Chapter Text
By the time Youngjae entered the main hall, he had already changed into his outfit. Their seats were in the very first row, and the other three had already changed as well.
The moment his eyes landed on Jihoon, Youngjae felt his chest tighten.
The layered outfit suited him too well.
The white long-sleeve hugged Jihoon’s frame perfectly, while the pale blue-grey cardigan softened the look
…He looks way too good.
“Hyung, here!” Jihoon waved at him brightly, patting the empty seat beside him. “I saved you a spot.”
Youngjae walked over and sat beside him.
“Thanks.”
As he settled down, his eyes scanned the hall.
It was packed.
Teams were scattered everywhere, all dressed in their own concepts, some stretching, some rehearsing quietly, others filming content.
And the hall is already filled with audiences.
“…There’s really a lot of teams.”
Jihoon glanced at him.
“Hyung, are you nervous?”
Youngjae let out a small breath.
He would be lying if he said no.
Even after all the competitions he had joined, the thought of stepping on stage still made his stomach tighten.
“A little.”
He checked the time.
9:50 AM.
In ten minutes, the judges would be announced.
And Youngjae already had a rough idea of who they might be.
He turned to Kyungmin.
“Kyungmin, this is your first official dance competition, right?”
Kyungmin nodded.
“Yep.”
“Nervous?”
Kyungmin shrugged casually.
“Not really. I’m used to competing. Tennis tournaments feel worse.”
Youngjae chuckled.
“That confidence is good.”
Then he shifted his attention to Yujin.
“What about you?”
Yujin leaned back in his chair.
“Not nervous.”
“Excited?”
“Very.”
Youngjae raised an eyebrow.
“Why?”
Yujin pointed toward the left side of the hall.
“Because my friend’s here too.”
Youngjae followed his finger.
A tall boy was stretching with his team.
“Who?”
“Kim Gyuvin.”
Youngjae nodded.
“Oh, I’ve heard his name before. Last year’s competition.”
“He’s good,” Yujin said.
Then he smirked.
“But we’re better.”
Youngjae laughed softly.
“I like that.”
Finally, he turned to Jihoon.
The younger boy was fiddling with his fingers, his leg bouncing lightly.
“Jihoon.”
Jihoon looked at him.
“Are you nervous?”
Jihoon hesitated before nodding.
“…Really nervous.”
Youngjae tilted his head.
“You?”
Jihoon sighed.
“I always get nervous before performing.”
He looked down at his hands.
“I keep thinking… what if I mess up? What if I’m not good enough?”
Youngjae stared at him for a moment.
Jihoon.
Not good enough?
That thought alone sounded ridiculous.
“You’re probably the best dancer among us,” Youngjae said.
Jihoon blinked.
“Really?”
“Yes.”
Jihoon lowered his voice.
“But what if—”
Before he could finish, Youngjae lifted his hand and gave Jihoon’s hands a quick clap between his palms.
Smack.
Jihoon flinched.
“Ow.”
Youngjae almost smiled.
Jihoon stared at him, startled.
And just like that, his shoulders relaxed.
The tension was gone.
“Jihoon-ah,” Youngjae said, his voice softer now. “Stop overthinking.”
Jihoon looked at him quietly.
“You don’t need to think about the audience, the judges, or the other teams.”
Youngjae leaned slightly closer.
“Just think about our practice room.”
Jihoon’s eyes widened slightly.
“The same song.”
“The same choreography.”
“The same us.”
“For three minutes, it’s just us on stage. Nothing else.”
Jihoon stared at him.
Then slowly—
He smiled.
A real one.
“…Hyung.”
“Mhm?”
“I don’t know what you just did…”
Jihoon looked down at his hands, flexing his fingers.
“…but I’m not nervous anymore.”
Youngjae smiled faintly.
“Good.”
But the truth was—
Youngjae’s own heart was racing now.
Not because of the competition.
But because of how Jihoon kept looking at him like that.
—
At exactly 10 o’clock, the emcee stepped onto the stage, microphone in hand.
“Welcome everyone to our K-pop Dance Cover Competition!”
The hall erupted into cheers.
“As you all know, this year we have a total of 20 teams participating!”
