Chapter Text
Sangwon had been standing outside the restaurant for ten minutes now. Not because Anxin was late. In fact, he was embarrassingly early.
He’d shown up nearly twenty minutes before the agreed time, telling himself it was so he wouldn’t be the one making someone else wait. But the truth was, he needed the buffer—to breathe, to mentally rehearse greetings, to run through every possible scenario of how this lunch might go.
The restaurant itself was nothing intimidating. A familiar place. A small, well-known place near there campus, run by the elderly couple everyone adored. Their hand-pulled noodles were a campus legend; their dumplings came out steaming and perfect every single time.
Sangwon had eaten here before with Kangmin and Leo, sometimes with Liyu. He liked it here. It was cozy, filled with warm light and the faint smell of broth that clung to the wooden beams.
So why did his palms feel damp, his chest tight, as if he were about to step on stage?
His watch read five minutes past the agreed time. Which meant Anxin wasn’t here. Which meant maybe he wasn’t coming at all. Which, honestly, would make sense. Why would Zhou Anxin—the freshman everyone seemed to orbit around—waste his Saturday eating noodles with him of all people?
Sangwon exhaled sharply through his nose, trying to look like he was casually checking his phone and not spiraling.
And then he heard some movement.
“Hey,” a voice said, loud but smooth and easy.
Sangwon’s head snapped up. Anxin was walking toward him, slightly windblown, hair less styled than usual. Casual. Like he hadn’t been overthinking this meeting at all. He smiled as he reached him—an unbothered, dimple-flashing smile that made Sangwon’s brain empty for a half-second.
“You’re here,” Anxin said, as though the sight of Sangwon waiting outside were amusing. “Honestly, I was half-convinced you’d ditch me.”
Sangwon fumbled. “I—why would I do that? I wouldn’t.” His voice came out rougher than intended, and he quickly looked away.
Anxin chuckled, not pressing. “Good to know. Shall we?”
Inside, the restaurant was its usual mix of chatter and clinking bowls. Students filled most of the tables, couples and groups of friends leaning over shared plates. The old lady behind the counter gave Sangwon a smile of recognition before gesturing them toward an empty table by the window.
They sat opposite each other.
Anxin leaned back casually in his chair, glancing around. “So this is the famous place. Everyone talks about it. First time for me, though.” His eyes returned to Sangwon. “You’ve been here before, right?”
Sangwon nodded. “A few times.”
“Perfect,” Anxin said clapping his hands together. “Then you’ll order for me.”
Sangwon blinked. “What?”
“You know the menu better. Just pick what you usually get.”
“I don’t—how would I know what you like?”
Anxin shrugged easily. “Then I’ll try what you like.”
The words shouldn’t have landed the way they did, but Sangwon felt them like a tiny jolt. He quickly looked down at the menu, mumbling, “Fine,” before signaling to the waiter.
He ordered their usual bowls of noodles, dumplings on the side.
While they waited, Anxin filled the silence without seeming to notice he was doing it. “Campus feels quieter on weekends, doesn’t it? I always thought it’d be busier, but I guess everyone runs home or hides in their rooms.”
Sangwon gave a small, noncommittal hum.
“What about you?” Anxin asked. “You usually work weekends, right? At the café?”
That made Sangwon glance up, startled. “You… remembered?” of course he does what a dumb question. Sangwon mentally face palmed himself
Anxin grinned. “Hard to forget someone who drenched me in coffee.”
Heat prickled Sangwon’s ears. “That was—an accident.”
“Sure,” Anxin teased. “Well it got us here.”
Sangwon noded awkwardly.
He couldn’t tell if Anxin was joking or flirting or just being casually outrageous like extroverts tended to be. So he defaulted to silence, eyes fixed on the condensation forming on his water glass.
Their food arrived quickly, steaming bowls placed between them. Without hesitation, Anxin picked up the extra set of chopsticks, unwrapped them, and slid them across the table toward Sangwon.
