Chapter 12: I don't like you, Ricky!

                                    

                                          
The bell rang, signaling the start of lunch break. The classroom erupted into the usual chaos as everyone rushed to grab their things and head to the cafeteria. Laughter and chatter filled the room as the students gathered in groups, excitedly discussing what they planned to eat.
Gyuvin, Zhang Hao, and the others were among the first to leave, heading toward the cafeteria together, but Jiwoong lingered behind, his gaze fixed on Hanbin, who was packing up his things at his desk. Hanbin moved slowly, almost as if he was trying to avoid drawing attention to himself.
Jiwoong noticed the hesitation in Hanbin's movements, the way he seemed to be taking his time, and it only fueled the storm of emotions brewing inside him. Something wasn't right, and Jiwoong wasn't the type to let things slide.
As Hanbin started to leave the classroom, Jiwoong called out to him, his voice firm but not too loud. "Hanbin, wait."
Hanbin froze in his tracks, his hand still gripping the strap of his bag. He turned around slowly, his eyes meeting Jiwoong's, a mix of surprise and wariness in his gaze. "Yeah?" he asked, his voice cautious.
Jiwoong gestured for Hanbin to come over. "I need to talk to you."
Hanbin hesitated for a moment, his heart pounding in his chest. Something about Jiwoong's tone told him that this wasn't just a casual conversation. But he nodded and walked back to where Jiwoong was sitting, pulling out a chair and sitting down in front of him.
Jiwoong sighed, running a hand through his hair before he finally spoke. "Why are you avoiding Zhang Hao?"
Hanbin's heart dropped at the question. He had been dreading this conversation, and now that it was happening, he felt like he could barely breathe. He swallowed hard, trying to keep his voice steady as he replied, "I'm not avoiding him. I'm just... keeping a distance."
Jiwoong's eyes narrowed, and his voice grew more intense. "Why? Why are you keeping a distance even when you know Hao likes you so much?"
Hanbin looked away, his eyes stinging as tears began to form. He couldn't face Jiwoong, not with the guilt and pain swirling inside him. He took a deep breath, trying to steady himself, but his voice still wavered as he said, "I... I can't be with Hao."
Jiwoong's frustration was evident in the way he clenched his fists on the table, his knuckles turning white. "Why not? Don't you like Hao too?"
Hanbin bit down on his lower lip, trying to hold back the tears that threatened to spill. He nodded slowly, his heart aching with every word he forced out. "I do. I like him so much. But... it's complicated."
Jiwoong's patience was wearing thin, and his voice took on an edge of anger. "What the hell is so complicated that you're willing to hurt Hao like this?"
Hanbin flinched at Jiwoong's harsh tone, his emotions finally breaking through. He snapped, his voice rising as he spoke. "I love Hao so much that it fucking hurts, okay? But I can't be with him because... because Gyuvin likes him too."
Jiwoong's anger faltered for a moment, replaced by shock and confusion. "So you're breaking Hao's heart to protect Gyuvin's feelings?" he asked, his voice incredulous.
Hanbin nodded, tears now freely streaming down his face. "I love Gyuvin so much, Jiwoong. He's been through so much shit, and I'd do anything to protect him. I'd... I'd kill people if I had to, just to keep him safe."
Jiwoong stared at Hanbin, trying to process what he was hearing. His anger began to fade, replaced by a deep sadness as he studied Hanbin's tear-streaked face. "Why, Hanbin? Why would you sacrifice your own happiness like this?"