The crowd clapped even louder.
“That’s a lot of talent under one roof… but only one team will walk away with first place.”
The emcee raised his hand dramatically.
“So let me hear your voices! Are you ready!?”
The entire hall shook with screams and cheers, Youngjae could feel the vibrations through the floor.
Beside him, Jihoon was already bouncing his leg.
The emcee laughed.
“That’s the energy I like.”
“But before we begin… this wouldn’t be a proper competition without introducing our judges, right?”
The lights dimmed.
“So please welcome—”
“Baek Kooyoung!”
The crowd screamed.
“Lip J!”
Even louder cheers.
“And finally…”
The emcee paused for effect.
“Hoshi!”
The hall practically exploded.
Youngjae froze.
…Hoshi-sunbaenim?
Jihoon immediately noticed his expression.
“Hyung?”
Youngjae blinked.
“What’s with that face?”
Youngjae kept staring at the judges’ table.
“Hoshi-sunbaenim… he was my senior last year.”
Jihoon’s eyes widened.
“Really?”
Youngjae nodded.
“We competed together a few times before he graduated.”
“Oh…”
Jihoon looked at Hoshi again.
“He must be insane if he’s judging now.”
Youngjae gave a small laugh.
“He is.”
“His dancing is perfect.”
“He is really famous in the dancing community, they even gave him a nickname for his aggressive and sharp dancing.”
“What nickname?”
“Hoorangi”
“Wow, that's impressive.”
The judges sat down.
Kooyoung was the first to speak into his mic.
“I can already see a lot of familiar faces this year.”
He smiled.
“I’ll be looking forward to all your performances.”
Lip J stood up next, turning to the audience.
“Alright! Let me hear your energy!”
Immediately, the hall responded.
Loud.
Very loud.
Lip J laughed.
“That’s good!”
“Make sure your performance matches that energy.”
Before Hoshi could even lift his microphone, the audience was already cheering.
He leaned back and laughed.
“…I haven’t even spoken yet.”
More laughter filled the hall.
Youngjae smiled.
That hadn’t changed.
Hoshi rested his chin against his hand.
“This is my first year judging.”
He glanced at Kooyoung and Lip J.
“But don’t let that fool you.”
A mischievous grin appeared.
“I’m stricter than both of them.”
Kooyoung burst out laughing.
“Yah, Hoshi. Stop making them nervous.”
Hoshi shrugged.
“I’m serious.”
Then his tone softened.
“But the most important thing—”
He looked across the hall.
“Don’t make mistakes.”
“Show me why you’re here.”
Youngjae swallowed.
That hit harder than expected.
At that moment, a committee member approached.
“Team No Tragedy?”
Youngjae stood up.
“Yes.”
“Please follow me backstage.”
Youngjae turned to the others.
“Let’s go.”
—
Backstage was quieter.
The sound of the hall was muffled now.
The four of them stood in a circle.
Youngjae looked at each of them.
Jihoon.
Kyungmin.
Yujin.
They had worked too hard to fail now.
“Alright.”
He held out his hand.
“Let’s show them what we’ve got.”
Yujin placed his hand over Youngjae’s.
“Let’s win this.”
Kyungmin followed.
“Let’s make them remember us.”
Then Jihoon placed his hand on top.
“And let’s eat something expensive with the prize money.”
The three of them stared at him.
Youngjae laughed first.
“That too.”
Yujin shook his head.
“That was so sudden.”
Kyungmin laughed.
“Where did that come from?”
Jihoon grinned.
“Motivation.”
And just like that—
the tension broke.
They were ready.
—
“Please welcome our first team!”
The emcee’s voice boomed.
“Team No Tragedy, performing All the Possibilities!”
The committee motioned them forward.
They stepped onto the stage.
The curtains slowly opened.
They were already in position.
The countdown timer flashed.
3…
2…
1…
The music started.
And everything became instinct.
Just like the practice room.
Youngjae and Jihoon opened the performance.
The very first sequence was sharp, clean, emotional.
The audience immediately reacted.
Cheers.
Then Kyungmin and Yujin joined, flowing perfectly into the first verse.
By the time the chorus hit—
they were fully locked in.
