Chapter Text
Dokja was a scruffy kid to Joonghyuk. He would watch the scrawny teen limp into class and sink himself into the empty seat at the back of the class. Joonghyuk didn’t have time for people like that. He sighs mentally as he looks away from Dokja, and at the teacher who begins the lesson.
Joonghyuk is a good student, loved by his peers and teachers. he’s someone truly worth envying, especially with his god gifted face. Joonghyuks hooded eyes stares at his notes, watching his pen glide across the paper writing what the teacher explained.
A boring lesson of biology kept the class unusually calm, but it didn’t stop the gossip and whispers. Joonghyuk listened, but never spoke about it. He could hear the repeated words, over and over.
”dokja..”
”…son..murderer..”
”crazy..too..”
That’s when the serenity of the classroom faded, the loud scrape of a chair silenced everyone including the teacher. A student walked over to frail boy at the back, whose head hidden in his arms on the desk like he’s hiding himself from everything. A hand gripped the boys black scruffy hair, nails digging in his scalp making Dokja breathe in sharply. The hand lifted the head up the two looked at each other.
“Minwoo! Stop he’s going to murder you he might be like his killer of a mother.”
A girl chimed in, her shrilly voice filled with mockery for Dokja. His eyes darted to her face, she was smiling her eyes glistening with sadistic joy. A few other students giggled and murmured, the teacher stayed silent watching in mild discomfort before resuming the lesson for those who want to learn. Like Joonghyuk who ignored the boy as the others did and focused on his work, he didn’t have time to worry about others despite the subtle twist in his stomach, telling him to intervene.
“dokja-ya don’t they feed you at home? You’re so skinny for a beta you may as well be an omega”
Minwoos’ hand cupped Dokjas sunken cheek giving it a painful squeeze, his hand lifted off then connected back onto the cheek in a fast slap. Dokjas pale skin glowed a burning red, he stood up stumbling back. His grey eyes widened, his own hand shakily hovered over the angry red on his skin.
“Are you challenging me? Why’d you get up?”
Minwoos eyes bore into Dokjas, his anger seeping out as he took steps towards Dokja until they were in close proximity. Minwoo gripped Dokja by his collar with a threatening voice he questioned.
“Go on Dokja, say it I know you want to since you want to act up!”
Dokja couldn’t say anything, he’s frozen he couldn’t think of anything. He's angry, upset, humiliated and exhausted yet there’s no words willing to help him stand up for himself. Just like the students who either watched, ignored or giggled.
“Pathetic, at least attack me, your mother gave you a good demonstration on how to do so.”
Dokja just couldn’t, the constant reminders of that day made his migraine flare up, he saw Minwoos fist leave his collar and ball up ready to strike him. He shut his eyes bracing himself, his body tensing but no impact collided on his face. He shakily fluttered his eyes open, Joonghyuk was there gripping onto Minwoos wrist. His expression hard, Joonghyuks face darkened as he glares at Minwoo.
“What the f**k are you doing man!?”
Minwoo swore, his face consorted in pain, Joonghyuks grip made his arm feel flimsy. Joonghyuk had no idea why he’s doing this, he just couldn’t sit by anymore. Everyday he’s ignored it but today was enough, that nagging feeling finally made him act on impulse. Dokja is really pitiful from head to toe.
Dokja sees how distracted Minwoo is, using this as a chance to slip away he leaves the classroom, with a weak breath, his legs quivering. His lashes clumped at the unshed tears. The students don’t even notice Dokja escaped, their attention glued at the two boys squaring each other up. Shocked that Joonghyuk is actively engaging in a fight. Joonghyuk noticed though, he saw Dokja scurry away which was his cue to do the same. He twisted Minwoos wrist behind his back. Minwoo swore in pain as he tried to kick Joonghyuk.
Joonghyuk simply stomped on the leg that raised making the other boy cry out, which elicited gasps from the onlookers. Ending that in a quick movement Joonghyuk stormed out of the class, dokja on his mind he has to find him. His head wracked with guilt of not doing anything before, he questioned if he was the same as those who looked away from the bullying. Joonghyuk couldn’t use his own personal issues to justify, the negligence of his own family was no reason to let Dokja crumble at school.