Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

God, I hate Mondays.

Rolling out of bed at 7 a.m. feels like torture, especially for school. I know I should wake up earlier, maybe actually eat breakfast or have a few moments to myself, but really, who wants that? The thrill of the last possible minute is what gets me going. I glance at the clock as I drag myself out of bed—7:02 a.m. I sigh. Time to rush through the usual routine.

After a quick shower, I throw on my school uniform and make a half-hearted attempt at fixing my hair in the mirror. The uniform—a plain white blouse and a checkered skirt—doesn't exactly offer many ways to express yourself, but I manage with some small details: a few subtle rings, my favorite scrunchie, and a touch of lip gloss that's barely within the school's "acceptable" guidelines. I glance at my reflection one last time before slinging my bag over my shoulder and heading out.

I walk through the school gates at 8:58 a.m., practically on the dot, as usual. The grounds are buzzing with students hustling to their first-period classes, conversations blending into a low, steady hum around me. I slip through the crowded hallways, dodging last-minute lockers slamming and rushed goodbyes as I make my way to biology.

I slide into my usual seat just as the bell rings at 8:59. It's a miracle I make it every day without getting marked tardy. The classroom itself is pretty standard—beige walls covered in faded science posters, and a couple of dusty, ancient-looking plants on the windowsill that I swear are holding on for dear life. I settle into my spot, second row from the back, where I can observe everything but stay under the radar. Same desk, same classmates, same mundane routine. There's something oddly comforting about it.

Mr. Park, our biology teacher, starts droning on, and I do my best to focus, though it's a struggle. Biology itself isn't too bad; it's just Mr. Park's approach that drains every bit of excitement from it. He's got a weird grading system, one that never rounds up—so if you're 0.1 off from an A? Too bad. Plus, he's one of those teachers who just reads off his slides, barely pausing to explain anything in depth. It's like he thinks we'll magically understand mitochondria just by looking at a bullet-point list. I lean back in my seat, feeling my eyes glaze over as he flips to yet another slide about cellular respiration.

Somehow, I make it through the class by sneaking glances at the clock every few minutes, praying for time to move faster. Finally, the bell rings, jolting me back to life. I grab my things and head to my next classes, each one blending into the next. There's really nothing special about most of them—the teachers talk, I take notes, zone out, and sometimes catch a mini-nap if the lecture's dragging on too long.

The only redeeming factor is that I have a few classes with my friends. We don't sit together for all of them, but having them nearby makes things a bit more bearable. We'll shoot each other quick looks or stifle laughs whenever someone says something ridiculous. Honestly, it's those moments that keep me going, small breaks of laughter in an otherwise dreary school day.

By the time lunch rolls around, I'm exhausted but relieved. Lunch is a chance to unwind, talk about anything other than biology, and see my friends without the pressure of a teacher's watchful eye. I head to my locker to drop off my books and grab my wallet, and I'm greeted by my two best friends, Bomi and Jihye. They're already waiting for me, leaning against the lockers, looking like they've been there for hours. Bomi's arms are crossed as she scrolls through her phone, while Jihye, as usual, is watching everyone else, taking it all in with a curious eye.

"Hey, girls! What's up?" I say, shoving my morning textbooks into the cramped locker and reaching for my wallet.

Bomi snorts, not looking up from her phone. "Did you see Mr. Park assigned another lab?"

I groan, rolling my eyes. "Seriously? He hasn't even graded the last one. What's his deal?" I shut my locker door with a little more force than necessary, and Bomi just shakes her head in agreement.

Jihye, always the practical one, shrugs. "Guess he's on a roll. You know he's not going to round up your grade, though, right?"

"Tell me about it. I'll probably be exactly 0.1 away from an A. Again." I shove my wallet into my pocket. "Alright, let's get some food."

The three of us link arms and make our way to the cafeteria. As we walk, we're caught up in our usual chatter, occasionally greeting people we know as we pass. We're not a "popular" clique or anything, but we've got our group and a decent amount of people know us. I guess we're friendly enough to stay in the loop without being in everyone's business. It's nice.

The cafeteria is already packed, as it always is by this time. Students are everywhere, clustered at tables, in lines, or huddled in groups near the vending machines. The noise level is intense—a steady roar of conversations, laughter, and the clatter of trays. Luckily, our usual table by the window is still empty. I rush over to claim it, giving a quick wave to Jihye and Bomi as they head toward the lunch line.

I pull out my phone to pass the time, scrolling through social media and occasionally liking a few posts. The temptation to go to every party is real, but my grades could definitely use some love. I sigh, glancing over my current grades. Decent, but I know they could be better if I just focused a little more. Maybe this weekend I'll skip out on the next get-together, even if Jihye and Bomi beg me to come.

As I'm scrolling, I feel someone's eyes on me. Looking up, I see Yuna, a classmate from my math class, waving at me with a big smile.

"Oh, hey Yuna! How's it going?" I smile back, gesturing for her to join me.

She sits down, balancing her tray. "Just got out of Mr. Donghae's English class. He assigned us this weird project."

"Ugh, what now?" I ask, curious but already dreading what it might be.

"He paired us up for some story project, and we have to write something using random words he assigned us. Extra credit if it's 'creative,' whatever that means." Yuna rolls her eyes, stabbing at her salad.

I laugh, imagining the potential chaos. "Sounds like a free-for-all."

"Yeah, but my partner barely said a word. Not sure how that's gonna go." She looks around the cafeteria, as if hoping her mysterious partner will suddenly show up, brimming with ideas.

"Good luck. Hopefully I get someone decent. I'd hate to be stuck doing the whole thing alone."

Yuna glances toward her table and waves her hand. "Well, my group's calling. See you later!"

I wave her off just as Jihye and Bomi finally make it out of the food line, trays stacked high. I stand up to help them, noticing how Bomi looks like she's seconds away from dropping her tray.

"Thanks," she says, passing me my tray with a grin.

As we walk back to our table, someone bumps into my shoulder. I turn quickly. "Oh, sorry—"

The person doesn't respond, just dips his head down, his hoodie pulled low, and quickly walks away. I watch him retreat toward the door, intrigued.

Bomi sighs, rolling her eyes. "There goes the loner."

I raise my eyebrows. "That's him?"

She nods. "Yep. Hood up, always by himself, tall as anything. The guy barely speaks to anyone."

I try to catch one last glimpse as he leaves the cafeteria. Rumors about him have spread through the school like wildfire. Some people say he's got a death glare, that he's rude, and that he avoids everyone on purpose. I've always thought it sounded exaggerated, but seeing him now, I can't help but be a little curious.

Jihye chimes in as she takes a sip of her soda. "His name's Hwang Hyunjin. One of my classmates mentioned it after the teacher called roll."

The name sounds familiar, but I can't quite place it. "Hwang Hyunjin," I repeat, more to myself. "Wonder what his deal is."

Chapter Text

My peaceful break during lunch was sadly interrupted by the persistent ringing of the school bell. It echoed through the huge boombox speakers attached to the inner corners of the walls, bouncing off the walls and into each students eardrums. It irritated me, I wish I didn't have to go to class. Especially after Yuna told me the project our English teacher will assign us, is my next period currently.

Jihye, Bomi, and I clean up our table and trays, placing them back in stacks and making sure all our trash is thrown away in the appropriate bins. I rinse my mouth with water to make sure no food is stuck between my teeth and to not have food breath when I get to my next class.

The girls and I part ways as we make it to our separate lockers, unfortunately on different sides of the hallways. I grab my notebooks and put them into my bag, chewing on gum to freshen my breath, checking on my hair and makeup and uniform, and spritzing small amounts of perfume to freshen up. Finally, I'm ready for my second half of my day.

Humming to myself as I listen to my favorite playlist, making it up the endless staircase, taking my time arriving to this class. As I do for every class, and make it into a seat right as the bell rings.

Placing my bag onto the floor beside my seat, I cross my leg over the other and lean back, waiting for the lecture to begin.

Mr Donghae clears his throat at his podium, tall and wide that stands front and center of the classroom, asserting dominance over everybody else as he stands there with a puffed out chest and confident expression. "Good Afternoon class. I'm sure your peers from previous periods have shared to you about what I assigned to them, as I will be assigning them to you right now."

It's like he read my mind. Everybody's mind to be more specific. Small heads turning to their friends, snickering or gasping with wide eyes, shocked at the accuracy of the statement from our teacher.

"I will be calling out names of each partnership, once I am finished, find your person and I will explain the next procedure. Also, do not get up until I am done calling out names." He continues, pushing down his glasses as he squints at the laptop in front of him.

Mr Donghae then begins to call out names. Many names I do not recognize and a very few I am familiar with. The list continues on, and I have yet to hear my name. At this point of time, I have ran out of familiar names. Now I grow worried, did I get the short end of the stick? Am I cooked?

But finally, I hear my name being called. Anticipation rises in my chest as I await the name that follows after mine. Holding my hands in fists as I feel myself literally sitting at the edge of my seat. It is not out of excitement, but anxiety that I will receive some dumbass, or someone who lacks basic communication skills and won't complete their part of the project, or even somebody that is just mean as hell.

"Y/n L/n and...." Mr Donghae continues. I take a quick scan of the room, trying to predict who I may get before he even utters the name.

But before I could get the chance, I hear the name.

"Hwang Hyunjin will be partners."

My ears perk up as I hear this name. My eyes look around the room, searching for him. I didn't even know he was in my class, but maybe it's because he never has spoken a word to literally anybody.

It didn't too long for me to find him as I quickly spotted a slumped student wearing an all black and gray outfit in the corner of the classroom. Hands stuffed in the pockets and strands of dark hair poking from the hoodie that is covering the rest of his face. The energy that surrounds his being makes shivers go down my spine. Why does he seem so different from everybody else here?

When his name was called, it took Hyunjin a moment to register as his head shook and peered up to the teacher. His eyes scan the classroom, and underneath the hooded figure where the shadows of his siren eyes lock with mine. More chills down my spine.

Noticing our eyes locking as confirmation, he turns back in his seat and slumps back to, what I assume to be, asleep.

A few more partners are called, and soon everybody confirmed their partner and met eyes with who they will be working with for the next month for this project.

Mr Donghae then takes out a bowl with small slips of paper inside, shaking it around slightly. Enough to mix the papers, but not enough to make it spill all over the floor. Pushing back up his glasses and facing the class, he continues to explain the next instructions. "Once you guys find your partners, please sit by them. Then, when everyone is settled, I will go around with this bowl. I want you both to blindly select five slips of paper. These papers will have one word on each. You will need to utilize these words in your story or writing."

Once his instructions are finished, everyone rushes out of their seats and finds their partner. Taking a seat beside them, just as Mr Donghae instructed. Except Hyunjin and I. There seems to be some still air between us. Who knew I would have a run in with him again? I wonder if he recognizes me. I doubt it though.

I shake my head and clear my throat. Making the initiative, I push myself out from my desk and make my way to his table, which nobody is sitting near him. He notices my movement and slightly shifts in his seat as I come closer.

"Hyunjin, right?" I say in a polite tone, unsure if he is older than me or not. Pulling the seat beside him and sitting down in a quiet manner.

He doesn't even turn his head, but he does respond to me with a small nod.

I look down and see his arms squished between his thighs. His body language is telling me that it seems I have invaded his personal space in some way, and the tightness of his body just shows he is uncomfortable. Without making it an issue, I just scoot the chair a few inches further from him, seeing any change of behavior. Fortunately, with this, I see his shoulders loosen and his body relax as I moved away.

It still remains silent however. The bowl of paper being passed around with small whispers from classmates, the teacher speaking to the students in front of him, answering any questions and concerns as he walks around. Students complaining or celebrating the words they randomly selected. I hope we end up on the celebrating end.

Feeling like no conversation will be started anytime soon, I just keep my focus on the bowl moving around. It's going rather quickly people pick out the five and let the bowl pass by without even looking at the word till after. Soon enough, the bowl is placed in front of me and Hyunjin.

"Just pick five slips, read the words after so we can move along faster." Mr Donghae says, knowing he is tired of repeating the same instruction to each pair, but knows he has to.

I give a nod and shift my gaze to Hyunjin, whose head remains down and his demeanor silent. I initiate once again and pick two slips of paper on my own, then tapping on his table, not wanting to cause any more discomfort by nudging him instead.

"Hey, Hyunjin. You can pick the other two. So it's a but fair game." I say softly, still watching myself with him.

My voice alerts him, and he quickly looks up and turns his head at me.

There. That is when I can finally get a full view of his face. Despite his dark hood and locks draping over his face, I can see how dark his brown eyes are, and the fact he has brown eyes. I can see his plump lips and how they sit so softly against his face. I can see his delicate yet strong features on his face, replicating the feeling of a feathers touch but through a persons facial structure. His eyebrows are soft, his expression is soft. Something that is entirely different from what others described his gaze as. It's entirely warm and soft, not cold or hardened.

After that eternal gaze, he nods at me and grabs three random slips of paper from the bowl. The teacher then moves on to the next groups ahead of us.

With our five slips of paper, we both open the slips to read the words that we have chosen: beauty, friendship, love, hurt, and quiet.

"These words aren't.. too bad.. but at the same time, I feel like it might be a bit difficult. Because it's so general, you know?" I say gently, scanning the words and already trying to conjure up some ideas based on these prompts.

"Yeah.." I hear a raspy yet velvety voice speak beside me. One that I have never heard before. Turning my head to the one that spoke in this magnetic tone. Then, I realize that this is the first time hearing Hyunjin's voice. Though it was only one word, it felt like an entire world was opened up to me.

It seems that this shock has been shown obvious to Hyunjin as he quickly turns his face away and clears his throat. The tension in his body returning and his arms returning to being squeezed between his legs. Back to stage 1.

"I like your hoodie." I say in a light tone, trying to bring him back into the conversation. It's like I'm playing Jenga. We each are pulling out a block and placing it at the top as we move steps closer actually interacting as classmates. But one wrong move as I take a shot of a block, it all comes tumbling down. Now, I need to put the blocks back up and try again.

This small and simple, but impactful, compliment seems to move Hyunjin as he lifts his head slightly. His body doesn't relax, nor does he turn his head to face me again, but it shows my block has remained stable at the top. It's Hyunjin's turn.

He slowly scans the wooden structure, his eyes scanning for an easy block for him to grab. He spots it and hesitantly pulls it out from the middle, carefully and slowly creeping back up to the top. "Thank you... it's Versace." He says the last part quietly, finally placing his block beside my own.

My eyes widen and I feel my head do a complete 180° as he tells me the brand of his clothes. Suddenly I want to sit further away, his casual hoodie is a luxury brand? That just called me broke in every single language. "Versace? It looks nice. I couldn't afford something that nice." I give a warm smile.

This results in the so-called intimidating and cold loner to let out the warmest and welcoming chuckle from his mouth. "Aha, well, I'm just lucky to own it. It was gifted by a family member.." He explains.

I'm a bit shocked, a lot actually, that he seems so... easy to talk to. Though it isn't the most piece-of-cake conversation, it isn't that bad assuming the rumors people spread about his demeanor. He isn't scary at all, and his velvet voice is massaging my brain in the right way. The way he speaks is still shy, but I can tell he can carry himself well when he's comfortable.

But I doubt we'll get that close. I just need him to feel okay enough to talk to get this project done. From there, we can take our paths.

"Well, it's nice. I'm Y/n by the way, if you didn't hear the call earlier." I say, extending my hand out to him.

Hesitantly, Hyunjin pulls out his hand from his hoodie pocket and shakes mine. His grip is firm but still showing fear in this interaction. The way his fingers perfectly fold over mine, and my hand is practically engulfed by the shape and size of his own. The veins popping out that could burst at any moment. "Yeah, I heard... pretty name.." He says softly.

"Thank you, Hyunjin. Same with yours." I say, trying my best to make the conversation a bit warmer. I clear my throat and look at the papers in front of us once more, "so do you have any ideas for what we can do for these words?"

Hyunjin slightly shifts his chair to face me, a bold move on his part. His eyes focus in on the words on the slips of paper, his eyes shifting between each, as if trying to tie in a story between each of them. "I'm not entirely sure at the moment.. but these words tie in perfectly with one another.." He speaks.

There it is. His smooth voice that I expected, the way he carries and expresses his words, as if rich in emotion and knowledge just through he enunciates his words so eloquently. Like a switch from some nervous wreck is this graceful man. Almost like the loner disappeared from his person entirely.

After speaking, Hyunjin seemed to snap back and realize the situation he is in. No loner this prestigious speaker when it came to creating stories out of simple words, now back to the quiet loner who sits in the corner of the classroom.

He seems to connect well when it comes to writing and any type of creativity point. I wonder if he is a good writer like me. Maybe I should a— before I get the chance to continue, the bell rings, marking the end of this period. Also the making the end of this unfinished conversation.

Hyunjin, like the flash, packs up his stuff and stands out of his seat. Acknowledging me with a quick bow and rushing himself out of the door. I watch him leave and I sigh, grabbing my bag to take my time out the door to my next classes of the day.

There's something more to him.. I know it.

Chapter Text

"Hey Y/n! Over here." I hear Jihye call my name somewhere down the hallway. Exiting my classroom, the final one of the day, I spot my two friends signaling me to come over to them.

I tug on my backpack strap around my shoulder as I walk over to them with a smile. They also seem to be smiling hella hard about something. "How was classes for yall?" I ask with a nod.

Bomi, already nudging at Jihye with that mischievous smirk on her face. Something must have happened or come up, I know that expression from mikes away. It's even more obvious now that I am standing a couple feet away from her. "Classes were the usual, but we want to know how yours was." Bomi asks me.

"My classes were pretty much the same too. Lecture, notes, discussion. The same shit." I shrug my shoulders, my eyes sometimes glancing at the people around us. It's a weird habit I have, but I can't help but focus my eyes on a mere passerby.

Crossing her arms over her chest, Bomi chuckles. "The same shit? What about English? Anything different?"

I raise a brow, getting a gist of what she is trying to get at. "Oh you wanna know about who I got as my partner for the project, hm?" I ask. Curious on why they would care though, they don't take this course this semester.

"Oh we heard who you got, we just want to know how that went." Bomi continues, that notorious smirk never leaving her face.

"Everything went fine. Hyunjin was just a bit quiet and hard to talk to, but we got some sentences exchanged which was good at least." I say, downplaying the situation as if he was another student. But we all know why they really care, they want some drama some tea, just so they can whisper and talk about the school loner once again.

"Ugh you're so lame. Come on, Y/n, give us some more information. So he spoke to you? Was his voice all weird and gross, how did he look under that hoodie? Did he smell?" Bomi continues to instigate,  a sneering expression appearing across her face.

"I'm honestly shocked he even spoke. People never heard his voice, barely seen his face before." Jihye continues, following the same lead as Bomi on trying to get information on this kid.

"You guys are acting like he is some supernatural thing. Yeah he spoke to me. His voice was actually pretty nice. And no... he didn't smell." I raise a brow at them, not expecting this type of animosity from them in relation to just another student.

Bomi shakes her head with a chuckle. "Omg no no no. We aren't trying to be mean, we just heard all these rumors and going based off those assumptions." She explains while shaking her hands in front of her face.

"How did he look? Or did you not get a look of his face. People were saying he had a really ugly face, unbearable in a way." Jihye cuts in, her eyes widening with excitement, as if sitting on the edge of her seat.

I think for a moment. Remembering back to how Hyunjin looked. His face was utterly... perfect. Everything was so smooth and bright. I don't understand why he would hide his face, and also why people made this weird rumors. They never even seen his face. "His face wasn't ugly at all. I think you two would have a crush on him if you saw him." I say with a chuckle.

"A crush?? On the loner kid? Pfft, no way. You're just exaggerating his face. Maybe he isn't ugly, but at least average, yeah?" Jihye says, side eyeing Bomi as she hears the suggestion they would find the school loner their type.

I shrug my shoulders. "He's better looking than most of the boys here, so I don't know if I'd call him ugly." I say.

Bomi nods her head. "Wow, he must be something then. Hm, maybe the rumors were wrong." She nudges Jihye with a raise of the brow.

Jihye nods her head. "Maybe he got a crush on Y/n."

"Huh?" I say, taken aback by the suggestion.

"I mean shit. Why would the school loner suddenly show his face and speak to you out of all people? You gotta be special to him in some way." Jihye says with a smile, nudging me in the side.

I let out a chuckle and smile. "I think he only did it because he had no choice. He doesn't have to speak to people in the hallways. But I guess as my partner he has to, you know?" I try to explain.

Bomi shakes her head. "Aww the school loner got a crush on our friend, Y/n here. You guys could be cute if he actually looks how you describe." She winks at me with a giggle.

"Oh stop you guys." I nudge them back. "You were just saying how probably weird and ugly he is, and now he has a crush on me?" I shake my head with a playful roll of the eyes.

"We just joking Y/n. He's just your partner for this class. After this you two probably aren't speaking again. He barely even spoke to you anyways." Bomi says, making light of the situation.

"Yeah. I don't think him and I could connect the same way we connect. He probably doesn't like this just as much as I do." I say with a shrug. It's just a project anyways, just got to get it done for the grade.

Bomi claps her hand together. "Okay! No more shrugging or pouting around. Let's head to my house to hang out, yeah?" She says with a cheery smile. Sensing the mood of the conversation going down, needing to bring us back up cheerful.

"Omg yes. I have tea about someone in my class and need to spill it to you guys anyways." Jihye giggles. She links our arms together as we walk to our lockers to pack up before heading out of the door.

Chapter Text

Laying on the bright green grass is one of my favorite pastimes. Especially when it's with my two best friends, just staring up at the sky and clouds, or scanning the other students enjoying the freshly cut grass as well. Taking in the beautiful scenery, seeing how every person here decides to spend their day differently, and how everyday will never be the exact same as the previous or future one. I like thinking about things like that. It gives me a deeper meaning and appreciation of things around me.

The simple moments, laughing and talking with those I care about without the distraction of a phone. Pushing away any worries from outside this moment, and just enjoying the present time that I have with myself and my friends.

As we talk about what happened in a certain class, or some rumor we overheard, or some questions we wanted to ask, I see my friends' attention shift to something else. Bomi's eyes leave my contact and raise to look at something coming up behind me. Jihye, sitting beside me, turns around to see what has caught our friend's eyes attention.

Soon, I then turn my head to meet whatever my two friends are staring at. Jihye pokes me in the side and points to what our eyes have landed on, acting like a little kid that sees candy they want in a store and asking their parent for it. "Hey wait, is that the loner kid? Your new friend?"

My eyes widen as I meet eyes with another darkly dressed Hyunjin, walking with his head down and hands in his pockets across the grassy field. His dark energy and look completely contrasting the bright appearance of the grass and people laying on top of it. "Hm? Oh yeah, it is." I say with a smile.

As he looms closer, his head remaining low, I raise my hand in the way and wave at him. "Hyunjin!" I say, calling out to him to just say a simple hi. When I know someone, I can't just ignore them. Sure, I sometimes just offer them a small smile if we don't have time to converse, but I often try to say hello as much as I can.

I see Hyunjin lift his head up as he hears his name being called. Most likely a rare occurrence as he glances around him, also frightened to hear his name. Then, his chocolate-brown eyes land on mine and he seems to react stunned. No reply to my greeting, not even a quick smile, was offered. He just froze in place, and then rushed off the field.

Bomi playfully hits me in the arm and laughs. "Oh my god? Did he forreal just ignore you? Damn, guess he didn't actually speak to you." She says, watching the mysterious figure run off from me.

I groan and hit her back. "Maybe he was just caught off guard.." I also watch him rush off.

"No, maybe he has a bad voice and you just lied to us, and he didn't want your friends to find out the truth." Jihye instigates, nudging at me and poking fun.

I roll my eyes and lean back against the grass with my friends. "You guys are hella instigators. He's just someone who probably isn't used to the attention."

"Why do you even try getting his attention? He's just the school loner anyways." Jihye says, watching my eyes following the boy leave the field.

"Curiosity. There's something more to him, and being his project partner, I'm going to figure it out."

• • • • • • •

Later in the day, after my usual classes and routine, I realize I have a free period. One of my classes is hybrid, some days in person and others can be done with asynchronous work. I sling my bag over my shoulder and head to the library to catch up on today's assignment.

Music playing through my headphones, I walk through the hall with my head held high, then spot a familiar dark figure a few feet ahead of me. Tilting my head, I speed up to match their pace. As I approach, it clicks who it is—why didn't I realize sooner?

"Hyunjin?" I call softly, just loud enough to get his attention.

He flinches, glancing up quickly before looking away, then back again when he sees it's me. "Y/n?" he says, voice quiet, almost cautious. Earbuds peek through his dark hair, which falls over his forehead, framing his face in a way that hides him.

"Heyy, funny how we keep bumping into each other," I say with a friendly grin as I adjust my pace to walk beside him, noticing a few curious glances from other students at this unlikely pairing.

Hyunjin just gives a small nod, shifting his eyes from me to the floor, his hands stuffed deeper in his hoodie pockets. His steps slow, almost hesitating, as if he's unsure whether to keep pace or let me go ahead. He clears his throat, looking away again, his attention drifting back down to the floor.

I decide to keep things light. "You kind of ran off on me earlier, didn't you?" I tease, letting him know I'm not upset but curious.

Hyunjin stops, mirroring his freeze-up from earlier, but this time he doesn't turn to leave. After a pause, he clears his throat again, eyes darting briefly to mine before he glances away. "Yeah... I did..." he mumbles, almost wincing. "Sorry... I'm not good with... people."

I shake my head, smiling. "No, no, don't apologize, Hyunjin. I figured it might've caught you off guard. I just wanted to make sure I didn't... scare you off or anything." I chuckle lightly.

Hyunjin lets out a faint chuckle too, though it's more like a soft exhale. "Maybe a little... scared off," he admits quietly, his hands fidgeting in his pockets. "You were with your friends, and... I'm not used to that."

"I figured." I nod. "But hey, at least I get to talk to you now." I tilt my head at him.

"Yeah... you're the first one who's... so it's... not as bad," he murmurs, his voice almost a whisper.

I give him a reassuring smile, hoping he'll meet my eyes again, even if just for a second. "It's okay," I say, adjusting my bag. "Anyway, I should get to the library. Oh—before I go, can we exchange numbers? For the project." I take my phone from my pocket and hold it out.

Hyunjin stares down at my phone, looking almost as if he's weighing the risk. Slowly, he reaches out, taking it with a slight tremble as he types his number in, then hands it back, a shy attempt at a smile flickering across his face.

There's a small pause.

"Oh—" he says, pulling his own phone out with a bit of hesitation and offering it to me, his fingers hidden by his sleeves, head still slightly lowered.

"Thanks." I smile as I enter my number, quickly handing his phone back. I glance down at the new contact on my screen and grin, "Hwang Hyunjin. I'll have to think up a fun nickname for you one day."

"Nickname?" he echoes, his voice quiet but with a hint of curiosity as he peeks up.

"Oh yeah, it's something I do. Everyone gets a nickname eventually once they're in my contacts. I'm sure you'll get one soon enough." I scrunch my nose playfully, putting my phone back in my pocket.

He lets out a small, surprised breath that almost sounds like a chuckle, pressing his lips together afterward, as if surprised he let himself show any reaction.

"I'll be going now, Hyunjin. Thanks for talking with me." I offer him one last warm smile before turning toward the library.

As I walk away, I steal a glance over my shoulder and see him looking down at his phone, most likely at my new contact. I can't help but wonder—what's behind those walls, Mr. School Loner? Mr. Hwang Hyunjin. What else is there to you?

Chapter Text

Y/n:
hey hyunjin
👋

Hyunjin:
👋

Y/n:
i'm so sorry but
do u mind having it at ur house?

Hyunjin:
oh
how come not urs?

Y/n:
i found out my family's coming home for the week
and id rather not have anyone over w them here..

Hyunjin:
oh
that's okay
my family are never home since they're at work 24/7

Y/n:
glad we have somewhat similar reasons w family

Hyunjin:
yeah

Y/n:
ill be over at the same time we planned
thank u sm

Hyunjin:
no problem

• • • • • • •

I set down my phone with a sigh of relief. Thank god he agreed. My family is not the best when it comes to guests coming over, especially if they see me inviting a dude over. They could be a friend, or in this case my project partner, but they will instigate anything with me.

Plus, I need to get out of this house. Hopefully Hyunjin is actually okay with having me over.

Anyways, I should get ready.

Getting up from my bed, I drag myself to the bathroom to wash up. Brushing my teeth and brushing through my hair. Applying the usual amount makeup and spraying in my favorite perfume. Changing into my favorite jeans and sweater, making sure my outfit works and looks good on me.

Packing my backpack with supplies like my laptop, charger, paper and pens, and anything I need for this project. I hope he has some better artsy supplies, I lack in that regard.

"I'm going over to a friend's house to work on a project." I tell my parents as I make my way down the stairs. Already catching a glimpse of our family guests, all of them surrounding the kitchen table with food in front of them.

"Aw, already? We barely even got to see you, and you didn't have your dinner." My aunt says as she offers me a warm smile.

"And I'll have dinner at hi—their house. Thank you."

"Where are you going? Who's this friend? Your family is here, why don't you stay?" My mother cuts in, a frown forming clearly across her face.

"He—They're just my partner for some english project. You've never met them, it doesn't matter. And, I need to go now because we made a set plan for it." I say, taking a deep breath.

"Who said you can go? I don't know this person, how will I know you're not lying to me?" My mother continues, not letting me even move to grab my shoes.

"I'm graduating this year mom, please... and I know you don't know them. I've never done anything that got me in trouble, so you just have to trust me." I sigh.

My aunt hits my mom in the arm lightly and clicks her tongue. "Ai, sis, let the poor girl go."

My mom just shakes her head but then turns to me. "Fine, but don't do anything stupid." She remains with a frowned expression.

"You know I don't." I sigh, quickly putting on my shoes and heading out the door. I throw my bag into the passenger seat as I start up my car and drive to the address Hyunjin provided for me.

• • • • • • •

Knocking on the door and texting that I'm here, I wait for Hyunjin to open and let me in. Hearing a bit of rustling and crashing behind the door, it suddenly opens to a Hyunjin brushing back his hair.

This look is different.

There's no dark heavy hood covering his face, but rather his dark hair is combed back with his hands and I can see every feature on his face. He wears a plain white tee and black jeans, house slippers to finish the look. His eyes meet mine, and suddenly his demeanor switches back to the one I am very familiar with.

"Oh- Y/n. Come in." He says quickly, shoving himself to the side, allowing me to step inside his home. I take off my shoes and slip on the house slippers he offered me.

Looking around the house, I can't help but admire it all. The walls are a perfect shade of beige that is a couple swatches away from white. The floors are wood, but when flown into the kitchen, changes into a beautiful marbled floor. The furniture range from monochrome to shades of light browns and beige. Plants complimenting corners of the room and tabletops with shelves. Everything flows so perfectly with one another, it feels so put together but so homey at the same time.

It's very different from my house. Walls and furniture take on a darker theme and feel very lived in and rarely cleaned up. It's so noisy and constantly filled with guests, but Hyunjin's home remains silent and empty. It's nice but at the same time, makes me curious. Just like him.

Hyunjin shows me to his room where we will focus doing our work in. I look around and see the beautiful sunlight that enters his room through his wide window. It's a large scale of a room, with much floor space. However, not as much wall space as I notice countless canvases displayed on and even leaning against his bedroom walls.They each looked so unique, I have never seen such before. Usually there's at least a couple frames I could find in any furniture store. But these, all of them look like they're one of a kind. 

Some that were leaning against the walls looked unfinished. I wonder if they were meant to be that way, did he purchase them this way?

