Chapter Text
Baku
"When are you finally going to tell us what's going on with you?" Hyeon Tak asked, catching me off guard.
"Is it that obvious that I wanted to tell you guys something?" I
replied.
"Yup. It's in fact long overdue. We've been worrying about you for months now," said Jun Tae, and Sieun nodded in agreement.
"So spill it. What’s going on?" Suho added.
"Okay, but first promise me something you’ll listen to the whole thing before freaking out, alright?" I said, my voice uncertain.
They all nodded, urging me silently to continue.
"So, uh… how do I even say this? A couple of months ago, we were at that new coffee shop—don’t know if you guys remember but I saw someone there. Someone… unexpected."
I took a deep breath, bracing myself for their reactions.
"It was Baek Jin."
I looked at them, expecting shock or anger, but what I saw surprised me—relief.
"You had us worried, man. I thought something horrible happened to you with the way you suddenly went quiet," said Hyeon Tak, sounding genuinely relieved. The others nodded.
"Wait… you're not surprised that Baek Jin is alive?" I asked.
"Not really," Jun Tae replied. "I mean, we went to the funeral, but there was no body. That was already suspicious. We figured he might’ve faked it for his own safety, especially after it came out that he was working with an actual gang."
"Man… I thought you’d all be pissed. That after everything he did, he just got away that easily."
"If it were us back then? Sure, we would’ve been furious," said Sieun. "But it’s been years. We’ve all moved on and no one really sufferd any consequenses after that entire ordeal. Honestly, it just feels like some dramatic high school story now. And I doubt he had it easy out there, not at all."
"Wow, longest sentence I’ve heard from you in all the years we’ve known each other," Suho joked, earning a playful shove from Sieun.
I chuckled a little, the tension slowly easing.
"Yeah, you’re right. I still remember the funeral. That’s when I found out he lived in an orphanage. Can you believe that? He was my childhood best friend and I didn’t even know. Turns out he was donating all that money he got to that orphanage too."
"Hey, don’t blame yourself," Suho said seriously. "Yeah, he was going through a rough time, and yeah, he wasn’t a completely bad guy—but that doesn’t excuse how he treated you or anyone else. Believe me, I get it better than most I was in a coma for. Ow! What was that for?"
Sieun had elbowed him, shutting him up.
"Okay, okay, I won’t talk about that now. But seriously, don’t blame yourself."
"Thanks, man I know what you mean. What I’m trying to say is… after we met up, we talked for a long time. And we made peace. But I was scared of how you guys would react. I know he hurt all of you, whether directly or indirectly. So I’m not asking you to forgive him or be best friends right away . I just… wanted to ask if you’d be willing to give him a chance."
There was a pause. Then Jun Tae spoke:
"I’m not gonna lie. Even after all this time, I still carry a bit of anger. But it’s not much anymore. If he’s truly changed… I’m willing to give him a chance."
The others nodded in quiet agreement.
"Yeah," Suho said. "I think some people can change. Remember when Beomseok reached out? We talked through everything. Turned out, after moving to the Philippines to get away from what we found out- his abusive adoptive family, he finally had space to heal and wanted to apologize but was scared to face us again for the longest time untill he finally did, I’m glad he did. It gave closure—to him and to us."
"Yeah," added Sieun. "He’s doing good now, working with abused children. We still talk sometimes, even met up a few times."
"Plus," said Hyeon Tak , "you’ve been happier these past few months than we’ve seen you since high school. We figured out spmething of that sorce was goung one I mean he’s the only one who can change your mood like that."
"Hey! What are you talking about? I’m always like this. Nobody affects my mood!" I protested.
"Yeah, yeah. Keep telling yourself that, Mr. 99 IQ," Hyeon Tak teased.
"Yah! Hyeon Tak!" I shouted and pretended to chase him around the restaurant.
The others burst out laughing, and for the first time in months, I felt completely at ease.
Finally, I had told them the truth—and I realized just how much I love these rascals.
Baek Jin
When Baku told me everything went well telling them about me—I felt a wave of relief. But it didn’t last long. The nerves came rushing back as I realized: I was going to meet them again. This time, not as a enemyr or some ghost from their past, but as Baku’s friend ( even though we arent friend but we tought its not the time yet).
God, that still sounds so foreign to me.
Who would’ve thought? After all these years, not only are Baku and I back in each other’s lives, but we’re a couple now. And the happiness I feel… it’s something I’ve never experienced before.