“Here.”
It was such a small gesture. Thoughtless, probably. But Sangwon was caught off guard by the easy domesticity of it—like they’d done this a hundred times before. He took them quietly, murmuring thanks he wasn’t sure Anxin heard.
They ate. Between mouthfuls, Anxin kept up a steady rhythm of light conversation.
“So, what’s your major again?”
“…Literature.”
“Ah, that makes sense. You’ve got the quiet, bookish, nerdy vibe.”
Sangwon frowned. “…That sounds insulting.”
Anxin laughed. “Not at all. It suits you.”
Sangwon ducked his head, unsure why his chest felt hot.
“And yeah, I’m Business. Or, well, trying to survive Business. Professors don’t believe in mercy, apparently.”
Sangwon almost said, maybe they just don’t believe in you, but bit his tongue. Instead, he muttered, “Sounds rough.”
---
As the meal went on, he noticed things he hadn’t before.
Anxin wasn’t cold, wasn’t sharp or unapproachable like he’d seemed the first time they met. He was talkative, calm, with a strange kind of ease that pulled others along.
And for the first time, Sangwon saw that he really was a freshman—still young, still playful and very curious.
No wonder everyone liked him. He was curious without being overbearing, helpful without making a show of it. Cool in a way Sangwon couldn’t put into words. No wonder Yuha found him more interesting in comparison.
But that only made the question in Sangwon’s head louder. Why him? Why bother with him at all?
His mind skittered down darker paths. Was it Yuha? Was Anxin just trying to measure him up, see what she’d once seen? The thought made his stomach twist. He told himself he was being paranoid, but the suspicion clung, sticky and unshakable.
At one point, Anxin slurped his noodles loudly, then grinned sheepishly. “Sorry. Not very graceful.”
The words slipped out before Sangwon could stop himself. “Maybe stick to dumplings.”
For a heartbeat, silence. Then Anxin laughed so hard he nearly choked. “So you can bite back.”
Sangwon’s face burned. He hadn’t meant to say it aloud, but Anxin looked delighted.
When they finished, Sangwon reached for his wallet, but Anxin waved him off. “Nope. My treat. Seniority rules don’t apply today—I’m younger, so it’s my responsibility plus i invited you.”
“You don’t have to—”
“Exactly. Which is why I’m doing it.”
Sangwon scowled, but let it go.
Outside, the air was cool, the late afternoon sun dipping low. They stood in silence for a moment before Anxin asked, “Where are you headed?”
Sangwon hadn’t had plans. Then Kangmin’s voice popped into his head—his relentless pestering about coming to the arcade after his so-called “date.” He’d promised, eventually. And since Anxin’s friends would be there too…
He hesitated, then asked, “Are you… going to the arcade?”
Anxin nodded. “Yeah.”
The words tumbled out before Sangwon could stop them. “Could you—drop me off?”
It wasn’t because he wanted to spend more time with Anxin. Definitely not. It was because the arcade was far, and taxis were a nightmare from here. He’d have to switch twice, waste money and time. That was all.
Anxin looked at him for a long moment, something unreadable flickering in his eyes. Sangwon almost braced for rejection—for Anxin to say find your own way.
But then he shrugged and said, “Sure. Wait here. I’ll get my car.”
Sangwon nodded, watching him walk away. Something fluttered faintly in his chest—relief, maybe. Or dread. He couldn’t tell which.
---
The fifteen-minute drive stretched into an eternity.
Sangwon sat stiffly in the passenger seat, his hands folded too neatly in his lap. The hum of the car engine felt louder than it should’ve been.
Anxin, of course, seemed unbothered. One hand on the wheel, the other tapping lightly against it in rhythm with a song playing faintly from the stereo. After a couple of minutes of silence, he glanced sideways.
“So…” Anxin started casually, “do you usually come to the arcade? Or is this like—once every leap year?”