"Where did you get these paintings?" I ask as I walk closer to one of them, specially the one that with a dark vase filled with burgundy flowers with wispy stems and petals flowing from it.

Hyunjin, who was busy cleaning up a section of his room, turns his head to me. Not noticing that I was taking in his home so deeply to even ask questions. "Oh? Those? I uh— thrifted them." He says, clearing his throat and coming over with cups of water and ice.

"Oh wow." I smile at the painting and look at the one beside it, this time a skinnier vase with long branches and red splattered petals with a soft blue background, "where did you thrift them? They're amazing quality.." My eyes widen, intrigued by the intricate lines and artship.

"Oh well— actually... I didn't thrift them." Hyunjin says shyly, rubbing the back of his neck as he takes a sip of his fresh glass of water. Watching me as I trace my finger down the canvases, still entranced by such art.

Still admiring the different pieces, I raise a brow at his confession.  "Wait then why did you—" Before I could finish my sentence, I notice something in the corner of a painting, which then can be found in every single frame that are shown on his walls.

The initials H.H

"Hyunjin—"

"Art is subjective!!" Hyunjin sudden spits out. Rising from his bed and rushing over to me and trying to stand between me and the painting.

I laugh at the action and shake my head at him. "I was going to say they're beautiful, Hyunjin." I say, craning my neck to look at the other paintings without his head trying to block them from my view.

"Oh... you think so?" He says, his demeanor shifting into less embarrassment and into more relief. Hyunjin's shoulders relax and a tiny smile across his lips.

"Yeah, they're.. wow. And finding out you painted these? When were you going to tell me you could do art?" I say with a chuckle, walking around his room a bit more to take each of them in.

"That's a part of me I keep hidden... aha.." Hyunjin confesses, letting out a pity chuckle as he drags himself back to his bed that he sits back on.

"I don't understand why you would, they're gorgeous works." I shrug my shoulders and take a seat at his desk chair and spin to face him, "but I respect it. Now, let's get started on this project?" I ask, rummaging through my bag to grab my laptop out.

Hyunjin gives a sheepish smile and nod as he leans over and grabs his laptop from the edge of his bed. Opening it up to begin working with me.

Hwang Hyunjin. Mr. Loner. Mr. Painter.

What else is there to you? I find this part the most interesting.

Chapter Text

It's been a few hours and we've been planning out what we should do for the project, brainstorming and testing our some of our ideas. Hyunjin and I have gotten some work done but not even close to done because we're both too indecisive, at the same time impulsive, to get it done.

Plus, since I didn't eat dinner at home, we decided to order some food and ate between work. I was shocked to find out he really loved sashimi. Not knowing him well, he seemed so passionate when he was eating the food, he wouldn't stop smiling. But sometimes when he bite it almost looks like he is in pain biting into it. Confusing guy haha. I also found out he has this deep hatred with eggplants. I made a joke he got all offended. Never doing that again.

But the food was nice, we paid for our own meals of course, and then got back to work. We got to know one another a bit more, but I could tell he was very closed off and hesitant on sharing things. I'm glad I got to learn a bit though.

I'm honestly still glued to the artistic side of him. It's something I didn't expect from him, but at the same time I should've. It's not like he can't have any hobbies, and in all honesty, painting fits him. I wonder what else he likes to do in his spare time.

But, there's no more time to do that as it's time to head back home. I've been here for quite a while and I'd hate to overstay my welcome. My mother probably losing her shit over me being at someone else's house too. She always needs to know all the information about who I'm friends with, it's frustrating. I give up telling her at this point.

Shaking off that thought, I pick up my bags and begin heading to the door. Hyunjin trailing behind me, seeming like he wants to walk me out but at the same time doesn't want to overstep anything. It's polite, so I allow it.

"Hey, thanks for having me over." I say with a kind smile, slipping my shoes back on, holding onto the door as support for my balance.

Hyunjin gives me a small bow and nods his head. "O-oh of course. Thanks for coming over.." He says in his usual soft and timid voice.

"Out of curiosity, are you in any clubs? Like the art club?" I ask him as I grab my car keys from my pocket.

"Hm? Oh, no, I'm not." He gives me a weak chuckle, eyes averting to the wooden floors of his house. As if searching for answers between the lines of the paneled flooring.

"Oh? I'm shocked. You should join, I heard they're looking for new members anyways." I say.

I know we just met, and we are just partners for this project, but I can't help but curious. And this curiosity makes me wonder even more why he hides this side of him. Hyunjin looks to me like this blank canvas with a single dot in the center. That dot having so much potential, the brush strokes being up to him on what painting, what identity, he wants to present.

"I don't know if people would like my art.." Hyunjin replies, his voice wavers slightly as he speaks, the words tumbling out as if he's afraid of how they'll sound once they're out in the open. There's a faint pink tint rising in his cheeks, and he shifts his weight from one foot to the other, like he's trying to make himself smaller.

"Are you kidding me? They're beautiful. Remember what you said, art is subjective? Where's that mindset?" I say, raising a brow and even stealing another glance of his artworks hung around his house. How can anybody not feel the need to stare at these paintings all day?

Hyunjin doesn't respond, but before he could even try, my phone begins to ring. I open it and see that it's Jihye. "Oh— this is my friend calling. I'll be going now, Hyunjin. Thanks again." I give him a small nod as I turn the doorknob to leave.

Still silent, he just gives a nod back and a tiny wave as I exit from the house. Shutting the door behind me, I answer the call as I walk to my car. "Jihye?" I ask, fumbling around my keychain for the right car keys as I click the button to unlock it.

"Are you still at Hyunjoon's house?" She asks through the phone, I can hear some commotion in her background but I don't bother to ask.

"Hyunjin. And I just left, heading to my car, why?" I ask, stepping over the curb and opening the door as I take a seat inside my car.

"Oh? We wanted to know how his house was. Was it smelly and messy? I bet it was." Jihye says with a chuckle.

I roll my eyes as I start my car, placing my phone on the holder so I continue talking to her as I drive. "What the hell? No it wasn't smelly and it wasn't messy. It was neater than any house I've seen, and it was really pretty actually." I say, getting annoyed more by these assumptions they have about him.

I hear the phone get grabbed and suddenly Bomi was talking to me this time. "Ughh boring. Anyways, can you come by the house? There's a party later and we're going." She says, brushing off the entire conversation into this new one.

"A party? Again? Fine let me head home first to get clothes and I'll get ready at your house." I say, slumping in my chair as I continue my drive home. I was looking forward to eating ice cream and watching some youtube on my laptop.

"Yes! A party again! Don't sound so bummed out, you always have so much fun at them." Bomi says with a groan and a slight whine at my attitude.

Jihye takes her phone back and chuckles. "Plus, we're bringing your favorite drink. You can have the whole thing alllll to yourself, Y/n." She says, her voice growing into a singsong voice to convince me.

I can't lie. I like my drinks. "Fine you convinced me. I'll be there soon." I give a small chuckle before I hang up the phone.

Switching my call to music, blasting it and rolling down my windows. Feeling the wind push back my hair and cool down my face from such a day. In all honesty, I have grown out of my party girl phase. I've enjoyed the quiet moment in life and being able to just be alone and not busy wasted every night. But I guess, it's not bad to get back in the party scene for tonight.

Chapter Text

Knocking on the door, carrying a big canvas tote bag in one arm, texting Bomi that I arrived in the other. I grabbed a couple outfit pieces that I haven't had the chance to wear, plus my makeup and shoes to get dressed at Bomi's house. My mother would kill me if she saw me walk out in this outfit. Probably ban me from stepping foot outside forever.

Stuffing my hands in my hoodie pocket, I see the front door open and reveal two giggling girls with their half done. "Oh em gee there she is. Finally! Come on let's get ready." Jihye says, dragging me inside as Bomi shuts the door behind us.

We rush upstairs to her bedroom, a familiar place that I tend to visit every other day, escaping my household for a few hours to a few days. I look around and smile, seating myself on her floor, adjusting myself into the full-body mirror she has leaning against her wall. Whenever I visit, I always congregate myself in this corner, Bomi at her vanity, and Jihye on the bed with her own set up mirror.

"What are you guys planning to wear? I want to see if my outfit matches the vibe." I say as I tie my hair back to have a clean slate for my makeup.

"I have this new blue mesh tube top plus this black mesh streamer skirt. I found these cute black heels that wrap around my calf, so I'm using it for tonight." Bomi says with a wink, walking over to her closet to pull it out with the hanger.

Jihye carefully grabs hers from her bag and shows that it's this green corset with a dark blue mini skirt, catching a glimpse of black knee high boots on the floor which perfectly goes with her outfit. "Some gold jewelry to finish this look." She says, laying her clothes out on the bed to make sure they don't get wrinkled.

I nod and show my outfit from my bag, also laying it out. It's a deep red crop top with a cut right where the chest is, a black leather skirt, and calf high black boots. "I brought silver jewelry for this and I'm going to have some smokey and deeper red lip for tonight." I say, admiring our outfits that we chose for tonight.

"Wowzah we are going to look hawt!" Bomi exclaims, fanning herself with a big smile on her face.

After getting dressed, putting on our makeup and jewelry, doing our hair. Spraying on our perfumes and making sure we have scented lotion all over my bodies. Posing up in the mirror, taking countless selfies and recordings of how damn good we look, we are finally finished.

We take Bomi's car as it's her house, and she drives us to the party. Checking my makeup in the mirror and confirming everything in my purse, we take about 20 minutes to arrive to the house party.

Looking around, it's bustling. Many new and familiar faces take over the front and back yard, the living room and kitchen, and some pulling others up the stairs. Music is blaring, so loud I can barely hear my own thoughts. I give small smiles to people I recognize, and try to find a place in this crowded home, even if it is with strangers.

Bomi and Jihye remain glued to my side, all three of us overwhelmed by the amount of people. But growing accustomed to the feeling as we reach the drink table.

"Let me pour them out for us." Jihye says with a smile, grabbing three red solo cups and pulling out two bottles of alcohol. One being the special one they promised to only be for me, and the other to share between them two (and myself still). We cheers our cups and take a big swig at the same time.

I shake my head and shoulders, already feeling it kicking in. Not just the alcohol but the feeling of being out at parties and the freedom I had just been surrounded by other drunk and high individuals.

Leaning against the table, just admiring the scene as my two friends joined other students on the dance floor. I take a sip of my drink and let it warm me up, a smile forming across my face as I feel the effects of alcohol take over. Letting out a sigh, adjusting my clothes to make sure I'm not flashing anybody, and watching the party scene unfold in front of me.

Rocking my head side to side to the music, mouthing the lyrics to myself, I can't help but run my mind back to Hyunjin today. It's so shocking how I went from just bumping into the school loner to being over at his house for a partner project. Knowing the little things I know about him, I wish people would give him the same chance. Maybe they would see he doesn't deserve this sad label of being a loner, he just isn't a fan of socializing as much. I understand that to a certain extent. I have a lot of friends, or at least people I know, but often my social battery dies out quickly. I'm sure his battery hasn't had the chance to recharge.

Being lost in my thoughts, I feel a tug on my arm. I snap out of it and see a drunk Jihye pulling me to the dance floor. "Y/nnnnn why are you sulking? Come dance with us!!!!" She slurs, already three drinks deep. I see Bomi dancing to the music, smiling at me, seeming almost five drinks deep this time.

"Oh— okay fineee." I say as I already feel my feet against the vibrating dance floor, the music filling my ears more than ever. The adrenaline of being in such a a loud and close-knit space only makes me want to keep going, especially with the alcohol in my system. I slowly begin dancing to the music, trying to get up to speed and meet the same energy as my two drunk friends beside me.

"I missed going to parties with you, Y/n!" Bomi says, pulling me closer to her as us three dance ever so close to one another. We laugh and sing the lyrics as loud as possible, holding each other tight as we remain as one.

"I.. missed this too, actually." I say, looking at both my friends and offering a warm smile to both of them, before getting back into the groove of the music.

• • • • • • •

We have been at this party for a while, but we have done our best to stick by one another the entire time. But it's hit about 1AM and all three of us have separated. The last time I saw Bomi was at the bathroom, but then she traveled to the back yard. I haven't gone out there yet because it's too cold out there, I don't want to deal with that right now. And the last time I saw Jihye was on the dance floor, but she's blended into the crowd at this point. I know they're both still at the party though, I have their locations on my phone.

While those are up to who knows what, I found myself lingering by the drinks table once again. Except I limited myself to only one cup and a shot for tonight. I know my girls too well, and I know they're off being absolutely wasted right now. We need a ride home and I'll be the driver.

Picking at the small snacks they left for us, not wanting the only thing in my system being alcohol.

As I chew on some chocolate candies, I feel a presence stand right beside me. Raising my head up, I turn and meet eyes with this individual. "Oh hey there Seungmin." I say as my body relaxes as I recognize the person I stand beside now.

"Hey there, Y/n~" He slurs, his body unable to even hold itself up, using the entire table to keep him balanced. "What are you doing here?~"

I chuckle and bite into the chocolate again. "Just partying like the rest of us. But I'm getting tired so, just hanging out here." I say with a chuckle, watching him stumble in place, trying to keep himself from falling flat on his ass. "Where's Mina?"

"Mina? Pfft. We don't need to talk about her right now~" He blabbers, his drunken words seeping through his lips. Seungmin's eyes remain glued to mine as he takes an unstable step closer towards me. "Let's talk about you~" He gives me a smirk as he looms over me.

"What? Seungmin did you come here without your girlfriend?" I raise a brow at him, leaning away from him as he tries to lean closer to me.

Seungmin chuckles and runs his hand through his brown parted hair. "She has no idea I'm here. Mina is sleeping after a long day of dance practice~" He says with a chuckle.

"I think you should tell you're here at least, so she doesn't worry." I say, still keeping my distance from him.

Seungmin clicks his tongue against the roof of his mouth and shakes his head. "Nah, she won't even find out. She's found to sleep till late afternoon tomorrow, I know her~ So that means I am a free man tonight~" He tilts his head at me.

I gently nudge him away from me as I back into a wall behind me. "You're drunk, Seungmin. You should just head home." I shake my head at him.

"Why? You're uninterested in me?~ Come on, she won't know anything~"

"I'm not a homewrecker. Plus, I'm not looking for any romance right now." I cross my arms over my chest, holding onto my chocolate candy tightly in between my palms. I should find the girls, I think it's time we get out of here.

"Oh come on, Y/n. You know me, we can just hang out for tonight. Don't need to do anything either..." He pleads, tilting his head at me and pouting at the lip. I can see the redness in his eyes and the crookedness in his step. Seungmin is not in the right state of mind right now, and I am not trying to get involved. Mina is scary when she's mad

"Sorry but I'm not sorry. We aren't doing this." I shake my head at him and try to slip away from him but he slams his hand against the wall, trapping me in.

"Come on, I'm bored and deprived. I need something to get me off my mental~" His voice laced with drunken influence. I watch his face grow closer to mine. Before anything can turn out for the worse, I slam my hand over his face and push him off.

"Kim Seungmin. You are drunk and have a girlfriend. I am not going this with you." I roll my eyes as I finally get away from him and slip into the dance floor to lose him.

Fortunately, he doesn't follow me. I see Seungmin just lean against the same wall and slump onto the floor, his eyes closing. He must have used all his energy and the alcohol has taken over him now.

I shake my head and grab my phone

Y/n:
it's getting late
i'll drive us home

Bomi 🐣🩵:
whyyyyyuh

Jihye 🦊💚:
wheresreoyuguys

My friends are absolutely gone. I guess I'm having to search for these fools in this party and drag them to the car myself.

• • • • • • •

I found Bomi doing a chugging challenge with a few stranger outside in the backyard. I dragged her out from the competition and pulled her into her own car into the back seat, letting her lay her head down. "Here, drink this. All of this." I hand her a water bottle I found in the fridge of the owner.

"Mmmm Y/n~ I love youuuu~" She says with a slurred smile, shakily opening the bottle and chugging that one as if it's another alcoholic beverage.

"I love you too Bomi. Don't move, I'm getting Jihye." I say as I buckle her seatbelt and lock the doors as I rush back into the house.

The loud music ringing in my ears as I enter, I look at Jihye's location and follow it until I stumble upon her. Fortunately, it was easy to find her. Being her best friend, I know her go-to dance move on the dance floor, and I found only one girl in her exact outfit doing it. Badly though, as she is probably more than six drinks gone.

"Let's get you home." I say as I drag her off and bring her to the car right beside Bomi who is halfway finished with her bottle. I do the same process with Jihye, water and buckle seatbelt as I lock the doors.

"Woah~ How did I end up in here?~" Jihye babbles as she leans against Bomi's shoulder and her eyes foggily scans the changed environment.

"I carried you both in here. You're both wasted, if you need to throw up, there's bags beside you. I'm going to drive Jihye home first since she's on the way, then Bomi since this is her car, then I'll bring myself home in my car.

"Mmm thanks Y/nnieee." Bomi mutters under her breath, peeking through her half-lidded eyes as she is fighting the tiring effects of the alcohol.

Chapter Text

My head hurts like a motherfucker.

It feels like it weighs over 20 pounds, my neck too weak to support my head back up. Groaning from the headache, I slowly turn my entire body to the side as my head drags along, grabbing for my phone.

Clicking open my screen, being flashed by a 100% brightness, groaning as I turn it down. Why do I have over ten messages from the same contacts. What the hell? I unlock my phone and click on the notifications, seeing that it's from Jihye and Bomi in our group chat. What are they on about today?

Bomi 🐣🩵:
Y/n???
Are you awake rn??
God she's knocked out

Jihye 🦊💚:
What's wrong?

Bomi 🐣🩵:
Have you not heard?

Jihye 🦊💚:
Huh?
Is everything okay?

Bomi 🐣🩵:
Y/n wake the hell up

Jihye 🦊💚:
Girl are you gonna tell me what's going on
I'll fight you

Bomi 🐣🩵:
Fine since sleepyhead seems to be in dreamland still
Apparently there's rumors that's her and Seungmin slept together

Jihye 🦊💚:
WHAT?!
Doesn't he have a gf???

Bomi 🐣🩵:
That's exactly why I'm freaking out

Jihye 🦊💚:
He's dating Mina right? Lee Mina?

Bomi 🐣🩵:
Yes and she is not someone to mess with
Especially her man

Jihye 🦊💚:
Ah shit..

Y/n:
Hello?
What's going on?

Jihye 🦊💚:
Did you seriously try to get into his pants?

Y/n:
What?
Hold on
What?! I didn't sleep with Seungmin?!

Bomi 🐣🩵:
There's people saying you apparently did
Yk he's taken right?

Y/n:
Bitch I didn't sleep with him to begin with
Yes ik he's taken

Jihye 🦊💚:
Now you mention it I saw you and him talking at the party
Are you sure you guys just weren't wasted?

Y/n:
Dude all we did was talk
He tried flirting with me but I pushed him off
I even talked about Mina to him

Jihye 🦊💚:
Are you in your own bed rn?

Y/n:
Yes bruh
I drove both your asses home and myself

Bomi 🐣🩵:
Oh I was wondering how I got here
Thank you

Jihye 🦊💚:
Thanks for driving us home Y/n

Y/n:
You're welcome
Back to the point.
I did not sleep with Kim Seungmin.

Bomi 🐣🩵:
Are you 100% sure?
You can tell us fr

Y/n:
Oh my GOD I didn't
I'm not even looking for anything right now, especially not him

Jihye 🦊💚:
God you're cooked
Mina is going to put you in an air fryer or something

Y/n:
Fuck
Do you guys know who started the rumor??

Bomi 🐣🩵:
No clue
We just saw it posted on an anonymous account that like posts all the late drama and shit

Jihye 🦊💚:
But then the account got deleted

Y/n:
I'm cooked
Thanks guys for saying something

Jihye 🦊💚:
What are u gonna do?

Y/n:
Idk
I'll try to talk to Mina or Seungmin..

Bomi 🐣🩵:
Good luck

• • • • • • •

Despite having this killer hangover, I need to push through and get to school. I'll just be slacking in class, but nobody is taking my perfect attendance from me.

Chugging cold water the entire time getting dressed and trying to flush all the leftover alcohol left over, I leave with a minor headache but still feeling like crap. The hoodie and jeans not covering enough the drunkenness that is running through my veins. But this will do.

When I arrive to school, even with fazed out eyes, I can still see all the people staring at me and whispering to each other. I'm today's hot topic, clearly. Rolling my eyes, I put in my earphones and listen to some music, not having the time to encourage any of this dumb shit.

"Homewrecker." "Whore." "Fucking bitch." Are all the insults I've been hearing from passerby's in the hallway, but I cannot give a single fuck of what they say. I know what happened that night, so I have no reason to feel hurt. Because none of these rumors and names are even remotely true, at least not about me.

Slamming my locker door shut, I am met with a scowling face right beside me. I look over with my tired eyes, soon widening them to realize who has decided to confront me today. "Lee Mina.. hey..!!" I say, scratching the back of my neck as I try to remain polite.

"You and I need to talk. Now." She says, standing up straight and signaling to move to a more secluded area. Not wanting to push this any further, I just nod and we walk down the hall together, receiving stares and chuckles, to an empty classroom.

She leans against the chalkboard, crossing her arms over her chest and clicking her tongue at me. "So you slept with Seungmin?" Her voice low enough that it can cause earthquakes in the floor, sending me away from sight. Possibly what she wants more than ever right now.

I quickly shake my head and wave my hands in front of my face, sitting on top of one of the desks in front of her. "No no no. This entire thing is a misunderstanding and a blatant lie, Mina. I didn't sleep with Seungmin."

"Then why the hell are people whispering that you are?" She raises a brow, "I like you as a person Y/n, but if this is true, I can't let it slide."

"I swear on everything I did not sleep with him. Let me explain..." I let out a shakey sigh.

Mina gives me a nod, relaxing herself against the wall once again as she listens to me.

"Okay, so I went to that random house party last night with Jihye and Bomi, my two best friends. After partying and drinking, I stayed by the snack table because I got hungry. That's when I bumped into Seungmin. He was drunk out of his mind, and I asked about you, Mina, to him. He told me that you didn't know he was there, and I told him he should go back home and text you."

"Yeah, I didn't know he was there. Pissed me off." Mina says quickly between my pause.

I nod my head. "I knew something was up when he told me that, and that he didn't want to tell you. And uhm..." I look down at the ground, unsure if I should say the next thing to her or not. What if she thinks I'm lying and I worsen this entire situation?

"What? Just tell me everything. I'm pissed off enough."

That's why I'm fearing you. I clear my throat. "He kinda... made moves on me—nothing crazy! But he just kept approaching me closer and telling we should 'hang out' and that 'you wouldn't find out' and of course I declined."

"What do you mean 'of course I declined?' What does that mean?" Mina retorts, her voice stern and sharp that it could cut a rock in half.

"I know Seungmin. He's dating you and I know how much you are committed to him. I am not a homewrecker. And even if he was single, I am not looking for any romance. So it all was a no for me." I quickly explain.

Mina just nods her head, her eyes moving to the floor, a small pout in her lip.

"And after he tried to corner me in the wall, I pushed him off and ran into the dance floor so I could blend in. I remember looking back and he was sitting on the floor, sleeping. And that was it.. I swear. I drove my friends home because I only drank one thing, and I woke up in my own bed today." I say, finishing everything. Hoping I said enough.

Mina lets out a sigh and looks out the window, her foot tapping against the wooden floor. Contemplating on what she said say next.

"I don't fully believe you. But at the same time, you have no reason to lie to me." Mina says, her lips pursing together, "I-I don't know— this is all too.. fuck— you know what. Just, stay away from Seungmin and me. I can't do this." Mina suddenly blurts out, unable to make eye contact with me and rushing out the classroom.

Being left by myself, I feel like I can finally breathe again. Relaxing my body on the desk, I give myself a few moments before I face the outside world of highschool again.

• • • • • • •

Finally having the confidence to leave that classroom, I adjust my clothes and walk back into the hallway. Fortunately, there's less people so I don't have as many stares and whispers to deal with.

Trying to keep my head up, I spot a familiar face, which calms my nerves just a bit. This familiar face also notices me, offering a warm smile and tiny wave. Something that I, in all honesty, did not expect.

"Hyunjin! Oh thank god." I exclaim, rushing over to him, grabbing him back the arms and looking him straight in the eyes, "have you heard?" I ask in a panicked tone.

"Hey Y/n— and heard what? I don't really talk to people, you know." He says, chin pushed into his neck as he is not used to this sudden human contact.

"Do you have a free period right now?" I ask, scanning around to see that more and more students are leaving to head to their classes. Only a last few are left, including ourselves.

Hyunjin takes a moment to think, then shakes his head. "I mean, kinda, I have study ha—oh crap—" before he could even finish his sentence, I yank him by the arm and drag him outside to where the grassy field is.

• • • • • • •

"Wait so, you didn't sleep with him, yet everyone else is saying you did?" Hyunjin says, baffled after I explain to him the situation I have caught myself in.

"Exactly. And I dont know what the fuck to do." I curse, tugging at the roots of my hair, pressing my elbows against my knees as I stare down at the grass. Taking deep breaths in and out, trying to run through what I can do to figure out who the hell started this and how I can get out of it.

Hyunjin, noticing my tension, nudges me on the shoulder. I look up and see his lips pursed together, his black hood dropped down onto his back, revealing to me his whole face and his brushed out hair falling over his shoulders. I notice his little birthmark near his nose, the wind slightly brushing against our backs as we take a moment of silence here.

"Just ignore them. That's what I do, and you get used to it after a while." Hyunjin asks, breaking that silence with his voice that can calm anybody down just by letting out that simple air from his lungs, forming sentences right at me.

I shake my head and sigh. "I don't know how you do it...I feel like everybody would hate me."

"You'll get used to that too" Hyunjin says in a soft tone, scratching the back of his neck as he looks at the looming building in front of us as we lay back in the soft newly-cut grass.

"You know... I don't think anybody hates you.." I reply, almost matching the same soft tone he gave me. My eyes shifting from the floor, turning my head to face him with a softened gaze.

Hyunjin lets out a scoff with a smile on his face. "Tell that to your friends..." He mutters, lower than his usual volume, as if it was spoken without him thinking.

A heavy pause between us. Feeling some sort of weight against my chest and shoulders, Hyunjin's focus remaining on the lingering students strolling around, in and out, of the school building. I look at him and let out a breath through my nose and look back down at the grass.

Like a bell rung in his ear, Hyunjin's shoulders tense up and he whips his head to me. His eyes wide and his jaw slightly ajar as he stares at my tense expression. "Oh shit—sorry—I didn't mean it like that, it's just like..." His sentence trails off as he fiddles with his fingers and bites the inner corner of his mouth, waiting for my response.

I let out a chuckle. "No no, I get it.. they're not exactly the best crowd to be around sometimes." I shrug my shoulders, keeping my eyes on the ground beneath me.

"So why are you friends with them if you believe that?" Hyunjin asks, his voice back to its original timidness, that suddenly confession makes him feel like he's walking on pins and needles around me.

"I grew up with them. I still love them, but some things they say.. I can't really control— I can't just leave, you know?" I say, cracking my knuckles as I bounce my head and look at Hyunjin beside me.

"I mean, you could." He shrugs his shoulders.

"And go where?" I let out a sigh. An initial pause between us, a simple breath cannot be heard or felt between either parties. Like there was a quick cut between scenes, a shift in the moods, and sharp ding in the far distance of the air.

The bell rings, marking the end of first period.

"Ah shit. I actually have class now." I quickly push myself off the grass and brush off any residue from my pants and clothes. Hyunjin following suite, standing a small distance away from me. "I'll catch you around, okay?"  I offer a soft smile before rushing off to head back not the building.

Turning my head, I see Hyunjin remaining still on that grassy patch on the hill we decided to sit together at. Waving his hand at me, a lot more confident than earlier, but still kept to himself. As if still not wanting to draw attention to him and not other people think he's waving to them, making sure it's only directed towards me.

Chapter Text

Math makes my head hurt. Why do we have to deal with imaginary numbers and letters? Keep that in our imagination and literature class.

Dragging my feet from the class and down the hallway, I spot my two friends leaning against the wall beside my locker. They must have been waiting for me to get out of class. I quicken my walk and go over to them with my backpack hanging off my shoulder, almost on the floor as I want to throw it into my locker already.

"Hey guys." I say with a smile, throwing my bag inside and unpacking my books and replacing them with my next classes binder and notes.

Heating no response, I slowly pull my head out from my locker and raise my brow at the silent two. Then that is when I realize that both Jihye and Bomi are smirking hard at me, both arms crossed, like duplicates of the other in my presence.

"What?" I ask, afraid but also annoyed at the same time. What are they up to now? I finish packing, slumping my backpack over my shoulders again and shutting my locker door as I tilt my head at them.

Bomi speaks first, straightening herself off the wall, Jihye remaining there as she follows us with her eyes. "You and that loner besties now, or what?" She gives a sassy response, shifting her weight to one of her feet, popping out a hip as Bomi looks at me up and down.

I raise a brow. "I mean where partners for the English project so like...." My voice trails off as I'm lost in what she is trying to instigate with me. I swear they always having something new to say about Hyunjin, and it never is nice.

Jihye soon follows suit and stands beside Bomi in a similar manner. "You know... you don't have to hang out with him outside of that class, it kinda is pitiful at this point." She lets out a chuckle, that sly smirk still across her lips.

"Pitiful?! The hell is wrong with you two?" I drop my shoulders and shoot my neck out at them, shocked at the type of language they are using when speaking about some other person they don't even know. "Look. I can hang out with who I want, loner or not. I don't get why you guys are always poking jokes at him. It's getting old." I cross my arms at them, a small furrow in my brow appearing.

Bomi, feeling the tension, places an arm around my shoulder and pulls me closer to her. "Oh gosh. Y/n, always getting riled up very easily." She scrunches her nose at me, "we're just teasing. Which reminds me, we have news." She lets go and leans back on her leg and crosses her arms.

I let out a breath, trying to relax. "What's the news?" I ask, checking the time to make sure we aren't cutting it close for our next period of classes.

Jihye chuckles and leans her elbow against Bomi and giving me that classic smirk of hers. "We found out who was spreading that nasty rumor about you and Seungmin."

Suddenly my heart begins to race and my shoulders tense up. "Wait, you did? Who did it?" I lean in closer to them, my interest piquing by the second.

"Hwang Hyunjin." Jihye whispers.

My shoulders drop and my heart rate returns to normal. A deadpan expression is spread across my face. I scoff. "You're so funny. Wow, great joke guys." I cross my arms over my chest, "you got his name right for once too." I sarcastically clap in their faces.

Bomi shakes her head at me. "No no that's not the attitude we need for this." She clears her throat and grabs me and Jihye close to her again, "Look. The plan is that, he didn't do it, but we are going to pin it on him." She chuckles mischievously and gives me a big grin, one I want to wipe off her face for such an idiotic idea.

"What?! Pin it on him? Why in the fucking world would you do that?!" I curse, pulling myself out of this team huddle and push them off me. "You better be joking, again." I point my finger at them with a stern look on my face.

Feeling my shoulders return to tensing up and my heart rate picking back up. My head feels light and the air around us has seemed to grow warmer.

"Oh come on! Why not? He's just some loner, it won't do anything. Don't you want the flame off you finally?" Jihye cuts in, trying to tug on my arm back into the intimate huddle, but I am unmoving.

I flick her off with my elbow and shake my head at them. "I don't know what the hell you guys are thinking but we are not pinning this rumor on someone who has nothing to do with it."

"But you're apparently friends with him, so there's that connection." Bomi tries to justify her proposal, but it only pisses me off more.

