CHAPTER 39: JUSTIN’S STORY

Justin scratched the back of his head. "Not that bad. I don’t exactly eat little in the cafeteria either, it’s just... You never notice. Alright, let’s eat!"

Joshua popped a piece of meat into his mouth, his eyes sparkling. Indeed, meat was the most delicious thing in the world!

Justin noticed the okra and bell peppers Joshua had picked onto his plate—taking one side for himself—and couldn’t help but say, "You should eat some vegetables too, Joshua. Otherwise, you won’t get enough nutrients."

Joshua ignored him, still exploring the flavor of the lamb.

Seeing Joshua eat with even more enthusiasm than himself, Justin couldn’t help but smile and raise his large beer mug. "Aren’t you going to have a sip?"

Joshua shook his head. "No, I’m allergic."

Justin looked slightly surprised, then immediately nodded, seriously noting it in his mind.

"Justin... Justin, is that you?"

At that moment, a hesitant voice suddenly called from behind Justin. He paused slightly, and Joshua also looked up.

A young man was approaching, his face easy on the eyes, with fair skin, but dark circles under his eyes gave him a tired look.

Clearly, he had identified Justin and quickly stepped forward, his expression a mixture of anger and sadness. "Justin, how could you do this? Did you leave me to be an idol or something?"

His voice wasn’t quiet, and a few onlookers nearby had their attention drawn to them.

Justin frowned slightly. Joshua looked at him, then at the approaching young man, and said softly, "Can we talk outside if it’s important?"

The young man seemed to have just noticed Joshua, his face flushing as he quickly turned and walked outside.

Justin also stood up. "I’ll step outside for a bit."

Luckily, they were almost done eating, and Joshua got up to pay the bill.

Outside, Justin frowned at John. "Why did you suddenly show up here?"

John smirked, his expression full of mock anger. "And you have the nerve to ask me that? I wouldn’t know you joined that ridiculous program if it weren’t for my roommate. Suddenly, you say you don’t want to be friends anymore, then disappear—why? Just because of that program? What about me? You know studying art costs a lot of money, right? If you’re not earning anything, how am I supposed to pay tuition, attend exhibitions, or have a chance to network with seniors? You did this on purpose, didn’t you, Justin? That’s why—ever since we were kids—no one’s liked you or wanted to be your friend!"

Justin was left gaping at John’s words, his jaw practically dropping. John’s face in front of him seemed twisted, contorted, almost grotesque.

Usually, John had always been like this—his words unapologetic, as if every sacrifice Justin made was expected, as if Justin were inherently someone deserving of disdain.

But the thing was... Justin couldn’t deny that John wasn’t entirely wrong.

Since that day, since Joshua’s words, Justin felt like he had been jolted awake. For the first time in his life, someone had been willing to advise and see him for who he truly was. And now, John’s words just seemed ugly, repulsive.

Justin wasn’t particularly good with words either. He pressed his lips together, fists clenched, muscles taut, veins tracing blue patterns across his hands.

A normal person might have been scared and run away, but John had grown up alongside Justin. Everything had always been like this, and to John, it seemed natural.

John was about to say something else when a cold voice suddenly rang out from behind him: "If you know studying art costs money, then don’t study. If you still want to, earn the money yourself. Who are you to boss him around like that? Justin has his own life and is not obligated to fund your art dreams."

John spun around. Joshua looked at him, eyes unflinching, brimming with disdain: "I wonder what kind of disgusting ’art’ a person with a filthy, ugly soul like yours could create."

"You—!" John roared in anger, but Joshua didn’t even glance at him. Instead, he tapped on his phone: "Tell me your stage name so I can tag you in my next post."

John frowned. "What post?"

Joshua smirked. "The recording of your words just now. Let everyone see what kind of person our so-called artist really is. People who don’t know you might even think you’re the head of some autonomous region."

John’s face turned red with rage. His pride wouldn’t allow him to endure it any longer.

"Just wait!" he shouted, spinning on his heel and storming off.

Joshua laughed mockingly. "Rushing off like that... so you know now how disgusting your thoughts and words are?"

John’s steps nearly faltered, his figure swaying slightly.

Nine spat disdainfully: [He’s polluted the whole atmosphere!]

Joshua couldn’t help but find it a little amusing. He turned back to face Justin.

Justin’s eyes were wide, glistening with unshed tears. His lips pressed together, and even his hair drooped slightly despite its still-short length.

Joshua stepped closer, raising his hand. Justin instinctively lowered his head.

Joshua couldn’t help but smile. He gently ruffled Justin’s slightly stiff hair. Compared to the first time, his hair had grown out a little. Joshua chuckled. "It’s fine. Next time, if you run into him without me and don’t know what to say, call me. I’ll curse him so fast he won’t even know what hit him!"

As Joshua spoke, he pictured the scene and made himself laugh.

Justin clasped Joshua’s hands and lowered them, then stared at Joshua’s smile, momentarily dazed. Instinctively, he reached out and pinched Joshua’s cheek.

Joshua raised an eyebrow at him. "Not upset anymore?"

Justin shook his head. "I’m not letting his words get to me anymore."

Joshua: "Then, still hungry?"

Justin asked, "Are you full?"

Joshua thought for a moment. "This might be the fullest meal since joining the program." He paused, then couldn’t help adding, "Saying that makes it sound like the production team’s been mistreating us..."

Justin burst out laughing. Joshua laughed too and said softly, "Let’s head back."

Justin nodded and walked shoulder to shoulder beside Joshua.

The moon tonight seemed especially round. Maybe that was why Justin kept staring at it instead of at Joshua. Finally, he pressed his lips together as if making up his mind and suddenly spoke: "I grew up in a poor neighborhood. I didn’t have parents. During the revolutionary riot to liberate civilians ten years ago, John’s father died in the flames, saving me. Since then, I’ve been living with John."

Justin could feel Joshua’s gaze on him—focused, intent.

He had never thought much about these things, but now he suddenly felt a strange wave of inferiority. Still, he continued, "I didn’t get to go to school, Joshua. I’m definitely someone ignorant and rough around the edges. But I’ve tried my best. I’ve done everything I could to ensure John could attend school..."

He didn’t even know when things had become this way, as if his soul had been drawn into a strange whirlpool, with John becoming the vessel for all his hopes of something better.

Studying art, being able to do whatever he wanted, going wherever he liked—he’d made all of that possible for John as if it were only natural. After all, someone like him didn’t deserve anything good. At least, that’s what he’d always believed.