Sangwon blinked. “…Haven’t been in a while.”
Anxin chuckled. “Not the arcade type? Let me guess—coffee shop, library, repeat?”
Sangwon glanced at him sharply. Does he know? His throat tightened before he forced out, “Something like that.”
Unbothered, Anxin kept going. “I used to be an arcade rat in high school. Spent more money here than I’d like to admit. Pretty sure my reflexes peaked at sixteen.”
Sangwon gave a tight-lipped smile, eyes fixed on the road.
After a beat of silence Anxin spoke up again. Seems like he just can't sit quite.
“Dog person or cat person?”
“…What?”
“You heard me.” Anxin grinned. “It says a lot about someone. I’m a cat person. What about you?”
“Cats,” Sangwon muttered.
“Called it.”
“ No you didn’t,” Sangwon said quickly.
“Yeah, I did. You’ve got cat energy.”
Sangwon frowned. “…What does that even mean?”
“Reserved, looks like you’ll scratch someone if they get too close, but secretly soft once you let people in.”
The words hit too close to home. Sangwon turned back to the window. “That’s… dumb.”
Anxin only laughed. “See? Cat.”
---
By the time they parked, Sangwon felt wrung out. He hated how aware he was of himself — every movement, every silence.
Why is this so hard? He hasn’t said anything cruel. He hasn’t even mentioned Yuha. So what does he want from me? What’s the point of this?
The arcade was tucked into the side of a small plaza, buzzing with energy. Inside, machines flashed and beeped, the air filled with the chatter of students and the faint smell of buttered popcorn. Rows of claw machines gleamed under the fluorescent lights, while further back, pinball tables and racing games competed with the pounding music of Dance Dance Revolution.
Walking in, Liyu spotted them first. He was standing with Sanghyeon and another guy Sangwon didn’t recognize. He waved, smile lighting up his face. “Anxin! Finally you made it.”
“The traffic was crazy, but I’m here,” Anxin replied.
Sanghyeon bounced forward, practically glowing. “Hyung!” He pulled Sangwon into a quick, enthusiastic hug before letting go. “You made it!”
Sangwon chuckled, his awkward edges softening a little. “Yeah, Kangmin begged enough.”
Sanghyeon just grinned wider.
While Anxin and Sanghyeon chatted, Liyu leaned subtly toward Sangwon, lowering his voice. “Well? How was the date?” His eyes sparkled mischievously.
Sangwon scowled, elbowing him lightly in the ribs. “It wasn’t a date,” he hissed back.
Before he could say more, the stranger with them turned, flashing him a bright grin. “You’re Sangwon, right? I’ve heard of you. I’m Kaiwen.”
Kaiwen was tall, very tall infact with dyed brown hairs and a smile so disarming it was almost unfair. He offered his hand in an exaggeratedly formal way, like they were meeting at a ball instead of an arcade.
Sangwon shook it cautiously. “Uh, nice to meet you.”
“Likewise,” Kaiwen said, grin widening. “Liyu’s mentioned you before. But don’t worry, I only heard good things except for a few —”
“Shut up,” Liyu blurted quickly, his face heating.
Sangwon raised an eyebrow at him, lips twitching. So this is the famous Kaiwen. He glanced between them, lifting his brow pointedly at Liyu as if to say this guy?
Liyu, mortified, sent him a sharp look and a quick “stfu” signal with his hands.
“What are you two doing?” Anxin’s voice cut through, startling Sangwon. “Secret code with your eyes?”
Sangwon floundered. “We were just—uh—”
“It’s between us,” Liyu interrupted quickly, throwing an arm around Sangwon’s shoulder and dragging him off. “Don’t worry about it.”
Soon, everyone gathered together. There were the ones he knew that is his own friends Kangmin, Leo, Liyu and Sanghyeon and the ones he did didn’t but right now they all looked like one big group and Sangwon, half-overwhelmed, found himself observing.
