“It'll be fine Jae.” Jeno said as he tried to convince Jaemin that Jungwoo would keep a level head when the time came for their morning break. He was worried though. Their first class hadn't even started yet and Jaemin already seemed anxious and scared.

Jeno wanted nothing more than to hug him but he kept his hands at his sides and tried to push any affectionate thoughts for Jaemin out of his mind.

He was about to change the subject to something lighter, something that would hopefully calm Jaemin’s nerves a bit when he felt someone walk into him.

“Watch where you're standing, idiot.” He heard someone mutter. The impact shoved him forward and he grabbed onto Jaemin to steady himself.

“Sorry Jaem-” Jeno mumbled an apology but stopped short when he saw the look on Jaemin’s face. It was fear; something that he was beginning to see quite often in Jaemin’s big brown eyes. Knowing it wouldn't be anyone nice, Jeno turned and placed himself between them and Jaemin.

Crap. It was Mark. Not only did Mark seem to be one of Jaemin’s main triggers at the moment, but currently he looked like he was ready to attack anyone who looked at him the wrong way. He had also clearly been beaten up, which meant at least some of what Haechan told them earlier was true. There were already pinkish red bruises forming around his cheek, eye and jaw, his lip was split and there was a small cut on his forehead.

Mark smirked as he stared coldly at Jeno then turned his glare onto Jaemin. Jeno felt Jaemin cling to his arm and push himself behind him, as if he could hide completely from Mark.

Jeno then noticed that Mark wasn’t alone; that there was a man with bleach blonde hair standing impatiently next to him. Jeno had never seen him before but he guessed he was somewhere in his twenties. He was tall and well built and his facial features were soft and smooth; the look of irritation on his face didn't suit him.

Jeno just hoped that having that guy with Mark meant he wouldn't lash out at himself or Jaemin. Luckily, he was right. Mark glared at Jeno once more before stalking off down the hallway, with the blonde haired man close behind.

Jeno relaxed and turned to Jaemin. He was clearly distraught and he was breathing quickly as though he was about to have a panic attack.

“Jae, Jaemin!” Jeno said, grabbing him by his shoulders as Jaemin stared off at nothing. Jeno could tell his mind was dragging him down into a dark place and Jeno needed to snap him out of it.

The bell rang for first period and everyone started to shuffle off to their classes. The sudden noise seemed to bring Jaemin back down to earth and he stared sadly into Jeno’s eyes.

“I can't do this, Jeno. I can't, I can't…” Jaemin whispered as a tear fell from his eye and ran down his cheek. His eyes started darting around at everyone walking through the hallway, wide with fear as though he were afraid that everyone was a threat.

Jeno’s chest tightened. He hated what was happening to Jaemin; absolutely hated it. He needed to look after him and protect him but it just seemed like Jaemin was getting worse.

Jeno glanced around the hallway. It had emptied quite fast; there were only three other people. Jeno grabbed Jaemin and pulled him around the corner where the hallway was empty. It was just them.

“Jaemin listen to me.” Jeno spoke calmly, even though inside his nerves were shot from seeing Jaemin so stressed and unhappy.

He cupped the sad boy’s face in his hands and pulled him close. Their faces were only inches apart.

“I'm here. I'm with you and I swear I won't let anything or anyone hurt you. Just put your trust in me and know that I'll look after you. I'll protect you okay?” He waited until Jaemin nodded slowly. “Close your eyes.” He whispered gently.

Jaemin stared back, a little bewildered, but did as he was told. His eyelids fluttered shut. Jeno stroked a finger gently over Jaemin’s soft lids, wiping away his stray tears. He swallowed then slowly and cautiously he leaned closer.

“No one else is here. It's just us.”

Jeno placed his lips on Jaemin's cheek in a delicate kiss. Jaemin flinched ever so slightly from the unexpected sensation but then relaxed. For once he didn't push Jeno away.

Jeno drew back slightly and stroked Jaemin's hair. A small smile appeared as Jaemin opened his eyes and gazed back at Jeno.

Then this small semblance of happiness disappeared as the bell rang again, signaling the start of first period. Jaemin once again became aware of his surroundings, though he appeared less anxious than before.

Jeno’s heart was beating fast and his mind was racing. He let out a slow breath and ignored all his thoughts and feelings about Jaemin. He couldn't get carried away right now.

Satisfied that Jaemin was emotionally stable enough to go to class, Jeno spoke. “Come on, we’re going to be late for Korean.” He patted his shoulder and they headed off down the hallway to class.

Jaemin nervously fidgeted with his jersey sleeves as they stopped in front of the door to their class. Jeno slid the door open and they both bowed before entering.

“Sorry we're late.” Jeno apologized politely.

Their teacher, Mr Cho, didn’t look too impressed with their tardiness but said nothing as they took their seats. Jeno was glad that he sat right next to Jaemin, so he could keep a watchful eye on him and make sure he was doing okay. It was much better than sitting there worrying about him like he did yesterday.

Jeno silently took out his textbooks as Mr Cho began with a reminder that their book reviews would be due on Monday. “I know some of you may be having a hard time with the incidents that have happened recently, but let's still try to keep focused on our studies, and if you ever need to talk the school counselor is here.” He stopped as the door opened again and Lucas came in out of breath, looking like he had just run to class.

“Sorry I'm late. Please don't send me to detention again.” Lucas said bowing dramatically.

“Just take your seat, Lucas.” Mr Cho sighed, looking irritated that another late student had interrupted him.

Jeno was surprised that he hadn't reprimanded Lucas, as he was always playing up in class and showing up late. He guessed that the teachers must have been told to cut the students some slack after Doyoung got attacked. He mulled over that thought and tried not to catch Lucas’ eye as he walked to his desk at the back of the room. Lucas though, seemed to be staring at him. When Jeno finally glanced at him he noticed the flicker of a satisfied grin on his face. Jeno quickly averted his eyes back down to his workbook as Lucas walked past him.

What did he have to grin about? He was probably thinking up other ways to mess with him, Jeno thought. He made a mental note to keep and eye on Lucas, just in case he tried to bully Jaemin. Jeno glanced sideways at Jaemin. He was busy writing and hadn't paid any attention to Lucas.

Nobody but him was going to touch Jaemin today. He would make sure of it.