Trials of the Hearts

At the School, I was reading a book to pass time as the weather is sunny today. Few minutes. I feel tap on my shoulder and it’s Lee Seok Joon. He looks happy to see me and kisses me on the cheek. I blush a little bit and look away as he chuckles because of how cute and flustered I am.

“You look cute when you flustered.” He says and smirks.

“Shut up…” I speak.                  

“Hehe… how cute.” he says and chuckles.

“So, how was your practice?” I ask.

“It’s good.” He speaks.

“That’s good” I speak with relief.

“Lee Seok Joon, are you sure you want to participate the competition?” I ask again.

“I’m sure, Elvin. Don’t worry too much about me.” He speaks.

“*sigh* Alright then… I trust you. Please, take care yourself.” I speak.

He nods and pats me on my shoulder, I’m still worried about him a little bit but, I begin to trust him. A few hours later, I went to the music club and noticed there were no students. I sighed and went to the mic. I try to think a song that make me happy and found something as I put on my headphone and begin to sing "Ao To Natsu (青と夏; Blue And Summer)" by Mrs. Green Apple

Natsu ga hajimatta

Aizu ga shita

"Kizutsuki tsukareru" kedo mo ī nda

Tsugi no koi no yukue wa dokoda

Eiga janai

Shuyaku wa dareda

Eiga janai

Bokurano-banda

Translation in English:

Summer has begun

A signal was given

"I'm hurt and tired" but it's still okay

How will my next love go

This is not a movie

Who is the main character

This is not a movie

It's our turn

A few minutes later, Lee Seok Joon heard me singing. Even though he doesn’t understand what I’m saying, he impresses my voice. I didn’t notice him as I continued singing. After I done singing, I notice him at the door… smiling at me.

“Did you hear me singing?!” I speak.

“*Chuckle* Yeah” he says and smirks.

“This is embarrassed!” I say and blush.

“Don’t be embarrassed, your voice is beautiful.” He says and smiles.

We walked together in the hallway for a few whiles and noticed Kai walk toward me.

“Elvin, can you do me a favor?” he asks.

“Sure, what’s it?” I ask.

“It's going to be summer in a few days and my club and your club want to collaborate with music and art. Can you?” he asks.

“Sure, I can do that. What day and time are it?” I ask.

“Wednesday at 10 AM on basketball court.” He speaks.

“Okay then” I say.

I smile and wave goodbye to Kai as he walks away

“Elvin, your event with Kai… are the same day but after your event is done.”

“Really?!” I ask and shock.

“Yes, do you have time for support me?” He asks.

“I try my best to come to support you.” I speak.

“Okay then, I take your words.” He says and sighs.

I noticed him sigh and I promised myself to come after the event. I feel my heart beating fast and afraid I didn’t make it in time. My mind is running like a mess because of the event, the competition, and others stuff until I bump into someone.

“Sorry Sir!” I say as I bow down my head.

“Next time, watch where you’re going.” he says with an annoyed face.

When I look up and realized it’s Brad.

“Brad?!” I say while shock on my face.

“Elvin?!” He also shocks as well.

He smirks and pull me closer

“You’re grow up and handsome as always.” He says and chuckles.

“I… thought you hate me.” I say as the memories still linger on my heart.

“I don’t hate you; I’m just teasing you.” He says and ruffles my hair gently.

“WHAT?!” I was shocked and speechless.

“Hehe… you’re cute when you blush.” He says and hugs me tightly.

“*sigh* So, how was your training as a football player?” I ask.

“It was tiring but worth it.” He speaks.

“You transferred to this school?” I ask.

“Yeah, I just transferred here few days ago and I didn’t realize you school here. I’m glad to find someone I know since junior high school.” He says and smiles.

“Hey, Elvin. I’m… sorry for bullying you since junior high school. I realize I make mistakes for hurting you and I want to make things up.” He says as an apology for his actions.

I was shocked that he apologized to me after this long. I feel my pain become less and hug him

“I’m glad you’re apologizing to me. I promise to make you up.” He says as a promise to fix his actions.