Hearing such accusations send me back to the day I went over to Hyunjin's home. Finally a full view of his face, his features, when it was disguised by the dark shadow of his thick black hoodie. The way his skin glowed and had perfect facial harmony. The smile he finally showed me when I somehow was able to make him laugh. That velvety voice that he has, one I'm sure that nobody had heard before.

Not only that but, how sweet of a person he is. How down to earth and honest he is. His home's walls are filled with his artwork, beautiful ones at that. And how he doesn't even believe he is 'good enough' is enough to show who he is. And that is a good person. I don't understand how people shaped him as this loner.

It doesn't click with me.

I look up at my two friends and shake my head in disappointment. "I don't get how you guys don't like him."

"What's there to like? He goes around school constantly covering his face and wearing the same damn black hoodie and sweats with weird sneakers, headphones in, and his head down. If that isn't sus behavior, I don't know what else is." Bomi says, animosity laced in her tone, ticking me off.

"You haven't even given him a chance." I exclaim, throwing my hands into fists and straining them straight down the sides of my body. Glancing between my two friends and seeing their unapologetic expressions as I grow more frustrated.

"You know what, I don't know why I even deal with this anymore. I'm going to find Seungmin myself and figure out what the hell is going on. You guys are annoying the fuck out of me." I throw my hand in their face and quickly leave, heading to my class with my heavy heart and heavy head.

Hyunjin was right. I should've just left. But the thing that is still left unanswered... where do I go?

Chapter Text

While rushing around the school, trying to hunt down a tall oreo-haired student, I luckily bump right into him when I was nearing the edge of giving up searching for him today.

Looking up at who I ran into, apologizing, my eyes widen and I quickly grab my hands onto his arms and squeeze them with determination. "Seungmin— oh my god, I've been looking for you. I need to talk to you." I say in a quick manner, glancing around the hallway to see if we can find a secluded spot to speak about our most recent drama.

Before I could continue on, Seungmin makes it clear that we are on the same wavelength. "I know what this is about. Let's go over there and talk." He says quickly, gesturing to the end of the hallway where it is less populated with only a few students roaming around.

This most likely does not help with the rumors, us being alone together, but there's no other way to get to the bottom of this issue without speaking to him, face to face especially.

Clearing my throat, I begin where I planned to. "Did you spread the rumor about us sleeping together?" I ask point-blank without any hesitation to beating around the bush. I cross my arms over my chest, leaning half of my body against the wall as I look at Seungmin in the eyes, a stern look on my face.

"What? You think I spread the rumor? I didn't say anything about that." Seungmin quickly defends himself, a tone of offense in his voice, shocked I would assume that stance.

"I'm just trying to root out who started this rumor. You swear you didn't tell anybody anything? Not even when you were drunk out of your mind?" I raise a brow.

Seungmin scoffs and rolls his eyes at me. "Y/n, I didn't say anything. I even checked my phone today and it's people blowing me up. But I never texted anybody before this thing started." He says in a stern tone, meeting my level. "I'm just as clueless and pissed off as you."

I tap my fingers against the wall behind me, trying to figure out what to do from here. Blowing air from my mouth, slightly moving out the strand of hair that was resting on my cheek to the side of my face, I let out a sigh. "Do you have any suspicions?"

Seungmin shakes his head as he purses his lips into a thin line, his arms crossed against his chest. "I have zero clue. Anyone in this school is equally capable of causing such a rumor. Makes it worse that people possibly saw us talking that night." He explains.

"Yeah, and the fact you were actively trying to make moves on me." I roll my eyes at him, remembering his drunk-idiotic actions from the other night.

"I'm sorry about that. I was drunk and an idiot for trying to flirt with someone else when I had full knowledge of having a girlfriend." He shakes his head, his eyes softening as he is confronted with something as heartbreaking as that. "I still haven't talked to Mina about it, I haven't been able to ever since she yelled at me this morning about this rumor."

"She didn't break up with you over it?"

"I swore on my life to her it's just a rumor, so she just said we can't talk until this rumor is figured out. Until there is proof of what is true and what is not." Seungmin explains, the hurt in his voice more prominent than ever. "I really do love her, I just need to... be a better man."

I nod my head, feeling the tension in the air as we get a bit personal about his relationship with Lee Mina. I clear my throat, trying to lighten the mood and change topics. "So.. what should we do from here?"

Seungmin lets out a sigh and holds his arm in his hand, leaning against the wall as he stares at the floor. "I'm not sure but... I'm first going to talk to Mina about the whole thing, if she gives me the time of day. And I'll get down to the root of who started the rumor. Not only for my relationship but to help you out too.."

"Thank you, Seungmin." I say with a warm tone, giving a gentle smile to acknowledge my appreciation.

"Oh— before you go, can you make sure Hyunjin isn't involved with this mess?" I ask, sensing that we will be departing soon, needing to get out one thing before that happens.

Seungmin, raising a brow, speaks in an unknown tone. "What? Who?" He places a hand on his hip.

I let out a sigh, "the loner kid..."

"Why? What does he have to do with this? He's a loner, no? So shouldn't be nowhere near this social drama..?" Seungmin asks, his tone giving off the sense of animosity. As anyone does when speaking about Hyunjin at this point.

"He's my partner for this class project and... my idiotic friends are trying to pin the whole thing on him." I confess, hesitating on the last part of my sentence, unsure if I'm letting the emotions get the better of me and my attitude.

"Uhm, isn't that a good thing then? Just get your name out of the drama and you're fine." Seungmin says, his lip puffing upwards, confused on why I'm so concerned about the state of some school loner.

I scoff and shake my head, hearing this only reminds me of all the other things my classmates say about Hyunjin. Annoyed, I roll my eyes. "The hell? No, Seungmin. He is still a student and I know damn well he has nothing to do with this." I say in a stern tone, "just find out who the hell started this and that is all we need. Okay?"

Seungmin lets out a sigh and slowly nods his head. "Fine fine. Only because I consider you a friend of mine, okay? I'll let you know what I find out." He says, accepting my request.

"Thank you... and I'm sorry for all of this." I say in a sympathetic tone.

"No, I'm sorry for all this. If I didn't try flirting, we wouldn't be here." Seungmin says, shaking his head at me. "But nonetheless, we'll find out the person. Just, lay low and ignore anyone. It's not worth giving them any attention."

"Easier said than done... but thank you." I say with a sigh, stuffing my heads into my pockets and leaning my head against the wall.

And with that, Seungmin leaves with a nod and heads off to finish the rest of his day.

God. What have I got myself into? I let out a sigh, giving myself a few moments before I push myself off the wall and back onto my two feet to walk down the hallway. It is also my time to finish the rest of my day. And that is going to be through taking a long nap back in my comfortable bed.

Chapter Text

Ever since that interaction with Seungmin, things have gone the same. Whispers, stares, and even people confronting me. But I don't give them any reaction or taste of satisfaction by simply ignoring them, continuing my day.

Fortunately, learning how to block them out, I have been at peace with myself within my own mind. I guess Hyunjin was right, I get used to it after a while.

Tugging on my backpack strap slumped over my shoulder, I hum to myself as I watch the last few students leave out the front doors from the top floor window. Tonight is my turn for classroom-cleaning duty. I used to hate this chore, I still do to a certain extent, but I've grown accustomed to enjoying the time with myself and my music.

Getting through my classrooms, fortunately I only have this floor to work on, I don't have to drag my feet to any extra floor below or above me tonight. Hopefully then I can get gone decent and have time to get more work done and have a nice sleep in my warm bed.

After a couple hours, I find myself at my final classroom. Letting out a satisfied sigh, tired from all the cleaning, but grateful I am almost done. I wipe the sweat from my forehead and slide the classroom door open.

Before I could walk in, I get greeted to an entirely different scene. I don't know how I didn't notice earlier but the lights are on, someone's in here. I scan the room and see a thing white sheet of sheer plastic across the entire floor of the room, and the smell of paint leaking from across the walls.

I look around and notice finished and unfinished canvases on different easels and some hung to dry on the wall. My music send me into my own world as I look into other peoples worlds through the work of arts.

But my world is soon interrupted when I meet eyes with a familiar face, eyes peering beside a canvas. "Hyunjin? I didn't realize you were the one in here." I say, a bit startled but at the same time relieved that it wasn't a stranger.

Hyunjin, who also seemed startled by my sudden entry, hides behind his canvas. But he quickly reveals himself when he also makes the connection that it's just me entering. "Ah— Y/n. What—are you doing here?" 

"I'm on cleaning duty, and this was my last classroom... but..." I chuckle as I look around at the clearly occupied room.

"Oh shoot— I'll finish up so you can do your thing." Hyunjin quickly stands from his wooden stool, stretching his legs out as he reaches over for his paintbrushes sitting in their colorful cup of used-to-be clear water.

I walk over to Hyunjin and hold his hands back from the cup and shake my head. "You don't have to do that." I laugh, "this just gives me one less to worry about. I can go home earlier."

Hyunjin quickly retreats his hand from cleaning up, picks up the brush back into his slender fingers, and continues back to what he was previously working on. This catches my attention as my eyes can't help but follow whatever is moving in front of me, this case, Hyunjin's hands.

This is when I see his canvas filled with every dark and muted color possible, practically splattered all over the page, no organization or sense of image. What is he conveying here? "I didn't know you painted in here." I say.

"I actually don't, well, I rarely come in here. Too many people are in here, but for once, I'm alone here." He lets out a sigh, smiling to himself as he enjoys the peacefulness of being alone with his brushes and canvas. Until I walked in, now he isn't alone.

"Ooh, okay. Yeah, I get it. You need that time to focus in your mind." I say, crossing my arms over my chest while I nod my head at him.

Hyunjin lets out a sigh, leaning back in his stool, holding his hands in the front of the seat, making sure he doesn't completely fall off. "You get it... but yeah, this is what I' working on, I guess." He gestures to the splatters in front of him.

My eyes move back to the canvas. "What's this based on? Let me into your artistic mind." I say with a chuckle, shifting my eyes over to Hyunjin to read his expressions.

He lets out a sigh, tapping his brush against the easel with paint dripping onto his already stained jean pants. "My current emotions... anger, confusion... being lost, all of the above?" He speaks, unsure of his own feelings.

"What's going on?" I ask, pulling an empty stool beside him, pressing my elbows against my knee as I lean forward to listen to him.

"Nothing crazy  or bad. I just... feel bad for what is happening with you and the drama." He confesses, avoiding eye contact with me as he continues to draw lines all over the canvas. His brush wandering across the page, as if it has a mind of its own but it also lost in what it wants to present.

Heading this, I sit up in my stool and shake my head. "Hyunjin, you shouldn't worry about what's happening with me. I actually have learned to ignore them, like how you said. So it's not all that bad, yeah?" I say, placing a gentle hand against his shoulder, giving him a firm shake to reassure him.

"I know, it's just... you're the only one I talk to here, and I no longer am watching through a window... I'm actually inside the house, feeling the warmth and comfort of the four walls sheltering me in." He chuckles at his fancy jargon, "sorry but. I just couldn't help but feel bad. I know I didn't do anything, but I'm very empathetic. It's stupid how people act in highschool. All up in peoples business." He shakes his head, looking down at his colorful hands.

I chuckle. "I'm glad you feel comfortable and the fact you care so much. But I promise, as your friend, I am okay. I'm figuring things out." I say once more.

Hyunjin finally accepts and just nods his head at me. "Friend.. hehe.." He chuckles to himself. "Okay okay, I'll believe you." He gives me a kind smile.k

It's silent for a few moments. But it's a comforting kind of silence. That tension is no where to be found, instead it has sunken into this gentle stillness, like ripples settling on a quiet lake. The air feels lighter now, as if the unsaid words between them have dissolved into the calm. It's not absence they share, but presence — quiet, steady, and unspoken.

Hyunjin's voice doesn't cut through the silence; it leans into it, soft and uncertain. "Can I tell you why I ended up like this? The school loner or whatever."

I glance at him, leaning forward over the stool, my arms resting on the backrest. "If you want to. No pressure," I say, my smile small and gentle.

He nods, lacing his fingers together and pressing his lips inward. "It's mostly because of my parents," he begins, sighing. His gaze drops to his hands as if he's unspooling memories he hasn't touched in a long time. "They worked a lot. Still do. My dad's always traveling for his job, and my mom's basically glued to her office."

I listen quietly, nodding when he pauses, his words careful and halting like he's afraid of tripping over them.

"It started before I even got to primary school," he continues. "They weren't around much, so I had to figure things out on my own—new experiences, trends, whatever. I didn't get it right most of the time." He laughs, but it's short and dry, more like a reflex than a joke. "I'd say or do something wrong, and suddenly it was like—'what's this kid's deal?' That stuck."

Hyunjin leans back slightly, his fingers tapping absently against the edge of the stool. "I mean, I remember this one time—I finally got one of those comic books everyone was talking about. I was so excited I couldn't wait to read it. So, during lunch, I had my nose buried in it while walking to my table."

Something in his tone warns me this isn't going to end well.

"Of course," he says, rolling his eyes, "I walked straight into this girl. The popular girl."

I can't help but chuckle. "Classic."

"Right? Primary school had to have a 'popular girl,'" he says, grinning briefly before it fades. "Anyway, she was holding food and a drink. And they went everywhere. On her, on me—mostly on her. Her favorite sweater, too."

I wince. "Oof. Yeah, I'd want to vanish."

"She was so mad," Hyunjin says, dragging his hands down his face. "The whole cafeteria was staring, and then they started laughing, yelling, egging her on. I didn't know what to do, so I just—bowed and ran off. Like that'd fix it."

I laugh, unable to help it, even as he groans. This story sounds oddly familiar, but maybe because it's such a cliche thing to happen. To Hyunjin of all people too. "Poor little Hyunjin," I tease. "At least the comic book was worth it?"

He snorts. "It was at first. But not after the bullying started. They didn't let it go. Ever." His voice softens, and his shoulders slump slightly. "I just... ignored it. Focused on myself. I didn't really have a choice. My parents were too busy, so I learned to get through it alone."

There's a pause, and his lips twitch into a faint smile. "That's how I found art, though. When things got bad, I'd paint. I'd just paint and paint until it felt like I could breathe again."

His gaze shifts to the canvas in front of him, and I follow it, watching his painting transform under his brush. The dark, stormy shapes he started with have melted into something brighter—strokes of blue, streaks of yellow, splashes of pink. It's lighter now. Softer.

"It's beautiful," I murmur. "It feels like you. Like it's telling your story."

Hyunjin's cheeks flush slightly, and he ducks his head. "Thanks." He sets his brush down and stretches, inspecting the streaks of paint on his clothes and hands. "I think I'm done for the night."

"You look done for the night," I say, biting back a laugh. "You've got paint everywhere."

He grabs his phone and flips the camera to check himself. "Oh my god," he groans, trying to wipe a streak off his cheek.

"Leave it!" I grab his wrist before he can smear it further. "It's fitting. You look like your art came to life." Before he can protest, I snap a picture, earning a muffled groan as he hides his face.

"Don't show anyone," he mumbles.

I grin. "This one's just for me."

He rolls his eyes but doesn't argue, instead gesturing toward the mess around us. "Help me clean up so we can get out of here."

We tidy in companionable silence, the only sounds the clink of brushes in water and the faint creak of furniture being moved back into place. Once the room looks somewhat normal again, I glance at the clock. "It's late. I should head home."

Hyunjin follows me out, his steps quick like he's trying to catch up. "Hey, uh... where do you live? I mean—it's late, and I'd hate for you to walk alone. Not in a creepy way!" His words tumble out, awkward and rushed.

I stifle a laugh. "I'm used to it, Hyunjin. I'll be fine."

"Yeah, but... I'm here now, so..." He hesitates, then blurts, "I bet your place is on the way to mine anyway."

I raise an eyebrow, suspicious but amused. "You better not be lying about that."

He chuckles, scratching the back of his neck. "I live pretty far, so... odds are good." His voice is light, but something in his tone feels off. Still, I shrug and let it go.

"Alright. You win. Let's go."

The walk is quiet, our steps falling into an easy rhythm. Occasionally, one of us speaks up—random thoughts sparking short conversations—but mostly, we settle into a comfortable silence. By the time we reach my house, I almost forget the lie I think he told.

"This is me," I say, stopping at the edge of the path leading to my door.

Hyunjin looks at the small garden, his expression softening. "Your house is nice."

"Thanks. My dad's obsessed with the yard." I glance back at him, smiling. "I'll show you inside one day."

"I'll hold you to that," he says, his voice quieter now.

I wave as I unlock the door. "Bye, Hyunjin. See you tomorrow."

He lifts a hand in a small wave, waiting until I'm safely inside. When he finally turns, his steps take him in the opposite direction—away from his supposed route home.

Chapter Text

My day began the same as usual, ignoring the whispers and voices from the people in the hallways and classrooms. Seungmin nor Mina have interacted with me, so I don't get how this is still such a hot topic. Get over yourselves.

I roll my eyes as I continue through my day, muting them out like I've learned to do. It's truly unfortunate I had to gain this type of skill, but it happened.

As I walk down the hallway to my locker, I notice a different set of words coming out of people's mouths. No more "Seungmin and Y/n," but "School Loner and Y/n." What are they talking about? Me and Hyunjin? I must be mishearing things, why would they care about that?

I then catch eyes of my two friends, Jihye and Bomi. It feels like I haven't seen these two in a while. It's mainly been myself and Hyunjin, or just me. "Hey guys." I greet them in my usual friendly tone, reaching my locker and unlocking it.

"Oh my god, hi Y/n! We were so afraid you were becoming one too!" Bomi suddenly says, grabbing me and pulling me into a warm hug, her chin resting on my shoulder.

I raise a brow as she hugs me, but I return the embrace as normal. "Wait what— becoming what? Jihye?" I shift my eyes to Jihye, who is standing there with a thin lined smile on her face.

As Bomi releases from the embrace, her eyes meet with Jihye as mine has done. "We thought you were going to become some loner too." She says plainly, small concern being heard in the tone of her response.

Packing my bag for my first class, I look at both of them with a confused expression. "Why would I-"

"Word is that you and Hwanjin walked home together. Anything to spill, girlie?" Bomi nudges me in the side with a sly smirk on her face. She chuckles alongside Jihye.

"Again, it's Hyunjin. You always mispronounce it." I scoff, shutting my locker, "and I just bumped into him after school when I was doing cleaning duty. He walked me home since it was late and I live on the way to his house. Nothing to spill." Crossing my arms as I lean against my locker, unimpressed by my friend's attempt to get some juicy gossip from something so innocent (and none of their business).

Bomi sighs and opens her phone. "Ugh boringgg. Whatever, at least you're still here. Anyways, we hitting up Jackson's party tonight?" She eyes me and Jihye with a smirk.

Jihye sighs at the mention of a Jackson Wang party. "Doesn't he host parties like every other day? It's not all that anymore, Bomi." She says, glancing at the post from instagram, inviting all students to attend.

My phone begins to buzz, I flinch and grab my phone from my pocket.

"Where's your party self? Y/n, please tell me you'll come?" She bats her eyelashes at me, her freckles coming out even stronger in this moment.

"Actually— I'll get back to you on that. Someone is calling me." I quickly say as I glance at the contact on my phone, feeling a rush of adrenaline in my body as I read the name.

Before either of them can protest, I rush to the area that they texted me to meet them at. I don't care if I miss first period today, this is important.

Finding myself at the back of the school, I take in the familiar, secluded spot. Usually, this is where people sneak off to make out, smoke, or just escape the chaos of the world. Today, none of those options apply to me, though I wish they did. Instead, I anxiously tap my foot against the damp grass, leaning back against the rough, cold surface of the brick wall. The sharp November air bites at my skin, but my mind is too preoccupied to care. Footsteps echo in the stillness, and my breath hitches as I meet the eyes of the person who summoned me here.

"Seungmin," I say, pushing myself off the wall and standing up straight. My voice is tight, nerves visible in my clenched fists hovering near my stomach. "Did you figure it out? Was it them?"

He nods, slipping a hand into his pocket as he steps closer. His black hair curls right above his eyebrows, shifting slightly in the chilly breeze. A small frown tugs at his lips, and his expression is so serious it sends a pang of unease through me.

"Yeah," he replies, his tone low. "I did."

"Well, tell me!" My voice rises in impatience, my brows furrowing. The silence between us feels heavier than it should, stretching on longer than I can bear.

"You won't like it," he snaps back, his gaze dropping to the patchy grass beneath us. He lets out a frustrated sigh, his breath visible in the cold air.

Crossing my arms tightly over my chest, I press my lips into a thin line. "I don't care if I'll like it or not. I just want to know who thought it was okay to spread lies about us." My tone is sharp, slicing through the tension like a blade.

"Fine," Seungmin mutters. He shifts to stand beside me, both of us leaning against the unforgiving wall. The sun is bright, the sky a spotless canvas of blue, yet the cold clings to us, sharper than ever. "Let me start from the beginning."

His voice carries over the quiet, his breath steady as he speaks. "After we talked, I went around the school asking everyone I could about where the rumor came from. People gave up names way too easily—guess I'm more persuasive than I thought."

"No," I interject with a faint smirk. "It's because you can be intimidating sometimes. Especially your girlfriend."

He huffs a laugh, his tone softening. "She only seems that way. Around the people she loves, she's like a cat—sweet but with claws if you mess up." He clears his throat, steering the conversation back. "Anyway, I stuck to what we discussed. I made it clear—loud and clear—that neither of us had anything to do with that rumor, and Hyunjin was completely uninvolved."

The corners of my mouth lift in a brief, appreciative smile.

"After two days of running around and connecting the dots, I managed to find a trail." Seungmin pulls his phone from his pocket, scrolling until he finds what he's looking for. A sigh escapes him as he turns the screen toward me. "Someone snapped pictures of us talking at the party and sent them to a private drama account. It's the same account that's been posting rumors around school for a while now."

My eyes widen as I stare at the blurry photos. They're unmistakably of us—standing by the food bar, talking. Exactly as it happened that night.

"Before you freak out," Seungmin says quickly, cutting off my brewing thoughts, "I tracked down the person running the account. Their stupidity made it easy—pretending to be Mina on a fake account worked like a charm. I got access to everything. Turns out, students pay them to spread gossip. Some of it's real; most of it's made up. Either way, it's pathetic."

We both roll our eyes, a shared exasperation for the immaturity of it all.

Seungmin continues, his voice tinged with annoyance. "With Mina's help, I confronted the guy running the account. He caved and told us who paid him to spread the rumor about us."

"Who was it?" I ask, unable to hide my frustration at the drawn-out pauses.

He hesitates, his jaw tightening. "Your friend... Lee Bomi."

A short laugh escapes me. "You're kidding."

"Why would I joke about this? We're not exactly friends." His voice is flat, laced with irritation.

I wince playfully at his words. "Ouch. Okay, fine, fair point. But seriously—do you have proof?"

Before I finish my sentence, Seungmin shoves his phone back in my face. Text messages fill the screen—Bomi's name glaring at me from the top of the thread. There's no denying it: the exchange is there. Her conversation with the account owner, the details, even the payment.

My stomach churns as I shake my head, looking away. "It could be fake," I mutter weakly. "Photoshopped, maybe... I don't know, it doesn't have to be her—"

"Y/n." Seungmin cuts me off sharply, tucking his phone back into his pocket. His gaze locks onto mine, unyielding. "Quit protecting her. Hell, quit protecting Jihye too. You know how they are. We've all seen it. They were ruthless back in primary school, even to that one kid—"

"You act like they're villains or something, I don't even know what you mean by that one kid, but I'm not even going to bother asking—" I snap, rolling my eyes. "They're not great, sure, but they're still people I've known forever." My voice falters at the end, my conviction wavering.

Seungmin exhales heavily, crossing his arms. "I get it. But this is all I can do. It's your move now. Hit that home run, Y/n. Don't strike out."

I nod slowly, his words sinking in as the weight of the situation presses down on me. "Thanks, Seungmin." My voice is soft, almost hollow, as I look at the ground.

"No problem," he says, turning to leave. "I'll send you the screenshots." His figure fades into the distance, leaving me alone to face the reality of what I've just learned.

I lean back against the wall, the cold seeping into my skin. Looking up at the vibrant blue sky, the sun's warmth feels mocking against the icy ache inside me. I let out a heavy sigh.

What a way to start the day...

Chapter Text

I've been holding myself together the best I can throughout the day. I purposely took different routes than my usual around the school to avoid Jihye and Bomi. I don't want to risk seeing them and I absolutely blow up on them. I need to get through my day, focus on my work, and confront them after school. So then, it doesn't bother me during class of whatever we might say, and also there's no limited time from the dang ringing bell.

Luckily, the final bell at 3pm rings, marking the end of the day. But also marking the beginning of something I never thought I'd need to do.

Sneaking in my airpod into my air and hiding it with my hair, whenever I get nervous, I use music to calm me down. I know I should be able to talk to them without some external distraction, but it's for my own sanity.

I finally spot the two sitting down at a bench on the side of the school, eating some food. They catch my eye and Jihye immediately stands up and waves at me, signaling me to come over to them. I don't give any smile in response and I simply walk over, taking deep breaths as I get closer. Making sure my mouth hasn't gotten dry, and making sure I don't just explode. I need to talk rationally.

"Where have you been all day? We haven't seen you, Y/nnie?" Bomi asks as she pats down the empty spot beside her, I then notice she has an extra box of food and hands it to me. I take it, and I feel my heart sink when I hold it in my hand. How can she be so thoughtful with giving me food when she didn't have to, but then go post a nasty rumor like that so easily at the same time?

I must have been staring at the food for too long as I feel a grip on my shoulder, shaking me out of my head. "Y/n? You good?" Bomi looks at me with 'innocent' brown eyes.

"Oh- sorry yeah. Just..." I take a deep breath and let out a shakey breath, "I need to talk to you two about something." I look up at them, trying to meet both of their eyes.

"Oh? What's going on? We're here." Jihye says, scooting closer to Bomi, leaning in to hear me better.

I clear my throat, placing the food box onto the bench. My fingers interlock with one another, tighter than usual, like I'm trying to anchor myself. "I'm just going to be straight up with you guys. Seungmin and I know you're behind that rumor."

The words are out. My chest tightens as though bracing for impact, my heart pounding like it's trying to escape. My hands grow clammy, slipping against each other. Can they hear how loud my pulse is? Can they see the heat crawling up my face? Breathe. Just breathe. Paint the scene in your head—soft strokes of pink, green, blue, yellow. Calm down. Stay steady.

"What?" Jihye's voice cracks, her eyes widening as her brows shoot up her forehead. Her gaze flickers between Bomi, whose mouth is slightly open but silent, and me, whose lips are pressed into a tense line.

"Seungmin and me 'sleeping together'? Yeah, we found proof. Bomi reached out to that stupid account and paid someone to post about us. I even saw the photos." My voice is steadier than I feel, but the weight behind the words still trembles slightly, emotions spilling through the cracks.

"Y/n..." Bomi finally manages, her eyebrows twitching as she attempts to pout.

"It's fine. No, actually—it's not fine." I let out a bitter laugh, throwing my hands up in mock surrender. "But honestly, I'm tired. It's not just this rumor, Bomi. You've been awful to Hyunjin, who's done nothing to deserve it. And any time things don't go your way, you talk crap behind people's backs instead of just... stopping." Each word chips away at the frustration I've carried, but the ache of betrayal remains.

Jihye stands abruptly, shaking her head. "No, no—I had no idea. Don't lump me in with—"

"Oh, shut up, Jihye." Bomi's sharp voice cuts through, her scoff biting. "You took the photos and helped me pay the guy. And back then too. Don't act innocent now." She yanks Jihye back down onto the bench, the motion rough and dismissive.

I stare at them, disbelief twisting in my chest. "Even now, even when you're caught, you still act like this." My voice is quieter, tired. "You don't even seem sorry."

Bomi's demeanor shifts instantly, her expression softening, her voice trembling as she reaches out. "No, no, I am sorry. Y/n, please. I wasn't thinking—I was drunk, okay? And after that, I didn't know how to fix it. I was a coward. But I'm sorry now. Truly." Her hand lands on my arm, her lashes fluttering as if she thinks she can reel me back in. But the strings she used to pull don't work anymore.

Jihye sighs beside her. "Y/n, I'm really sorry. We'll do anything to make it up to you. Swear." She extends her pinky toward me, and for a moment, my heart clenches.

Pinky promises. They were sacred to us—our unbreakable bond in a gesture so simple. My chest tightens at the memory of countless times we sealed our trust that way. But now? Now it feels hollow, a fragile relic of what we used to be. My hand hovers, torn between the instinct to link with hers and the voice in my head urging me to pull back.

I take a shaky breath, my fingers curling into fists. I stand. "No—I can't do this anymore." My voice wavers, raw, but I keep going. "You guys meant so much to me. I gave you everything, stood by you through everything. But this?" I swallow hard, forcing myself to look at them. "This broke something I can't fix. It hurts too much. Thank you for the good memories, but I can't trust you. I can't keep this friendship, not like this."

Silence descends, heavy and suffocating. The air between us feels like glass, shattered but still sharp, cutting deeper the longer I stay. I glance at the bench—at the empty spot beside them where I used to belong, the untouched box of food they'd brought. That place could still be mine if I just sat back down, pretended none of this ever happened. But deep down, I know the truth: there hasn't been room for me there in a long time. I'd just been squeezing myself in, forcing myself to fit.

Before I can let doubt creep in, I turn on my heel and walk away, my steps quick and uneven. I don't know where I'm going, but I know it won't be anywhere near them.

Chapter Text

Y/n:
hyunjin

Hyunjin 🎨:
y/n

Y/n:
are u busy rn

Hyunjin 🎨:
depends..

Y/n:
i need to talk to u abt something

Hyunjin 🎨:
good or bad

Y/n:
good? i think?

Hyunjin 🎨:
im all ears

Y/n:
would u not listen if it was bad?

Hyunjin 🎨:
no i would
id listen either way
even if "stupid" was an option

Y/n:
so u were just messing w me
i see how it is hyunjinnie

Hyunjinnie 🥟🎨:
hyunjinnie?
did i finally get a nickname

Y/n:
yes u diddd
u like?

Hyunjinnie 🥟🎨:
it's cute
i never got a nickname before

Y/n:
good
even if u didn't like it you'd still be called it

Hyunjinnie 🥟🎨:
wow i'd have no choice
anyways what was the thing u wanted to tell me ?

Y/n:
oh shit yea
so erm i dropped bomi and jihye

Hyunjinnie 🥟🎨:
oh shit fr?
what happened? cause aren't they like ur besties

Y/n:
so u remember that rumor? me and seungmin

Hyunjinnie 🥟🎨:
ofc

Y/n:
well seungmin did some investigating
and he found out bomi and jihye were behind it

Hyunjinnie 🥟🎨:
WHAT

Y/n:
exactly how i felt
so i confronted them and dropped them

Hyunjinnie 🥟🎨:
geez...
what bitches
oops sorry

Y/n:
nah nah they are
BITCHESS

Hyunjinnie 🥟🎨:
so.. how u feeling?
cause yk

Y/n:
idek how to feel
i got emotional during the whole thing but i held it back
i feel numb rn. like i can't feel upset or sad or happy
it's all so.. damn

Hyunjinnie 🥟🎨:
i understand
but hey, at least u found out
unfortunate it was them tho

Y/n:
u were right
abt them being... not the best of friends..

Hyunjinnie 🥟🎨:
i would say i told u so but
not the time haha

Y/n:
very much the right time haha
but it's okay.
i'll find new friends. at least i still have u

Hyunjinnie 🥟🎨:
oh yeah, we're friends
still getting used to that

Y/n:
yeah we're friends hyunjinnie
don't forget that !!