Zheyi was the first to speak, extending a hand and smiling with a sharp edge. “You’re Sangwon? Good to finally meet. Don’t let Kaiwen bother you — he talks too much.”
“Hey!” Kaiwen protested.
Xinlong lingered behind, sharp features and broad-shouldered, with a look that could’ve been intimidating if not for the soft tone when he finally said, “Nice to meet you. Don’t mind these idiots.”
Jiahao arrived last, scolding Anxin lightly for buying too many snacks. “You’re going to spoil your dinner.” His tone was so natural it reminded Sangwon of an older sibling wrangling kids.
It was a lot. But they were warm. Too warm, maybe. Sangwon didn’t know where to place himself in the mix.
---
The games began.
At the claw machines, Sanghyeon pressed his nose to the glass. “That plushie’s mine.”
“You’ve said that five times already,” Kaiwen drawled, sliding in a token. “Watch the pro.”
The claw descended, grabbed, and then dropped the prize at the last second.
“Master, huh?” Liyu said, lips twitching.
Kaiwen whipped around. “Excuse me? You think you can do better?”
“Obviously.”
“Bet.” Kaiwen leaned close, grinning. “Loser has to kiss the winner on cheeks.”
Liyu’s ears turned red, but he stepped up anyway. To everyone’s shock, the claw actually carried the plush all the way to the prize chute.
Kaiwen gawked. “…No way.”
Sanghyeon doubled over laughing. “Beaten at your own game!”
Liyu shoved the plush into Sanghyeon’s arms quickly, as if to hide how flustered he was. “There. You wanted it, right?”
Kaiwen’s grin returned, sly this time. “Cute and generous. Dangerous combo. So about ths kiss”
Liyu nearly choked on air. “No thank you i will pass.”
---
At the basketball hoops, Kangmin and Leo heckled each other mercilessly.
“Your form’s tragic,” Leo crowed as Kangmin missed another shot.
“Talk when you can actually score!” Kangmin shot back, missing again.
Anxin swooped in, tossing three perfect baskets in a row. “And that’s how it’s done.”
“Show-off,” Sangwon muttered under his breath — too quiet to be heard, or so he thought.
But Anxin’s head turned, surprised, a grin tugging at his mouth. “Oh? Hyung’s got a snarky side.”
Sangwon stiffened, cheeks warming. “…Don’t get used to it.”
Anxin only laughed, making Sangwon wish he hadn’t said anything at all.
At the racing games, Zheyi slammed the wheel dramatically. “Eat my dust!”
Xinlong, calm as ever, passed him effortlessly. “You’re too reckless.”
“Who even drives like this in real life?” Zheyi shouted.
“You do,” Xinlong said simply, making half the group laugh.
And through it all, Sangwon felt himself slowly sinking into the chaos — not entirely comfortable, but not entirely outside of it either. Every now and then, his eyes drifted to Anxin, who seemed to slide so effortlessly between everyone.
---
The arcade was alive in full swing. Neon lights blinked from every corner, the constant ping-ping-ping of machines clashing with excited shouts, and yet everyone except Sangwon looked like they’d just gotten here.
Kangmin and Leo were running from one machine to the next like kids on sugar highs, while Anxin’s friends—who already seemed to have infinite energy reserves—were just as wild.
Meanwhile, Sangwon was convinced his social battery was already on red, even though he had probably played the least out of everyone here. He lingered at the edges, clapping along, giving the occasional half-smile, but internally he was begging for a break.
How are they not even tired? Do these people run on caffeine shots and pure chaos?
He leaned against a claw machine, watching as Leo attempted to snag a plush duck, only for it to slip through the claw’s grip for the fourth time in a row.
“Bro, you’re cursed,” Kaiwen laughed, doubling over. “That duck doesn’t want to come home with you.”
Leo groaned, gripping his hair. “It moved! I swear it twitched away!”
“That’s not how it works,” Jiahao deadpanned, sliding another coin into the slot for him. “But sure, blame the duck.”