After school, I walk home with my friends and wave goodbye after they accompany me all the way to my house. I enter the house and hug Zhask. He hugged me back tightly and told me to take a shower after a tiring day at school. A few minutes later, I went to my room after finished taking a shower and having dinner with Zhask.

“Dear Diary,

I feel happy that Brad has apologized to me for his actions since we’re in junior high school. I feel my pain begin to ease and I can’t wait for the new journey with Brad. Even though it’s settled between me and Brad. I have come up with new tasks. I must go to the event that celebrates summer season and after that, I must support Lee Seok Joon at the Swimming Competition. I promise to myself to come and support him.”

I sighed and was about to get some sleep until someone called me on the phone. As I picked up the phone, it was Goro and Yoshinori, my friends from camp. It’s been so long since I have talked with them for a few years.

“Hello Goro and Yoshinori! It’s been long day since I have talk or get call by you both.” I speak.

“Hehe… sorry kid, we have been busy with the camp until we forgot to call you for once.” Goro says and chuckles.

“Yeah, I’m sorry for also didn’t call you. It’s hard to have free time as a leader of the camp.” Yoshinori speaks.

“It’s alright guys. How was Camp Buddy?” I ask.

“It was good, and you?” they ask.

“It was alright…” I say hesitantly.

They didn’t believe my words because of the tone.

“You can tell us what your feelings are right now. We will listen.” They speak.

I take a deep breath

“I have been worried about my friends at school… as well you both…” I speak.

“We understand your concern, but we’re fine, kid.” Gono says.

“And who’s your friends?” Yoshinori says.

“His name is Lee Seok Joon. He has swimming competition in few days, and I still worry about him even though he already says that we will be okay.”

They understand what I feel right now as he has seen this situation when I struggled to handle my own problems at Camp Buddy. They must keep an eye on me because of how distant I am between others scout ever since I joined the scouts. But, after they comforted me, I began to open with them.

“We know how you feel right now but, you must trust him that he can handle his own. He already teenager, kid.” Goro says like father figure he is.

“You have worry about us since today and you must relax a bit.” Yoshinori speaks.

I sigh as they were right

“I try to reduce my behavior.” I speak.

“That’s good to hear, Kid.” Goro says and smiles.

“I’m sure you can do it, we believe you.” Yoshinori says and smiles.

“Thank you both, I really appreciate your comfort and support.” I speak.

“You’re welcome, Kid.” Goro speaks.

“Good night, you both.” I say and smile.

“You too, Kid.” Goro speaks.

“You too, Elvin.” Yoshinori speaks.

I ended the call and went to sleep.

oOo

The next day, I entered the school hallway and noticed Karl, the school bully. He often gets into fights. I went to Gepard who is watching the scene. I waved at him, and he waved back at me.

“How long does that happen?” I ask.

“The fight begins few minutes ago.” He says and sighs.

“He hasn’t change, doesn’t he?” I ask.

“Yeah, He didn’t change.” He speaks.

After a few minutes later, I dragged him out from the fight and into the nurse’s office where I could treat his bruises. I always get to take care of him every time he gets into trouble. I am getting tired of him getting into trouble and I must take care of him every time the fight is over, or I stop the fight.

*Flashback*

“Karl, That’s enough!” I say and hold his arms.

“Let me go, you nerd. He starts it first.” He says and tries to free myself from my grip.

“No, you will get worse for your wellbeing.” I speak.

“I’ll be fine, Nerd. Now, let me go!” He says arrogantly.

“Come on…” I lead him to the nurse’s office.

“Ugh… Fine!” He speaks.

I feel glad that he finally agreed to get treatment. Few while later, I treat his bruises. I feel worried about him doing this so often. I already told him many times and he still didn’t listen to me.

“Why you have to do this so often, Karl?” I ask.

“It’s my business. Beside… it’s fun to fight weaklings like them.” He speaks.

