Chapter Text
Hoseok woke up to the sound of his parents fighting. It was 4 am and he still had a few hours until he was supposed to wake up. He slowly walked over to his door and cracked it open just enough so he could see what was going on.
Neither of his parents had much money, both were barely hanging onto their jobs that paid very little. They were trying their hardest to afford paying the bills and keeping up with Hoseok’s education. His mother was a housekeeper and his father worked as a cashier. Most jobs wouldn't accept his father because of his prison record. He has been caught for illegal drug use and theft. So Arguments were common to happen. They didn't pay much attention to Hoseok, and when they did talk to him it was either complaining, yelling, they would hit him. Hoseok had a secret after school job in hopes to help out. He worked at a convenience store. It didn't make him much but it was better than nothing. He would usually try to avoid being near them when they were stressed, which was quite often. He didn't want to add to the bruises he already got at school. So he tried to make as little sound as possible when cracking open his door.
“What are we supposed to do now? How much longer will we be able to go on like this? What are we supposed to do now that you have no job? It’s already hard enough making enough money with two of us working, but only one?” “The store was already closing down so why are you blaming me? It's not like my paycheck contributed much anyways!” “ Any kind of contribute is important!” “Well It's not like I can contribute much anymore!” “Why couldn't you just be better in life! I feel like I am the only one trying!” After his mother had just yelled that she looked over in the direction of his room. He looked away quickly and jumped back in bed.
The next morning he woke up seeing that none of his parents were home. He didn't think much of it and carried on with his morning routine. He ate breakfast, took a shower and left for school. As Hoseok opened the door to leave he thought about skipping considering none of his parents would be home to notice. He didn't like school. He couldn't focus in any of his classes and was a social outcast. He was bullied. The only friend he had was named Taehyung. Hoseok didn't have any classes with him which made him feel quite lonely and defenseless most of the time. The two of them would usually meet up after school to hang out. Taehyung was very sociable and likeable to most people. Which made Hoseok envy him a bit more. He helped Hoseok avoid self harm for the time being. They met a few years ago during the beginning of highschool.
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“Ah where could it be?” Hoseok was at his locker desperately trying to find his book bag. “It was in here last time I checked…I'll just go ask a teacher of they have seen it.” He shut his locker and made his way towards his homeroom. It was after school so he hoped his teacher didn't leave yet.
Luckily when he looked in the room he found the teacher getting ready to leave. “Hello..um I was wondering have you seen a backpack anywhere? It's navy blue and has a pocket in the front of it. I looked in my locker and it seems to be missing.” “I think I have seen it. Does it have white stripes?” “It doesn't. It was only in my locker.” “Well I don't think I have seen It then, but if I find it I'll give it to you.” “Oh okay thanks.” Hoseok wanted to remain calm but the more and more he looked for it He became more worried. He sighed and walked out of the room. He didn't want to think that someone has stolen it but that was the only thing that he hasn't thought of yet. “Why does this have to happen to me?”
Sports practices and club activities were going on during this time. He thought of who bullied him the most and was pretty sure that they could still be here. He ran outside to see a group of upperclassmen laughing and looking through his book bag. He held back tears of anger and sadness. “Hey! Give me that!” He ran over to the group of boys but then was stopped by one of them punching him in the stomach. “Wow haha you don't have much in here do you?” He dropped his book bag and laughed. “Come on guys let's go.” “Tsk” They group left and Hoseok tried getting up. The pain stung making him not want to move. He felt nauseous but still got up. It took him a little extra time to get up. He looked into his book bag and found the only thing He had left was a few of his books that looked ruined and his wallet. They took most of his money that he was planning on giving to his parents. The money earned from his after school job, mostly gone. Tears started to fill up his eyes. He felt awful for letting this happen. He cleaned up his tears and held back the rest. He was going to be late for his job of He didn't.
When he finally got to the convenience store the first thing he did was apologise. “Hey I'm here sorry I'm late.” “It’s fine. You weren't that late.” The manager saw his sadness and didn't want to make it worse. The manager wasn't too much older then him. He graduated about a little over a year ago. It was usually just those two working, Hoseok and Yoongi. “Is everything okay? You have been coming late often and seem kinda off.” “I'm fine just a bit tired. Let's just get to work.” He gave him a reassuring smile.
Later on that evening while working he saw a person his age run into the store. “Hey! Are you missing this?” He asked Hoseok with a serious face. “Uh…” The boy pulled out a bit of won. I heard that my friends stole this from you.” “...oh” “Here! Sorry my friends are such assholes. We go to the same school right? Maybe we could be friends” He smiled. Hoseok was shocked. “Come on take it. It's yours after all.” He started to reach for it then the boy just put it in his hands and patted it. “Loosen up okay haha. Well I'll be going.” Hoseok didn't want to miss an opportunity to make a friend “Wait!” “Yes?” “Maybe we could. You know, be friends? It would be nice to have someone to hang out with.” “Yeah! Nice to meet you my name is Taehyung.” “Mine is Hoseok.” They both smiled caused by the start of a new friendship.