Every step.
Every angle.
Every hand movement.
Perfect.
Youngjae glanced at Jihoon for just a second.
And somehow—
Jihoon was looking back.
For that brief moment, the lyrics felt heavier.
Realer.
Then Youngjae snapped back forward.
Focus.
They nailed the chorus.
No delays.
No missed timing.
Nothing.
Even the bridge—
The hardest part.
The part that they once struggled.
They executed it flawlessly.
It looked effortless.
And when the final chorus exploded—
The crowd went wild.
The outro came.
They moved into their final pose.
Silence.
Then—
Thunderous applause.
Cheers everywhere.
They stepped forward together and bowed deeply.
Kooyoung leaned into his mic first.
“That choreography was hard, I can see a lot of quick movement and hand details.”
He smiled.
“But you made it look easy.”
“That alone says a lot.”
He nodded approvingly.
“Your synchronization was nearly perfect.”
“Footsteps, hand details, transitions…”
He glanced at Yujin.
“Yujin-ah.”
Yujin accepted the mic.
“Yes.”
“You’ve improved a lot.”
“Your fluidity is much stronger now.”
Yujin bowed.
“Thank you.”
Lip J was next.
“No Tragedy.”
She smiled.
“That’s aInteresting team name, Is there a meaning behind it?”
Youngjae took the mic.
“Yes.”
He took a breath.
“‘All the Possibilities’ is a love song.”
“But not just about love, It’s about devotion.”
“Trying every possible way to become someone’s ideal.”
“Even when the ending is uncertain.”
He looked at his team.
“So our name reflects hope, a future without tragedy.”
Lip J smiled.
“I love that.”
Then she looked at Jihoon.
“You’re Jihoon, right?”
Jihoon took the mic.
“Yes.”
“You know waacking and tutting?”
Jihoon blinked.
“Yes, that’s my specialty.”
Lip J nodded immediately.
“I could tell, your hand control is excellent.”
“That sharpness stood out.”
Jihoon bowed.
“Thank you.”
Finally—
Hoshi picked up his mic.
He looked at Youngjae and smiled.
“Ah, Youngjae, it’s been a year.”
Youngjae bowed slightly.
“Yes, sunbaenim.”
Hoshi leaned back.
“I can see you built a strong team.”
Then his eyes shifted.
“The one on the right.”
Kyungmin took the mic.
“Kyungmin.”
Hoshi nodded.
“Kyungmin-ssi.”
“You dance lightly, like a feather.”
Kyungmin blinked.
“And according to your registration…”
“You’re self-taught?”
Kyungmin nodded.
“Yes.”
“And this is my first dance competition.”
Hoshi smiled.
“That’s impressive, you need to keep going.”
Then the emcee stepped in.
“Let’s give Team No Tragedy one more big applause!”
The hall roared again.
Youngjae led the team into one final bow before exiting backstage.
The moment they got off—
Kyungmin exploded.
“HYUNG! We nailed that!”
Yujin laughed.
“I saw some teams looking terrified after our stage.”
Jihoon pumped his fist.
“Barbecue when we win.”
Youngjae immediately smacked his shoulder.
“Don’t jinx it.”
Jihoon laughed.
“But seriously…”
Youngjae looked at all three of them.
“Good job.”
A committee member approached.
“Thank you for the performance.”
“You’re free until 5PM for the award ceremony.”
“You can explore the campus, rest, or watch the remaining performances.”
“Just be back by 4:30.”
Youngjae nodded.
“Got it. Thank you.”
The committee left.
Youngjae turned to the others.
“So?”
“What now?”
Kyungmin stretched.
“I’m going to sleep somewhere.”
“I woke up too early.”
Yujin checked his phone.
“My friend performs later, I’m going to watch him.”
Jihoon immediately turned to Youngjae.
“Hyung.”
He smiled.
“Let’s walk around campus.”
Youngjae looked at him.
Then nodded.
“…Okay.”
Jihoon’s smile widened.
And somehow—
That smile still made Youngjae’s heart race more than stepping onto a stage ever could.
But before leaving to walk around the campus, there was still something Youngjae wanted to do.
Watch his friends’ performance.