Hyunjinnie 🥟🎨:
i won't!

Y/n:
how u doing? i didn't see u today

Hyunjinnie 🥟🎨:
oh im doing good
just been keeping my head low per usual
painting rn

Y/n:
ur always painting hm?

Hyunjinnie 🥟🎨:
i dont want to study so im distracting myself

Y/n:
you're hella real

Hyunjinnie 🥟🎨:
oh y/n
can i say a confession

Y/n:
erm what are u abt to tell me
but tell me rn yes

Hyunjinnie 🥟🎨:
u remember the story i told u back in the art room?
abt the girl and how i became... a loner?

Y/n:
oh yea i do, why?
omg did u make that up? don't tell me

Hyunjinnie 🥟🎨:
no it's real 💀
i wanted to tell u who the girl was

Y/n:
oh tell me
who's this girl

Hyunjinnie 🥟🎨:
you know her

Y/n:
pfft helpful
tell meeee name drop

• • • • • • •

Before I could send another message, my phone buzzes in my hand, the screen lighting up with Hyunjin's name. I answer immediately.

"Hello?"

"I'm too lazy to type anymore. And also, I think this story is better said verbally than through texts," Hyunjin says, his voice low yet steady through the receiver.

"Oh, okay. Well, I'm listening," I reply, settling into my bed and putting him on speaker. The soft hum of his voice fills the quiet room as I let my head rest against the pillow.

"So, first off, you didn't know this, but we went to the same primary school."

I bolt upright, my heart skipping a beat. "Wait, what—you went to Saebit Primary? How did I not know this before? Or recognize you now?"

A soft chuckle escapes him on the other end, light and tinged with something unspoken. "I'll get into that... Just listen." He clears his throat, his tone shifting slightly. "I was already dealing with bullying because I was antisocial, but this girl made it worse. Her name was... Yang Jihye."

The line goes still, his words hanging heavy in the air.

"What—"

"I spilled her food and drinks on her once. It was an accident, but Lee Bomi jumped on it. She started bashing me while Jihye just stood there, too shocked to react. After that... it just snowballed." His voice grows thick, the weight of those memories pressing down through each word.

"Wait, wait. This doesn't make sense. I was always with them. How could I not have known this was happening?"

"They hid it from you," he says bluntly. "Whenever you joined them in class or sat with us at lunch, they'd stop. Everyone knew, except you... and I didn't have the guts to speak up. It was like I was caught in some cruel secret they were playing on you. But it wasn't about you—it was all for me."

I sit there, shaking my head, the pieces of my childhood suddenly rearranging themselves into a picture I never thought to examine. I comb through the memories, desperate for even a flicker of recognition, a hint of Hyunjin's face or pain. But nothing comes. How could I have missed this? How could I have been so blind?

"I know this is a lot. It's just... since you dropped them, I felt like it was time to finally tell you."

"I'm just shocked I was so naïve..." I whisper, the words tasting bitter on my tongue.

"I actually recognized your name when Mr. Donghae called roll," he admits, his voice quieter now. "But I didn't say anything because I wasn't sure if it was the same Y/n L/n. And even if it was, you wouldn't remember me, so..."

My breath catches, and my mind flashes back to the day we met. That flicker of recognition in his eyes—the slight parting of his lips as if he were caught mid-thought—suddenly makes sense. How had I missed it? Every subtle sign, every cautious look, now feels like a neon light pointing to the truth.

"Hyunjin..." I murmur, my voice trembling as my thoughts spiral. "I'm sorry."

"For what?" he asks, confusion softening his tone.

"For not noticing sooner."

"You didn't owe me anything. Plus, they did a damn good job hiding it. It's not your fault," he says, a small chuckle breaking through, but it lacks humor.

I let out a sigh, pressing my palm against my forehead. "Did they ever do anything to you in high school?"

"Jihye and Bomi? No. They just... stared. Made little comments when I walked by. The usual crap. It doesn't bother me anymore," he says, though the sharpness in his scoff betrays him. I can hear the old insults echoing in his mind as he recounts it: weirdo, loser, freak.

"I can't believe they did all of this, and I didn't see it..." I say, my voice breaking as I bury my face in my hands. The weight of it crushes me, every memory with those two now painted in cruel shades I hadn't noticed before.

"Stop blaming yourself," Hyunjin interrupts firmly. "It was intentional. They made sure you wouldn't find out. Blame them, not you."

He's right, but the guilt gnaws at me anyway. "You're right..." I breathe out, the words more for him than me.

The silence that follows isn't awkward—it's still and meaningful, like the air itself is holding its breath. We sit on opposite sides of this invisible thread connecting us, waiting for one of us to speak.

"Do you want to get ice cream?" Hyunjin asks suddenly, his voice breaking the tension. I can hear the surprise in his own words, as if he hadn't planned to say them.

My lips curl into a smile. My stomach growls in agreement, my heart flipping at the shift in mood. "Ice cream? You don't have to ask me twice. Where are we heading?" I jump up, already searching for clothes.

"There's a place halfway between our houses. Let's meet there," he suggests, his voice lightening. I can hear rustling on his end; he's already getting ready.

"Wait...Please tell me you're talking about Seoul Swirl!" I say, practically squealing.

"Yeah, that's the one," he replies, laughing softly. "Head over when you're ready."

"Thanks, Hyunjin," I chuckle, and we hang up.

• • • • • • •

The shop glows softly against the night, the windows fogged from the warmth inside. I spot Hyunjin before he sees me, his frame relaxed but unmistakable. He's wearing a soft blue crewneck, a stark contrast to his usual dark wardrobe, paired with gray jeans and black sneakers. For once, his face isn't hidden—his hair falls freely around his shoulders, his features bathed in the golden light of the shop's sign. His cheeks, tinted faintly pink, match the softness of his gaze as he looks around.

"Hi, you made it," I say, my excitement bubbling over.

He smiles, holding the door open for me. "Yup."

Inside, the scent of waffle cones and sweet cream envelops us. Hyunjin orders first—black sesame in a cone, two scoops. His eyes light up as he watches the server hand him his treat, a smile stretching across his face wider than I've ever seen.

When I order my favorite flavor, Hyunjin nudges me playfully. "I didn't know you liked that. I rarely get it."

"Is it good?" I tease, watching him take a dramatic lick of his cone.

"Heck yeah," he says, his eyes gleaming. We take our cones outside and find a bench, settling in to watch the world pass by.

Couples stroll arm in arm, laughter trailing behind them like echoes of joy. A cyclist whizzes by, their neon jacket flashing in the streetlights. A child tugs on their parent's hand, pointing at the glowing ice cream sign. Life moves in every direction, each person a small story unfolding.

"Hmm," I hum, glancing at Hyunjin.

"Hm?" he replies, his mouth half-full of cone, his expression curious.

"I just realized that this place actually isn't in the middle of our houses. Because I live other there with the school over there," I gesture to the right of us with my hand for my house and flipping left for the school, "and I'm on the way to your house, so you're also to the right, past my house." I say as I watch the streets go down in that direction.

Hyunjin bites into his cone again. "No, this place is between our houses. I live over here." He says, gesturing his hand to the left instead of the right.

I raise my brow at him. Then, it hits me. "Wait— you liar!" I hit him playfully in the arm. "You told me I'm on the way to your house, but I'm not! You live closer to the school than me, in the opposite direction!" My jaw drops in front of him.

Hyunjin remains silent, his teeth slowly biting into his cone, his eyes wide and shifting to meet with mine.

"So when you walked me that one night...."

"I walked home the opposite way— yes." Hyunjin confesses, no longer able to hide from the truth due to his slip up.

I slowly nod my head at him, still processing everything. "So how far do you actually live? Hm?" I look up at Hyunjin with squinted eyes, reading his expression for any chance he tries to lie to me again.

"How far do you live from the school?" He asks first.

"Like ten to fifteen minutes if I drive."

"Hmm so I live about 5 minutes from the school, driving distance too." Hyunjin takes the last bite of his cone, now he's finished completely.

I do the math in my head and look at him with a shocked expression. "Hold up— so you walked like 30 minutes from my house back to yours?-"

Hyunjin looks away from me, his leg bouncing in nervousness. "It wasn't a big deal," he mumbles.

I nudge him in the side. "Well.. thank you."

"It's no problem. Really." He says, still refusing to face me again. His eyes glued to the other side of the street, watching the cars and buses go by.

"I hope you know that didn't have to do that..." I say with a chuckle, my arms pressed against my legs as I compress my body together on the bench.

"I know but, I wanted to." Hyunjin says, his eyes falling onto mine. His gaze softens as it meets mine, his eyes full of something I can't quite place but feel all the same.

And just like that, the night feels a little warmer.

Chapter Text

Ever since that sweet ice cream trip, I feel that my life had become just as sweet, possible sweeter.

Whispers at school have completely shut up. I've seen Seungmin and Mina back in the halls, arm in arm. Mina still nagging in her man, but that's how she loves (trust me). I haven't caught any glances of Jihye or Bomi, I wonder if they're purposely avoiding me, but the universe loves me and isn't giving me any run ins with them.

My classes have been going better, no more unnecessary partying on school nights and waking up with a hangover, and I just feel like a weight off my shoulders. The noise going on in my head has died down, and I'm grateful.

The main reason this all has happened is, Hyunjin. He was right, I needed to get away from all that drama, and the fact my best friends were the reason I was dealing with the drama in the first place. Ever since then, I have been happier. Me and Hyunjin have grown closer, been working in the project more often, and I can tell he's opening up a lot quicker to me everytime we talk.

He still acts like his usual quiet and distant self at school, but once I step into the picture, his entire demeanor changes. I wonder if anyone at school had noticed us talking, maybe caught a glimpse of Hyunjin's true self; not some loner identity they labeled him with. But at the same time, I don't bother to notice or see the other people around me anymore. I like this peace. It's easier.

Making progress with our project, we are almost done with everything. We had to plan out the outline using the given words we randomized, that took the longest. Hyunjin and I would make a fire story but then forget a couple words. Or we would end up using all the words, but the story is not coherent at all. It was a whole process, but after trial and error, we finally reached the final story.

We got the basic gist, but now we, of course, need to expand on our basic outline and create the actual story. Need to create the details and characters, the setting and plot lines, the beginning and the end.

There was this offered extra credit for this project through creativity. Not like this entire damn project is already based on creativity, we need even more, I guess.

Hyunjin gave the bright idea of using his artistry to be that extra credit outlet. Using my writing, as it was mainly me combining the words and sentences together through Hyunjin's ideas of how we can create a story. We will then use his art and sketches as visual aid of each part of the story, so it can almost look like a mini storybook.

"If we don't get an A on this, I'm going to stab someone with your paintbrush." I say as I watch Hyunjin make simple sketches in the small 4x4 paper we chose for each visual aid alongside our matching 4x4 paper for the writing portion.

Hyunjin looks at me with wide eyes and pauses his drawing. "Excuse me- that's just going to trace the crime back to me." He says, raising a finger in the air and shaking his head at me.

I can't help but let out a laugh as he looks at me. "Duh, that's the whole point. I won't go to jail, you will." I nudge him in the arm, my cheeks already hurting from laughing again. We've been laughing for a while already.

"So Y/n wants to commit fraud onto me? Better watch it, I'll make sure to perfectly paint your wanted poster so everyone is on the hunt for your face." He says, turning his head back to the paper as he formulates the art at the tip of his hands.

"Ooohhh so scary." I tease, shaking my fingers in front of my face, pretending to be threatened. "You would make the drawing look purposely bad, can't capture my beauty." I continue to joke around, leaning back in the office chair as I kick my feet up on the table.

"Oh please. I can draw your profile from the tip of your head down to the collarbone that has that small birthmark on the right side." His finger points out and drags down through the air as he gestures towards me.

I cross my arms and raise a brow. "Hm you think you can draw me that well? That exact?" I scoff but can't remain serious, already chuckling to myself.

"Want to make that a challenge?" Hyunjin raises a brow, his brush leaving the piece of paper that holds a half-finished masterpiece, despite it being so small compared to the body-length canvases in this room.

"I do not want to make it a challenge anymore." I say, quickly retracting my statement.

Hyunjin pouts, giving me those doe eyes he recently learned to do to me. "But why? You scared?" That doe expression quickly shifts to a mischievous one with a sly smirk across his face, his eyes piercing into mine.

"Oh I am not scared! Just— " I take a gulp and remember back to the last time I took him up for a challenge.

It was last weekend. I was texting Hyunjin, we always jump topic to topic, so I can't even think to begin on how we got to this conversation. But I was telling him about how much I enjoyed played video games, and I get hella competitive when it comes to PVP type games.

This sparked some competition in Hyunjin, such passion I never heard of before, as he started asking me about the games I played specifically. That then brought about... Super Smash Bros. I play that game so often that I unlocked all the playable characters, call me an expert.

Hyunjin though, didn't believe I was this good. So I challenged him to pull up to my house and we can play some rounds and see who truly is the best.

I regret that real bad.

In a few minutes, Hyunjin pulled up in his car to my house. I honestly didn't believe he was going to come, but thankfully my room was clean and my house was empty. Family went out and I didn't bother to join them.

I showed him around the house since he didn't get to see last time, and he remained so polite and complimented all cozy it all looked. Though, I know his will always be more aesthetic and neat in my eyes.

After the tour, we settled in the living room which had my nintendo switch already connected to the television. I quickly started up the console, getting the controllers connected, and opened the game. I remember looking over and seeing Hyunjin wearing the widest smile on his face, his legs bouncing up and down against my carpeted floor, leaning forward as his elbows rested on his knees. He was geeking out while also being locked into the game.

We played ten rounds. Want to guess how many Y/n, the SSB god won?

1 round. THATS SO EMBARRASSING.

I am never challenging Hyunjin to anything anymore ever since that huge loss. My character getting absolutely combo's Hyunjin, who was acting like he wasn't even trying. His hands moving naturally over the buttons and joysticks, a calm aura surrounding him, his back leaned against my couch as he kept a serious expression on his face.

Whereas I was practically standing, leaned forward to the television as if that would help, my tongue sticking out as my eyes remained focused on the two characters fighting in the screen.

But to my avail... my character falls off the map and Hyunjin's character is the reason why.

He no longer was this nonchalant man on my couch. He changed and threw the controller onto the couch, screaming in the top of lungs and throwing his hands into fists into the air. "WOOO YEAH." He shouted, his black hair pushed back as his eyes are shut and screaming into the ceiling above us.

I stood there in silence, my mouth ajar as I stare at the amount of knockouts between us. I got absolutely destroyed that I won't even utter the numbers to you. It's too embarrassing.

I looked at Hyunjin with utter shock, not only to my losses, but how he had exploded into this loud menace beside me. "Did you purposely make me talk about this game just so you could beat me?"

Hyunjin, after his celebration, turns to me with a smirk on his face. "Of course I did. I know this game better than you, and you, ms. Y/n, just got annihilated!!!" He throws his hand down and makes an explosion noise with his mouth, then shooting finger guns at me as he brags about his win.

I roll my eyes and shake my head with him, a slight smirk on my face as I can't help but still enjoy this silly moment together. "You're good at art and good at video games, what else are you hiding from me, hm?" I tease.

"I'm most likely hiding a lot from you. I like to keep a mysterious aura." He says, brushing his hair back with his fingers, eyebrows raised as he makes eye contact with me.

"Oh please. You just got negative aura doing that." I say, swatting my hand against his, knocking his fingers around from his dang hair.

He lets out a laugh, almost a cackle. "Oh? I did? You're just mad I beat you in your own game." He says, pointing his finger at me.

"Oh shut up-" I hit his finger away and look at his character on the screen, posing as they just had the victory cutscene play.

I snap back to current time and quickly shake my head, something I should've done back then when I challenged him to a game of Super Smash Bros. "We are not doing challenges anymore, it always turns out bad." I say.

Hyunjin laughs, a similar one to when he won the match. "Oh my god- don't tell me you're still thinking about when I beat you in-"

I quickly cover his mouth with my hand and muffle his bragging rights once more. "Oh shut up—" I say, meeting eyes with him as I see his eyebrows raise, his eyes lighting up with mischief as we look at one another.

Suddenly, I feel Hyunjin's jaw move. His mouth is opening. Before I could get violated in any sort of way, I pull my hand away and close to my chest. I see Hyunjin's tongue slowly retreating back to his mouth with a smirk on his face. "Man you're no fun." He says.

"Erm I don't want you licking my hand!" I say in protest, then chuckling as I, again, cannot stay serious forever with him.

Hyunjin rolls his eyes, grabbing his brush back up and continuing his drawing section of my writing section. "Oh- can you order food? I realize we haven't eaten since we started the project today." He says, his head facing away from me as he remains focused.

I pick up my phone as I kick my feet with excitement. "Ooh you read my mind. I'll see our options now." I smile behind my phone as I scroll through different restaurants that have the option to order.

And from that, we continued to work. Getting closer to finishing this project, the project that helped bloom this growing friendship. Myself writing down the planned out story on my paper as Hyunjin works on his own drawing beside me, matching my words to his art. Perfectly connecting without even needing to communicate what we should do and how they should work. The pure emotions and feelings from both our versions of art just become one, and that's exactly how we want this project to turn out.

And with that... our delicious food is on the way.

Chapter Text

Day One

Rumors are going to be the death of me, I swear.

Because tell me why I'm sitting in class before the bell, texting Hyunjin about something random—probably a dumb meme or one of his favorite painting videos—when I feel a tap on my shoulder. I flip my phone face-down and turn to meet the eyes of someone I barely recognize.

"Hm?" I ask, eyebrows pulling together.

"Where's your friend?" they ask, their tone light but edged with something I can't place.

I blink, confused. "My friend?"

"Yeah, the loner," they say with a smirk that instantly makes me want to retreat. "Or are you the new recruit?"

"What the hell are you talking about?" My voice comes out sharper than I intended, but it's better than showing how unsettled I feel.

They lean in closer, towering over me, their grin turning sly. "Nothing. Just curious. You don't exactly scream his type, you know?"

I narrow my eyes. "I don't even know you. Can you, like, back off?"

They shrug, stuff their hands in their pockets, and chuckle as they stroll off to their seat, leaving me with a thousand questions I don't even want answers to.

The bell rings, and I turn back to face the front of the room, trying to shake off the weird encounter. But my stomach twists uncomfortably.

What was that?

• • • • • • •

Day Two

The whispers start during lunch.

At first, I think I'm imagining it. The occasional glance, a muffled giggle, a word or two I can't quite make out. But by the time I reach the cafeteria line, it's clear: people are talking.

I sit with my tray at an empty table near the window. Hyunjin's still in class—his teacher has a habit of keeping them late. Usually, I'd pull out my phone or write something while I wait, but today, I can't focus.

Across the room, two girls are whispering, their heads bent close. One of them glances at me and smirks. I look down at my tray, pretending I didn't see.

The chair across from me scrapes against the floor, and my heart leaps before I look up. Not Hyunjin. Just another classmate.

They plop down with a grin, shoving their half-eaten sandwich into their mouth. "You're braver than I thought," they say through a mouthful of food.

"What?"

"Didn't think anyone would bother with him, but hey, guess you've got a thing for strays."

My stomach flips, and my appetite disappears entirely. "What are you talking about?"

They raise an eyebrow like I should already know. "That loner. Yoonjin or something. Don't act like you're not attached at the hip."

"Yoo— Its Hyunjin. And I don't—" I start, feeling annoyed as I am correcting yet another person over his name, but they cut me off.

"It's fine. You do you." They stand, brushing crumbs off their hands. "Just don't get too comfortable. You'll get stuck the same way he has."

They leave without another word, leaving me frozen in my seat.

Why would I get stuck? Is that a bad thing?

• • • • • • •

Day Four

It's been a few days, and whatever this thing is, it hasn't stopped. If anything, it's getting worse. The whispers are louder. The glances more obvious.

People are starting to talk about everything. About me. About him. And now, even about the people I used to call my friends.

Bomi and Jihye haven't said a word to me since this all started. I don't know if it's because they don't know what to say or if they're just as confused as everyone else. But the distance between us hasn't gone unnoticed.

"Did you see Y/N with him again? She dropped Bomi and Jihye for, what's his name, Hyunjan or something? Seriously?"

"Who does that? I mean, no offense, but... the loner kid?"

The words cut deeper every time I overhear them, laced with disbelief and something far worse—pity. Not just for me, but for Hyunjin, someone they can't even bother to see as more than a label. To them, he isn't a person, just a convenient target, a name they don't care to learn. He's reduced to an idea, something to point at and prod, as if he's incapable of feeling the weight of their careless words. As if he exists outside the world they've created for themselves.

And then there's Hyunjin, who doesn't seem to notice any of it. Or maybe he's just good at pretending he doesn't.

When we meet up in the art room during break, he's exactly the same: quiet, focused, smiling at me like nothing's changed. And for a little while, his face is almost enough to make me forget.

But when I show up late one day, I catch something I wasn't supposed to see.

He's sitting alone, painting, when two girls walk by the open door.

"Y/N really dumped Bomi and Jihye for him?" one of them says, voice pitched high with disbelief.

"Right? Like, what does she even see in him? He doesn't even talk to anyone. It's so weird."

The irritation in my chest flares as I watch them saunter off, their laughter echoing down the hall.

When I glance back at Hyunjin, I notice the slight tension in his posture, the way his brush pauses for a fraction of a second before continuing its smooth strokes. His eyes stay focused on the canvas, unfazed—or so it seems.

I step into the room, forcing my voice to sound light. "Hey there, Hyunjin."

He glances up, and I offer him a smile, trying to dispel the tension hanging in the air. He smiles back, but it doesn't quite reach his eyes. And for the first time, I wonder if he's been hearing every single word, just like I have.

• • • • • • •

Day Seven

By the end of the week, I feel like I'm walking around with a target on my back. The little comments. The stares. The not-so-subtle laughs.

Even when Hyunjin and I are together, it feels like we're under a microscope.

"You okay?" he asks one afternoon, his gaze lingering on me as we sit by the window in the art room.

"Yeah," I lie, fiddling with the hem of my sleeve.

He doesn't look convinced. "You sure?"

I hesitate, then shrug. "It's just... people are weird lately."

His expression doesn't change, but there's something heavy in his silence.

"Is this what it's always like for you?" I ask quietly.

He doesn't answer right away, just sets his brush down and leans back in his chair. "People talk. They always have. But you get used to it."

"You said that before... and I was able to get used to it, to mute out their whispers. But this time around, it feels like they're right..."

"Right about what?" Hyunjin asks.

I shrugs my shoulders. "What if I was stupid for dropping Bomi and Jihye? I grew up with those two, and now they're like strangers to me. Did I make a mistake?"

"A mistake for friending me?"

My eyes widen and I shake my head frantically. "No- Hyunjin no. That's not what I'm saying. I'm just... I don't know— I just...I'm not sure I can get used to it this time." I look down at my fingers and fiddle with them, "I knew for sure last time I did nothing wrong, so it was just annoying. But this time... they're coming after me as a person and my decision-making... and coming after you, again."

"Do you think you made the wrong decision?" He voice quiet but still echoing against the walls of this room.

I shake my head. "I didn't make the wrong decision... I just feel like crap." I let out a sigh.

He looks at me for a long moment before sighing. "You don't have to stick around, you know."

"What?" I blink, caught off guard.

"If it's too much," he says, his voice steady but soft, "you don't have to stay. I'd get it."

The words hit harder than I expect. I open my mouth to respond, but nothing comes out.

Hyunjin quickly sits up in his chair, his expression shifting as the weight of his words settles between us. His eyes widen, and he raises his hands in a gesture of surrender. "Oh—shit—well. I didn't mean it like that," he stammers, his voice tinged with panic. "I just... I'm sorry. I'm sorry that you being my friend is seen as a bad thing. And that... you're being treated this way because of it." His voice grows quieter with each word, his gaze dropping to the desk in front of him.

I shake my head firmly, refusing to let his guilt grow any further. "Too bad, Hyunjin. I'm not leaving your side, okay?" My voice is steady, my determination clear as I lean closer.

"I'm actually enjoying our time together as friends. It's all real, and that's what matters. I'll take the backlash, whatever they're saying. They'll shut up eventually, whether it's out loud or just in our minds." I give his shoulder a small shake and smile, trying to keep things light, even if my heart feels heavier than ever.

But deep down, I can feel the cracks forming. I may be putting on a strong face for him now, but the truth is, their words hurt. I've never been the target of this kind of nastiness before—never had to face feelings like this directed at me. It stings in ways I didn't expect, and pretending it doesn't feels like dragging myself through glass.

What makes it worse is knowing this is the reality Hyunjin has been living with for so long. Maybe this is how it started for him, or maybe this is just how it's always been. Either way, it makes my chest ache. He's so quiet, so careful, like he's been trying to take up as little space as possible for years. But now that I know him better, I realize that fragility isn't the whole picture. Beneath all that, Hyunjin is one of the strongest people I've ever met.

I glance at him and see the way his shoulders are tense, the furrow in his brow he's trying to smooth out. He's feeling bad about this—about me—and that makes me feel even worse. But I hope, even through all of this, he'll help me through.

And maybe, just maybe, I can help him too.

Chapter Text

You know that feeling where you think you left something behind even when you know you have everything? That is how I'm feeling, the entire morning, the entire day. 

Waking up, feeling like I forgot to do my homework. I rush to my laptop and my desk, opening my notebooks to see my recent assignments. They all are shown to be completed and submitted. Clicking away and packing them into my backpack, I continue my usual routine. But that nagging feeling is still sitting upon my shoulders.

Doing my usual face routine, I double back and make sure I didn't skip a step, still feeling something is missing, like I skipped something. But everytime I check once again, I didn't miss anything. I'm on the right track.

Getting small breakfast and getting dressed, I still stand in front of my mirror questioning on why I feel like there's something off. Did I forget to do something, unplug something, is something due, someone's birthday, did I leave something? But no matter how much I run back and forth inside my own mind, I end up at the other side that I just ran from. 

"This is annoying. Whatever." I mutter to myself, throwing over my backpack and walking over to my car. Starting my car, I triple check I have everything, looking at myself in my mirror, and finally driving off. 

• • • • • • •

Walking through the gates of my school, the nagging feeling is still there but nothing is coming to mind. Looking around as I head inside, doing my usual routine, nothing and nobody has changed. There just seems to be something sitting in this air, tripping me up. Is it my gut telling me, warning me, of something? 

I glance at my phone, I'm not late to school and there's not some special school even that I forgot about. I look through my messages, I already answered and checked them all. The last text I had from Hyunjin was a "good night" from him, after we had a conversation about what's been going on at school. He still feels bad, and I kept having to remind him that there's nothing to worry about. Then we went to bed.

It's been half of the day, and Hyunjin wasn't texted me at all. No random 'hi's' or asking where I am so we can meet up. No spam of tiktoks or insta reels. Maybe I should try texting him first. Maybe it's one of those days where he needs to be interacted with first.

• • • • • • •

Y/n:

woww u haven't texted me all day

did u forget abt me

• • • • • • •

I shrug at the messages and shut off my phone, waiting for that infamous buzz in my pocket in the next few minutes. Hyunjin isn't the best texter, but he's been better, let's see how long it'll take for him to respond bto this.

Is he even at school today? I haven't caught that hooded figure around campus at all. Maybe he stayed home. I shrug it off and continue on with today, humming to myself as I keep to my own space and get through the last few hours of the school day.

It hit about last period when my phone finally buzzed.

• • • • • • •

Hyunjinnie 🥟🎨:

sorry been busy

locked in

Y/n:

ooh do u have an exam coming up?

Hyunjinnie 🥟🎨:

u can say that 

Y/n:

well good luck studying

lmk if i can help

Hyunjinnie 🥟🎨:

ty

Y/n:

hey

do u wanna get food afterschool? 

little break from studying?

Hyunjinnie 🥟🎨:

idk if i can

this is a lot of stuff to catch up

Y/n:

okies

i won't bother u now

• • • • • • •

Staring down at my phone, having a growing feeling that something is off. This is why texting can be so difficult, you can't read people's tone through a simple message. And right now I can't tell if I'm over thinking or not. Is Hyunjin acting off or is it just my stupid head? Should I ask? Should I ignore it? 

Hyunjin already isn't the best texter, he still is adjusting to becoming more social and how to act on text, so I'll give him the benefit of the doubt. But something in my gut is throwing alarms, something is going on in his head. He clearly isn't telling me. But what exactly can it be? 

• • • • • • •

Scribbling down my last bit of notes for the readings I had assigned for me for homework, I finally finished. Letting out a heavy groan as I lean back in my chair as I spin in a half-circle, my eyes glued to my bedroom ceiling tiles above me. Stretching out my hands from the nonstop writing, and letting my body relax after such tiring labor that is doing notes for all my classes for how many hours. 

I sit back up in my chair and grab my phone, which I've put to the side to fully focus on my work tonight. A small sigh escapes my lips as I read no new notifications at the center of my lock screen. I'm the life of the party, aren't I? 

"Hyunjin hasn't texted me one thing..." I mumble to myself as I unlock my phone and see our last messages being from school today. No notifications from tiktok or instagram, nothing from him or anyone else. 

• • • • • • •

Y/n:

good luck w studying for ur exam hyunjinnie 

• • • • • • •

I decided to just text him. Maybe he needs that small motivation, I would want an encouraging message when I'm using my last brain cells for a damn exam too. I've never seen Hyunjin study for an exam, so maybe this is how he always is when it comes to studying. First time for everything. 

Stretching my arms up and extending my legs out from my seat, not moving from my desk for hours. It's time to get ready for bed, it's been a long and uneventful day. 

• • • • • • •

Today's a new day and that nagging feeling is still in my chest. Feeling like I'm forgetting something, like something is missing in my day. But everytime I check, I am on track and have everything in-hand. 

Entering the school gates, everything is normal, everyone is normal. I'm not missing any dress code or special event. I'm not late and I'm not walking to the wrong direction. 

Clicking at my phone, switching the song to lighten my mood, I let out a sigh as I look around at my locker. Packing up my bag, I check my phone for any notifications. The only thing I have last is Hyunjin texting me a dry "thank you" from my text, but nothing after that and nothing this morning. 

Just ignore it Y/n. I shake the thoughts off and walk to my first class of today. This one, fortunately has Hyunjin in it. Hopefully this will give us the chance to talk. Either I'll find out my overthinking is wrong... or it is completely right. 

When I walked into class, everything felt normal enough at first. The quiet hum of conversations, chairs scraping against the floor, someone muttering about homework they'd forgotten to do—it was just another morning. But then I saw Hyunjin. He was already in his seat, staring out the window, completely still. My entire body froze, it's only been a day where we haven't fully interacted, but for some reason, finally seeing him in person, I felt a weird tug in my heart.

Him, staring out that window, it reminded me on how he can always be found staring at something no one else could see. 

I walk over to his desk, pulling the seat out and sitting down beside him. The moment I settled down, I felt it again—that weird distance, the tug in my heart. I turned slightly in my seat, just enough to catch a glimpse of him. He didn't turn his head, didn't even flick his eyes in my direction, as if he doesn't even feel my presence.

I waited a second longer, biting my lip, then finally said, "Morning."

I see his body slightly flinch at the sudden voice bellowing behind him, that voice being mine. Hyunjin clears his throat and twitches his head to face me... maybe not fully face me as I only saw the profile of his face, but close enough. 

I noticed his gaze shifted, just barely, as he gave me a weak smile and quietly replied, "morning," as he turned back to look out the window. His right leg bouncing underneath the table despite the upper half of his body remaining still and unbothered.

