Eun-woo said without a hesitation like it would have been the truth. The man said nothing, he was satisfied with that answer.
- Ah, a designer and truck driver. That seems like a weird mix. Ji-ho said and as soon as those words left his mouth a slap on the back of the head could be heard from the woman next to him.
- Should you say. The woman next to him said, making Yong let out a laugh. But looking over at Eun-woo, he could see that he was confused.
- This is Ha-joon, Ji-ho´s wife. She is a middle school teacher. Those two, Hana and Doh are their twins. Yong explained to the boy next to him
- Ah i see. Eun-woo nodded and continued to eat.
The dinner continued for a while, and once they were done, Yong grabbed Eun-woo´s arm as he stood up.
- Just leave everything. Yong said as he started to walk away with Eun-woo right behind.
- Do you have to pull him along with you everywhere you go? Sang-ook asked looking at Yong with a raised eyebrow
- Yeah, don´t want you two to make him do something bad. Yong said looking back at him and Ji-ho
- Ey, it´s christmas. Ji-ho said lifting his hands in surrender.
Yong shook his head walking over to the couch and sitting down, pulling the boy with him. Making him sit almost to close for comfort, but before he could move away the rest of the couch was filled up with children, including Bora and Hana and Doh. Bora crawled up into Yong´s lap, leaning back with her back against his chest, sitting with her legs on either side of his right one. A small boy around the age of 2 stood in front on Eun-woo, just looking straight at him for a minute, before lifting his arms up, making it clear that he wanted to be lifted up.
- Thats Kiho, Kwang´s son. He wants to sit in your lap. Yong whispered to the confused boy next to him.
He lifted up the child and sat him in his lap, making sure he was comfortable and the boy right away leaned on him and with no care in the world fell asleep against Eun-woo´s chest, with his blanket in his hand.
- Who´s? Eun-woo whispered back as he leaned back against the couch.
- Kwang. The guy with the scar on his cheek. Yong whispered with a small smile on his face, seeing the boy asleep.
- Chin-sun. Yong called out for a woman standing in the middle of the room looking around.
As her eyes turned to him, he lifted his arm and pointed at the two boys next to him and he could see her take a deep breath. She walked over making sure not to step on any of the kids that was sitting around them.
- Is he asleep? She asked looking at the boy whose lap her son was sitting in.
- Ah, yes. Do you want me to wake him up? He asked looking up at her.
- Oh no. Let him sleep, he refused to sleep before we came here, and it might be late tonight. If you are okay with having him in your lap, i´ll move him other wise. She said with a small smile.
- Oh it´s fine. He can sleep here. Eun-woo answered making her nod and walk away.
- Just call for me if something happens. She said leaving the boys alone.
The two boys were sitting there in silence, watching what ever christmas movie was on the tv, as one by one the children around them became quiet and fell asleep for a nap.
- In a few hours, they will warm up any food thats left, together with what ever they didn´t bring out, and we will eat that with ramen. Yong said looking over at the boy next to him.
- Okay. Was al that left his lips
- Take a nap you to. Yong said looking over at the tired boy next to him. Laughing a bit to himself.
Both the boys relaxed and fell asleep. And ofcurse Ji-ho could not hold himself and took a picture of the two boys, surrounded with children, everyone sleeping.
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Hyun and Hakyun came back before new years so Eun-woo celebrated with them. And after that night either of them started a argument. Neither their friends or teacher understood what happened over the christmas break, but both boys pretended that they understood nothing when anyone asked questions. Time passed by and soon they graduated, going each their own way and becoming adults.