The next team had already started performing on stage, and while the hall was focused on them, Youngjae spotted two familiar figures entering backstage from the side.
Woonhak, Sanghyeok, and the rest of their team.
The moment Woonhak saw him, he immediately ran over.
“Youngjae-ah!”
He grabbed Youngjae by the shoulders dramatically.
“What was that?!”
Youngjae frowned.
“…What?”
“That performance!”
Woonhak shook him.
“That was insane!”
Youngjae laughed and pushed him away.
“Stop exaggerating.”
“I’m serious!”
Sanghyeok walked over, much calmer as always.
“That opening sequence was really clean.”
Then his eyes shifted toward Jihoon.
“And the one you said we met before…”
He pointed at him.
“He’s the guy who beat us in high school, right?”
Youngjae smirked.
“Yep.”
He placed a hand on Jihoon’s shoulder.
“Our secret weapon.”
Jihoon scratched his neck awkwardly.
“Ah… hi.”
He gave them a small bow.
“I’m Jihoon.”
Woonhak laughed.
“We know who you are.”
Sanghyeok nodded.
“Your dancing is incredible.”
He crossed his arms.
“No wonder Youngjae was so confident.”
Jihoon glanced at Youngjae.
Confident?
Youngjae looked away.
“Enough talking.”
He folded his arms.
“You’re up next, right?”
Woonhak grinned.
“Yep.”
Youngjae’s eyes sharpened.
“Then make sure I don’t regret staying to watch.”
Woonhak clicked his tongue.
“Still talking like that after performing first?”
Sanghyeok smiled.
“You really never change.”
Youngjae smirked.
“And neither do you.”
Woonhak stretched his shoulders.
“Good. Watch carefully.”
“We’re not losing.”
Youngjae stepped back.
“We’ll see.”
The competitive tension was instant.
Familiar.
Comfortable.
Jihoon watched the exchange quietly, amused.
As the staff called Woonhak’s team to get ready, Woonhak pointed at Youngjae.
“Don’t leave before watching.”
Youngjae nodded.
“I won’t.”
Sanghyeok gave him one last nod before following his team.
Then it was just Youngjae and Jihoon again.
Jihoon tilted his head.
“You really have a lot of rivals.”
Youngjae shrugged.
“Comes with competing a lot.”
Jihoon smiled.
“They seem strong.”
Youngjae glanced at him.
“They are.”
Then his lips curved slightly.
“But not stronger than us.”
Jihoon grinned immediately.
The two of them returned to their seats, just in time for Woonhak’s team to step onto the stage.
And as the music began—
Youngjae leaned forward slightly to focus on their performance.
Let’s see what you got.
—
Woonhak and Sanghyeok's team didn't disappoint.
From the very first beat, their synchronization was impeccable. Every transition was clean, every formation change precise, and their expressions matched the concept perfectly.
Youngjae watched attentively, unconsciously analyzing every detail out of habit.
…They're even better than the last time.
When the performance ended, the audience broke into loud applause.
As Woonhak's team bowed, Woonhak caught sight of Youngjae in the front row.
Youngjae simply raised a thumb.
A small gesture.
But Woonhak immediately grinned from the stage before giving him a playful salute.
Satisfied, Youngjae stood up.
"Let's go."
Jihoon followed him out of the hall.
—
The campus was lively.
Students, competitors, and spectators filled the walkways, chatting excitedly about the performances they had just watched.
Jihoon looked back toward the competition hall.
"Hyung... is it okay to leave like this?"
Youngjae nodded without hesitation.
"They've known me long enough."
Jihoon blinked.
"So they won't misunderstand?"
"They know I already watched their performance."
Youngjae smiled faintly.
"And they also know I don't like staying in crowded places for too long."
Jihoon chuckled.
"That really sounds like you."
As they continued walking, Youngjae glanced sideways at him.
"So?"
Jihoon tilted his head.
"What do you think about their performance?"
Jihoon thought for a moment before answering honestly.
"They're really good."
"Really, really good."
Youngjae nodded in agreement.
"They are."
He slipped his hands into his jacket pockets.
"But what worries me isn't just them."
Jihoon looked at him.
"Every team here is skilled."