Across the room, Kangmin and Liyu were wiping the floor with Xinlong and Zheyi in air hockey. The puck darted back and forth at lightning speed, until Kangmin slammed it in with a loud clack!
“Another one! We’re unstoppable!” Kangmin whooped, chest-bumping Liyu like they’d just won a championship game.
“Beginner’s luck,” Zheyi sniffed, though his grin betrayed him.
Sangwon chuckled quietly at the chaos, rubbing his temple. Of course Kangmin would be thriving. Put him anywhere with flashing lights and noise, and he’ll become the main character.
Before he could slink into the background again, Kaiwen clapped his hands. “Alright! Next up—DDR! Who’s in?”
A collective cheer rose, and before Sangwon could step away, Kangmin was already shouting, “Sangwon’s good at this! You have to make him play!”
Sangwon’s head snapped toward him. “Excuse me?”
Kangmin grinned wickedly. “Don’t act shy, you know you kill it. Tell them, Leo.”
Leo nodded eagerly. “It’s true. Highest score between all of us. He’s like, ridiculously good.”
“Traitors,” Sangwon muttered under his breath, glaring daggers at them.
Before he could protest further, Liyu chimed in sweetly, “He’s right. Sangwon-hyung’s actually incredible. You should see him—”
“—shut up, Liyu.”
But it was too late. Sanghyeon’s eyes lit up as he grabbed Sangwon’s arm and shook it. “Really?! Hyung, you have to show us! Please, just one round!”
“No,” Sangwon said firmly, shaking his head. “Absolutely not. No way I am —”
When Sangwon glanced up, his words faltered. Anxin was watching him. Not with judgment, just an unreadable look of interest, lips curved the faintest bit like he was enjoying this it all. That subtle smile made Sangwon’s stomach twist.
Why does he look… amused? Don’t look at me like that.
“C’mon, hyung,” Sanghyeon whined, still latched onto his arm. “For me? Please?”
“I swear you all planned this,” Sangwon groaned. “Unbelievable.”
Xinlong was already cackling. “He’s going to cave. Look at that face—he’s seconds away from giving in.”
And unfortunately, Xinlong was right. With everyone’s eyes on him, Sangwon finally sighed and muttered, “Fine. But if I embarrass myself, I’m suing you all for emotional damages.”
---
The machine lit up as Sangwon stepped onto the pad. His stomach knotted—normally he did enjoy this game, but only with fewer eyes, fewer expectations.
Now, under the neon glare, with Zhou Anxin and his too-perfect friend circle watching him… he wanted to sink through the floor.
Still, once the music kicked in, his body moved almost instinctively. His feet hit the arrows cleanly, rhythm syncing to the beat.
“Holy shit,” Kaiwen blurted, wide-eyed. “He’s actually—wait—he’s really good.”
“Didn’t I tell you?” Kangmin crowed, practically vibrating with pride.
Even Leo, who usually reserved this level of enthusiasm for food and sleep, clapped loudly. “Look at him go!”
Sanghyeon bounced in place, cheering, “Hyung! You’re amazing!”
Sangwon tried to keep his face neutral, but inside, embarrassment clawed at him. Great. Now I’m a circus show. Fantastic.
Still, he couldn’t help noticing out of the corner of his eye—Anxin had tilted his head slightly, arms folded, lips quirking in genuine amusement. Enjoying it all a little too much.
Why does that make my chest feel weird?
By the time the round ended, Sangwon’s score blinked on screen—high, nearly perfect. The others erupted in whoops and applause, and Sangwon quickly stepped off the pad, waving them away. “Okay, okay, enough. You got your show. Happy?”
“Ecstatic,” Kaiwen said, still laughing. “Hyung’s got secret main character energy.”
“It’s nothing like that,” Sangwon muttered, trying to avoid Anxin’s gaze—and failing when their eyes accidentally met. Anxin’s grin widened. Sangwon’s stomach sank. I hate this. I hate this. Why does it feel like he’s… impressed?
