Alone

2.1 Habit

Jihoon's POV

      I hesitated when I reached the door. Quickly wiping my tears, I walked inside. The only light was coming from the Tv, which was on some random channel that my mother was barely watching. I gently pried the remote out of her hand and turned it off. She didn't really notice. I wrapped my arms around her and pulled her off the couch, my sore muscles screeching in protest. Just goes to show how weak I actually am. My mother weighs next to nothing. Her eyes finally focused on me.
"Jihoonie?"
"Ne Mother, I'm here," I whispered, still attempting to pull her up.
"Where did you go?" She asked, her words slurring slightly. "I missed you Jihoonie."
"I missed you too mom." My voice caught in my throat. "Is Jisun Hyung here yet?"
"Your brother? No... he's not here yet." Her voice was light, like she'd just been talking about dinner. I nearly cried in relief. It was good if he hadn't come home yet. I could put my mother to bed, then I could be in bed when he got home. That would be good. "Did you have dinner already Jihoonie?"
"Ne mother," I lied easily, slightly impatient. "Let's get you to bed." She let me pull her up and lead her to her small bedroom. Silently, I helped her dress, stealing quick glances at the clock that my mother didn't pick up on. I knew I couldn't rush her, or I would risk injuring her, but I couldn't help trying to urge her to go faster.
     With a sigh of relief, I turned off her light and shut the door. Once again glancing at the clock, I wondered if I had any time to do the dishes before my brother came home. Slowly I walked away from the large pile, not wanting to risk it. I would try to tackle them in the morning before I went to school.
     The house was eerily silent as I walked through the dark hallway. I passed my mother's closed door. As I approached the door at the end of the hallway, I pulled out a small, old-fashioned brass key and stuck it into the lock. The door squeaked open. I locked the door behind me, and checked it three or four times as I changed into my pajamas.
     I laid in my bed, tensing up at the smallest sound. The past couple of days had been strange. What was wrong with Soonyoung though? I sighed and rolled over. Did his father tell him what he asked me? Maybe...
     I quickly finished shoving my things into my bag so I could begin walking home. Getting there was the only thing on my mind when I nearly walked into a man standing by the door. I backed up quickly and apologized, but he didn't move away from my path. He slowly walked towards me and leaned down to my height, examining my face.
     "You Lee Ji-hye's boy?" His voice was gruff and stern. He knew my mother? How did he know my mother? I nodded.
     "Ne." Without saying anything else, Soonyoung's father moved away from the door and let me pass, a strange look on his face. I hurried out the door and started walking home. There were three people a ways in front of me, just standing there. Eventually they started walking, and one by one they left. I followed the last one for a while, without really meaning to follow him of course, until he stepped under the porch light of a very familiar house. I saw his face.
     The person's house that I pass by every day when I walk to school is Soonyoung's house?
    
     My alarm clock rang once before I rushed to turn it off. I crept out of my room and peered into my brother's room. he had left the door open when he came home last night. Jisun laid passed out on his bed, still fully clothed. He didn't look like he was going to wake up any time soon.
     I took a speedy shower then cleaned up the kitchen before I got my mother up. Once again I helped her dress, then I led her to the kitchen table and tried to persuade her to eat the toast that I made. As soon as she took a couple bites and refused to take any more, I led her to the couch and sat her down.
     "Now, don't watch too much Tv," I said, putting her crocheting needle into her hands. "I'll be back at twelve to feed you lunch. Can you make yourself dinner again? I'll be home late today. There's some rice in the fridge, just put it in the microwave, but not too long, alright?" My mother nodded. Her eyes looked more alert than usual, it was one of her better days so I didn't worry too much.
     I was halfway out the front door whenever Jisun came out of his room, muttering swear words under his breath and rubbing his head. His bleary eyes focused on me, but I was already out the door. I ran most of the way to school, even though I was absolutely exhausted. It was safer around people.
     In first hour, I sat down next to Wonwoo while the teacher gave quick instructions on what we should be focusing on today. After that, we both went and sat down next to our partners. Soonyoung was talking animatedly to Junhui, who looked very interested in what he had to say. As we got closer, I could hear him more.
     "-I just think that it'll be a lot easier to do it like that, and I'm sure the teacher would agree. Oh, hey Jihoon." Did I imagine the slightly embarrassed note his voice took whenever he greeted me? "I have an idea that will help all four of us out a lot," he told me. My heart sank a little. Does he really hate me so much that he's going to suggest that I be partners with Wonwoo? "We should combine our groups."