Saying that everything was okay just because of his behavior was an understatement.
Which sane person would be okay after almost being molested? No matter how much someone tried to put on a brave face they would still look frightened somehow. But why? Why wasn't that the case for ethan? Dohyun thought, puzzled as he watched the boy act seemingly fine as if he hadn't gone through hell just a few hours ago. He wondered if ethan was trying to be brave infront of him and if his presence was making him uncomfortable. He knew he had forced himself into his house, not considering how he would feel. Why had he done that? Well simple, because at that time something in him had snapped, his reasoning gone when he saw ethan in that state. And after all that, ethan claimed to 'fine' which was NOT fine at all. So he had to cling to him even if it meant acting out of character simply to ensure his friends safety and for his own peace of mind.
Ethan not knowing about his friends thoughts was busy with his own thoughts. He couldn't say he was fine . No he wasn't, but he wouldn't show it.
He had only ever dreamt about people having their way with him and the pain he felt afterwards but now, experiencing it in real life seemed terrifying. He was disgusted, angry, bitter and sympathetic, sympathetic towards the ethan in his dream. The ethan who had his pride and Innocence taken away from him by force, the one who begged and cried to anyone who showed the slightest hint of sympathy whether fake or true, but only received betrayal instead. Used and discarded as a mere toy to those with power, something like a doll, a doll with whom any one could play with. That was him and if he didn't do anything now, he would be subjected to such a fate.
He trembled at the thought of it, he shut his eyes and breathed in. He was glad that Dohyun was here, atleast he wouldn't leave in absolute fear in his own home, he didn't know how he would have fared alone and if the intruder decided to come again, how would he manage all alone?. Wouldn't that just be the end for him, because if someone ever dared touch him again, he would rather end it all than continue with both physical and mental scars.
He touched his throat which was now free of the bandage, it was still red but the swolleness had already gone down, it was now one in the afternoon and they planned on going to their school for practice albeit on ethan's request which Dohyun reluctantly agreed to.
''Can't we just call and tell them we can't?" Dohyun asked visibly worried
''Relax! This isn't a big deal…plus we both worked hard on this, it would be a shame to let it go to waste'' ethan replied in a relaxed manner dismissing Dohyun's concern.
''Okay then lets go''
''Nope not now, lets wait for classes to be done. What's the use in going and being found out that we didn't attend classes and just came to slack around?'' Ethan responded while stifling a yawn
''Haa, my mum called the school and they know that we couldn't make it because of something, so it should be fine'' Dohyun replied unyielding
''But still…too much work'' Ethan replied back as he got comfortable on the couch.
Dohyun noticing his sleepy friend just sighed and walked away, and came back after a few minutes with a fleece and covered ethan. Ethan mumbled something then drifted farther into sleep, displaying a captivating face with Pale plump lips and long eye lashes that had a tint of silver when observed from close by, paired with his smooth skin and perfectly structured nose. This was what Dohyun saw when he covered him earlier and he couldn't help but pause at the sight of his friend looking so vulnerable. He clenched his fists, ethan was just too fragile even if others saw him as a strong person he knew that his friend was far from that. He would protect him and stay by his side even if he had to be left in the dark, he wouldn't push because he didn't want to be shunned from the one person he considered as a saviour and friend.
''What the heck happened to you!" Minji looked mortified to see the bandages on ethans neck and cheek. She was worried one second and then angry the next because instead of explaining himself all ethan did was look at his phone and not pay attention to her at all. Suddenly he felt a pain to his head and quickly looked up and saw minji glaring at him
'' You arrogant bustard! It's just been a few hours and look at you now! Am sure you went and got yourself into a fight since all that spills from that filthy mouth of yours is filth!" She said
'' Can you please stop shouting!" He said in annoyance
''Tsk! What a bother'' he added and almost instantly minji flared up not from embarrassment but from anger.
''You crazy turd! The festival is just after tomorrow and look at your condition! You can't perform like this!" She said while looking at Dohyun for an explanation but all She got back was him pretending not to see her while whistling.
She gnashed her teeth and glared at him with all her soul power then breathed in and relaxed. But when she looked at ethan her temper flared up again
'' So are you proud of yourself?" She asked with a serious expression
Ethan finally paid attention and glanced at her only for a brief moment before looking away, which made her heart skip a beat. She blushed and coughed
''Ahem!…anyways since you can't perform we'll have to-"
''- who said I won't?" He cut her off
''I'm okay and the only reason I'm wearing these bandages is because it's just a little red and it's nothing a little makeup can't fix'' he looked at her with a reasuring smile, easing up her tension making her relax.
Dohyun on the other hand didn't know if this was a good idea or not.