Jaehyun sat on the couch beside Woonhak, his body still, but his mind raced. The realization weighed on him like a stone lodged in his chest:

I like Woonhak.

The words echoed in his thoughts, looping over and over. His heart thudded painfully. He didn't know how to feel-whether it was something good or bad, whether it was a blessing or a problem waiting to unfold.

He glanced sideways at Woonhak, who was still pressing the ice pack to his cheek, his eyes fixed on the floor. Woonhak looked small, fragile, yet Jaehyun knew there was a quiet strength beneath his vulnerable exterior. His feelings tangled inside him, a knot he couldn't untie.

The sound of the front door opening jolted him from his thoughts.

"I'm home!" came his mother's warm, cheerful voice.

Jaehyun forced himself to push everything aside. Whatever he was feeling could wait. Right now, Woonhak needed him. This was more important.

His mom stepped into the living room, her eyes lighting up when she saw them. "Did you two have a nice day? And did you finish your-" Her smile faded abruptly as her gaze fell on Woonhak's cheek and the ice pack clutched in his hand. Her brow furrowed in concern. "Woonhak, what happened?"

The boys hesitated, a heavy silence stretching between them. Jaehyun clenched his hands into fists, his mind scrambling for the right words. Woonhak's eyes darted to Jaehyun, fear and uncertainty flickering in them.

Taking a deep breath, Jaehyun spoke up, his voice steady but edged with anger. "Mom..."
And with that he told her what happened, trying to control his emotions while talking.

His mother's face darkened with disbelief and fury. She pointed at Woonhak's face. "She did this?" Her voice trembled slightly, her hands curling into fists. She drew in a sharp breath, trying to contain her anger. "I can't believe this. I've had enough."

She looked between the two boys, determination etched into her features. "I'm going to do something about this right now." Her voice was firm, leaving no room for argument. "I am contacting the police and CPS. This can't go on."

Then she turned to Woonhak, her expression softening, her eyes gentle and kind. She knelt down in front of him, meeting his gaze directly. "Woonhak, is this okay with you? If I report this, you'll need to talk to some police officers and social workers. I know it might be scary, but you don't have to go through it alone."

Woonhak's fingers tightened around the ice pack, his eyes wide and uncertain. He swallowed hard, his gaze dropping to the floor. For a moment, he didn't speak. The idea of recounting everything, of facing strangers who would dissect his life, felt overwhelming.

Jaehyun leaned closer, his voice soft but unwavering. "Woonie, you can do this. You're stronger than you think. And my mom and I will be right there with you, every step of the way."

Woonhak looked up at him, tears welling in his eyes, but there was a glimmer of trust and courage too. He nodded slowly. "Okay... If you'll be there, then... I can do it."

Jaehyun's mom gave him a reassuring smile, her eyes shimmering with pride and compassion. "You're so brave, Woonhak. We'll get through this together."

She stood up, determination hardening her features again. "I'm going to make the call."

With that, she left the room, her footsteps purposeful as she headed to the kitchen.

Jaehyun watched her go, then turned back to Woonhak. He gently took the ice pack from his hand and adjusted it against his cheek. "You're going to be okay," he whispered.

Woonhak gave a small, shaky smile. "I know. Because I have you."

Jaehyun's heart thudded again, that strange knot of feelings tightening inside him. But this time, the realization didn't feel so overwhelming.

And as he looked at Woonhak, he knew that no matter what came next, he would protect this boy with everything he had.

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