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Suddenly on Hoseok’s way to school he got a pat on the back. It was Taehyung. “Hiii hi.” “Haha good morning Taehyung.” “Hey do you have work after school today?” “Of course I do. Why?” “Because I wanted to show you something cool.” “You always say that.” Yeah but it’s different this time!” “Maybe after work.” “Okay sure. Meet me in the front of the school after work. Well I need to make it to my classes see you then Taehyung.” Hoseok wished he didn't have work after school so he could meet up sooner. He also had wished he had more classes with Taehyung. He tended to defend Hoseok A lot. Taehyung made Hoseok feel more safe, comforted. Hoseok also had a strange attraction to him, but if he were to know, what would happen? So he kept his feelings to himself. He would try his hardest to not make it obvious. He couldn't take any risks that could cause him losing a friend. They were both aware of each other's sexuality, but it would be a different story if it was towards him. Taehyung came out as bisexual and Hoseok came out as homosexual. They both didn't have any problems talking about sexuality with each other.
The first couple classes passed fairly quickly even though Hoseok kept zoning out most of the time. Lunch time came and he sat alone waiting for Taehyung to join him like he usually would. Taehyung had more friends to sit by, yet he chose to sit by Hoseok instead. Taehyung and him both would wait for each other until they would start eating, but for some reason Taehyung didn't show up at the table today.
He just decided to save his Lunch for the next day to save money. It was just an apple and a sandwich so he hoped it will be still okay to eat by tomorrow. “Taehyung is probably just eating lunch with someone else or just busy.” Hoseok looked around the lunchroom to see if Taehyung was there. He walked over to the table where his friends would sit. All he saw was a few girls sitting there. “Hello sorry to bother you...but have you seen Taehyung anywhere?” “Taehyung? He was eating lunch outside with someone.” one of the girls stated. “Who was it…?” “I dunno...some kid that just moved to our school.” “Oh okay well thank you. Goodbye.” Hoseok walked away thinking about if he should look for him or just go on with his day. “Wow why did he need to know? Why does Taehyung even talk to him anyway?” The girls finally said when he walked away.
“I'll just wait until after school to see him.” On the way to his next class he got a text message on his phone. “Hey sorry I wasn't at lunch. We are still meeting when you're done with work right?” “Yeah.” Hoseok ended the conversation there.
After school when Hoseok was just getting ready to leave he heard Taehyung yell for him. “Heyy.” “Oh hi. I thought we were meeting after work?” “What are you talking about I just wanted to say hi. I'm just kidding. Haha turns out the thing I wanted to show you is sooner. I'll pay how much you would usually get for today.” “That's okay you don't need to do that. I'll go to the surprise instead of work” He didn't want to miss hanging out with Taehyung. It’s already bad enough he couldn't see him at lunch today. “Okay let’s go. It’s a surprise.” He smiled and nodded. It wasn't too long of a walk to get there. “So what is it?” “Look over there. At the theater, it's the movie you were talking about wanting to see. It’s okay. I'll pay for your ticket.” Hoseok’s eyes lit up. “Really? How long is it? and how much is the ticket? I could pay you back later.” “It’s fine. You seem very stressed about things so don't worry about it. We're friends after all.”
The movie was about two hours and by the time it was over it was evening. Throughout the movie Taehyung had left several times for phone calls. He also texted a lot during the movie as well but Hoseok didn't mind. At least he could spend time with him. When he did leave he would just wait for him to come back patiently. He didn't end up eating the popcorn Taehyung bought him. “Hey I'm kinda hungry, want to go Hey something to eat?” Taehyung asked in a lively tone. Hoseok was happy to hear that they could go out to eat together. It has been a while since the last time they have done it. “Yeah! That sounds good. You can pick the place.” “Cool I know of few good places nearby we can go to.”
They ended up going to a casual restaurant with not too many people, which was a good thing for Hoseok. Of course, he got soup. Taehyung started up a conversation after getting their meals.
“What did you think of the movie? Good way to spend our time after school.” “I liked it. How about you Taehyung? What did you think of it?” “I thought it was-*Ring* *Ring* “Hold on. “Hello? Oh hey yeah I'm free right now. Why?” There was an awkward pause. “Okay I'll see you then. You could've just asked earlier.” Taehyung hung up the phone. Hoseok was curious by now. “I'm sorry to ask to ask but why so many calls?” “Nothing much. I just met up with someone I used to be close with a few days ago.” Taehyung smiled and giggled. “Oooh who?. Hoseok asked “Well you know that new kid that just moved here a few days ago?” “I'm not sure who that is but I hear people talk about a new student.” “Well his name is Jeon Jungkook. We haven't seen each other in a long time. It was nice to see each other. We used to be a couple. We had to break up because he moved and it was hard to get a hold of him.”
This wasn't a shock to Hoseok that Taehyung had been dating someone. “ Aww That’s sweet. Is that why you weren't at the lunch table today?” “Yeah we had to catch up on things. I was actually planning on meeting up with him pretty soon. Maybe I can introduce him to you? He's really nice, funny, and I assume because we don't have the same classes that you haven't met him.” “That would be cool. Just tell me when I could meet him He sounds pretty cool.” They both had just finished eating and it was now dark.
“Sometime soon. I'm in a rush today, and I bet you are too. It was really nice hanging out. If I had more time we could have done more I'm sorry.” Taehyung said. “I should be the one sorry.” “Why Hoseok?” “I wasted your time and money.” “Don't feel that way. You didn't waste my time at all.” “Thank you for saying that, well you were busy right? I'll see you later” “Yeah Later.”
They parted ways.