---
“Alright,” Zheyi announced, “time to take down zombies. Pairs only. You two—” he jabbed his finger toward Sangwon and Anxin “—team up. No excuses.”
Sangwon froze. “Wait, hold on i don't really know how to play this”
“Doesn’t matter. It’s not rocket science” Jiahao interrupted before he could protest further
And just like that group had already shoved them toward the machine. Guns were shoved into their hands, the screen blinking INSERT COINS.
Kill me. Just kill me now.
The game started, and within seconds, Sangwon was fumbling with reloads while Anxin shot cleanly at every undead head in sight.
“Told you I’m terrible,” Sangwon muttered, missing yet another shot.
“That’s fine,” Anxin smirked, eyes never leaving the screen. “I’ll carry us. Just try not to get in my way.”
Sangwon shot him a glare. “You wish.”
Then, as if to spite him, Sangwon lined up a shot and actually nailed a zombie boss that even Anxin had missed. The screen lit up with CRITICAL HIT!
The group behind them erupted.
“Okay, did he just clutch that?!” Xinlong yelled.
“They look like they’ve been playing together forever,” Kangmin gasped dramatically.
“This is basically a date,” Zheyi teased, grinning ear to ear.
Sangwon felt his ears burn. “No it’s not—”
Meanwhile, Anxin only chuckled, not denying it, instead firing another shot and saying casually, “Guess you’re not completely useless.”
Sangwon’s jaw dropped. “Are you kidding me? I just saved us!”
“That’s debatable.” Anxin said tilting his head a teasing smile on his face.
Their bickering made the group howl with laughter, which only fueled Sangwon’s mortification. Why is he not embarrassed? Why am I the only one dying here?
While Sangwon tried to regain composure, Kaiwen leaned toward Liyu. “So, what do you think? He has got skills but you know I think I was better than that.”
Liyu, crossed his arms raising an eyebrow at the implication not actually believing it. “You were decent.”
Kaiwen grinned. “Decent? That’s high praise from you.”
When Kaiwen later pretended to “take damage” from a zombie, clutching his chest dramatically, he whined, “Liyu, quick, heal me! You’re the only one who can save me!”
Liyu rolled his eyes, muttering, “You’re so annoying,” but still fussed over him, pressing imaginary buttons on his arm to “heal” him.
Sangwon caught it from the corner of his eye. He bit back a smile. Of course. Liyu’s totally gone for him.
---
Eventually, after too many rounds and too much laughter, the group began to splinter. Zheyi, Xinlong, and Sanghyeon went off for snacks. Jiahao, Kangmin, and Leo drifted toward another machine.
Leaving Sangwon, Anxin, Kaiwen, and Liyu at a free table.
Sangwon sat stiffly, acutely aware of Anxin at his side. Thankfully, Kaiwen’s voice filled the silence, teasing Liyu about losing earlier at the claw machine.
“You almost had it! And then, bam, it slipped away. Tragic. Really tragic.”
“Shut up,” Liyu muttered, cheeks pink. “At least I didn’t waste all my coins chasing one stupid plush.”
Kaiwen laughed before reaching out and pet Liyu’s head gently . “You’re cute when you’re mad, you know that?”
Liyu froze. Sangwon almost choked. Did he just—
Sangwon quickly looked away, only to find Anxin watching him instead of the bickering pair. A look Sangwon couldn’t quite place flickered across his face—soft, amused, maybe something else. It made Sangwon’s chest tighten uncomfortably.
Anxin leaned back, casually turning toward him. “You know, you’re not as bad as I thought you’d be.”
Sangwon blinked. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Exactly what it sounds like,” Anxin said, grin tugging at his lips.
Sangwon’s stomach lurched. Why does it sound like he’s enjoying this? Why do I care if he is? My head’s a mess. Absolute mess.