Jaemin clutched onto his backpack straps tightly as he walked through the school entrance with Jeno.

“We just arrived, so we’ll see you soon?” Jeno asked, his phone to his ear.

He was on the phone to Jungwoo and had been trying to convince him for the past five minutes that it wasn't Jaemin’s fault that Doyoung was attacked. Even from hearing only Jeno’s side of the conversation, Jaemin could tell Jungwoo was still angry and blamed him. Jaemin understood. He felt the same way. Another wave of guilt flowed through him and he clenched his jaw.

Last night Jeno had told him not to beat himself up. But it was so hard not to. He was weak and selfish so why shouldn't he punish himself. He loved Jeno and hated that Jeno was clearly hurting because of him too. It was just a continuous cycle of guilt and hate and it was himself at the center of it all. Jaemin hated it. He hated himself. He couldn't comprehend all the pretty words that came out of Jeno’s mouth; about him being wonderful. He would paint on the smile for him though. For Jeno he would try to appear fine.

“Jungwoo’s coming to school today too and he’s agreed to talk to us; to fully explain everything. Isn't that great?” Jeno put his phone back in his pocket and smiled at Jaemin, pulling his attention back to reality.

Jaemin shrugged. He doubted anything would change from talking to Jungwoo. Maybe Jungwoo would get really angry and try and beat him up again. Jaemin had been terrified the other day when that had happened but maybe he should just let Jungwoo beat him up. At least the physical pain of being beaten up would distract him from his growing fear of Mark.

No, weak and scared that he was, Jaemin didn't want to be beaten up. The idea frightened him. Then there was all this stupid worry eating at him about telling the headmaster and the police about what happened. He didn't want to do it. He just wanted to hide away from everything and everyone.

“Jae, it's going to be fine okay?” Jeno covered his hand over Jaemin’s which was clutching his arm as he’d subconsciously started to hug himself again.

Jaemin quickly let go of himself and shied away from Jeno’s touch. “Not at school, please.” He pleaded with Jeno before casting his eyes to the ground when he saw a flicker of hurt pass over Jeno’s features.

The truth was that Jaemin wanted Jeno to touch him and hold him. Jeno’s physical contact actually seemed to be the only thing that calmed him. But they couldn't. Even when they were alone Jaemin wouldn't allow it. He knew deep down that if they went further he wouldn't be able to go back, and no one at school could know he was gay. It literally would be the end then.

He didn't want to think about it. The dark, hollow feeling in his chest was growing.

They finally reached their lockers and took out their books for their first class of the day. Jaemin looked up from his books at Jeno, who was frowning down the hallway at the other kids. Everyone seemed to be whispering to each other with shocked looks on their faces. Then Jaemin noticed Haechan bounding down the hallway towards them, his backpack swinging wildly behind him.

“What's happening?” Jeno asked him, still frowning.

Haechan caught his breath before replying. “There's been another assault, but you'll never guess who the victim is!” Haechan was wide eyed and clearly couldn't contain himself.

“Who was it?” Jaemin asked quietly. He felt all the blood run out of his body at the thought. Who had Mark hurt now?

“It’s Mark!” Haechan exclaimed. “Someone beat up Mark, and apparently he’s saying the guy who did it declared that he beat up Doyoung too!”

Jeno and Jaemin looked at each other in shock before Jeno replied. “Mark was beaten up? But then who beat him up?”

“We don't know.” Haechan replied with a shrug. “I heard that his attacker came up from behind him and covered Mark's eyes so he couldn't see him. Crazy though, huh?”

Crazy was an understatement. What the hell was happening, Jaemin though, feeling his heartbeat quicken. Now no one would believe him even if he told them it was Mark who hurt Doyoung. But it also meant there was someone else who could hurt him. Someone crazy enough to go after Mark.

“What's going on?”

Distracted from his thoughts, Jaemin looked up to see Jungwoo stop next to Haechan. He looked grumpy and annoyed, with his hands stuffed into his pockets. He avoided looking at Jaemin and Jaemin did the same, feeling nervous and uncomfortable.

“Mark’s been beaten up by the same guy who beat up Doyoung.” Haechan replied, quickly informing Jungwoo of the situation.

“What the fuck?” Jungwoo responded, glaring at Haechan. Haechan lifted his hands above his head in a surrender pose, reiterating that he was just a messenger. “Mark was the one that hurt Doyoung. He's not a fucking victim.” Jungwoo glowered, his soft features turning harsh.

Jaemin was so used to seeing a warm, gentle smile on Jungwoo’s face. But since his boyfriend got hurt he had seemed to change. This new Jungwoo scared Jaemin.

“Jesus, well that's confusing then.” Haechan replied, rubbing his head and messing his wavy hair up in the process.

“It's bullshit is what it is. The police are going to speak with Doyoung today, and he’s going to tell them it was Mark and his friends Lucas and Jaehyun. I don't care who beat up Mark but he definitely deserved it.” Jungwoo spat venomously before stalking off down the hallway.

Jaemin felt another pang of guilt in his stomach as he watched Jungwoo go. It must be really hard for him with Doyoung in hospital, and now all this shit with Mark getting beaten up.

“Damnit!” Jeno cursed under his breath. “Jungwoo wait, we still need to talk to you.” He called after him. He grabbed Jaemin by the hand and hurried down the hallway after Jungwoo, who was leaving a clear path behind him as people quickly moved out of his way.

Jaemin’s anxiety rose as he looked at everybody he passed in the hallway, hoping not to spot anyone looking back at him as Jeno held his hand. He attempted to slip from his grip but Jeno stopped abruptly and Jaemin looked up to find Jungwoo glaring at them both.

“Look, I don't want to talk at the moment, so leave me alone.” Jungwoo said gruffly.

His glare pierced through Jaemin and he seized up, unable to look away. He automatically latched onto Jeno’s arm who stood protectively between him and Jungwoo.

Jeno was the one who spoke next, his voice even. “Okay, I'm sorry. But come and sit with us at morning break. Please.”

Jungwoo glanced quickly between the two of them before huffing and nodded his head. “Fine.” He muttered. Then he turned and walked off, his hands balled into fists at his side.