Chapter 7.1

“Where are you going?!” he shouted.

Every sound around him crowded in—overwhelming, dissonant—while his footsteps tore through the forest floor, snapping twigs and crumpling dry leaves beneath each frantic step. He lunged forward, caught Leonis by the shoulder, and pulled him back.

“Look at me and tell me what happened.”

Leonis turned around.

The sunlight caught the tousled waves of his blonde hair, casting a golden shimmer across his face. His sharp green eyes met Haneul’s, tinged with a hint of surprise. His pupils dilated slightly at the sight of Haneul’s face—his deep frown, the tight press of worry across his lips. A pang of guilt flickered in Leonis’s chest. He didn’t want Haneul to worry. He never meant to leave him in the dark.

“I’m sorry. It’s not that bad, really...” he muttered, trying to sound casual.

But the bruise on his face told another story. Under the glare of daylight, it stood out harsh and unhidden—reddish-purple, tender and swollen, blooming just above his cheekbone.

Haneul’s concern only deepened. “Then come on. Let me treat it for you, okay? Don’t walk around looking like a bruised pear.”

Leonis's lips twitched, almost into a smile, but didn’t quite make it. His eyes softened instead. There was something in Haneul’s expression—something earnest, protective, and painfully kind—that chipped away at his defenses. He didn’t want to worry him. Didn’t want to walk away without saying anything. Not to him.

Haneul reached for his wrist, firm but gentle, and without another word, began guiding him out of the woods. Away from the noise. Toward home.

The kind and concerned dark-haired boy brought his friend to his home for the very first time. Despite living just half an hour from school—and, surprisingly, only a few blocks from Leonis—they’d never thought to visit each other after parting ways at the bus stop closest to their apartments. It wasn’t exactly an oversight. For Haneul, inviting someone into his personal space felt intrusive. And for Leonis, he simply couldn't. Which made this moment slightly uncomfortable for both of them, and perhaps why they’d always skirted the idea—until today.

Their apartments weren’t grand, just modest and functional. Small, but affordable and cozy enough.

Haneul’s was on the sixth floor; Leonis’s on the third. Not that it mattered. Haneul hoped the visit might ease the tension or coax Leonis to open up—he suspected the heaviness clinging to his friend had something to do in his home.

They approached Haneul’s apartment slowly, the hallway lined with lush greenery: potted pothos, rubber figs, snake plants, and aloe vera, followed by hanging vines swaying gently in the corridor breeze. Haneul, with a subtle smile, enthusiastically named each one for Leonis.

“Oh God, you sound like an old man, dude…” Leonis smirked, watching Haneul get excited over each plant. These had once belonged to Haneul’s late father, and Leonis could tell how much they meant to him. Some stood tall and healthy, others hung like suspended memories—silent, gentle things Haneul clung to and cared for with quiet reverence. This was a side of him Leonis hadn’t known. Now he did.

As they neared the front door, Leonis caught the scent of herbal tea drifting softly from inside. Someone was home.

The door opened, and a warm, familiar figure greeted them with a giggle. Her tone was bright, her presence radiant.

“Oh! So this is who you’ve been seeing, my dear?” she teased, glancing from Haneul to Leonis. She wore a cheerful apron, her loose braids resting on her shoulder. One hand held a rag and the other cupped her flushed cheek as if genuinely delighted by the surprise.

“W–what? Mum, stop making it weird. I need the first aid kit for Leo,” Haneul muttered, side-eyeing his friend—who stood like he’d just been adopted, posture proud and lips curled into a wide grin.

Leonis, suddenly transformed, beamed with boyish charm.

“Nice to meet you! I’m Haneul’s one and only best friend. And you have a beautiful house—and smile!” he announced, eyes sparkling.

Haneul blinked, a little stunned. His friend had a remarkable gift: he clearly admired motherly figures and knew exactly how to speak to them. What a charmer as always.

“Oh dear, not only is your friend a looker, he’s so respectful! Please come in. I saw your text, Haneul—I’ve already placed the first aid kit on the table. I’ll head back to the kitchen and get some tea and snacks ready,” she said warmly, not asking any questions, she turned and merrily head back into the kitchen with a happy giggle.

Haneul couldn’t help but smile. His mother was clearly overjoyed. She understood how rare it was for him to open up or form friendships, and now, she was more than happy.

“You should s–show me your roo—ouch.” Leonis winced as Haneul pressed an alcohol-soaked cotton ball to his cheek—firm, intentional, and clearly meant to shut him up.

“You should admire the living room more,” Haneul replied flatly, continuing to dab antiseptic on the fresh cut.

Leonis jerked from the sting, muttering under his breath.

“I mean… your house is amazing, no doubt. If you invited me to live here, I wouldn’t leave. Haha.” His gaze drifted slowly across the room—cozy, warm, full of life. Rustic and modern touches blended effortlessly. It smelled clean, too: tea, baked snacks, and home. Pots lined the windowsill and TV console, and framed photographs hinted at family history.

“You have siblings?” he asked, raising an eyebrow. It was odd—Haneul had never mentioned anyone beyond his parents.

“Uh… a sister and a brother. But they’re not staying here anymore. One's in another town, the other overseas,” Haneul replied hesitantly but softly, carefully placing a bandage on Leonis’s cheek.

Leonis tilted his head, his bangs falling beneath his lashes. He studied his friend’s expression. Haneul looked away, reaching for his tea with fidgety hands—a sure sign he was feeling a little anxious. Leonis had learned this over time.

“Thank you… I like it,” he whispered, poking his bandaged cheek—then groaning from the pain, making Haneul snort a laugh.

What an idiot. You’re always trying to protect my feelings. I see you.

Haneul stood and pointed at the sofa that they were sitting, a playful command to stay put, like he was training a dog. He grabbed the first aid kit and walked down the hallway toward one of the bedrooms.

“Excuse me?! What are you doing?” he barked as Leonis, swift and sly, snuck in right behind him.

The blonde darted ahead, poking his head around excitedly, eyes lit with curiosity. Haneul sighed and facepalmed.

That trick might’ve worked on a dog—but not on this mischievous and sly fox.

And strangely, instead of getting angry, Haneul felt… calm. Maybe because he knew now: Leonis’s intrusion wasn’t just mischief. It was trust.