Honestly, if he wasn’t by my side, I’m not sure I’d have the strength to face any of them or anyone I hurt back then. After Baku met up with his friends, he told me they were open to seeing me again whenever I was ready. I chose next month. Partly because of work at the company, but mostly because I wanted to do something important first: apologize.
I spent the next few weeks tracking down everyone I had wronged—those I hurt directly, and those caught in the collateral damage. Some of them were doing surprisingly well now. A few even forgave me. Others admitted they weren’t ready to forgive, but were grateful I still remembered them. That was fair. Just because I apologized didn’t mean they owed me forgiveness. But the act itself… it was still worth it. For closure—for both of us.
And then the day came.
Baku and I stood outside the open bar where we were supposed to meet them.
"Hey dude, look at me," Baku said, squeezing my hand, "It’s going to go fine. Don’t worry. They’re big softies deep down."
It’s funny. Even though we’re dating, he still calls me “dude” and “bro.” Most people might find that weird, but honestly? I prefer it. It feels more real—more us—than cheesy nicknames ever could.
"Okay, let’s go in!" Baku said, tugging me forward with him.
"Yo, Baku! Back to your usual habit of showing up late," someone called out I recognized the voice. It was Hyeon Tak.
"Shut up, you asshole!" Baku shot back playfully. "Look who’s with me."
He pointed toward me, and all heads turned.
There was a pause, like they were processing something. Didn’t Baku already tell them I was alive?
"Damn," a guy I didn’t recognize—probably Suho—said. "I’ve never seen you in person before, but I gotta admit, you’re a good-looking guy."
"Yeah, man, we thought you’d look older, or at least less handsome. This is unfair," Hyeon Tak added with mock disappointment.
"Alright, alright—don’t jinx him now! Anyway, say hi, Baek Jin!" Baku grinned, gesturing at me like a teacher introducing a new student.
"Hi… How have you all been? And… sorry for everything I did back then," I said quickly, almost stumbling over my words.
They burst out laughing.
"Man, who would've thought the intimidating guy we used to know could be so awkward? It’s alright, bro," Hyeon Tak said, and the others nodded. "We’re not totally over it, but we’re willing to give this a shot."
Baku and I sat down with them. The questions came quickly—where had I been, what was I doing now, how I’d been. It was overwhelming at first, but I slowly warmed up to it. Their curiosity didn’t feel invasive—it felt genuine.
"Alright, I’m thirsty. Gonna grab some water," Baku said and walked away.
Without him, things got quiet for a moment. He’d been helping guide the conversation, and his absence left me feeling awkward.
"Take care of Baku," Jun Tae said suddenly. "He acts like everything’s fine, but he hides stuff. Always has."
"Also," Hyeon Tak added, grinning, "if I’m not wrong… you two are dating, right?"
"Hey!" Jun Tae tried to hush him. "Now’s not the time—"
But I could see the curiosity in their eyes—even Sieun, who’d been quiet until now, was listening closely.
"It’s okay," I said, letting out a small chuckle. "You’re right. We’ve been dating for a few months now."
"Ha! I knew it!" Hyeon Tak practically shouted. "I can tease him forever now!"
Moments later, Baku came back, and they all pounced on him with teasing remarks. He tried to defend himself, throwing the blame at me while I just smiled.
We spent the night telling stories, laughing, and reminiscing. It felt surreal. And for the first time in years, I felt truly part of something again.
An hour later, we said our goodbyes, planning to meet again soon. As Baku and I were about to leave, I felt someone tap me on the back.
It was Sieun—my old academic rival.
"I just wanted to say I’m glad you found the right question to your equation."
I smiled.
"Yeah," I replied, "Even if I chose the wrong variables along the way, I finally found the right answer."
We nodded at each other, then parted ways.
As Baku and I walked off, he glanced at me.
"Hey! What was that whole 'question and equation' thing about?"
"Nothing," I said, smirking. "Just an old math problem."
"You smart people freak me out sometimes, not gonna lie."
"Well," I said, nudging him, "you better get used to it. You’re stuck with me for the rest of your life."
I glanced around, making sure no one was watching, then leaned in and gave him a quick peck on the lips.
"Hey! That’s not fair!" he said, still recovering from the surprise.
"I love you, Baku."
"I love you too, you rascal," he replied, walking beside me.
And for the first time in a long time, everything felt exactly as it should be.