The rest of that class was boring. When the teacher began giving the lecture and everyone took out their notebooks, Hyunjin seemed to turn his body away from him, hiding his notes from me as his back separated us. He looked like one of those students that'd hide their test papers from their neighbors because they're afraid of being cheated off from. Hyunjin usually adds random sketches onto my notebook, or not take notes at all because he relied on my notes, so this is all very new to me.

But it didn't stop there.

When the bell rang for second period, my eyes caught view of Hyunjin walking in the hallway. His head was down, the usual, with his hands gripped around his binders and laptop in his arms. Everyone near him avoided him, as if a force field was built around him and the rest of the student body.

I lifted my hand up, giving a small wave to him, "hey Hyunjin." I say with a smile, but to no avail. Hyunjin seemed to have brushed me off as another student and continued past me, keeping to himself and not even giving me a glance. Okay, he cannot be locked in studying, he's just waking in the hallway. 

At lunch, it got worse. I spotted him by the cafeteria doors and, out of habit, I started walking toward him so we can eat together. Halfway there, he looked up and gave me a small smile. A smile that I missed. Then, I see his eyes shift to a few students around us, and his demeanor changes. That small smile drops and his shoulders tense up. In a second—just for a second— Hyunjin is no longer walking towards me, he is walking  away from me. 

He left. 

I stopped dead in my tracks, suddenly feeling like the air had been knocked out of me. He saw me and everything felt normal. But then it all shifted and he walked away. 

"Excuse me." A student said behind me, snapping me out of my daze to realize that I was standing in the middle of the cafeteria, blocking the main path to get in and out of the lunch line and to the tables

"Oh- sorry." I say as I quickly move out of the way, watching her roll her eyes as she walks over a group filled with students, all laughing and smiling together. That's when I realize, looking around the cafeteria at each table, I don't have anyone with me.

I sigh and take my lunch tray with me to the rooftop. One of the more secluded and peaceful areas of the school, we least I won't look that lonely when eating up there. Everyone needs that breath of fresh air.  

By the time the final bell rang for the day, my stomach was in knots. I wasn't mad—not exactly. More confused than anything. Every interaction felt wrong, like someone had flipped a switch in Hyunjin's brain overnight and erased everything we'd built.

And maybe I could've let it go for the day. I could've given him space and told myself he'd snap out of it. But then I saw him again, alone by the lockers, and I couldn't stop myself.

"Hyunjin." I call out as I walk over to him, determination in each step. I see him glance around him, panicked almost, and try to speed up his packing process. But I make it to his locker before he could run away again.

He froze. For half a second, I saw his shoulders tense like he wanted to bolt, but he didn't. Slowly, he turned to face me, his expression completely unreadable.

I took a step closer. "Can we talk?"

He shifted, glancing over my shoulder like he was hoping someone would interrupt us. "I'm busy," he said finally. His voice was flat, emotionless, and he still wasn't looking at me.

"Busy?" I repeated. "Hyunjin, you've been avoiding me all day. I don't—"

"I haven't been avoiding you."

He said it so quickly, so automatically, that it almost felt rehearsed. My mouth snapped shut, and for a moment, I just stared at him. "You're serious?"

"I'm just busy," he repeated, softer this time. His gaze flicked up to meet mine, just once, but it was enough. He looked guilty. And then, before I could say anything else, he turned and walked away.

I stood there, staring at the empty hallway like an idiot.

It wasn't just Hyunjin being Hyunjin anymore. It was deliberate. And it stung. Did I do something wrong?

• • • • • • •

I replayed the day in my head more times than I wanted to admit. Every clipped response, every glance avoided, every time he'd turned and left before I could even reach him. It all added up to the same conclusion.

Something was wrong.

And I was going to find out what.

Chapter Text

Usually the weekend is when every teenager is out with their friends, maybe at the mall or partying, or at the beach or at someone's house hanging out. The weekend is when everyone finally gets a break from the weekday work, and possibly catch up on all their missing work they've been putting off the entire week. Either way, it's something everybody looks forward to.

In my case... I'm not the biggest fan of the weekend. The only reason is because I don't have much to distract me and keep me out of the house. I am on top of my assignments and studying, so I don't have much to really work on. I could do my reviews, but that still makes me locked up in my room and my parents able to knock at my door at anytime they feel. 

When I was spending time with Hyunjin every weekend, we were always out. Or at least, I wasn't stuck in my house and I was somewhere else I much rather be. 

But this weekend is different. 

Hyunjin hasn't texted me since I ran into him that one day and he told me "he's busy" and wouldn't give me the time of day. That moment and this entire week has been racking in my head for so long, and I still cannot figure out what's going on. I wish he would just talk to me so I don't have to worry so much. But he won't even look at me, so I'm on my own for this I guess. 

Looking through my favorite shopping site, trying to take my minds of things, I hear a knock at my door. But before I could even respond to allow them in, my bedroom door is pushed open. My mom appearing at the door, wearing her robe and her hair up in a towel. She must have just gotten out of her daily shower. 

"Y/n! It's almost 1pm and you're just sitting around on your bed—doing what— nothing productive I assume!" She exclaims in an exasperated tone. 

I sigh and lower my laptop screen and look at my mom. "It's the weekend mom." I say calmly. This is a daily thing so I'm used to it all at this point. This is the very reason why I like leaving the house every chance I get.

She shakes her head at me and begins walking over to me. "Give me your laptop." My mom holds her hand open in 

front of me, her eyebrows furrowed, being serious.

I look at her with raised brows and a fallen jaw. "What? Why?" I say, glancing at my laptop and back at her.

"You're getting distracted. You need to do your work and study this entire weekend." She speaks to me in a firm tone.

I tug my laptop close to my chest and keep eye contact with her. "You know I study every single day and review every single weekend." I reply.

My mom crosses her arms over her chest and scoffs at me. The towel that wraps her shower-soaked hair inside slightly shifting with every move. "I don't see you do that." 

"Just because you don't see it, mom, doesn't mean I don't do it." I say plainly. I gesture my hand to the pile of books and assignments completed on my desk. 

My mom scoffs and shuffles over to my desk, scanning the papers that I completed over the week. My review sheets, my graded assignments, and all my studying materials up to date. Her head turns to me and squints at me. "What happened to Bomi and Jihye? Those were good girls you should keep hanging around." She says.

Hearing those two names after not spending time with them for a while, stings right in the throat. Suddenly it's hard to swallow the built up saliva in my mouth, my ears begin to ring, and the shape of my mother in front of me becomes blurred. "B-Bomi.. and Ji..Jihye..." The words seem to just jumble out of my mouth, "Yeah, we don't hang anymore." I clear my throat after getting my sentences together.

"And why not?" She looks at me, judging and reading me for something. 

I open my laptop back up and shake my head. "No reason. I just don't want to be friends with them anymore." My eyes shift down back to the shopping page I was scrolling through before she came into my room. 

My mom pushes my laptop screen lower so my eyes are forced to meet with hers. "Did you stop being friends with them to be friends with... this new kid? Who even is this new friend?" Her voice bite like venom. 

"Why do you care so much who I'm friends with?" 

"Because you're my daughter and I want you surrounded with the right people, Y/n." She says firmly. 

I shake my head. "Suddenly you care about what's going on in my life." 

My mother scoffs at me and swats her hand in the air at my reply. "I always cared, Y/n. You just never let me in." 

"Because whenever I did, you'd turn it into a lecture or not fully listen to what I had to say." I confess, my voice softening at the end, remembering all the times I've felt ignored in this home. 

"Your new friend is twisting your perspective on me, your mother." 

"Hyunjin isn't twisting anything, mom. He actually has been a better friend than Bomi and Jihye have been for me ever since we were younger." I say. 

My mother remains silent, her eyes searching for answers within her own mind. Standing in front of me, not knowing how to respond. "Hyunjin... hm?" She repeats the name of the mystery friend I've been keeping a secret for a while now.

I nod my head. "Yeah. He's the uh... school loner, I met him through a project. He's been a good friend though. He's been helping me a lot, with school and just... being myself." I say, softening my words as I think about Hyunjin. 

My mother just nods her head. "Is he really...?"Her voice unclear of what emotions she's feeling right now. For once, at least, she isn't speaking to me with such animosity or tension. 

"Bomi and Jihye always wanted to party every weekend. I did go every single time, but then I'd burn myself out at home reviewing. Because I knew education is important but then... I didn't want to lose the friendship." I say, finally letting my mother into my life a bit. "And they were spreading rumors about me so that's something!" I joke, even though it's serious. 

My mother watches me become soft with her, shocked to see this side of me after hiding it for so long. "What the hell were the rumors? Were they true?" She pushes her neck out.

I raise a brow at her. "No— mom they weren't true. That's why I ended the friendship." I shake my head and look to the side, hating that we are reliving this memory once more.

"Mmm.. well.. clean up your room. It's a mess." She says, of course needing to have the last word of criticism as she adjusts her robe and walks out of my bedroom, not shutting my door behind her. 

I groan and stand up, closing the door as she leaves and flopping back onto my bed. Scanning my room, it's neat and organized. Not a speck of dust or mess to be seen... see... she had to say something that's wrong before she left. 

Sighing and rolling onto my stomach, I pick up my phone and stare at my lock screen. I have a few notifications. But none of them are from the one I want. Hyunjin. 

That's it. 

I give in.

I text Hyunjin as I sit up in my bed.

Y/n:

i don't wtf is going on w u

im going to ur house rn

u cant stop me 

Shutting my phone off, not even checking if he will respond or not, I begin changing my clothes into something more appropriate. My sleeping clothes is not it, so I find myself some cute jeans and my favorite top with a jacket to keep my warm. Slipping on comfortable sneakers and fixing my hair, I pack a small bag and zip it up. 

Grabbing my car keys, I head out the door and cross the street to where my car is parked. "Hyunjin, you better tell me what's been going on." I say to myself as I start up my car and drive off to his house.

Chapter Text

Knocking on the same wooden door I have stood upon almost every single day for the past few weeks. Not once, not twice, not even three times. But as many and as rapid as my wrist can allow me to hit this damn door. 

"Hyunjin! I know you're home! Let me in!" I shout as I continue to bang my knuckles against the door, ignoring the small stinging feeling in my bones as I've been going hard.

Thankfully, before my knuckles bleed out from the manic knocking, I feel the cold surface leave my touch and appears a gloomy Hyunjin standing before me. 

His hair pushed back by a beanie and a gray zip-up thrown on, black sweats and house slippers on his feet. "Y/n? What are you—" His eyes widen at my presence, but I quickly push past him and welcome myself inside the house.  

"I know you're just going to ignore my messages or give me dry responses on the phone, so I thought... why not just pull up? So you—" I turn on my heel to face him as he locks the front door back up, "—cannot run away from me anymore." I say with a smile that's secretly forced out with annoyance. 

A pause.

Hyunjin scratches the back of his neck, his eyes avoiding mine, remaining glued to the floor beneath us. "I'm... sorry..." He says, almost breathless between each word, though it is just two of them. 

My eyes pulse as he says such simple yet powerful words to me, in such a small and timid voice. "I'll forgive you once you tell me what's been going on." I say, reminding myself why I'm here and not to just... forgive and not receive any answers. 

I watch as Hyunjin lets out a shaky breath, his eyes pulsating just the same. Eyes still focused to the ground, he finds the couch and takes a seat. "Come.." He says simply, tapping the empty spot beside him. 

"Okay.." I mutter as I take a seat beside him, letting out a breath as I try to catch his eye, but he's focused on his fiddling fingers in his lap. 

After a few moments of silence, waiting for him to speak, and himself trying to get the courage to finally speak... he finds that courage and clears his throat. "I've been avoiding you on purpose." His fingers interlock, his palms opening up as he begins to explain. 

"No shit." I say in a serious but slightly joking tone, as if it wasn't obvious already he was.

Hyunjin lets out a small scoff with a curl at the edge of his mouth. "It's for a good reason... at least, I believe it's a good one.." He says, the certainty in his voice fading as his sentence continues on. 

My fingers intertwine with one another and I just let out a breath through my nose, my lips folding into a thin line. I turn my head and just gesture for him to continue, I don't want to put in any witty comments or interrupt him. I just came here for answers, let's not prolong the mystery any longer than it needs to. 

Hyunjin, noticing the green light, nods his head and continues on to explain his reasoning. "For the past week, I've seen and heard how people have been talking and treating you. And I know that they're only looking at you in that way... because of... me." He clears his throat, "and uh... I was trying to avoid you so.... that treatment could, you know—stop?"

My lips relax and purse out, a small gaped mouth as my eyebrows bend at the edges, my head slowly to face him. My chest grows tight and my stomach begins to ache, like I ate a bad lunch. I clench my stomach and clear my throat, eyes blinking quickly as I try to comprehend the situation in my mind. Running back this entire week, watching and remembering how everyone looked at and whispered about me. The look on Hyunjin's face whenever I had the pleasure of passing him by in the hallway or in class. 

Those eyes. They weren't filled with indifference or any remnant of disapproval. They were filled with concern and worry... and possibly... hope? The way his brown eyes glimmered whenever he'd catch my eye and successfully make his way away from me, pushing me away in front of the crowds of students around us—making it obvious, or trying to make it seem, like Y/n L/n is no longer associated with Hwang Hyunjin, the school loner. That hope, that his deliberate actions of separating us will make all those nasty words and looks fade away. It truly does something to a person's heart. 

My eyes soften as I see the state of Hyunjin beside me on this couch that has seen better days. His leg is shaking as his elbows rest on his knees, his index and middle finger, and thumbs fiddling with one another as his eyes unfocus on all surroundings. His hair dropping beside his cheeks, creating a barrier between my eyes and his—but I'm certain that he is avoiding all possible eye contact with me. 

"Jinnie...." I softly mutter, my hand finding the top of his shaking leg, trying to calm his anxious state down through my touch. As I make contact, I see his entire body freeze and his tongue press against the inner side of his cheek. 

"You didn't have to do any of that—the avoiding and distancing..." I say, adjusting my head up and down trying to catch his eye but he still refuses to meet in the middle with me. 

Hyunjin shakes his head and sucks in his lips. "Those...rumors, they—they were started because of me, because of me, Y/n." He speaks. "If I just... stopped being seen around you, then they'd realize none of their words were true! Don't you see that?" He lets out an exasperated sigh as he turns his head, finally allowing those hope-filled eyes meet with mine who search for answers within his. 

I shake my head, keeping my hand on his leg, giving a firm squeeze. "No—Hyunjin. No." I glance down at the ground and scoff before turning my attention back to him. "Before you try to fight with me, I'm going to say something. Okay?" 

My eyes pierce into his, watching his expression drop and he gives into my ask. Hyunjin says nothing but simply nods in response. That's all I needed.

I clear my throat, my hand leaving his leg as I fold them back into my own fingers. "You're the only one where I can truly be myself, you know that?" I raise a brow as my leg begins to mimicking Hyunjin's earlier shakes. "All my friends were just... praying on my downfall, and you were the only one to not judge me." 

A beat passes.

"So I don't care if I'm getting bullied or judged for being friends with you. I don't care about that. It is so much better being around you than being surrounded by the bullies." I click my tongue against the roof of my mouth, remembering the antics I tolerated of Jihye and Bomi. 

Hyunjin takes a breath. His voice low but speaks volumes. "You don't mean that." 

I snap my head to him and squint my eyes at him. "You know—my friends tried pinning the entire drama on you. But I stopped them by telling Seungmin about it and making sure he kept your name—and my name— out of the dirt." 

"Oh... I didn't know that..." Hyunjin mutters. 

I shake my head with a curl of the edge of my lip. "I care about you, Hyunjin, okay?" I look at him, my hand finding its way onto his back and giving it a firm clap. "Is that not enough to say I'm telling the truth?" I tilt my head at him.

Hyunjin, his shaking leg stopping and his eyes  he looks at me. I can tell he is reading my expression and my tone, searching for some hint of deception or bluffing. But I see his sharpened eyes and brows soften... relaxing as he finds nothing but honesty and genuity.  "It's more than enough... thank you... Y/n." He says softly. 

I let out a small laugh and give a small rub against his back. "Finally, you listen to me!" I tease him.

"Ohh shut up. I was doing it to help you." He says, clicking his tongue and rolling his eyes at me.

"Yeah well, don't think like that anymore. I want to be with you no matter what's happening around us." I point at him with a widened expression. "So don't try running away again, because you can't escape me." I chuckle.

He places a hand against his forehead and chuckles. "You got me wrapped around your finger, hm?" He smirks at me.

I nod my head and smile. "Of course, I do." 

Hyunjin nudges me in the side. "I'm sorry, for leaving you like that." 

"Nah, it's fine. We talked it out. Let's forget about it and focus on the now." I say, nudging him back.

"What we focusing on now then?" He tilts his head at me, that calm and steady demeanor back.

"I don't know. But, we'll figure it out. Like we always do." I smile at him, scooting closer to him as we finally have found closure from the recent events. 

Hyunjin nods his head at me. "Yeah... we always do." He gives me a warm smile.

That warm smile. I missed it. I missed this. I missed him. Is that weird to say? I don't care. I'm happy. That's all I know.

Chapter Text

Everything has went back to normal. Hyunjin sending his usual random tiktok and reels, sending out-of-context emojis, asking his silly questions, and us making plans to hang out and meet up. Never found walking without the other in the hallways and throughout the school, and if we were apart, we were most likely on the way to the other.

Of course, the stares and whispers continued. Idiotic classmates insinuating that I was taken to the dark side by the school loner. People started to treat me how they treated Hyunjin. Not that I care at this point, let them distance themselves and find me weird. I'm the one who's truly happy and being myself, compared to their fake asses trying to maintain a reputation that won't matter once they graduate.

I just roll my eyes and continue listening to my music that leaks through my headphones and into my ears, filling my heart with all emotions my songs give me, and remembering that I'm me, and everyone is them.

As I'm strolling through the hallways, I see a few posters hung up against the school walls. Curiosity took over as I'm found reading the words on the bright colored page up close. That's when I realize, the bright red bolded letters are asking for new recruits for the school's Art Club. This lit a spark inside my chest, my eyes brightening up as I realize this is the perfect opportunity for Hyunjin.

Shuffling around my hoodie pocket for my phone, I grab ahold of it and take a snapshot of the poster. Making sure it's the perfect angle and it's not blurry—clear enough that Hyunjin can zoom in and read all the given information about this Art Club. I know he'd love it here, and it'll help him make more friends. Clicking send, I check out where Hyunjin is.

Squinting my eyes at the tiny blue circle that represents Hyunjin's current location—we decided to share each others locations indefinitely a few days ago after I got lost trying to find the spot Hyunjin wanted to meet up at this one time we hung out—that's when I see he's actually nearby.

My ears and eyes perk up, scanning the current hallway but I don't spot a familiar face in the crowds of students. I look back at the screen and decide to track it down. It seems he's in a classroom, so I decide to take a peek inside each one as I walk by, trying to spot that familiar face.

After a few classrooms, either being empty or none having my friend inside, I end up at the end of the hallway and peer inside the last classroom.

Black messy hair, dropping down slightly past the shoulders, a little longer than it should be, with strands brushing against his jawline. The familiar face having its familiar glow, those same sharp cheekbones, pink plush lips, and dark determined eyes that seemed deeply focused on something. My eyes drop down and see the usual style of hoodie and jeans, nothing different at a glance, but something about him felt stronger. His energy was louder, brighter somehow, like he was taking up more space without even trying. I didn't know what had changed... until my eyes shift to where his eyes are focused on and his lips are speaking to.

It's a small group of other students. Getting a closer look, I realize what's going on. That spark lights up back inside my chest as I quickly make my way inside the classroom, trying my best to not interrupt the conversations at hand. But the exact opposite happens as Hyunjin's eyes snap towards my entrance and a small smile appears across his lips. I watch as he nods towards the group and departs for a moment, soon he makes his way towards me, the group continuing to talk without him.

"Y/n? How'd you know I was in here?" He asks, a hand stuffed into his hoodie pocket as he stands before me. Eyes glancing behind the group one last moment before he focuses his attention to me.

I let out a small smile and scratch the back of my neck. "I was just in the hallway, checked your location for fun, and then ended up here." I say, scanning the classroom. It's one I haven't been in yet.

Hyunjin tilts his head down at me. "Aw you missed me that much you came chasing me down during free period?" He clicks his tongue, teasing me with a smirk.

"As if I'd miss your dumb self." I tease back, nudging him in the side as I smile. Both of our laughs just come out as breaths as we try to take over the silent air that sits between us. "Anyways, I was walking and saw a poster for the art club—I sent it to you, actually." I say, my eyes gesturing to his phone which he holds in one hand.

Hyunjin chuckles, holding the phone face up in the palm of his hand as he raises a brow at me. "Oh yeah? The art club was hosting something, and you sent it to me?" He basically repeats what I just said to him, but in a playful lilt.

Tilting my head, my mouth curving in a downturn shape as I try to read Hyunjin's face, my brows furrowing. "Why does it seem like you're trying to get at something...?"

He chuckles. "Because I am." He stuffs his phone back into his pocket and walks closer to me. "That poster has actually been up for some time now, I've been coming by the classroom for a few days."

My eyes shift to Hyunjin, to the group of students conversing, and what exact classroom we're in. A click is heard inside my head as I refer back to the poster I failed to thoroughly scan as I snapped the photo for Hyunjin. "You've been going to these recruitment meetings and you haven't told me?" I raise a brow at him, putting my hand in my hips as I smirk at him.

"I remember what you told me when we first met, when you went to my house for the first time." Hyunjin crosses his arms over his chest and snickers. "You suggested I should join the art club, I never actually responded on if I would give it a shot... until now." His eyes scan around the room we stand in.

"Aww you listened to me for once!" I tease him. "Wait— why didn't you tell me you've been going?" My tone changes, no longer proud but now disappointed.

Hyunjin forces out a smile, his mouth formed into a soft box as his eyes shift side to side. "Uhmm.." He lets out a pity chuckle, suddenly trying to enjoy my eyes. "Okay— so— I didn't think I'd honestly be... accepted? So I didn't want to tell you and come out - you know - disappointed..?" His right shoulder pushes up, meeting the right side of his cheek pushing down as he pouts at me.

I let out a sigh and shake my head. "Hyunjin... why didn't you think they'd accept you? Did you forget how amazing your art is... or?" I hold my palms toward the ceiling, elbows bent, moving my arms side to side as I raise a brow at him.

"I am seen as the school loner..." He mutters, his shoulders relaxing and his chin dropping towards the floor.

"School loner, popular kid. It doesn't matter. Your art is what matters here, in this club, not some stupid label students decided to place on you." I say, placing my hands around his arms and giving them a reassuring squeeze. "I assume they accepted you?" I look up at him.

Hyunjin gives me a small nod, seeing the edges of his lips fighting the urge to smile as bright as he can. But, of course, the curves win and he is smiling with all his teeth and plush lips down at me. "They did."

I shake Hyunjin side to side, my smile matching the same brightness as his. "I'm so happy for you, Jinnie." I say, giggling. "See, I told you." I give him a warm smile as I meet his soft eyes.

His face turns a small shade of pink, not used to the sudden praise and compliments, rubbing the side of his neck as his eyes shift to the wall beside us. "Thank you.. Y/n." He says, his lips still betraying him as he cannot stop smiling.

"How come you guys met in here instead of the usual art room?" I look around, noticing this is not the same room with splashes of color and the strong smell of fresh paint leaking into the air.

Hyunjin nods, "oh yeah. Apparently there's some primary school class being hosted up in the usual room, so we're moved in this random one. I'm assuming it just wasn't being occupied so the club took the chance." He explains.

I let go of his arms and cross mine over my chest. "Soooo, what's been going on in this club? Since you've been hiding that from me." I tease, but at the same time serious as I want to be caught up.

"Ahh well.." Hyunjin rocks back and forth on his feet, glancing around the room and meeting some quick eyes of his fellow club members. "Not much, to be honest." He lets out a breath from his lips.

"It's still recruiting season, this goes on for about a week and a half, I think." He explains.

"A week and a half? How come?" I ask, shocked to hear that recruitment takes that long to handle and process. I find a chair and take a seat, knowing this conversation isn't going to be a quick one.

Hyunjin follows suit and grabs a seat, sitting right in front of me. Leaning back in the seat, his long legs extending out as he slumps against the back of the chair, his arms relaxed over his legs. "Well we first went through introductions and giving some background. Why we're interested and discussing how long we've been doing art, what type of art we're doing, and if we're open to other mediums." His hands begin to move around as he speaks, "and after the captains of the club gauge who's interested, we need to bring in some examples of art pieces we've created. Just to show we actually are... artists... and move on from there."

I nod my head along as Hyunjin speaks to me, truly intrigued on how the art world works, a realm I have yet to tie my delve into. Though I've only scratched the surface with being friends with Hyunjin, of course.

"Do you know what art pieces you'll be presenting?" I tilt my head at him.

Hyunjin blows air from his mouth as he sits up in his seat, his arms being squeezed between his thighs as he tightens up. "Pfft... that's been—definitely a thought I've had for a bit now." He nods as his eyes trail off to somewhere else.

"You haven't decided have you?"

"Nope." Hyunjin is quick with his response, shaking his head at me.

I let out a chuckle. "Do you possibly... want me to help you choose? How many do you need to show them?"

Hyunjin cracks his neck as he stretches and lets out a breath as he thinks back. "Mmm, I believe two different pieces. Since I focus on a lot more paintings and sketches, I have to show one canvas painting and one paper sketch."

I nod my head. "Hmm alright."

There's a bit of silence between us, both of us thinking back of what Hyunjin had created and trying to pinpoint the two we should choose for this. It must be perfect, it just represent Hyunjin as a person and his artistry.

"I got it—" I say, but another voice says the same thing, at the same time as me. I then realize Hyunjin clicked the same time as I did.

"Nah nah— mine is better, trust me." I say suddenly, taking the floor. "Youuuu don't even need to talk."

Hyunjin places a hand on his chest, acting offended very dramatically. "Ah- excuse me! Who's the artist here, m-"

"Me!" I cut in with a small chuckle.

Hyunjin grabs the nearest object and chucks it in my direction, fortunately missing me. It was a notebook so that shit would have hurt if it made contact with me.

"I'm just joking!" I kick his chair as I roll my eyes, chuckling at him. "Just hear me out okay.." I tell him, leaning my elbows against my thighs as I speak.

Hyunjin rolls his eyes. "Fine, what?" I scoffs in a joking tone, crossing his arms over his chest and placing his leg over the other.

"You should do that one painting you did of the eye, the one with a lot of like reds, pinks, greens, and blues? I can show you next time I come over." I say, "and then for sketch you should choose one of your flowers. It's simple but I feel like you're the best at those too." I nod my head, waiting for him to nod back and quickly agree with me.

Hyunjin thinks for a moment, his leg bouncing as he enters his mind, picturing what I did my best to describe. His eyes shift back to me, a playful smirk on his face. "Okay." He says plainly.

I shake my head in shock, my jaw dropped slightly and my brows bent with my widened eyes. "Okay? That - that easily you're agreeing? Do you even know what which ones talking about?"

"I trust you enough that I'm just going to agree and bring those canvases next meeting." He nods at me, showing pride all over his face.

I scoff. "You didn't have any ideas did you— you just took mine and ran with it." I throw my leg over my other and cross my arms, a similar sitting position as Hyunjin.

He lets out a laugh. "I'm not going to deny or confirm, but I will say your ideas better than mine." He chuckles.

"Of course mines better, I'm always better." I smirk at him, leaning forward in my seat, purposely trying to get in his personal space.

He scoffs and nods his head. "There you go again. Ms. Y/n always having to be the better one here." He throws his hands up in the air, shaking them side to side.

"Ha. You know me so well." I let out a victorious chuckle, nudging him in the side, scooting my chair closer.

Before we continue bickering, one of the students, most likely one of the captains, look in our direction. "Hyunjin? Can you come here real quick, we need you for something." They say.

Hyunjin shifts in his seat and gives them a nod. Before he responds, he turns to look back at me. His eyebrows bent, I can tell he's waiting for me to say something, as if to give him permission to go. I chuckle at this. "You can go, Jinnie. You don't need to look at me for that." I gesture my hand towards him. "I need to get outta here anyways, I have class soon and it's all the way at the top floor. I'll see you after school, yeah?" I say as I begin to stand from my seat.

Hyunjin lets out a sigh, a small chuckle as he realizes what he was doing. "Ah yeah - right." He stands up and gives me a nod, "see you after school." He gives me a warm smile before he turns on his heel and walks to the members who called him over.

I linger for a moment, listening to the hushed whispers between the couple of members and Hyunjin. Surrounding the table as I peek and notice they're looking over some written work. It's most likely Hyunjin signing up for things in this club, it seems pretty passionately serious in here. I smile as I then turn and leave the classroom.

Tugging at my bag, I shut the door behind me and hum as I head into the hallway. I lied, by the way. I don't have class on the top floor. My class is a couple rooms down from where I was. I just knew I should've gotten out of his hair, I don't exactly fit in that environment either way. Plus, should let him have some alone time away from me and with people he'll soon call his friends, I hope.

Chapter Text

"Hyunjin do - do you not own any other style of clothes..." I mutter under my breath as I push back the hundreds of hangers in his closet. Hoodies, sweaters, jeans, sweats, plain tank tops and long sleeves. And all similar shades and color theme. I feel like I've seen every single of these pieces of clothings at least once in all my days of seeing Hyunjin. And this closet isn't that big.

Hyunjin spins in his chair as he taps his phone against his cheek. "No, that's all I have." He says with a sigh, watching me, a small smile curving at his lips as he watches my disapproval.

"This is all you have? How long have you been dressing this way?" I blink at the wardrobe once more before shutting it close and turning my head to Hyunjin.

"Well, I had different clothes before, but I got rid of them." Hyunjin says.

"Do you still have those clothes?"

• • • • • • •

Standing at a box filled with Hyunjin's old clothes that he no longer wears, I stand there in shock. Eyes widened and my jaw dropped to the floor. "What the fuck Hyunjin. You got rid of these clothes?!" My hands quickly dive into the bin and pull clothes out, staring at them as my eyes glimmer.

"I mean yeah... I wore them a lot at school, and then I got bullied for being too extravagant or some crap like that." Hyunjin says, grabbing some more clothes from the bin, rubbing the hem and material, as if he's reliving the memories just by their touch once more.

I look at him and shoot daggers into his eyes. "Hyunjin. These are fucking Versace, how the fuck could you just chuck them in a bin?!" I exclaim as I pull out more clothes, more and more gasps exit my lips as I see how much he has. The potential. The expenses. The fashion.

Hyunjin just looks at me in silence, unsure what to say. Most likely questioning why he did throw these clothes in a bin as if they're just nothing. Remembering how much he spent to get these clothes when shopping, and how he used to look in them. His black hair no longer covering his face, being pushed back with confidence leaking through his eyes and his body language.

I shake my head and put all the clothes back in the bin and begin to lift it up. Though it much heavier than I expected, and much more weight I can handle, I do my best. Fortunately, Hyunjin notices my struggle and helps carry the other end, most likely carrying most of the weight at this point. "Bring this back to your room, right now." I order as we slowly back out of the garage and back to his room.

Dropping the box onto the floor and brushing off my hands with my palms, I glance at the clothes in the closet, in the box, and Hyunjin. "Closet transformation. Now." I say as I begin to take the clothes off their hangers and replace them with the ones stuffed in this box.

