After School | Markjinson

0.10

It's been three weeks since the start of school. Jinyoung's mental state has been on and off, but he's dealt with it the best way he can. He's used to the periods of mental unstableness, they've characterized his life thus far. Recently his need for sleep has gone down, maybe he's slept 3 hours per week? If that. Jaebum did everything in his power to help his best friend during these times, especially when it came to his friend not sleeping properly but there's only so much he could do. Jinyoung had successfully convinced his other friends that he was okay, though they did worry.  

He didn't know but his homeroom teacher, Jackson Wang, worried about him a lot. Every time he saw Jinyoung it seemed the bags under his eyes were worst and the dark circles heavier. The boy's concentration was sporadic, sometimes he seemed to be in a hyper focused state while other times it seemed like he was out of it; like he was fighting his thoughts.

Currently, Jinyoung was after school with Mr.Wang. They were reviewing a new topic that Jinyoung didn't absorb in class. Jinyoung was busy with his work paper that Jackson had given him to practice. Jackson's eyes never left the boy as they reviewed today. To say he was concerned could be considered an understatement. He was sitting at desk in front of Jinyoung, turned to face him in a chair.

"Jinyoung, how have you been these past few weeks?" Jackson asked, breaking the silence of the room. 

"I've been fine." Jinyoung answered without looking up from his work.

A sigh escaped Jackson's lips, he took the pencil from Jinyoung's hands and threw it, "Look at me." 

Jinyoung did as he was told. 

"You look like you haven't slept in weeks." Jackson stated.

Jinyoung respond, "I slept yesterday."  

"How long?" 

Jinyoung looked away from Jackson, "Maybe 15 minutes, 20 at most." 

"Is that the first time you slept this week?" Jackson questioned. 

Jinyoung looked back at Jackson, he could actual see genuine worry in his teacher's face. It reminded him of the look Jaebum gave him when he came to his house three weeks ago. 

"Yes, it is. You have no need to worry about me though, I feel fine." Jinyoung smiled.  "All this will pass and I'll be fine, it's been happening my entire life."

"Jinyoung, trust me this is not normal." 

"Its normal to me." Jinyoung replied.

"Do your parents know?" Jackson asked.

"My parents? My dad is always gone on business trips and my mom left  years ago. I haven't talked to her in ages." Jinyoung had a bitter expression, "So no, they don't know."

"I'm sorry for bring it up." 

Jinyoung laughed, "It's not your fault. How would you know? Most kids in this school have an relationship with their parents, it's only natural to assume I would have mine, right? Because I don't act out, I don't skip class and do any crazy shit. So no one knows. No one knows that I've wished and craved a relationship with my parents for years. I don't need your pity or your concern." 

"There's nothing I can say to make this better. I can't say I understand your situation, because I don't and I never will.  If you ever need someone to talk to though, I'm here. I will try to help you the best I can." Jackson paused and pulled out a pen from his pocket and wrote on Jinyoung's practice sheet. 

"Here, my number if you ever need it." He smiled. 

Jinyoung hung his head low, "You're so damn kind and fucking understanding. Anyone would be lucky to be with you, you know that? I've only known you for 3 weeks but you wear your heart on your sleeve for the world to see." Jinyoung lifted his head up, his eyes were teary, "Thank you."