“Karl, you need to stop these actions. I have treated you many times now. Don’t you feel tired about this and me?” I ask.

“….. It’s not of your concern. Nerd. Now, let me alone…” he says and walk away from me.

*End of Flashback*

“Karl, you need to stop this, I’m too tired for you to get hurt each day” I say while bandaging his wounds.

“Just shut up already! You always treat me every time I get hurt and I’m tired of seeing you.” He says and pushes me away.

“Don’t come near me again!” He yells and storms away from me.

I watch him leaving and I feel hurt a little, to see him walk away from me, even though I’m trying to help him. I stand up and walk to my classroom. I’m still feel sad to see him hurt as I continue my study. I noticed Karl is sitting behind me, I was about to tell him something, but it stuck to my throat as I stay silent and continue my study. I must forget about it for a while as I need to focus on my tasks for tomorrow. After a few minutes, I heard the teacher wanted us to do a project before the deadline. I hear teacher say I partner with Karl. Karl is shocked and tries to argue with the teachers, but the teacher stops him and tells him to just do it. Karl sighed and went back to his seat.

After class

“Karl…” I say hesitantly.

“What you want?” He speaks.

“If you want to ask me about our project, don’t ask. I don’t want to do our project and don’t ask me why.” He says and rolls his eyes.

I sigh

“Okay…” I speak.

“Good! Now, let me alone, nerd.” He speaks.

I sigh again and slowly walk away. I went to the swimming pool, watching Lee Seok Joon practice. I feel proud of him and a little bit worried. I waited for him while talking with Gepard, who was also there watching him. After a few minutes of talking, I feel a tap on my shoulder as I turn around and it’s Lee Seok Joon.

“Lee Seok Joon! Are you done with your practice?” I asked and smiled.

“Yeah, just done already.” He says and smiles.

“How was your practice, Seok Joon?” Gepard asks.

“It was good.” He speaks.

“That’s good to hear.” Gepard speaks.

Lee Seok Joon kiss me on the cheek

“Seok Joon! Don’t do it in front of him.” I say and blush.

“I can’t help myself, Cutie.” He says and hugs me tightly.

“Hehe… you make him red like tomato.” Gepard says and chuckles.

“It’s cute when you blush.” He says and chuckles as well.

“BAKA!!!” I yell.

“Aww… what a cutie.” He says and hugs me again.

I can’t hide my true feelings as I snuggle closer to him

“Look like someone being clingy.” Gepard speaks.

“Fine, you both caught me.” I speak.

Both smile as I continue hugging Lee Seok Joon.

The next day, I went to the festival and saw so many students having fun with their family, cousin, best friend, etc. Seeing all of this makes me think of how many memories I miss... the happiness with my parents that I never felt before. When I walk around, I notice my parents having fun with my siblings. I feel emptiness inside my heart seeing them having fun without me around. I heard Kai call me that I need to prepare because soon I will be performing on stage. I rush to back of the stage with other students who are also waiting for me. I take a deep breath and want on stage to prepare myself and ask if they’re ready. After a few minutes, I signaled to the event leader that we were ready. They nodded and told everyone to get his attention.

“Attention everyone! Today Elvin and his members are going to perform a song. Let’s watch their performance.” They speak.

Few moments later, we begin to perform the song call "Ao To Natsu (青と夏; Blue And Summer)" by Mrs. Green Apple. Everyone follows the song as they dance and sing at the same time. My Parents notice me singing, they haven’t seen me for so long after he move away from their home. The memories of the past where they treat him badly make them feel guilty for treating him like that. But, seeing me… singing to the song that make me happy… they feel proud to see their child brave enough to show his talents after the suffer he have been through.

After the performance, I told the event leader that I need to leave early because I have business to do. They nod as I leave after saying thank you to them. I rush to the swimming pool where the competitions are. I ran fast as possible and made it after a few whiles. I take a seat where my friends are waiting for me.

“Elvin, you made it!” Melisa says happily.

“Yeah… I made it” I says while catching my breath.