Hyunjin grabs me by the shoulder and pushes me away from the closet. "Wait - wait - waittt. I - I like these clothes still though!" He protests as he grabs the clothes thrown onto the bed and tries to hang them back up.

I nudge him. "You don't have enough room for your current closet and from the box." I let out a sigh and scan around the room. "You don't have any extra drawers? Or maybe hangers?" I ask.

He shakes his head. "I've been meaning to buy some, haven't had the time... or money." He mutters as he scratches the back of his head.

"It's okay - it's okay. Here, how about this." I rummage through the box and begin pulling some clothing out alongside some in the closet. "We are going to organize a pile of keep and then another pile to donate or sell— anything that doesn't fit too." I explain.

"We can't fit everything, Hyunjin. Plus I saw you own multiple pairs of the same hoodies and tops—you can sacrifice just having one." I add before he protests once more.

He lets out a sigh. "Fine.." Hyunjin begins moving towards his closet to see what he has.

"Shit, might as well steal some of these clothes for myself if you don't want them." I look through the box of designer clothes, smirking at them and their great quality. My eyes sparkling at such beauty.

"Nu uh. These are mine. Unless you're willing to buy them off me." He says with a chuckle, already throwing clothes into the donate/sell pile onto the side.

I laugh as I grab some clothes and show them to Hyunjin, asking his opinion of them while I also give mine. We go through countless clothes. Pants, tops, hoodies, jackets— you name it. At the end of difficult decisions, and Hyunjin fighting me on getting rid of his old clothes and getting his new clothes back in, we finally went through it all.

The keep pile is surprisingly less than the donate, sell, or does not fit pile. However, it still has a stable set of clothes that it can build any outfit with all the pieces.

Hyunjin stares at all the clothes, slowly being folded into the box that held his hidden collection of Versace, now holding a few pairs of unwanted designer but also his off brand clothes that didn't give him any color. "Bye bye..." He says, as if mourning them when I push them into the hallway for now.

I look at him with a proud smile. "See, you did it!" I nudge him in the side. "I know you love those clothes, but you also need to realize that those clothes weren't truly you. I saw how you looked at the designer clothes. Your eyes glowed."

Hyunjin gives me a small chuckle. "I guess you're right... I did miss my fashion." He looks at his newly decorated closet, still holding his plainer clothes, but majority taken over by the used-to-be-boxed up Versace clothes. 

As I scan the room, I notice one more shirt left on his bed. Sprawled out in white with the golden Versace-face logo printed in the front. We must have missed this one. I quickly grab it and hold it in front of Hyunjin. "Hey, try this one on. We must have missed it. Let's see if it fits before we hang it up. It's definitely a keep." I smile.

Hyunjin smiles back and takes it in his hands. "Alright, I'll try it."

As if he completely forgot the current situation, Hyunjin suddenly tugs at the collar of his current shirt and pulls it off. The black tshirt he once wore, no longer against his body that hid whatever was underneath. As now... I'm staring right at it. Oh shit. I'm staring.

But I couldn't help it when Hyunjin, the person who always wore dark baggy clothes, suddenly has this sleeper build. Like what do you mean I'm looking at a chest that seems to have been sculpted like a work of art. It's broad and lean with smooth contours of muscle that catch perfectly in the light that hit his bedroom windows.

"Oh shit— I'm sorry." I quickly say as I cover my eyes and face the other direction. Feeling my body heat up out of embarrassment. I feel my ears ringing and the whole room growing smaller as these milliseconds feel like hours.

Hyunjin's breath hitches as he realizes the situation he has put us in. "Oh my go - I'm so sorry Y/n. I wasn't thinking. Uhm, hold on." He stutters as I hear the shuffling of his shirt, most likely being quickly pulled onto his body, covering everything I just saw with my eyes.

"You can... turn around now..." He says quietly.

I turn around, trying to balance myself as my eyes meet a covered chest. The black shirt perfectly hanging off his broad shoulders and sitting on him just right. Already, I see how his energy has shifted. His head is held up high with his shoulders pushed back, a small curl of his lips as his brushes back his hair with his fingers. A small sigh exits his mouth as I can always tell he is adjusting back to his old self with his old style. I give a smile.

Wow.. perfectly handsome is how I'd describe this

Hyunjin gives me a look, my eyes snap from the shirt and to his eyes. "What?" I chuckle, nervous as I've never seen this expression before.

"Did you - mean to say that out loud?" His words break apart as his body grows stiff and his movements tighten up.

"What? I didn't say anythi—" Oh crap

"Wow.. perfectly handsome is how I'd describe this."

I said that thought out loud. I thought that was just to myself. But it wasn't. Oh crap. What do I do? How do I get out of this?

Before I begin to crash out, Hyunjin places a firm hand on my shoulder and shakes me. "Hey hey— I know what you're doing. Stop it." He furrows his brows, "I know you're replaying the moment in your head. Quit it." He pokes at me.

Pink forms over my cheeks as I'm caught and read so easily by him. "Oh shut up." I playfully push him away.

Hyunjin lets out a chuckle and then unhooks some random clothes from the closet, then pushing it onto my chest. "Try this on." He says.

"What? This?" I look at the outfit and see that it's this furry black crewneck that has two thick white horizontal lines across the chest, and these black leather pants that look brand new. "I don't think this will even fit—"

Hyunjin throws one of his beanies at me, silencing me. "Just try it on I think it'll be funny. Plus, it'll let you forget that you called me handsome out loud." He whispers, raising his brow up and smirking at me.

I throw the beanie back at him and scoff. "Ugh you're not helping." I look down at the clothes, "but fine. I will. Face the other way." I gesture with the sweater in my hands.

He faces the other way towards the closet as I quickly throw the sweater on top of my shirt and change my current jeans into the leather pants he gave me. I grunt as I pull the pants up, them barely even fitting and I already feel them sagging on me. I grip onto the waistband to hold them up, the sweater's sleeves always past my hands that I look handless.

"Bruh— I look stupid." I say, signaling for Hyunjin to turn around, in which he does.

When his eyes meet with the disaster of an outfit he bursts out laughing and points out me. He even whips out his phone and snaps a, most likely ugly, photo of me. "Ahaha! It doesn't even fit you right, this is so funny." He leans back to laugh once more. "Ahhhh....cute." He chuckles.

My jaw drops and my eyes judge. "You did not just call this look cute." He say, looking up and down at myself and glancing at him with the same concerned facial expression.

He scoffs with a smirk at the end of his lips. "Pfft please. Anything you do is cute, Y/n." He says casually, as if it's something we say on a daily basis. Though we don't.

I hit Hyunjin in the arm with the elongated sweater sleeve and scoff while rolling my eyes. "Oh shut up, Jinnie. Quit joking around like that weirdo."

Hyunjin chuckled once more as I hit him in the arm, watching me get all worked up over his teasing and jokes. But the funny thing is... he really isn't joking.

"Well stop joking around when you called me perfectly handsome." His voice grew sultry towards the end, that same mischievous grin on his face, obviously shooting for a reaction from me as he constantly reminds me of my mistake.

"Ohhhhh my god stop reminding me!" I hit him again, already tired of his antics. "But... you are!" I say with a smirk.

"I'm going to kill you." He says while folding his hand into a fist, shaking it in front of me with a very non-threatening scowl on his face.

"Oh don't get all worked up you - you know I'm joking. Getting a reaction out of you is funny." I push him on the shoulder, spinning him around as I begin to change back into my originally, rightly-fitted clothes.

Another funny thing is... I'm not joking about it either.

Chapter Text

"Chaehee!!! Why won't you check me out on Soundcloud?? I posted a new song last night and it hasn't gotten any views. Come onnn help your girl out!" Han Jiwon whines on the other side of the classroom, tugging on best friend, Bang Chaehee's, arm at their desks.

Chaehee shakes her off and rolls her eyes. "Ji, I was there when you made the damn song."

"I knowww, but I need some listeners so I can reach more audiences." Jiwon continues on, even opening her phone and shoving it in Chaehee's face to prove a point.

I seemed to have been watching too hard and for too long as Jiwon has caught my eyes on them. But she doesn't give me any negative look. Instead, she scoots her chair all the way from her desk to mine, which is in a seperate row, and plops herself beside me. "Hi there! The name is Han Jiwon, or you can find me J.One on Soundcloud." She grabs my hand and shakes it vigorously.

"I'm.... Y/n L/n. Nice to... meet you Han Jiwon." I give a small chuckle, my eyes glancing between this boba-eyed girl and her embarrassed friend behind her, remaining at their desks.

"Are you into rap?" She suddenly asks.

My eyes widen at the sudden ask, especially since she has somehow scooted herself even closer to me. "Oh - I mean, I listen a bit. I like it, yeah." I say simply.

My reply makes her eyes glow and her lips form into a heart-shaped smile. "Good! You should check me out on Soundcloud. J.One. Look look." She suddenly pushes her phone across the table in front of me. I look down and see her artist account displayed, quite a few songs already published.

Before I could comment, I hear Jiwon get nudged to the side. I look up and see her friend, Chaehee, joining us. She gives a sigh while leaning over Jiwon, placing a hand on both her shoulders. "Ahh - I'm sorry about her. She's her trying to get her music out there, ya know?"

I chuckle and shake my head with a smile. "No no - It's totally fine - I get it, and I respect the grind."

Jiwon lights up and points at me while looking at Chaehee behind her. "See! Someone gets me!" But this only makes her get smacked in the back of the head.

"I helped you produce your song don't act like I didn't." She curses as she gives a stern look. But her eyes soften when she meets back at mine, "I'm Bang Chaehee, by the way." She offers me a hand.

I shake her hand firmly and smile. "I'm Y/n L/n."

"Your name is pretty." Chaehee says as she takes my hand firmly and shakes it as well.

"Oh - really?" I scratch the back of my head. "Thank you.. I like yours too, both of yours." I quickly say.

They both offer me small nods of gratitude before Jiwon focuses back to her phone. "Here here, listen to my newest song. I Got It." She then clicks play before I could fully react. Suddenly beats begin to play, almost trap type of music. Then I hear her voice. Rapping. As if she is chasing down time herself. It's so quick. The flow. It's... good !

Jiwon has seemed to have been watching my reaction the entire time as she laughs and squeezes both her hands into fists, shaking with excitement. "You like it! Don't you? I can tell." She nudges me in the side and gets giddy.

"I do like it, actually. It's really good. Did you just start music recently?" I ask as she pauses the music and looks at me with shining eyes.

She nods her head, Chaehee also nodding beside her. "I've been writing and rapping for a while, but only recently I decided to upload and properly produce them." She explains. "I always did my own thing, but I met Chae and she's been helping me record and produce as well."

Chaehee chuckles and raises her hand. "Ah yes, that is what I do with her."

My eyes glimmer. This is so intriguing. As someone who hasn't fully delved into the music realm like this, it's so interesting to see others who are so deeply into it. I get insight. "Chaehee, do you do music too?" I tilt my head.

"Ah - yes, I do." Breath seethes through her teeth with an awkward smile, as if she wasn't prepared to release this information about her just yet. "It's nothing too crazy, but, I do most of the time - yes." She nods with a thin lined smile.

"That's so cool!" I say with a smile, leaning closer to both of them in my seat. "I've never written songs, nor even touched any studio to help produce - but this is so interesting. Seriously."

The two girls glance at each other, sharing a look and giving a smile to me. "Do you wanna be friends?" Jiwon suddenly asks.

"Friends? Us?" I ask, seeming hesitant. Especially after the last friendship, I realize that I truly have had no other friendships besides Hyunjin. Sure, I knew Seungmin and Mina - but they're more so acquaintances.

Chaehee nods. "If Jiwon somehow hasn't scared you away yet, yes." She chuckles as Jiwon takes offense and nudges her.

"Really? I mean - I'd love to! It's just - you guys are the first in a while to actually try to be my friend nowadays." I pity myself as I look away at the floor.

Jiwon tilts her head. "Why would people not want to be your friend?" She gasps dramatically. "O-M-G are you some type of gangster or mafia daughter that has infiltrated our school? That'd be so cool if-"

She quickly shut up by Chaehee who had hit her in the back of the head with a notebook. "You need to stop watching those dang shows. You think everyone is a spy or something now." She scoffs before turning her attention to me.

"Wait - are you the girl that's friend with that one kid.. Hyun.. jin?" Chaehee speaks. This is the first time I've heard someone at this school pronounce his name right without being corrected. "He seems cool - quiet - I've seen him around the art club when I pass by to visit some friends."

My eyes light up. "You think he's.. cool?"

"I don't know the guy, but I'm not one to judge when I have yet to talk to them." Chaehee smiles at me.

Jiwon, rubbing her back of her head, pouts but looks back up at me from folding over from the pain. "People here are stupid. School loner this and that - bullshit really." She scoffs. "Don't worry - we don't give a crap about that."

I give a smile. "Thank god." I laugh.

And that is how I met two of my new friends. We've been hanging out for about a week now. At first we just exchanged contacts and social media, but we never really made plans. We would just chat, see each other in class and talk, stop in the hallway to greet the other, and sometimes eat lunch together. But lunch with them was really only when Hyunjin got caught up in art club meetings or he took that break to work on his paintings — since I mainly eat lunch with him. And I'm not sure how he feels meeting them yet, he hasn't fully cracked his shell yet.

At least, that's what I thought until today.

While walking down the hallway bright and early in the morning, I notice some heads turning to something at the school entrance; even a crowd forming a little. Of course, being nosey, I try to listen into the excited whispers.

"Who's that?" "Is that a new kid?" "He looks handsome!" "Why is he wearing rhat?" "Whats going on?" "Woah"

Not getting enough intel from eavesdropping, I decide to walk over to the crowd forming and see what's going on.

Pushing through, I make it to the front and finally see what's everyone is drooling and obsessing over this morning.

"Hyunjin?" I say as I stand before my friend at the doorway.

"Oh - Y/n? Hey." He says, his eyes no longer filled with fear due to this large crowd and random attention, but now softening as he notices and hears my familiarity. "Can we - get outta here - there's so many.. people." He stumbles as he tries to shoo the crowd around but they don't budge.

Before I say what I wanted to, I quickly grab Hyunjin by the arm and tug him through and out of the crowd. They try to follow but I flinch at them to make them back the hell up. They get the memo and the crowd disperse. Soon everyone's back to normal and Hyunjin is in peace with me, by my locker.

"God - thank you. That was too much." He sighs, adjusting his clothes as he calms down.

My eyes look down and I see his outfit. No hoodie, no sweats, no ominous aura to be seen or felt. Instead I see a denim sleeveless top with matching baggy jeans that have pockets and layers all around. His gold chain and jewelry shining brightly against his neck and around his wrist, one of them specifically spelling out VERSACE on his arm. Black and gold rings and even black handpainted nails to finish it off.

"I see the closet transformation worked." I chuckle, crossing my arms over my chest as I scan up and down his completely new look. I can feel how much more confident he feels, though he still is that small anxious boy at heart. Not used to the attention and crowd just yet.

"I definitely enjoy this version of me a lot more." He says, pulling at his jeans with a smile.

Now the elephant in the room.

My eyes move up to his face and I smirk. "So when were you going to tell me that not only did you dye your hair blonde.... but you buzzed it too?" I take a step closer and press my hand right on the top on my head.

Hyunjin lets out a chuckle and allows me to feel his new head of hair, if you even call it hair now. "I had an awakening last night. That's all." He shrugs nonchalantly.

"I like it." I say as I move my hand away and just look at his full look. "I like all of it." I give a nod of approval.

"Hmph - I'm glad you do. Because I feel amazing." He flexed his arms and nods his head. This is an entirely different Hyunjin than I remember seeing yesterday. And I am not complaining. He looks great.

"I'm going to start calling you Kiwi Hyunjin - omg wait no - Kiwijin! That's even better!" I exclaim.

Hyunjin scoffs and rubs his head. "You and your nicknames I swear." He chuckles. There's a pause. "I do look like a kiwi don't I-"

I let out a laugh. "Yes! You do! Accept it Kiwijin!"

"Ah.. that's going to stick, isn't it?" He lowers his face and shakes his head at me, already knowing my antics.

I nudge him in the side and pout. "It look good tho, Jinnie. It was a good choice." I give a smile as I meet his eyes.

Hyunjin rubs the back of his head, most likely still getting used to the breeze against his hand instead of the warmth from the inside of his growing hair. "Ah- thank you. Y/n." He says, that awkward little smile still shining through this confident aura that can make anyone think twice on if he's this school loner and loser anymore.

As we continue this conversation, I hear two sets of rushing footsteps our way. I glance in the direction of the sounds and I notice two new — but familiar — faces coming over to us with bright smiles.

"Y/n! So glad we caught you!" Jiwon shouts as she runs over and wraps her arms around me. I hug her back tightly and give her a smile.

Chaehee then gives me a hug as well, giving me a small nod as acknowledgment.

Then the two friends notice this looming blonde buzzed man standing ever so-close to me. "Oh? Who's this?" Chaehee asks, bowing to the new friend in this conversation.

I give a chuckle and begins to introduce them. "Oh! Yes - Hyunjin, this is Chaehee and Jiwon. Jiwon and Chaehee, Hyunjin." I then allow them to greet one another and offer small smiles.

Hyunjin, even though his buzzed hair and stylish outfit makes him appear to me this bright and confident person, his inner self can't help but shine through — bowing deeply to both of them and almost stumbling over his words.

"Nice to - meet you." He clears his throat between words, but fortunately got his sentence completed. The other two just chuckle and keep the interaction flowing.

"No need for such a deep bow hyung. I'm younger than you, I believe. Chaehee is the older one here." Jiwon says with a chuckle.

"Oh - I'm sorry - how'd you know that I'm.. older?" Hyunjin asks, keeping his back straight and trying to remain composed. I offer a small squeeze of the arm to remind him that - there's nothing to overthink about - they're just students and friends, just like me, just like art club too.

Jiwon chuckles and sways in her step a bit. "Oh yes - Y/n and I have been talking for a bit. And she told me a bit about you, actually - and it just clicked in my head that I've seen you around, and that you're a year above me." She says, her gentle tone and warm smile so inviting that Hyunjin even feels himself growing comfortable with her.

Hyunjin nods. "Ohh I get it." He glances at me and chuckles. "Of course Y/n would talk about me, she just can't seem to stop." He begins to tease me, poking and nudging at me. Trying to get a rise out of me.

I just roll my eyes and nudge back while chuckling and shaking my head. "Oh shut up - of course I had to tell them about you. My best friend." I give a fond smile before my attention turns to Chaehee who seems to be lost in her mind.

"... You're the first I've seen in this school pull off a buzzcut plus your full-jean set..." She speaks, her eyes wide and entranced by the figure of Hyunjin that stands before her. "Dude- you're like- so cool." She says.

"I remember the last time I tried to be stylish, I felt stupid and my friends teased me for days. I then just followed the fashion trends. I even had blonde and curly hair for a bit, but I went back to just my black hair because the attention was too much." Chaehee continues on. "I'm glad someone else can rock that for us who fall under peer pressure."

Hyunjin, flustered by the sudden attention and compliments, gives a big bow to her. His cheeks flushed pink and his eyes unable to make contact as he stands up straight. "Oh - really ? Cool ? Thank you- that's so- ahem- thank you so much. Y/n helped me get back into my old fashion, and I buzzed my head for fun."

I chuckle at the sight. He's still the awkward and tensed up Hyunjin I met in that classroom. But he looks much different, but that's a good thing. He looks great.

"Are you into design?" Jiwon jumps in, her attention now on his outfit of choice today. Remembering how I described him as this baggy and dark, quiet loner - though a different person stands before her today.

"Design? Mmm.. It's interesting but I haven't fully explored it yet." Hyunjin says, seeming to calm down after the flush of attention from Chaehee. "Though, I'm in the art club. Well - I'm going through the acceptance process, but I'm confident I'll get in." He says.

Confident.

That's one of the first times I've heard Hyunjin use confident and be referring to himself. I can't help but smile at this. It may seem like nothing to anybody. But it means the world to me. He's getting better. More confident in himself and what he's passionate about.

"O-M-G that's so cool! I actually can draw pretty well too, but I don't think I'd take my stuff to art club. I do more production and music type shit." Jiwon explains, her eyes basically twinkling as she also speaks on what she's passionate about.

Chaehee and I exchange glances, worried Hyunjin is going to be soon bombarded with J.One raps on soundcloud. But, we don't see this. Jiwon ended up restraining on that, and allowing Hyunjin to ask all the questions he asks.

Again. This warms my heart. Hearing and seeing Hyunjin in this light. Speaking to a new person with such ease - though still warming up - he's doing better.

Better than he ever was. It's only up from here.

Chapter Text

I am all for Hyunjin making new friends. I mean, shit - I was his only friend and before he didn't even have any. So I'm really grateful seeing that he's on a brighter path during this school year. Wearing clothes he is more comfortable wearing, those that are more fitting to his true self. Rocking that buzzed haircut and keeping his head held up high.

But there's this one new friend of his, that gives me a weird feeling. I can't label what exactly I'm feeling right now, but it's something - something I don't want to feel anymore. Something not sitting right in my chest, if that makes sense.

It all started when Hyunjin was officially accepted into the school's Art Club. The pieces he presented were extraordinary and the captains were very impressed. They held no hesitation in accepting him in as an official member. Hyunjin also had no hesitation on calling me to tell me the good news.

We had movie night to celebrate.

But after all members were accepted, there was a meeting held that had everyone introduce one another and get to know each other better. That is where Hyunjin truly opened up to others, letting them in the same way he let me in at the start. Giving them little bits and pieces of himself, but not fully dumping it all out on their lawns.

I guess Hyunjin's personality, face, art, and just his presence caught somebody's attention. Because now, this new person - his new friend - has been glued to his hip for the last couple weeks.

I know I know. I don't want to sound like that one best friend that takes such protectiveness and almost ownership over him ... but I can't help it. This nagging feeling against my chest too, it just encouraged me more to dislike this new person that's always filling the space beside him. That used to be me, but now it feels almost intrusive to speak to him while she's there.

Oh, right. It's a girl.

I think her name is Seo... Chaerin? Something like that. She's a really nice girl, as I've heard and seen, but I still feel weird that she's suddenly this unmovable force that's constantly with Hyunjin.

Our after school hang outs have now been cut short or interrupted by Chaerin showing up, or Hyunjin needing to head to the art club for a meeting. Walking down the halls from my class, I see Hyunjin - but then my eyes shift to a shorter person right beside him. Basically eye fucking him. God. Why is she staring so hard?

Am I being weird? I don't think so.  I hope not.

• • • • • • •

For once, I see other students surrounding Hyunjin. Laughing. But laughing with him, not at him. No longer a need to drag him out and make sure he's okay. He's actually enjoying himself.

Hyunjin called me earlier, saying he wanted to see me after his meeting for a bit. So, of course, I showed up. Now I'm waiting outside the doorway of the art room, my fingers curling around the frame.

I watch the group to disperse, signaling that the meeting has ended. Clearing my throat and adjusting my clothes, about to step inside until I see a lingering soul right beside Hyunjin. Her arm and shoulder pressed so close against Hyunjin they might as well try merging into one.

Her eyes immediately look up at Hyunjin, a curve at her lips form into a smile as she tugs onto his jacket sleeve, trying to get his attention.

I watch as Hyunjin looks down, his eyes sweet and his small smile warm as he looks at her. I can tell he is listening intently in what she is saying to him. Chaerin's laugh echoed in the otherwise quiet space, soft and melodic, the kind of laugh that was probably meant to be heard.

The fuck?

!!!

Eugh. What was that feeling just now?

Hyunjin nods at her, his head tilted, expression relaxed as though they were the only two people in the world. Suddenly, Chaerin takes out a sketchbook and begins to gesture animatedly. Hyunjin looks at whatever she has opened and begins to speak and point, smiling and chuckling, offering what I assumed were polite comments in response.

I just stood there, waiting and watching. It felt strange. I had the urge to step back and leave, to come back when they were finished. As if I was interrupting something, but Hyunjin told me to come here, so I'm technically invited.

As I'm busy battling myself internally, I feel a presence in front of me. Suddenly, I focus back to reality and look up, seeing Hyunjin offering that same warm smile to me.

"You finally made it." He says while chuckling. "The meeting ended a bit ago, but was just passing time by talking with Chaerin." Hyunjin moved to the side, allowing me a small view of Chaerin holding her sketchbook but also watching Hyunjin carefully.

Damn girl, he is a few feet away from you, chill.

I nod my head. "Oh yeah - I was here for a bit but you were..." I glance at Chaerin, "talking her so I didn't want to interrupt." I confess quietly.

Hyunjin lets out a breath with a small smirk. "Y/n, you know you can just come up to me right? You're never interrupting." He shrugs, "plus I told you to come here anyways."

I knew he'd say that. Gosh we know each other too well.

I nod my head. "You're right you're right. Sorry - I guess, I'm just still getting used to you making more friends. It's so nice to see." I smile at him.

"It really is nice. It feels nice to finally be accepted by people, and not be pitied into a friendship." Hyunjin chuckles, glancing around the art room in which he can call his third home; mine being the second as he's confessed to me a couple weeks ago.

A beat passes between us.

"So, what's up? Why'd you wanna see me?" I ask as I shift my weight between my heel and toes.

Hyunjin, as if a lightbulb lit up in his head. "Oh right - I wanted to ask if you're free this weekend?" He sways in his step, his cute little awkward self still seeping through his new found confidence.

"Kiwijin, you called me all the way down here just to ask me that?" I tease him. "You just wanted to see my face, didn't you?" I scrunch my nose and poke at him. In which he reacts with an eye roll, but a smirk escapes his facade.

"Oh shush - I haven't seen you all day, so maybeee I wanted to see you for a bit too." Hyunjin's eyes shift to the side as he bites the inner part of his cheek. It's a common habit he has that I'm sure he is very unaware about.

As Hyunjin and I talk, I see Chaerin leave the room with her sketchbook. She moves so quietly and quickly, as if she didn't want to be in the room anymore as she is no longer of  Hyunjin's focus ... no - no I'm reading too much into this. 

As she leaves, I clear my throat and look into Hyunjin's eyes. "Can I ask you a question?"

"Hm? Oh yeah - of course. What's up?"

"I don't know if I'm just a mad overthinker but... have you noticed how much Chaerin clings to you? And just how much she's been basically putting herself in any situation with you lately?" I ask, speaking calmly to hopefully not to set off any alarms by asking this.

Hyunjin raises a brow. "Huh? Wait - is that a bad thing?" Suddenly he is taken aback. "I did notice she was always with me somehow, but I assumed it was just cause we're getting closer - you know? Like you and me." He says, his hands gesturing between us.

"So your intentions with Chaerin are the same as yours with me?" I ask, my eyes softening.

He nods at me simply. "I mean - yeah?" Hyunjin shrugs his shoulders. "I view Chaerin the same way I view you." He gives me a smile. That damn smile.

I look to the side and chuckle. "And how's that exactly?" I cross my arms over my chest.

"Uhh - my friends of course?" He chuckles. "I mean - you're my best friend, and she's only a friend to me. Nobody can compete with you in my heart." Hyunjin smiles once more, that dimple showing itself as he does so.

"That's damn right. Nobody can compete. I'm the best." I flex my arms jokingly and let out a laugh. Folding a bit forward as I smile brightly, seeing Hyunjin share the same laugh and a smile with me.

Hyunjin adjusts his shirt and runs his hand through his buzzed head - still growing used to the no hair life style he still goes back to his old habits - he smiles. "So... is it a yes on you being free this weekend?"

My eyes widen. "Oh my god - I totally forgot you asked me that. Yes yes I'm free. Why?" I raise a brow and step closer to him, trying to search his eyes for answers.

"Oh well - I saw that the museum of fine arts is having some special 50th anniversary, and I wanted to go - but I want to go with you... it'll be more fun." Hyunjin explains, stuffing his hands into his pockets and looking at me with a questioning look.

I nod my head at him and pout. "Aw wait - that's so cute." I get closer and grab his arm, giving it a squeeze. "Of course I'll go. That sounds like lots of fun."

Hyunjin lets out a relieved breath. "Oh good good! It's a da- that's the plan then." He says with a chuckle, already grabbing his phone to most likely write down the plans.

He clears his throat. "Well then- I'm going to stay after for a bit just to clean up, you want to stay or -?" He asks as his feet shift towards a pile of papers needing to be put away; and much more.

I shake my head. "Oh - thank you for the offer, but I have a shit ton of stuff to catch up on. I got a test coming up, plus my mom might get on my ass again." I chuckle, trying to play it all off as casual.

"Got it got it. Drive safe okay? Text me." Hyunjin says as he walks over to the tables to organize them and fix of the classroom, as he said he was going to do.

I nod my head. "Thank you - and I will. Same with you." I quickly say as I shut the classroom door and head out, as I said I was going to do.

God what was I thinking? "And how's that exactly?" Girl, what type of question is that?

And Hyunjin responding with "I see you guys the same, as friends?" Why did that leave such a weird feeling in my chest? As if I was expecting something else to come out of his mouth? About her... about me? What is going on with me?

I need to snap out of, whatever the hell this is.

Chapter Text

"Oh wow. This place is beautiful." I speak in awe as my eyes scan over the grandeur of this building. I've never visited this side of the city before, nor even this museum, so this is all new to me.

The Museum of Fine Arts was breathtaking, its size and beauty impossible to ignore even from far away. The building's exterior was made of smooth white stone, shining softly in the afternoon light. Tall columns lined the front, their tops carved with detailed patterns of leaves and scrolls. Above them, a large triangular pediment stood out, decorated with sculptures of artists and muses frozen in graceful poses.

As Hyunjin and I walked closer, our footsteps echoed on the wide granite steps leading to the entrance. The stairs stretched across the entire front of the building, inviting anyone to climb and explore the treasures inside.

Two enormous bronze doors marked the entrance, each engraved with images of painters, sculptors, and architects, their tools and creations blending together like a tribute to art itself.

Above the doors, the words "Art is the Mirror of Humanity" were carved into the stone in bold, elegant letters. I watch Hyunjin as his eyes read the sign, same as I do, both of us becoming more and more immersed with this experience.

On either side of the entrance stood stone lions, tall and proud, guarding the museum with an air of strength and grace. In front of the building, a plaza stretched out with neat gardens and fountains, the water sparkling as it caught the light.

As I took in the grandeur of it all, I couldn't help but feel small in comparison. Glancing at Hyunjin, I noticed he had grown quiet, his eyes scanning the building with a look of quiet admiration. I nudge him in the side, sparking a small shake in the head as he snaps back into reality. "Is this your first time coming here?" I ask as we continue walking into the grand entrance of this place, seeing many people everywhere, also here to visit such works of art and engineering.

Hyunjin shakes his head as he glances at me. Slightly taking me by the arm to help guide us further inside. "Nah, I come here pretty often." He drops his shoulders and sighs, his eyes looking up. "Oh look - it's the glass ceiling. Sometimes when I'm here, I see planes fly over, or the quiet pitter-patter of the rain, or the clouds striding over perfectly..."

I glance down at Hyunjin's hands, which have even stuffed into his coat pockets, and back at his face. They're filled with awe and warmth. It's clear that he's looking back on those distinct memories, feeling the room out and attaching it to all the memories he's made here. I smile along with him and look up into the glass ceiling as well.

"It's nice and sunny today. You can see the sun peeking through a bit." I point out.

Hyunjin nods his head. "You know what's interesting? I've never experienced a sunny day here. Either it's cloudy, rainy, or just noisy.." He groans, dropping his head down, his feet shifting in his stance.

But it's nice and sunny and sunny when I'm here.