"They're all capable of winning."
Jihoon smiled reassuringly.
"Then let's stop thinking about it."
Youngjae looked at him.
"For now..."
Jihoon stretched both arms above his head.
"Let's just enjoy ourselves."
Youngjae laughed softly.
"...You're surprisingly good at pulling me out of my thoughts."
"I know."
Jihoon grinned proudly.
"It's one of my talents."
The campus had been transformed into something almost like a festival.
Rows of booths lined the pathways.
There were food stalls selling snacks and drinks.
Accessory booths displaying handmade bracelets, keychains, rings, and earrings.
There were games where students could win plushies.
Even a few university clubs had set up activity booths.
And at the center of the plaza—
A row of photo booths.
Jihoon's eyes immediately lit up.
"Hyung!"
Youngjae didn't even need to ask.
He already knew what Jihoon had spotted.
Jihoon pointed excitedly.
"Let's take pictures together!"
Before Youngjae could answer, Jihoon had already grabbed his wrist.
"Come on!"
"Yah."
Youngjae stumbled after him.
"You don't have to run."
Jihoon only laughed.
"But if we don't, someone else might use it first!"
"...There are five booths."
"...I don’t care!"
Youngjae couldn't help laughing as Jihoon dragged him across the plaza.
The two finally stepped into an empty booth.
The screen lit up.
Choose your photo frame.
Jihoon immediately tapped the pastel blue frame.
"This one!"
Youngjae nodded.
"It looks nice."
The countdown appeared.
1... 2... 3...
Click.
For the first photo, they simply smiled at the camera.
1... 2... 3...
Jihoon suddenly flashed a peace sign while leaning toward Youngjae.
Caught off guard, Youngjae let out a small laugh just as the camera snapped.
Click.
The third photo.
Jihoon crossed his arms dramatically, pretending to look cool.
Youngjae copied him with a completely straight face.
A second later—
Both of them burst into laughter before the shutter fired.
Click.
"Hyung!"
"You laughed first."
"No, you did!"
The final countdown began.
Without thinking, Jihoon lifted one hand above their heads, making a small heart.
Youngjae froze for half a second.
Then, seeing Jihoon's expectant smile...
He sighed in defeat.
"...You're unbelievable."
Even so—
He raised his own hand and completed the heart together with Jihoon.
Click.
The screen displayed all four photos.
Jihoon immediately leaned closer.
"They turned out so well!"
Youngjae looked at the photo strip.
The first one looked calm.
The second captured his genuine laugh.
The third was completely chaotic.
And the last one...
His eyes lingered on it for a moment.
The small heart they had made together somehow looked... natural.
"...Yeah."
A small smile appeared on his lips.
"They're nice."
Jihoon beamed.
"I'm printing two copies."
Youngjae looked at him.
"Two?"
Jihoon nodded enthusiastically.
"One for you."
"And one for me."
Youngjae simply smiled.
"...Okay."
For some reason...
He had a feeling this little strip of photos would become something he treasured for a very long time.
—
“Hyung, look!”
Jihoon suddenly pointed toward one of the food booths.
“That dumpling looks really good!”
Youngjae followed his gaze.
A bamboo steamer sat on the counter, fresh dumplings still releasing little wisps of steam into the air. The aroma drifted through the walkway, making his stomach rumble almost immediately.
…Now that I think about it, I am hungry.
He glanced at Jihoon.
“Let's get something to eat.”
“I’m getting hungry too.”
Jihoon smiled brightly.
“I knew you’d say that.”
They walked over to the booth together.
Behind the counter stood a young woman wearing the university festival staff apron. She greeted them with an enthusiastic smile.
“Welcome!”
She looked at the two of them for a moment before tilting her head.
“You two aren't students here, are you?”
Jihoon nodded.
“Nope!”
“We're from 42 University.”
“Oh!”
Her smile widened.
“Welcome to our university!”
She quickly packed a serving of dumplings before adding two extra pieces into the container.
“Here.”
“A little welcome gift.”
Jihoon's eyes sparkled.
“Really?”
“Thank you so much!”
He quickly paid while Youngjae accepted the warm container with both hands.
The student pointed toward the far end of campus.