“You run from the festival to here?!” Melisa says shocked.

“You should be careful, who know you trip because of run.” Rein says protectively.

“I know, Rein.” I speak.

“At least you’re safe.” Gepard said.

“Guys, the competition is about to start.” Adrian speaks.

I looked around and noticed Lee Seok Joon and wave at him. After a few minutes, he notices me waving, he feels relief that I’m there watching him compete. I feel glad that I kept my promise to come to his competition. As the competition begins, I watch him compete with other opponents. His movement is effective more than before as I get flashbacks when I’m alone with him.

*Flashback*

“You’re improving so much, Seok Joon. I’m proud of you.” I say and smile.

He smiles and continue his practice

I continued watching him from the edge of the pool while smiling. Even though I’m worried about him, I try to trust his decision. His movement… is effective as usual but more smoothly.

*End of Flashback*

I’m back to reality as Lee Seok Joon won the competition. I feel proud and happy for him after his hard work for the few weeks. Me and my friends went to him to say congrats to him. Lee Seok Joon went to me and hugged me tightly, I was shocked a little bit and hugged him back.

“I’m so proud of you…” I whispered and hugged him more tightly.

“It’s all thanks to you. You keep the promise, and I’m appreciate it.” He speaks.

After the competition, we were on the way home and I suddenly noticed my parents. My body froze as I felt hesitant and felt the memories come back. My friends notice my condition and protect me if my parents try to hurt me. My parents see that my friends are protective of him, and they feel relief to see that I have someone to keep eyes on their child. After a few minutes of silence, I heard my parents call me by name beside harsh words.

“Elvin… don’t be afraid. We have realized our mistakes.” Mom speaks.

I feel shocked after a few years, they just realized now.

“Why… why you take so long to realize your mistakes?” I asked hesitantly.

“We didn’t know that you suffer so much. We’re feel guilty for our actions and words.” Dad speaks.

“Can you forgive us?” Dad asks.

I feel hesitant to answer as the memories still linger on me

“Elvin need some time…” Gepard say while holding my hand tightly.

“Yeah, he needs some time to think about your forgiveness.” Lee Seok Joon says and holding my other hand.

I feel safe with them as they’re like my guardians. I’m glad to have them by my side. I take a few deep breaths and nod as I agree with their words, I need some time to think about it. My Parents understand and smile to see me safe for first time. They make him uncomfortable since the past, and they finally learn and let their child do what makes him happy. Before they walked away, I called my parents for the first time.

“Mom and Dad, wait!” I speak.

“Yeah, dear?” Mom speaks.

“How…. How you been?” I ask.

“We’re… worried about you since you left. We thought you’re missing.” Dad speaks.

“I’m… actually have a house when I leave your home.” I speak.

“WHAT?! How can you pay for the house?” Dad says while shocked.

“I work at the store, and I pay installment.” I speak.

“We’re so sorry for you get through that.” Dad says while feel guilty for their child pay the house on his own.

“It’s okay Dad. Now, I have enough money to pay off the house payment for a month.” I say to calm down my dad.

“But still, you should tell me about it. I can help the payment.” Dad speaks.

“I don’t want to make you worry, Dad.” I speak.

“Now that I know, I’m going to help you the payment and no complain.” Dad says he’s serious with his words.

I hesitate for a moment and accept it

“Okay, Dad. Thank you for your help, even though you don’t have to.” I speak.

“You’re welcome, Son.  I can’t let you handle all the payment on your own. You’re still our kid.” Dad says and chuckles.

“I’m already 18 years old, Dad.” I say and chuckle as well.

“But you’re still our little child, Dear.” Mom speaks.

“I guess you’re right.” I speak.

At home, I let my parents see my home as well as introduce Zhask as my older brother. At first, they’re shocked that I make him my older brother but... they feel relief that I have someone to keep an eye on me. Everything doing great… I have my parents change for the better and Zhask who’s always protective of me. I notice Zhask begin to open with me by telling his story. I’m glad it’s going very well today.

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