"Okay! Let's get a move on." Hyunjin says, shifting back into his brighter side and not let whatever he was thinking about get into his head. "I'll be your official tour guide for today, Y/nnie. We'll take our time through it all." He says with a bright smile, placing a gentle hand on my back to guide me to the right where everything begins.

Hyunjin led the way, his hands tucked in his coat pockets as we wandered into the first gallery. I hung back a little, snapping pictures of the space. The light from the tall windows was perfect, soft and golden, and I couldn't help but snap one of him as he stopped in front of a massive oil painting.

"Jinnie," I called softly with a smile on my face .

He turned, his brows lifting. "Hm?"

"Stay there for a sec," I said, holding up my phone. He blinked but stayed put, tilting his head slightly.

I continue. "Uh, can you, like, look out the window or something? Just—" I gestured vaguely, and he let out a small laugh before turning his head, his profile catching the light.

"Like this?" he asked, his voice teasing.

"Perfect," I muttered, snapping a few shots. "You should've been a model, you know."

He snorted, shoving his hands deeper into his pockets. "Right. Let me guess, you're gonna caption that 'deep in thought' or something?"

"Obviously," I said, grinning.

The next room was filled with sculptures, and as I walked up to one of a winged figure, Hyunjin hovered nearby, studying it from a few angles.

"This one's cool," I said, stepping back to get the full picture. Making sure I get the perfect angle and shot. Taking a couple more just in case.

"It's Persephone," he said after a beat, glancing over at me. "You know, like, from the Greek myth? The whole... underworld thing."

I raised an eyebrow. "You know Greek mythology?"

"I mean, not a lot, just... this one's kind of famous," he said, shrugging a little. "The story's cool, though. People say she didn't have a choice, but... I don't know. The way she's standing here, it's like she's owning it, you know?"

I tilted my head, looking at the sculpture again. Her stance did seem steady, almost powerful. "Huh. I didn't think of it like that. I thought she just looked... sad?"

Hyunjin looked back at the sculpture, his brow furrowing slightly. "Yeah. I guess she kinda does."

"Oh - Jinnie take a photo of me here then." I say quickly, taking my phone out and handing it to him. Already prepping myself beside the sculpture and preparing a pose.

Hyunjin stood a few steps back, holding my phone up, his brows furrowed slightly as he adjusted the angle. "Okay, tilt your head just a little... yeah, like that," he said, his voice soft but focused. "Wait—actually, no. Your hair's kind of..."

I blinked, confused, as he lowered the phone and stepped toward me, closing the space between us in a few long strides. My breath caught slightly when he leaned in, his hand reaching up slowly.

"Hold on," he murmured, his fingers brushing lightly against my cheek as he tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. The warmth of his hand lingered for a second longer than it should have, his eyes meeting mine for a fleeting moment.

Neither of us moved, the air between us suddenly feeling heavier, charged with something unspoken. His lips parted like he was about to say something, but then he blinked and stepped back, rubbing the back of his neck.

"Uh, there," he said, his voice a little uneven as he lifted his phone again. "That's better. Okay, now... just, uh, look at the sculpture again. Like before."

I turned slowly, trying to ignore the sudden heat creeping up my neck, and did my best to hold a normal pose. Hyunjin was quiet for a moment, then the familiar sound of the camera shutter broke the tension.

"Okay, got it," he said finally, glancing at the screen with a small, lopsided smile. "These are... really good."

His voice had softened again, and I glanced over at him, catching the way his ears had turned the faintest shade of pink. "Thanks," I said quietly, a small smile tugging at my lips.

Hyunjin cleared his throat, quickly handing me the phone so I could see the photos. "Yeah, well, the lighting's great, so, uh, that helps."

I looked down at the photos, trying not to laugh at how obviously flustered we both were. "I think the photographer deserves a little credit, too," I teased, glancing back up at him.

Hyunjin scratched the back of his head, his smile a little shy now. "Yeah, well... you make it easy."

"Okay let's keep going." He says gently, guiding me once more by placing a band against my lower back. Giving me a sense of safety and stability as we remain close through these rooms.

We wandered through the rest of the galleries, stopping at anything that caught our attention. Hyunjin was full of random facts about the art—like how one painting used to hang in a palace, or how another was restored after a fire. But he didn't just talk at me; he'd pause and ask, "What do you think?" or "Do you like this one?"

At one point, we came across a painting of a woman sitting by a riverbank. She looked peaceful, but there was something distant about her, too.

"This one's always been one of my favorites," Hyunjin said quietly, his face practically beaming.

I glanced over at him. "Why?"

He hesitated, his gaze flicking back to the painting. "I don't know. It just... feels real. Like she's here, but her mind's somewhere else. It's quiet, but it's also kinda... lonely?"

I studied the painting again, taking in the soft colors and the way her hands rested lightly on her lap. "I thought she looked calm. Like she's taking a break from everything."

He tilted his head, considering it. "Yeah. That's... I like that, actually. I guess that's why I love art—it's, like, never just one thing, you know?"

• • • • • • •

We spent a couple of hours exploring before finding the museum's café, tucked into a bright corner with big windows. The smell of coffee and fresh bread filled the air, and I couldn't resist ordering a fruit tart to go with my tea. Hyunjin got an americano and a croissant.

Hyunjin mentioned that there's a beautiful garden in the back, so we decided to settle there with our food.

The bench we chose was nestled beneath the sweeping branches of a ginkgo tree, its golden leaves fluttering gently in the soft breeze. It positioned to overlook a small pond at the center of the garden. The water mirrored the vibrant greens and yellows of the surrounding trees, with koi fish lazily weaving through its surface.

It felt secluded, like the rest of the world had quietly slipped away, leaving just us and the peaceful rhythm of the garden.

"This is nice," I said after a bite of the tart. The pastry was buttery and sweet, the kind of thing that made you want to eat slowly just to make it last.

"Yeah," Hyunjin said, cradling his coffee cup in both hands. "I forget how much I like this place until I come back."

We scrolled through the photos we'd taken while we ate, laughing at the more ridiculous poses. One of Hyunjin pretending to think deeply in front of a sculpture made me laugh so hard I nearly spilled my tea.

"You're gonna post that, aren't you?" he asked, shaking his head.

"Absolutely," I said, grinning. "It's gold."

Before we left, we wandered through a pop-up shop near the café, filled with handmade crafts and postcards of the museum's most famous works. Hyunjin picked up a tiny ceramic vase, turning it over in his hands like he couldn't decide if he wanted it.

"You thinking about buying that?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Maybe," he said, giving a half-smile. "It's kinda cute."

By the time we stepped back outside, the sun was setting, and the museum's white stone glowed golden in the fading light. Hyunjin walked quietly beside me, his hands tucked back into his coat pockets.

"You know I've never done this with anybody?" He said after a moment, glancing over with a warm smile, "I'm usually here on my own, just getting inspiration... or just needing time to myself in a different setting— you know?"

"Don't you always got time to yourself, though? No siblings... often with yourself and your thoughts.." I replied, my head also turned to look at him and his honey skin.

He chuckles. "Not anymore with your clingy ass." He decides joke

I scoff and shake my head, though a smile slipping through the cracks behind my mask of annoyance. "Haha wow you're so funny."

A pause between us, letting the gentle breeze brush against us. Both of us sharing a silent breath.

"Thanks for inviting me," I speak, smiling at him. "I had fun."

"Me too," he said softly, and for a moment, we just stood there, the evening settling around us like a warm blanket.

Chapter Text

"Hyunjin and Y/n, it is now your turn to present." Our teacher speaks, gesturing us to step up from our desks and to the podium that sits in the front of the entire class. 

I can feel Hyuniin's energy. He's nervous. I squeeze his leg, right above his knee. giving him a reassuring squeeze. His leg stops shaking as he takes a deep breath. "You'll be okay." I whisper to him, eyeing him as I sit up from my seat. Hyunjin soon following suit. 

His legs feel like jello as he walks besides me, I keep an eye on him to make sure he doesn't end up like jello on the floor. But fortunately, he makes it to the podium with me safely.

This just goes to show, again, when Hyunjin looks so confident but he's still that little anxious kid inside, who still has yet to grow.

After a long time of working with Hyunjin for this project, we finally completed it. It was a simple but beautiful story. 

It was difficult at first, coming up with a story with our given words. I mean, they're just words, but creating a piece surrounding those words instead of creating words for a piece is a lot easier said than done. But fortunately, Hyunjin and I were able to come up with many ideas and end up with our perfected finished project. 

We had to give it a title, so we decided with the color of quiet, which I believe fits the theme perfectly. 

We decided to tell the story of a boy who lived in silence, his world painted in muted tones. Through the quiet, a glimmer of light found him—soft but certain—bringing with it beauty, friendship, and love. The light stayed, even when it hurt, weaving its way into the corners of his life. He didn't change who he was—still quiet, still thoughtful—but the world around him began to shift. Slowly, the gray faded into colors that were impossible to ignore. As they stood back, taking in the finished piece, there was an unspoken connection. It wasn't just art—it was something that had already been written in their lives.

Wanting to get some extra credit, Hyunjin drew multiple mini art pieces, almost like we can piece it all together as a comic. The teacher was thoroughly impressed with our implementation of the words, but also the choice of extra points.

During the presentation, I couldn't help but look at our classmates when it was Hyunjin's turn to speak. We would take turns every other couple sentences, and Hyunjin explained his art pieces as well. The looks on everyone's eyes when they hear his voice—if I had a mirror the day I first spoke to Hyunjin—I bet I looked the exact same. 

Many are shocked to hear him, some are intrigued, some are judging while snickering, and some are just in awe. I probably was the last option if I had to choose. 

"Thank you for presenting, you two." Mr Dongae says, taking our project from us and placing it onto his desk for later grading. Hyunjin and I bow to him, and then to the class as they clap to the ending of our presentation, making our way back to our seats. 

Clearing my throat and pushing my seat closer to the desk, I look over and see a smile on Hyunjin's face. I nudge him on the side, getting his attention. "Hey-" I say as his eyes shift over to mine. "Good job up there." I raise my hand with a smile on my face. 

He chuckles and high-fives me. "Thank you, and good job to you too. You spoke a lot better than me." He whispers, watching as the next group walks to the podium for their turn. 

I glance at them, but keep my focus on Hyunjin. Keeping my voice low and not completely turning my body towards him, not wanting a scolding from the teacher. "Oh please, you did amazing. I could hear the passion dripping from you when you spoke about your drawings." 

Hyunjin smiles and nods his head. "Thank you, Y/n." He nudges me back. 

A pause between us as we are now focusing on the current group presenting. They seemed to have done the absolute bare minimum. No extra work done for extra credit, and the writing sounded so bland and had no life in it. Even the paper was just black ink to a white lined paper. It's even crinkled, did they just make this up in this class? 

I exit my judgmental mind as I feel a breath against the side of my face. I flinch and turn quickly to the right, seeing big boba eyes staring into my soul. "Hyunjin-!" I quietly say, pushing him away from me, "-You fucking scared me." I groan as I try to turn back to the front.

Again, he just chuckles. "Just messing with ya." He twirls his pen between his fingers. "Oh- reminds me." Hyunjin clears his throat as he opens his binder and slips out a piece of paper. Then he slides it over to me, keeping his eye to the presenting students to remain under the radar.

I look down and see what exactly he's showing me. "Art.. compe- oh? An art competition is being held at our school?" My eyes turn to him with a smile. "I assume you're entering." I smirk as I slide the paper back over to him.

Hyunjin shrugs. "I'm not sure if I should, what do you think?" 

I raise a brow. "Wait- seriously? You're questioning if you should?" 

He nods at me. "Yeah, I just feel like there's so many amazing artists and I won't have a chance." I look at Hyunjin and see that little pout form at his lips. 

"Nu uh. They don't have a chance once you enter the contest. Your art is soooo good." I shake my head and scoff. "Gosh- I can't believe you still don't think your art is all that. It's the shit!"

"You really think so?" He looks at me, a small twinkle in his eye. 

I nod. "I know so. Now if you don't start working on your art piece today, I'm going to get mad." I chuckle. 

Hyunjin smiles as he eyes me. "Knowing that I'm entering for sure now, I have the perfect idea." He chuckles. 

"Oh? You do? What is it?" I scoot my seat closer, purposely trying to get all up in his business. Seeing in my peripheral that the group had finished, and the next is being called up. 

"Nope. I ain't tell you." He pushes me away. "Plus, I need to see if it's even possible when I go to the art room after school. Gotta - draft it up first - ya know?" He shrugs at me.

I roll my eyes. "Ugh lame." I cross my arms over my chest. "But I guess that's fine. I'll wait then."

"Good. You need to work on your patience anyways." He chuckles at me as he doodles on his notebook, pretending to be taking notes of the current presentation. 

I hit him in the arm, offended and scoff. "Augh! Ouch! Shut the hell up. You're the one-!" 

Before I could finish my defense, Mr. Donghae clears his throat loudly from the other side of the classroom, at his desk. "Ahem. Ms L/n and Mr. Hwang? Do we have anything to share with the class?" Pushing up his glasses up the bridge of his nose. 

We both quickly shake our heads. "No sir!" We stand from our seats and bow deeply as an apology. 

"No more interruptions." Mr. Donghae instructs. Soon pointing his attention back to the students in the front. 

I look and Hyunjin, and Hyunjin looks at me. We both smile and try to hold in our laughs. It's always ten times funnier when you're not allowed to laugh. 

• • • • • • •

It's after school and I just finished up my last class of the day. The sun is slowly setting, giving a nice warm light shine through the classroom windows. 

Closing my locker and adjusting my bag straps around my shoulders, I look for the art room. I know Hyunjin ended one class earlier than me, so he's most likely already getting his draft down, just like he said earlier. 

I find the room and take a small peep inside. I see the familiar blonde buzzed hair hiding behind a canvas, music playing from his phone, and the sound of pencil scratching against the canvas surface. 

He looks so focused. His eyes shifting down at his phone, which is propped up on the easel, and back up at the canvas. Biting at his lip, damn near hearing the skin off, and the furrowing of his brows. Is he looking at a reference? I wonder what his big idea is.

"Jinnie!!" I exclaim, announcing my presence as I enter the room and sliding the door shut behind me.

Hyunjin jumps at my sudden appearance and presses himself closer to his easel. "Holy fu- Y/nnie! You scared me." He exclaims, clearing his throat as he collects himself. 

I walk over to him and smile. "Did ya miss meeee?" I raise my hands in the air and bend sideways, getting all up in his space and business once more. My favorite thing to do is irritate Hyunjin. 

"Nope!" He says a bit too quickly, turning the easel away out of my view, and looking at me intently. 

I cross my arms over my chest. "Hey whatcha hiding-" 

Hyunjin pulls himself even further from me. "No looking-!" He quickly says, adjusting himself and the easel so the canvas is no where in my view. "Sorry- I just don't want anyone seeing what I have planned till... the actual showing." He says after settling himself.

I scoff. "Hmph. But I'm not just anybody. I'm your best friend."

He nods. "You're right... but thats why it's important I hide this from you." He glances at his canvas then back at me with that infamous smirk. "Plus, wouldn't it be a fun game to guess which piece is mine when it's in the lineup?" 

"Oh? It'll be anonymous?" 

"Duhhh. So people don't have bias when voting. Because I know your ass wouldn't vote for me just to spite me." Hyunjin jokes as he shakes his head.

I laugh. "I could pick your art from hundreds of other canvases. Don't underestimate me now Kiwijin." I squint my eyes at him while grabbing his head and rubbing his buzzed hair. He just accepts it at this point, not even acknowledging the rubbing. 

"Make sure to vote for mine then." He smiles up at me.

"Don't worry, I'll know which one is yours. Trust me." I smile back at him, bringing my hand back to the side of me.

I chuckles as his eyes look back at his canvas, staring at the sketch he had already done. He smiles, admiring it. His idea must have went well then... I wonder what he chose to draw. I'm so curious. "Yeah... you'll know for sure."

Chapter Text

It's been a few weeks, Hyunjin has been working on his painting for the school's art competition every day and night. There's about a week left till the actual showing, so he's been very diligent and consistent with his business. Especially since what he decided to paint, what his muse is, he wanted to make it absolutely perfect. Every time he felt some sort of dissatisfaction, even if it was a single dot or a line, he painted over that mistake and did it again. Usually he would work with any mistake, but this time, he wanted no mistakes to be visible on his canvas.

Not only did he want to win this competition, but he wanted to impress those who know (and don't know) him. He wants everyone to vote for his painting, reveal it's his, and gain a reputation he's dreamt of. And he's going to do it through what he's passion for, not through talking up some people who couldn't care less.

Plus, Y/n will be there. He's sure she's going to hold high expectations for it.

Today was one of those different days, however, as he decided to come early to campus to sneak his canvas into the art room. Working at home is great and all, but he realized he needs a change of environment. Spark his artistry a bit more. Covered with a white cloth, making sure nobody gets to see what he's been making, especially if that somebody is Y/n. He wanted to make it a surprise for her, so of course he is being very careful on who sets eyes on his painting's progress. And if she sees the canvas, she will easily know which is his during the anonymous viewing.

Hyunjin found these gold flakes from the nearby supply store, and he never grabbed a jar quicker than that moment. It was perfect for his painting, and he knew exactly how to liven up this masterpiece. It's going to be perfect.

Headphones in, stained apron on top of his school clothes, he remains seated on his wooden barstool, paintbrush in hand, and focused on the canvas in front of him. If someone were to walk in, they'd assume his painting is already completed. But as Hyunjin describes it, it's far from finished. So he hasn't given himself a break. The only times he away from that canvas is for classes, Y/n wanting to spend time, sleeping (which is barely anything), club meetings, and basic hygiene. Besides that, he's glued.

Hyunjin hums to himself as he continues to work, cracking his back in the seat after being positioned in the same chair for long hours. With his music playing, he doesn't hear the classroom door slide open behind him.

"Oh- someone's in here-" The person enters, noticing the back of Hyunjin's head and realizing she is walking into an occupied room. However, before she turns out the door, she recognizes that back of the head. "Wait - Hyunjin?" She says, putting her things to the side and walking up to him.

Getting a closer look, she realizes he's completely in-tuned with the painting in front of him. Her eyes light up and she smiles. "Woah, what is this?" She speaks, damn near his ear. This causes him to flinch and come out of his zone, realizing someone had entered the room.

"Oh - shit. Chaerin, I didn't hear you come in-" Hyunjin curses, grabbing the canvas and spinning it around, putting it out of the passerby's view. "Don't look.." He says firmly as he calms himself down by the sudden entrance.

The girl, Seo Chaerin, chuckles. "Sorry I scared you. I'm on cleaning duty." Her eyes glanced at the canvas, "Ohhh was that for the art competition?"

"No..." Hyunjin says, his eyes slowly moving towards his canvas, looking away from her. Shit, cleaning duty? It's already that late? I haven't touched my phone since I got here to see the time, I wonder if Y/n texted me.

Chaerin giggles, her laughter being able to be described as single syllables, running her fingers through her curly black hair. "You're so bad at lying, Jinnie." She teases.

Jinnie? That's the same nickname....-

"Fine it is. But pretend you never saw it.. please.." Hyunjin says, relaxing a bit as he adjusts the canvas back to its original position, not wanting to waste another second not painting.

Chaerin comes closer, looking at the painting with better detail, seeing Hyunjin's brush strokes still drying. "It's beautiful... it's so - you.. you can just tell - you made it.. it's breathtaking even.."

Hyunjin feels a small twitch in his body, his eyes flicking towards Chaerin's admiring eyes, then back at his art. For some reason, this whole situation feels eerily similar.

"Thanks." Hyunjin says simply, nodding at her.

"Can I sit and watch?"

"No! - Shit - I mean..." He takes a breath. "No, sorry... This is for the competition, so you can't see it as you're my opponent - plus - only Y/n usually watches me..." Hyunjin explains at a slower pace.

Chaerin suddenly pulls up another wooden barstool and sits beside Hyunjin. Her hands clamped between her legs, tightening up her position, as she tilted her head with a pout. "Aw Y/n?" She looks to the side, "poor girl has a crush on you and is so naive that you don't like her back.." She says.

What?

"Wait what?" Hyunjin speaks out loud, unsure if he misheard Chaerin.

Chaerin quickly turns to face Hyunjin, some strands flipping from the front to the back of her head as she does this. "Aw you're naive too then?" Her voice sounds like she's pitying both parties.

"Wait what?" Hyunjin, baffled, can't think of anything else to say.

"Is that all you say?" Chaerin lightly scoffs and adjusts herself in the stool, clearing her throat. "How is it not obvious? Y/n has a crush on you. I'm shocked you can't tell." She says, acting like it's the most obvious thing.

Hyunjin shakes his head, focusing his eyes back to his canvas. "No, she doesn't, you're funny." He replies, unamused.

Chaerin raises an eyebrow. "Don't you see how she looks at you?- I mean-" She glances around, as if checking if somebody is going to suddenly walk in on this conversation. She leans in closer, her voice just above a whisper. "- She literally left her friend group and chose you over them."

"They were toxic." Hyunjin says, rolling his eyes at the memory.

"Toxic or not, she looks so much happier being friends with you." Chaerin says, shaking her head at Hyunjin's blindness.

Hyunjin, unsure on what to say, just nods his head slowly. "Oh..." His breath settles, lowering his head, rethinking back to when Y/n and him became friends.

"But it's sad for her, really." Chaerin quickly adds.

Hyunjin's posture straightens and he brings his attention back to the girl. "Wait why?" He raises a brow, his ears turning red. What is she on about?

Chaerin raises a brow and looks side to side, giving off an expression of judgment. "Cause... you don't like her..? Duh?" She says, her face contorting as she states 'the obvious.'

"Huh - when did I say that?" Hyunjin says, taken aback, and honestly offended that she would assume something so personal to him. That's his own feelings, nobody needs to tell him how he feels unless he told them explicitly.

"Uhm? - I can just tell?" Chaerin scoffs and chuckles at the same time. Looking at Hyunjin like he missed the completely obvious, "I mean, you're in here with me and not her." She stuffs her hands in her pockets and smirks with pride. Looking at Hyunjin like she can perfectly read him and his thoughts.

Hyunjin raises a brow, the edge of his lips curling downwards. "You walked in here yourself..." He says, now giving the same tone of 'stating the obvious' back to Chaerin. The paintbrush is no longer in his hand, but dropped into his water cup, as he is too taken aback to continue painting.

"You didn't leave, though!" Chaerin exclaims, her voice rising in both pitch and urgency. Her brows knit together, and there's a slight tremble in her tone, as if she's trying to make sense of something that doesn't add up.

"I'm painting..." He says, his voice flat and filled with unamusement. Looking at her with a judgey stare, searching for answers of what she's trying to do here.

Chaerin objects once more. "Y/n isn't here!"

Hyunjin rolls his eyes, looking at Chaerin with a hint of disdain and confusion. How easily she can just accuse and assume, it's odd. "I walked her home earlier." He says, his voice clipped and short, already growing old from this conversation.

"And you're back here?"

"Yeah."

Chaerin's neck ticks back, her chin rising up slightly. "But doesn't she live hella far? And you live in the opposite direction—"

Hyunjin cuts her off. "Yes, and?"

A beat falls between them.

That's when Chaerin's shoulders relax and her eyes widen. Her neck pushes forward as her jaw drops slightly. "Oh... I see what's going on..." She says, a small smirk forming across her lips.

Hyunjin, throwing his hands up and dropping them against his legs, tired of this conversation. "What now?" He drops his head to the side, waiting for what she has to say now.

"You like Y/n..." Chaerin rises from her chair, "... OH MY GOD YOU LIKE HER!"

Hyunjin's eyes widen and he's in even more utter disbelief. "HUH WHAT - HELLO ? - I DO NOT."

Chaerin claps her hands together, giggling to herself. "O-M-G !! Y/n and Hyunjin?? That's so cute!!"

"Shut up - I dont ! - and I thought you liked me, what's with this switch up?" Hyunjin exclaims, his voice growing high and his head shaking side to side.

Chaerin lightly hits him in the arm. "Oh shut up! Now I see how head over heels you are for her - now I can't stop this!" She exclaims, acting like she gossiping with her girl bestie.

"What? - No! - I am not head over heels for her!" Hyunjin tried to defend himself.

Chaerin smirks and crosses her arms over her chest. "Oh really?"

"Yeah, really." Hyunjin says, blush folding over his cheeks.

"Then why are you-"

Hyunjin raises his index finger. "I know what you're going to say. Now shut it." He says firmly, and embarrassed.

Chaerin chuckles. "Don't worry. This is our little secret, hehe." She then takes the wooden seat and moves it back to the original spot, walking over to her cleaning supplies she left when she entered. "You should.. tell her though - before she moves on.."

Hyunjin flicks his head back. "Huh?? Move on? No she won't -!"

"Oh trust me.. If I could move on from the masterpiece you are so quickly, she may too.." She shrugs her shoulders, taking the supplies back into her hands. "I'll see you at the club meeting tomorrow." She says softly, then leaves the room.

Finally... she's gone.

What the hell was that? Y/n likes me? There's no way...

A pause.

Cause if she does...

Hyunjin's heartbeat begins to pick up. His mind is spiraling about all these questions and what ifs. Trying to get everything sorted. Remembering all moments they've had together, trying to read her body language and gather evidence in his head.

Shit.

He glances back up at the canvas in front of him. "Hopefully this will be more than enough to tell her..."

Chapter Text

Kiwijinnie 🥝🎨:
finally done for tonight

Y/n:
omg ur only going home now?
its almost 10pm

Kiwijinnie 🥝🎨:
i got a bit wrapped up w it
didn't look at the time
sorry abt that

Y/n:
yea clearly
bros going home hella late
n didn't even notice all the tiktoks i sent earlier

Kiwijinnie 🥝🎨:
yea dude u sent like a million
i'll look at them later
did u even do hw

Y/n:
yea i did
ur gonna be up late doing urs bc u were painting
smh

Kiwijinnie 🥝🎨:
i'll be fine
i always sleep late doing work

Y/n:
ur insane
what time do u usually sleep

Kiwijinnie 🥝🎨:
like 2am

Y/n:
holy fuck
school starts at like 8am
how do you even live

Kiwijinnie 🥝🎨:
iced americano duh
ill try to sleep earlier tn

Y/n:
will u actually tho..

Kiwijinnie 🥝🎨:
i said ill try
so dont have high hopes

Y/n:
too bad
i'll have high hopes

Kiwijinnie 🥝🎨:
bruh ._.
anyways im walking now

Y/n;
be safe

[Hyunjin arrives home]

Kiwijinnie 🥝🎨:
made it back safely

Y/n:
thank god
i stalked ur location so i knew tbh

Kiwijinnie 🥝🎨:
wow u stalker
do u do that often

Y/n:
no...

Kiwijinnie 🥝🎨:
its ok i stalk urs too

Y/n:
awww u stalk me!
so cute >_<

Kiwijinnie 🥝🎨:
die

Y/n:
u should die

Kiwijinnie 🥝🎨:
fine im going to go jump off my roof

Y/n:
good
wait
don't

Kiwijinnie 🥝🎨:
awww u care?

Y/n:
no cause
i haven't seen ur painting yet
let me see that first THEN u can jump

Kiwijinnie 🥝🎨:
wow okay-
oh speaking of painting
im almost doneeeee

Y/n:
omg im so excited
gimme a % of finished

Kiwijinnie 🥝🎨:
maybe 90?
i need little bits and im good
i hope

Y/n:
ugh i love this
can u give me a hint now
since its almost done :p

Kiwijinnie 🥝🎨:
nu uh
it'll make it easier to guess my painting

Y/n:
ugh fine
im excited tho
i love ur art
did u know that

Kiwijinnie 🥝🎨:
oh wow rlly ?????
had no idea :0

Y/n:
thanks for the sarcasm mf
anyways

Kiwijinnie 🥝🎨:
thank u tho fr

Y/n:
ofc jinnie

Kiwijinnie 🥝🎨:
ooh

Y/n:
what's up

Kiwijinnie 🥝🎨:
something happened when i was painting
nothing crazy but thought u should know

Y/n:
erm what
now im nervous

Kiwijinnie 🥝🎨:
no nothing abt u
just
okay so
u remember chaerin right?

Y/n:
seo?

Kiwijinnie 🥝🎨:
yuh her

Y/n:
what abt her?

Kiwijinnie 🥝🎨:
she walked in on me painting
she was on cleaning duty n scared me

Y/n:
oop
so she saw the painting??

Kiwijinnie 🥝🎨:
ya she did
well kinda, i hid it when i realized she was there
hella awkward

Y/n:
soo what happened?
u think she gonna sabotage or-

Kiwijinnie 🥝🎨:
oh no no
she probably alr has hers being worked on
but while she was there she was acting off
and uh

Y/n:
??

Kiwijinnie 🥝🎨:
she might've confessed her feelings to me-

Y/n:
WHAT
hello??

Kiwijinnie 🥝🎨:
nah exactly
caught me hella off guard

Y/n:
what did u say?
do u like her back..?

Kiwijinnie 🥝🎨:
oh no i don't like her back lol

Y/n:
oh thank god-

Kiwijinnie 🥝🎨:
what did u expect me to like her back?

Y/n:
idk tbh
u two are close

Kiwijinnie 🥝🎨:
no y/nnie.. i rejected her
gently tho ofc, since she's still my friend
and that's all she is to me
hope yk that

Y/n:
ofc ofc
u told me u saw her, like how u see me so
just a friend.. yeah

Kiwijinnie 🥝🎨:
but yea she complimented my art and then left after

Y/n:
that was it?
she didn't get mad or?

Kiwijinnie 🥝🎨:
no she took it pretty well
got over it fast

Y/n:
getting over you quickly?
crazy work

Kiwijinnie 🥝🎨:
why u say that?

Y/n:
no reason
just can't imagine someone falling for u,
but then getting over u so fast
i might've lost my shit

Kiwijinnie 🥝🎨:
i can imagine that
im just that handsome and amazing and perfect

Y/n:
hmmmm idk abt that
ur kinda weird

Kiwijinnie 🥝🎨:
oh pls come on
yk u love me :p

Y/n:
oh shut up

Kiwijinnie 🥝🎨:
aw u don't love me
ok i see how it is

Y/n:
ok fuck u
i love u yk that

Kiwijinnie 🥝🎨:
GOOD
ily too btw
i would've killed u

Y/n:
u wouldn't
im too amazing
u cant live without me

Kiwijinnie 🥝🎨:
yea u right

Y/n:
see
:p

Kiwijinnie 🥝🎨:
anyways y/nnie
i gotta get my hw done
sleep earlier

Y/n:
oh yea of course
text me tmrw okay?

Kiwijinnie 🥝🎨:
ofc
yk i always do

Y/n:
do u want to hang out tmrw btw?

Kiwijinnie 🥝🎨:
yk id never say no to that

Y/n:
good
okies
good night jinnie
<3

Kiwijinnie 🥝🎨:
good night y/nnie
<3

• • • • • • •

Hyunjin drops his body against his bed, staring up at the ceiling. Glancing back down at his texts between himself and Y/n. He can't help but think back to the conversation him and Chaerin had in the art room. Y/n having a crush on him? How could she tell, and how couldn't he?

But at the same time, Chaerin would've easily been bluffing. But... Why would she? Chaerin liked him, so why would she try to push another girl's feelings onto him?

It wasn't the clearest on Y/n's texts if she even had these feelings for Hyunjin. Maybe they faded. Yeah, that makes the most sense.

But Hyunjin, being him, goes back to their messages and rereads the entire conversation. Trying to break down Y/n's words, possibly reading between the lines. Imagining how she sounded in each message, but everytime he tried, it'd come out differently. It boggled with his mind, tiring him out.