“If you have some free time, you should visit our campus park.”
“There’s a lake back there.”
“The scenery is really beautiful, especially this time of year.”
Jihoon looked interested immediately.
“Really?”
“Could you tell us how to get there?”
She nodded.
“Just walk past the main campus building.”
“Keep going straight and you'll see it.”
“It's hard to miss.”
Jihoon gave her another bright smile.
“Thank you!”
“We'll definitely check it out.”
“You're welcome!”
“Hope you enjoy your visit!”
As they walked away, Youngjae quietly watched Jihoon from beside him.
The entire conversation...
Jihoon had naturally carried it from beginning to end.
Youngjae hadn't needed to say a single word.
Strangely...
He felt relieved.
They found an empty bench beneath a large tree overlooking the festival booths and sat down.
Jihoon opened the container before handing Youngjae a pair of disposable chopsticks.
“Here, hyung.”
“Thanks.”
For a while, they simply ate in comfortable silence.
Eventually, Youngjae spoke.
“…Are you always able to start conversations that easily?”
Jihoon looked at him, chewing thoughtfully before swallowing.
“I guess?”
He scratched his cheek.
“I never really think about it.”
“If I want to talk to someone... I just do.”
Youngjae stared at him for a second.
“…That sounds impossible.”
Jihoon laughed.
“It’s not!”
“You should try it sometime.”
Youngjae immediately shook his head.
“…I'll pass.”
Jihoon giggled.
“One day.”
“We'll see.”
Jihoon picked up one of the dumplings and took a big bite.
His eyes widened.
“Oh.”
He quickly swallowed.
“This is really good.”
Then he laughed.
“…Or maybe I'm just starving.”
Youngjae tried one himself.
The wrapper was thin, the filling juicy, and the seasoning was surprisingly flavorful.
He nodded.
“I think it's both.”
Jihoon laughed.
“I knew you'd agree.”
Youngjae couldn't help smiling as well.
Somehow...
Even something as simple as sitting on a bench, eating dumplings together, felt surprisingly enjoyable.
Or perhaps...
It wasn't the dumplings that made the moment special. It was the person sitting beside him.
No matter how he looked at it, Youngjae had enjoyed every moment of the day.
—
By the time they left the food stalls, the two of them were carrying far more snacks than they had originally planned.
Corn dogs.
Kimbap.
Tteokbokki.
Ramyeon.
Even a few desserts Jihoon insisted they "had to try."
Now, after finishing almost everything, both of them walked slowly with satisfied expressions.
Youngjae let out a quiet sigh.
"...Jihoon, maybe we shouldn't have bought that much."
Jihoon rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly.
"But... everything smelled so good."
Youngjae couldn't even argue with that.
"...It did."
Jihoon grinned.
"And we finished everything."
"...Barely."
Youngjae lightly patted his stomach.
"I don't think I'll be eating dinner tonight."
Jihoon laughed.
"Me neither."
After a moment, Youngjae glanced toward the path leading behind the main campus building.
"...Let's go for a walk."
"To the park?"
"Mhm."
"Sounds good!"
—
They walked side by side, following the directions the student at the food booth had given them.
As they passed behind the university's main building, the scenery gradually opened up before them.
A peaceful lake stretched across the campus, its calm surface shimmering beneath the afternoon sunlight.
Tall trees lined the pathways, their branches casting gentle shadows across the stone walkway. A light breeze carried the scent of fresh grass and summer leaves.
Students sat beneath the trees chatting.
Some read books on benches.
Others wandered along the lakeside with cameras in hand.
Youngjae slowed his steps.
"...Wow, it’s so beautiful."
Jihoon smiled.
"It really is."
The place felt strangely peaceful.
After spending the entire morning surrounded by loud music, bright stage lights, and nervous anticipation, the quiet atmosphere was almost therapeutic.
Neither of them felt the need to rush anymore.
They simply walked together.
—
As they continued along the lakeside path, Youngjae gradually noticed something.
There are... quite a lot of couples.
Why am I feeling nervous?
Some walked hand in hand, talking quietly to each other.
Some sat beneath the shade of the trees, sharing snacks and laughing together.