"God- This is annoying." He mutters to himself, shutting off his phone and trying to put his mind off it. His mind clicks and reminds him of his notebooks piled on his desk right now.

Hyunjin lifts his head, staring at his homework, needing to be completed. Dropping his head back down onto the pillow, exhaling and fighting the urge to just fall asleep right then and there. "I don't want to do my damn work my goddddd." He complains to himself, kicking his leg against his mattress, almost having a mini tantrum over it. Already feeling the exhaustion hitting.

"Fuck..." Hyunjin groans and forces himself out of bed, dragging his feet against the carpeted floor and sinks into his desk chair. His arms plop onto the desk and he throws his head back. Regretting painting so late, knowing he still has so much time to work on it. He could've been home earlier, doing work earlier, sleeping earlier.

But it's worth it. The painting will look great. Everyone will like it. Hopefully.

Y/n will like it. Hopefully.

• • • • • • •

An hour passed by and Hyunjin fortunately finished up his work. It wasn't too bad, and thankfully it was an easy subject, literature. He had to read the uploaded document, provided by his teacher, and annotate it. Then, create a formal analysis based on what he read and understood. Already having a creative and analytical mind, it was easy for him to work with.

Swaying in his chair, tapping his pencil rapidly against his desktop, he can't help but think about Y/n. About the texts. Again.

Like an annoying itch that can't be scratched, Hyunjin grabs his phone from his hoodie pocket and opens his messages. Clicking his pinned contact, Y/nnie 🍦😋, he rereads their conversation again.

"I said... that?" Hyunjin mutters, staring at his phone. The message stares back at him in blue, his own words typed out—words he doesn't even remember sending.

💬 "since she's still my friend
and that's all she is to me
hope yk that"

He blinks. Once. Twice. But the text doesn't change. It's from him. To Y/n.

Why dont I remember typing that?

Hyunjin reads it again, slower this time, the meaning sinking in differently now. He wasn't just talking to her—he was reassuring her. Clarifying something that didn't even need clarification. It's obvious that Chaerin is just a friend. He never saw her as anything else. He even rejected her.

So why did he feel the need to make sure Y/n knew that?

Something tightens in his chest, the kind of feeling that doesn't have a name. He wasn't just stating a fact—he was making sure there was no room for misunderstanding. No room for Y/n to think there was a chance for him and Chaerin. But why would that even matter?

He exhales, pressing the power button to lock his phone, but the weight of his own words lingers.

Then he remembers something Y/n said.

Got it! I expanded on Hyunjin's inner turmoil, his frustration, and the way he keeps circling back to Y/n's words, trying to find meaning in them.

💬 "just can't imagine someone falling for u, but then getting over u so fast. i might've lost my shit."

Hyunjin stares at the message. His phone screen glows against the dim room, illuminating the furrow in his brows, the way his lips part slightly—like he wants to say something out loud but doesn't even know what. His thumb hovers over the screen, as if rereading it enough times will make the words change, make them mean something different.

She sent that after he mentioned how quickly Chaerin moved on from him. How fast she accepted his rejection and didn't look back. But that's not even how the conversation went. Not really. It's just close enough to make his head spin.

Why would Y/n say that?

He leans back in his chair, but the tension in his body doesn't ease. His shoulders are tight, his grip on his phone stiff, and the inside of his cheek is sore from how hard he bites down.

He can't tell Y/n what Chaerin really said—how she saw something in the way Y/n acts around him, how she insinuated things Hyunjin never even considered before. That Y/n might—might—feel something for him. That thought alone is enough to throw him off, but now this? This is just making it worse.

He groans, dragging a hand down his face before dropping his phone onto his lap. But he can't stop thinking about it. That message. Those words.

💬 "I might've lost my shit."

If she got rejected. If she had to move on from someone like that. She wouldn't be able to handle it.

His hands tighten into fists, pressing against his thighs as he sits up straighter, suddenly too restless to just sit there and do nothing. He wants to run his fingers through his hair, yank at it to ground himself—but he can't anymore. His buzzed hair offers nothing, and that only makes his frustration grow.

She wouldn't lose her mind over just anyone. Right? She didn't mean him. She was speaking generally. She had to be. But... why does it sound so personal?

Why did it sound like she was putting herself in Chaerin's position?

Like she was imagining what it would be like to be the one rejected. To be the one who fell for him.

And that's where Hyunjin's brain stutters, like a scratched record stuck on a single line, playing it over and over again.

She couldn't get over someone that fast. Not even me.

Not even me?

His chest feels too tight, like he's bracing for something he doesn't even understand. But all she talked about was—

Me.

Gah...this is too much. I'm going to sleep.

Hyunjin shuffles to his bed and quickly cuddles himself in his cuddles. Wrapping himself in this warmth and shutting his eyes. Even though Y/n is the one keeping his mind awake, making his confused about everything. She's always the same one putting his mind to sleep, making his forget about everything.

Good night Y/n.

Chapter Text

Hyunjin was standing at his locker, reorganizing his books and his shelving. Whenever he gets to school earlier than usual, he finds ways to distract himself. This time, he believed it was time for a locker clean. Throwing away any old bottles and wrappers, wiping the walls and bottom down with a wipe to get out any dust and crap out of there. Fixing the books, binders, and notebooks. Fixing the shelf and reorganizing the order of everything so it fits better.

Repining the small post-it note sketches he made in class on the locker door wall, as well as the cute message Y/n has wrote for him during class or snuck into his locker when she passed by. Her handwriting is so cute, and her little messages. Ranging from "hi :3" to "im in ur walls" shows exactly what type of friend Y/n is.

He's busy smiling at the writings, happy his locker is nice and clean, feeling very productive super early in the morning already. As he's enjoying his peace and quiet, his mind decides to remind him of last night.

The text messages. The subliminal messaging behind each one from himself and even Y/n.

What Chaerin told him in the art room after school.

It all runs through his head again, disturbing his peace and quiet. Now wanting to knock all of these reminders out of his mind.

"I would lose my shit." — "She has a crush on you" — "You like her too" —  "I love you yk"

God it is making his head hurt. Why are girls so complicated? And why is his best friend a girl, now it's even more complicated.

Hyunjin is still bouncing between the possibilities of Y/n actually having a crush on him and her not. Even though he made a clear connection last night, he woke up pretending it didn't exist. Pretending none of it happened. Most likely to protect his peace of mind. Not wanting to drive himself into insanity overthinking his best friend's feelings. And more so... his own feelings for his best friend.

This is why he didn't talk to anybody.

And not just because he was bullied into it..

But because people are so damn complicated. Why must humans be so hard?

Hyunjin groans and leans his head inside his locked, completely sinking his body, shutting his eyes. Trying to make the world disappear and go silent so he can think in peace. It's damn near 740 in the morning and he is already wanting to go back home into his bed.

Speaking of which, where is Y/n? She should be here soon. She usually comes later, but ever since her and Hyunjin have been friends, she's come earlier so she can see him in the morning before classes.

Ah there he goes again. Thinking about Y/n and she could possibly be.

Hyunjin opens his phone, shutting his locker as he slings his backpack over his shoulder, checking her location. And not to his surprise, she is a couple streets down from the school. Y/n is moving rather quick this morning, I wonder if she's running over here. 

Hyunjin shrugs and just puts his phone away, deciding to chill outside on the field until class starts.

Throwing his backpack onto the grassy field, Hyunjin crosses his legs, pressing his hands against the grass to support him as he leans back and relaxes. He watches as students file in. For once, there's a few that wave in his direction, giving him kind smiles. Instead of people quickly looking away when they make eye contact, or then ignoring his existence completely. It's nice.

Even Y/n's friends Jiwon and Chaehee walked into school together, arms linked with each other, waving and smiling at Hyunjin. "Good morning!" Chaehee greeted, stopping by him on the grass.

"Hi you guys." Hyunjin said, looking up at them with a kind smile. Knowing they're close friends with Y/n, he finds it even easier to talk to them due to that connection.

"What time do you usually show? You seem like you've been here for a while." Jiwon asks, having that same cheeky smile she has.

Hyunjin chuckles. "I usually arrive 750, a bit before the bell. But I underestimated myself and accidentally showed up like 720."

The two girls wince at how early he arrived. "Oh yikes, that's hella early." Jiwon says.

"So what have you been doing to let the time pass?" Chaehee asks.

"I cleaned my locker earlier. Now I'm just out here. Waiting for Y/n too." Hyunjin says with a smile, especially at the mention of Y/n's soon arrival.

Jiwon and Chaehee nod. "Ahh that's a good idea."

"Anyways, we're going to go inside. We'll text you and Y/n later for lunch, yeah?" Chaehee says as they slowly begin to walk away.

"Sure!" Hyunjin quickly responds, turning his head to watch the two girls leave. Taking a deep exhale as he is back to being alone. Hoping he handled that conversation well. Again, he still overthinks on how he speaks to people. But he believes he's been doing better.

• • • • • • •

After a few moments, Hyunjin sees a familiar figure in the distance. "Y/nnie!" He calls out, waving his hand in the air, signaling her to come over. A big smile forms on his lips, his eyes light up, and suddenly a burst of energy forms in his chest when she appears.

"Jinnie, morning!" Y/n says as she rushes over, tugging on her backpack strap over her shoulder. She's not usually a morning person, but whenever she's able to catch Hyunjin before class, she becomes a morning person. Like he's the sun and it's one she actually enjoys to enjoy and feel when she wakes up.

"How long have you been here?" She asks, dropping herself beside him. Fixing her shoelaces and turning her head to look at him.

Hyunjin sighs, leaning back and looking up at the clouds passing by above them. "Since 720. So around ten minutes, I spent my time reorganizing my locker before then." He says with a gentle smile. "Oh, I also saw Chaehee and Jiwon, they're inside already."

Y/n wraps her arms around her legs and smiles. "Oh really? Productive morning already I see." She chuckles as she watches him. Still growing on the buzzed hair and such confident style of clothes. She's really happy he's feeling himself. And she's really happy she made the right decision.

Hyunjin feels eyes on him, slowly turning his head to Y/n, locking eyes with her. As their eyes meet, it feels like the world slows down around them. At that moment, Hyunjin begins to realize little things about Y/n. How she looks, how she dressed, how she did her hair and makeup today, how she sits there with her legs close to her chest and her blushed-cheek pressed against her knees.

He notices the small glint in her eyes as she looks at him, the curl of her pink pillowy untouched lips as she smiles, the way her eyebrows lift up slightly when she smiles. The way her hair folds over her head and perfectly shaped her face. Her nose, her jawline, down to her collarbone. Hyunjin has noticed everything. Pretty...

"Hyunjin?"

He snaps back into reality. "Oh- hm?" Hyunjin quickly scratches the back of his neck, embarrassed he was busy staring at her and completely tuned her out.

"Did you not hear me?" Y/n chuckles, "I said that we got an A on our project - We scored a 105, creativity was an extra 5."

Hyunjin slaps his hand over his mouth, his eyes widening with a small gasp from his mouth. "Holy fuck - that's amazing."

Y/n raises her hand, opening her five fingers wide. Hyunjin chuckles and gives her a high-five. "I couldn't have done it without you."

"Oh please, you did the writing the best."

Y/n scoffs with a smirk. "Well - you did the art, which was the background of the text I wrote and that got us the points"

Hyunjin, matching her energy, also scoffs and smirks at her. " Please - we got a 100 without the extra credit points"

"We're just too good." Y/n giggles, covering her mouth as she teases. Dropping her legs from the fetal position and letting them spread straight in front of her.

For a moment, when Hyunjin hears Y/n giggle, he thinks of something. He hesitates saying anything. But he says fuck it. "You know, you always have a different laugh - it's cute." He said it.

Y/n, looking at him up and down with a raised brow. "Oh do I?"

"Haha, yeah - you do" Hyunjin begins to tease.

"You really analyze me don't you?"

Hyunjin, feeling caught in a way, becomes defensive. Red in the face and ears, eyes widened and heart rate picking up. "Do not-! it's just clear - because it's always so dang loud!"

Y/n chuckles. She stands up from the grass, dusting her clothes off and adjusting her bag. It's almost a bell, so they should head back inside for school. Grabbing Hyunjin by the hand to his feet. "Just teasing ya Hyunjin." He gets back to standing and adjusts his clothes and bag as well. Y/n lightly hits him in the arm, "you're too cute."

As if Hyunjin couldn't have become more red. He did.

Chapter Text

Today is the big day. The Art Competition. A day that Hyunjin has been working night and day for, a day that seems to come so fast at the same time.

It was held on the weekend, so there was no need to drag myself through the day of classes. I just had to drive up to the school, alone since Hyunjin is one of the contestants, and follow the instructions to where it's being held. Simple as that.

Not going to lie, though, it felt really weird coming to school and not automatically searching for Hyunjin. It was like my day has already started on a negative note. All because he wasn't with me, and I know he cant be with me. At least for now, until the competition is finished. Why do I feel so weird? Like I actually feel some type of downing emotion because of this. Weird.

Parking my car in the student lot and making sure it's locked, I begin to walk to the entrance of the school. Seeing a few students also making their way inside. The time is currently 12:30pm and the show starts at 1pm. I usually wouldn't come so early, but it's for Hyunjin. I would show up at 4am if I could.

Hands stuffed in my pockets, I push through the doors and enter the school. Being here on a Saturday is such a weird feeling. Man, why does everything need to feel so weird right now. And can I not think of any synonyms of weird?

I clear my throat and see a big white board pinned against some lockers. It's a map, with instructions. Getting closer and seeing the "you are here" marker, I see that the competition is going to be held in the gym. Our gymnasium is rather large, so I'm sure I'm going to be in for a treat with all these art pieces. Especially Hyunjin's.

Making my way to the gym, I see a line building at the door. Peeking around, I groan and realize it's a sign in sheet. Anybody that enters needs to be a verified student, who enter for free, or a verified guest, who pays a fee for a ticket. Groaning as I have to wait in line, I see someone in my peripheral view stepping towards me. I refocus my eyes and sees a blonde buzzed boy smiling at me. "Hyunjin!" I say with a smile, "I didn't think I'd see you till later." He pulls me into a warm hug, ruffling up my hair with his hand.

He chuckles. "You were, but I saw your location and couldn't help but find you." Hyunjin glances at the long line, "I can get you checked in." He says, suddenly pulling at my wrist and dragging me to the front of the line. Many students and guests complaining of us cutting, but we pay no mind.

Hyunjin bows to the host. "Y/N L/N, she's with me. You can just check her in with me." He says. And just like that, I see my name being written down, completely accounted for. I cant help but smile, Hyunjin holds some power here as an artist. I like it.

"There we go, come on - let's have a look around till it starts." Hyunjin cocks his head to the side towards the door, tugging at my arm once more with that smirk on his face.

I give him an agreeing nod, then pulling me through the doors and inside the gym.

As soon as we enter, I am greeted with an entirely different looking venue. It doesn't even look like our gym. The bleachers are completely pushed back into the wall, pushed into its flat vertical form. Looking around are large black walls going from the ceiling to the floor, each displaying different art pieces. Then a small plaque beside or on the art pieces, explaining the title, its meaning, and the artist. It all ranges from simple canvases to actual sculptures. "Oh wow-" I say with my eyes glistening at the view.

Hyunjin smiles at me. "I know. I had the exact same reaction when I came in earlier with the other artists." He looks around. "The staff did a great job - here let me show you my section." He says with a smile.

"Oh yes, I'd love to see yours." I say, letting Hyunjin grab onto me so tightly. He is excited, and I love to see him so happy about his passion, his work, his art.

"Good, let's go - we can look at the others afterwards." Hyunjin quickly reaches down and grabs onto me. Except this time he aims a bit low, and his fingers find their way around my hand... soon then interlocked with my own fingers as he tugs me along to his section Does Hyunjin not feel that's he's... holding hands with me? Did he do it on purpose?

Why is my heart racing so much?

His hands are pretty nice and warm, not going to lie.

I snap out of my mind as I feel my body come to a stop. Looking up I see an entire wall of familiar works of art. "Oh I could one hundred percent tell when you painted something." I say as I smile at the canvases.

Hyunjin chuckles. "That obvious, huh? You shouldn't have a problem guessing my art then in the lineup later." He says.

"Oh - I definitely will guess it immediately." I chuckle. I try to scratch my nose, but I feel a heavy force that causes me to not be able to. Did gravity just suddenly decide to grow ten times stronger on me? Why is my hand - oh.

"Whoops - shit - I didn't know I was - sorry -" Hyunjin quickly sputters, peeling his fingers away and pushing his hand into his pant pocket.

I glance at his hand for a moment, then up at his refusal to look at me, then back at my now empty hand. Now gravity is normal. "Oh - it's .. okay.." I then proceed to scratch my nose as I intended to.

We stare at his displayed art pieces for a bit longer. In silence. Taking in every piece, reading every plaque with the description, and thinking of how Hyunjin may have looked when painting these. I notice one that seems oddly familiar. I step closer to it. "Hey - is this the one you were painting when I visited you in the art room that one time?" I point at a canvas.

Hyunjin looks at me with a smirk. "Y/nnie you visit me everyday, gotta be more specific." He chuckles.

I roll my eyes. "Okay buttface - the first time I stayed afterschool to watch you paint." I point again, "look you can see the darker colors seeping through, but the brighter colors are the main subject. Remember when your painting suddenly became brighter when you were mindlessly using the brush..?" I look at him, sparks in my eyes at the memory.

Hyunjin looks me in the eyes, as if studying my inner thoughts in that moment, then looking at the canvas I'm referring to. He chuckles. "You're right. It is that one." He smiles warmly, "that was a nice night." He looks at the painting for a bit longer. Except this time, his eyes hold a feeling of longing...

A beat passes.

"Ahem -" Hyunjin clears his throat as we finish looking at all his pieces. "Let's take a stroll around to see the rest, shall we?" He extends his hand out with a gentle smile.

I look at him, then glance down at his open hand. "Hmm.." I then place my hand in his, "okay let's go." I give a cheery smile as we begin to walk around the gym to look at the other displays.

This is nice. Being able to hold Hyunjin's hand in such a a simple manner. It doesn't even need to mean anything. We're best friends and this is something we do. All best friends do this, I'm sure, right? Either way, it's a nice feeling. So I'll continue to enjoy it.

• • • • • • •

While talking about the final piece we looked at, we hear a tap on the microphone. Our attentions spark to the front of the gymnasium, where a large stage with a brown podium in the center stands. There we see the art president smiling at the podium. "Welcome everyone! We have officially five minutes until the competition begins. Artists, please gather and take your positions up here. Guests, please wrap up the tours and prepare to come take a position at the floor." Her voice sweet and proper. Reeling everyone in.

Hyunjin sighs at the announcement, looking at me with a pout. "I have to leave you now..." He says.

I cross my arms over my chest. "Aw you're actually sad to leave me? See - I knew you cant get enough of me." I tease with a scrunch of my nose.

This makes Hyunin roll his eyes, breaking his nice act. "Ugh you caught me." He sarcastically says while throwing his hands in the air in defeat.

Glancing around he sees his competitors begin to leave their own groups and slowly make their way to the stage. He sighs and turns to me. "I should go, then.."

I give Hyunjin a shake from his shoulders and give an encouraging nod. "You got this, Jinnie." I give a smile. "You'll win this, I know it."

Hyunjin gives me that confident nod and smile back. "You're right." He ruffles my hair one last time before turning on his heel and heading towards the stage.

I stand there, watching him go. I let out a relaxed breath, turning to the paintings around me. It's truly inspiring to see such creative minds at work. To see how they view the world and how they portray certain images, something that I would never have thought of without a reference. The fact they all created these pieces with their pure imagination. I admire that skill so much.

• • • • • • •

The five minutes pass by and I was fortunate enough to get a spot right in the front. I hurried myself after the announcement and stood right in front of the stage, making faces at Hyunjin as he pretended not to know me as he sat in his plastic chair. Whispering to the guy beside him, a member of the art club. Doing absolutely anything to look my way.

"Alright everybody! It is time to display the art pieces for today! A friendly reminder that all canvases will be anonymous, so please cast your votes with no biases." The host explains. "These paintings will sit on their canvases, do not touch them, but take all the time you need to study and analyze them to choose your vote." She continues.

And just like that, about twenty canvases were unveils for the audience to see. My eyes spark as I see all such beautiful works in front of me. Each of them unique, each of them of something different, each telling a different story.

"Wow." I cant help but say, a few people near me agreeing with me.

My eyes scan the canvases, admiring the beauty. But then, I remember, I need to find Hyunjin's.

I glance and see Hyunjin's bouncing leg at his chair. He's nervous as hell. He has every right to be, he's competing. And he is so competitive, this guy. I chuckle to myself as I avert my focus back to my options in front of me.

Looking through them one by one in order, I already can tell clearly which ones are not his. I haven't seemed to have stumbled upon it yet. He said that I would be able to tell really easily, so I wonder what he chose -

Holy shit.

No fucking way.

That has to be his. But... why would it be his? Why would he choose that? There's no way right?

My eyes quickly look at the other canvases.

No, those are not his style at all.

I look back at the one canvas that caught my eye. My heart if you will.

This is his. But. Why?

I glance back at Hyunjin, I catch his eyes, but he quickly looks away. Hiding behind his hand with a bouncing leg, his anxiety shooting through the roof. He must have been watching me, and noticed that I have found his canvas.

Hwang Hyunjin. You were  not lying  when you said I'd be able to tell which one is his.

The canvas that I'm staring at right now has a person as its main subject. It's the side profile, but the face is clear at the same time. Beautiful hair, so realistic that if you looked close enough you could see each individual strand. The subjects hair had been recently tucked behind their ear, their eyes staring deeply at the sculpture right behind them.

This subject is a her. Lashes as luscious as can be, lips plump and gentle, skin glowing, and proportions perfect as it can be. Everything about this painting is so familiar.

Too fucking familiar.

I know those lashes, those lips, that skin, that body. I know that sculpture behind her and the location entirely. I have this picture in my photo album.

Hwang Hyunjin painted me for this art competition. And he made me so much more beautiful than I could ever imagine.

Chapter Text

The room hums with murmurs, a quiet rustling of paper as votes are cast one by one. But all of it feels distant, muffled, like I'm underwater.

Because I can't stop staring.

At me.

At the painting—the one Hyunjin painted. The one where I am the subject. The one where I am his subject.

My breath catches, my pulse hammering in a way that has nothing to do with the competition and everything to do with him.

Because this isn't just a painting. It isn't just a project for class. This is something else entirely—something I don't know how to process, something I can't quite name but feel deep in my chest.

Hyunjin painted me as if I were the only thing in his world. And now, standing here, feeling every glance that lands on the canvas, I don't know what to do with the way that makes me feel.

Like I'm special.

Like I matter to him.

My stomach twists—not in fear, but in something dangerously close to excitement, to disbelief, to the overwhelming realization that this means something. It has to.

But why me? Why would he choose me, of all people? I can't wrap my head around it. I can't even breathe properly because the thought alone sends a surge of heat to my face. I try to remind myself that it's just a painting, but deep down, I know it's not. It never was.

I force myself to glance at Hyunjin, and the second I do, my heart stumbles.

Because he's nervous.

Hyunjin—who always carries himself with effortless cool, who never seems rattled—is avoiding my gaze. His shoulders are tense, his fingers twitching at his sides. He's waiting. For something.

For me.

For my reaction.

He's scared.

And suddenly, I understand. This wasn't just bold—this was terrifying for him. He put this out there, for everyone to see, but more than that, for me to see.

A rush of warmth spreads through me, a strange mix of exhilaration and disbelief.

I take a shaky breath, stepping forward to cast my vote. My fingers tremble as I fold the paper, my choice already decided before I could even think twice. The moment it drops into the box, my heart jumps, and I know—

I know—

Something has shifted between us.

Something real. Something I'm not ready to name yet.

But my heart knows.

And maybe... maybe his does, too.

"And that is all the votes! Please give us a few minutes to count and double-check. We will announce the winners soon." The host's voice rings through the room as the team gathers the boxes and carries them backstage.

I stand there, dazed, my body locked in place. My heart pounds, drowning out everything else. My fingers tingle, my vision blurs in and out of focus, my ears ring with every beat of my pulse.

What do you mean my best friend painted me for this competition?

What do you mean that was the whole reason he didn't want me to see his progress? Because he wanted to surprise me... with me.

Why did he choose me? Out of all the people, out of all the subjects—why me?

"Y/N!"

A voice pulls me back. I blink rapidly, breath catching as I turn.

Hyunjin.

"H-Hyunjin—hey." My voice stumbles, betraying me. I clear my throat, gripping the hem of my sweater as if that will steady me.

He chuckles softly. "Did you figure out which one's mine?"

His eyes lock onto mine, studying me, searching. He's trying to stay casual, but I see through him. And he sees through me.

I nod, pressing my lips together before forcing a teasing lilt into my voice. "Maybeee~."

He laughs, shifting on his feet. "I hope you did."

His voice is soft, warm. He's still nervous, still pretending not to be, but he's doing a much better job of it than I am.

"I—" I swallow. "I hope you win."

His lips twitch upward. "I hope so too."

He turns toward the stage, glancing at the canvases, the crowd. He's scanning their faces, trying to gauge their reactions, to read their lips. To figure out if he has a chance.

I'm losing my mind over the fact that he painted me.

He's losing his mind over whether that painting will make him win or lose.

He's not nervous that I saw it. Right? Why would he be?

"Attention, everyone! The votes have been counted. We will now announce the winner."

The room tenses. Even though I'm not competing, my heart slams against my ribs. If we had chairs, everyone would be at the edge of them right now.

I nudge Hyunjin's hip. "Go," I whisper.

He startles slightly before flashing me a nervous smile and heading to the stage.

The host clears her throat. "And this year's Art Competition Winner is..."

The band starts a drumroll. The crowd joins in, slapping their thighs. My fists clench, my breath stalls, my eyes flick to Hyunjin—

He can't even look. His face is buried in his hands, his body turned slightly away, as if trying to escape.

"Congratulations to... HWANG HYUNJIN!!!"

The room erupts.

I throw my hands into the air and scream. I jump up and down, other alongside me. I find Hyunjin slowly standing from his seat, in shock that his name was called. I nod at him as his eyes meet mine for a moment, a small smile forming as he gives himself a small pat on the shoulder.

Cute.....Woah- why did I say that-

Hyunjin steps forward, still in shock. He grips the microphone tightly, his eyes scanning the crowd before landing on me. And suddenly, his entire demeanor shifts. He's no longer nervous. He's steady.

"I... I never expected to win," he starts, his voice steadying as he speaks. "This piece was inspired by a moment—one that stayed with me long after it passed. It was a trip to the museum, just a normal day. But I saw something... someone. And I knew I had to capture it."

The room is silent, hanging onto his every word. My breath catches as his eyes soften, lingering on me before flickering away.

"I took a picture that day, thinking maybe I'd sketch it later. But when this competition came up, I realized I didn't need to create something new. I already had the perfect subject. The subject that embodies beauty, warmth, and a sense of safety I've never known anywhere else."

I grip the edge of my sweater. My heart beating out of my chest. What is this psycho saying...

"This painting was more than just a submission. It was a way to express something I've never been able to say out loud. And I think... I think art is about that. About capturing what words can't."

The host speaks, admiration clear in their voice. "The subject in your painting—she's truly beautiful. The way you captured her, the way the landscape seems to embrace her... it's breathtaking. So many props to you, Hyunjin."

Hyunjin nods, a small smile playing on his lips. "Thank you... but the beauty, the breathlessness—that wasn't hard. It was already there in the subject."

His gaze flickers toward the crowd. Or maybe—no. Not to me. It couldn't be. Could it?

"There's some things I wish I could say out loud. To people, to a person, to myself. But it's always been difficult. That's how I picked up the paintbrush and expressed my feelings through that..." Hyunjin clears his throat. "And I hope this painting I made gave all the signs and feelings that I've wanted to express for the longest time...."

His gaze flickers back to me one last time, except this time his eyes lingers. Like he is trying to rack his words right into my head. Right then and there, the weight of his meaning settling deep in my chest.

Oh.

Oh.

The moment Hyunjin's name was announced as the winner, everything became a blur. The room erupted into cheers, his competitors clapped him on the back, and the camera flashes nearly drowned him in light. I stood there, hands clasped together, feeling like the air had been sucked out of the room.

He did it. He won.

And yet, all I could think about was him and what he said. How I wanted to see him, talk to him, hear his voice directed at me instead of the press or the well-wishers or his classmates. I waited, watching as he smiled for photos, as he signed his name onto the painting, sealing his claim on the piece that had set my world spinning. My heart ached with how much I wanted his attention, how much I wanted to know if everything I was feeling made sense, or if I had imagined it in the whirlwind of the day.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, he left the group and made his way to me. His eyes quickly found mine, and for a second, it was like we were the only two people in the room as he stood before me.

"Hey," he said softly, stepping closer.

"Hey," I echoed, my voice steadier than I felt.

We stood there for a moment, the excitement of the competition still buzzing around us, but between us, it was quieter. There was something unspoken lingering in the air, something fragile. We both seemed to tread carefully, toeing the line between what was and what could be.

Then, his lips quirked up. "Did you like my speech?" He stuffs his hands into his pockets.

I chuckle. "I did, I did.." I nod my head. I can tell he's reading my body language and tone, trying to figure out how exactly I felt about his words.

"You do know I—"

"Yes Jinnie- yes—"I quickly cut him off. Knowing he's about to ask if I knew that he meant all of it for me, to me. And I done need him to say it out loud. Not yet. It still doesn't feel real.

Hyunjin shakes his read while chuckling. "Was it cheesy?"

I huffed a small laugh, tilting my head. "A little," I admitted. "But it's okay. It's you. You make it sound pretty."

His grin widened. "Oh? Someone's flirting already? You know I just confessed in front of almost the entire school?"

And he just says it anyways- No going back I guess. I shrug my shoulders and chuckle. "Well, I love a romantic."

"Oh, you are totally flirting."

"And what's wrong with that?" I raise a brow at him.

"Oh, nothing." He leaned in just slightly, his voice quieter now. "I like it."

"Oh, do you?" My face flushed up at my cheeks.

"I like you." Hyunjin speaks so suddenly and calmly.

My breath hitched, heart stumbling over itself. But I didn't waver. "I like you too."

Hyunjin's eyes flickered, searching mine for something—permission, maybe, or just the courage to take the next step. His fingers brushed against mine, featherlight, before he asked, "Can I be bold?"

"About what?"

"About you."

My pulse thrummed. "Hmm. What are you gonna do? I think that confession was already pretty bold."

"Yeah, but I didn't say your name."

I raised a brow. "What, are you gonna say my name?"

"No. I can say Y/n~ all day." he murmured, stepping closer. "But...something better..."

I swallowed, heart pounding. "Well then... go ahead with your bold self."

Hyunjin didn't waste another second.

He leaned in, closing the space between us, and pressed his lips to mine. Soft, warm, sure. The kind of kiss that made the world tilt just slightly, that felt like sunlight and stolen moments and every unspoken feeling finally coming to the surface.

And when he pulled away, breathless and blinking at me with stars in his eyes, I didn't hesitate.

"Can I do something bold too?" I whispered.

Hyunjin only hummed, dazed. "Hm?"

I smiled before tugging him back in, closing the space once more.

And this time, neither of us were in a rush to pull away.

If I were to describe the world around me. It no longer is gray, it no longer is quiet, it no longer is dark. I can feel the vibrance, the loudness, the brightness around us.

The colors of us.

Yeah, that's what it is. That's how it'll remain.

We painted, it dried, and now it's framed up forever. Just how it should be.