Others leaned against the railing overlooking the lake, watching the water ripple in silence.
Without realizing it, Youngjae's gaze lingered on them for a moment.
Then—
His hand brushed lightly against Jihoon's.
It wasn't intentional.
Just the natural result of walking close together.
Jihoon didn't seem to notice.
Or perhaps...
He simply chose not to react.
A few steps later—
Their hands brushed again.
This time, Youngjae felt the warmth of Jihoon's fingers for just a brief second before they separated.
His heartbeat quietly sped up.
Youngjae lowered his eyes to his own hand.
...Should I?
The thought appeared so naturally that it surprised even himself.
He wanted to hold Jihoon's hand.
Not because he needed support.
Not because they were joking around like they had at the roller-skating rink.
He simply...
Wanted to.
His fingers twitched slightly.
Then he immediately looked away.
...No.
...That's too embarrassing.
He wasn't brave enough.
Not yet.
So he simply continued walking beside Jihoon, pretending nothing had crossed his mind—
Even though every accidental brush of their hands made his heart race just a little faster.
Just then, Jihoon's fingers gently slipped into his.
Youngjae froze.
The warmth of Jihoon's hand spread instantly through his own, sending a jolt straight to his heart.
He instinctively turned to look at him.
Jihoon was simply looking ahead as they continued walking, his expression as relaxed as ever. There was no teasing grin, no playful comment, no sign that he was expecting any particular reaction.
It was as though holding Youngjae's hand was the most natural thing in the world.
Somehow...
That made it easier.
Youngjae didn't have to worry about saying the right thing or reacting the right way.
He simply let Jihoon hold his hand.
Jihoon had always been like this.
Patient.
Never forcing him to move faster than he was comfortable with.
He would quietly wait for Youngjae to open up on his own, giving him all the time he needed.
But whenever Youngjae hesitated at the edge of taking a step forward...
Jihoon would gently give him that small push.
Not enough to overwhelm him.
Just enough to help him move.
It had always been that way.
From inviting him to meals.
To dragging him out to places he had never considered visiting.
To convincing him to try roller-skating.
And now...
Holding his hand.
Youngjae realized he had never truly resisted any of it.
Because every step Jihoon encouraged him to take had led him somewhere he never regretted going.
The two of them continued walking along the lakeside path in comfortable silence, their hands still intertwined.
Neither of them spoke.
There was no need to.
The rustling leaves.
The gentle breeze.
The sunlight dancing across the lake.
Everything around them felt peaceful.
Everything...
Except Youngjae's heart.
...It's beating way too fast.
He kept his eyes fixed ahead, trying his best to act composed.
But inside—
His heart was in complete chaos.
And despite that...
He found himself tightening his grip around Jihoon's hand ever so slightly.
—
Youngjae spotted a large tree near the edge of the lake, its wide branches casting a cool blanket of shade over the grass below.
Even beneath the canopy, the gentle summer breeze still drifted through, carrying the scent of fresh leaves and the distant sound of the water.
He slowed to a stop.
"...Let's rest over there."
Jihoon followed his gaze and smiled.
"Getting tired, hyung?"
Youngjae nodded honestly.
"I woke up too early this morning."
He stretched his shoulders before letting out a quiet sigh.
"And all the practice this past week is finally catching up with me."
"Yeah..."
Jihoon rubbed the back of his neck.
"I'm feeling it too."
They made their way beneath the tree and sat down on the soft grass.
Without either of them realizing it...
Their hands were still intertwined.
Neither of them made any move to pull away.
Youngjae leaned back against the tree trunk, letting the cool shade wash over him.
His eyes wandered around the park.
Sunlight filtered through the leaves above.
The branches swayed gently with the wind, creating shifting patches of light across the grass.
The rustling leaves mixed with distant laughter from other students walking around the lake.
Everything felt...
Peaceful.
"...This is really relaxing."
He smiled to himself.
No answer came.
Youngjae blinked.
"...Jihoon?"
He turned beside him.
Only to find Jihoon already lying on the grass, one arm tucked beneath his head, breathing steadily.
Fast asleep.
Youngjae couldn't help but laugh under his breath.
"So you were this tired too..."
The energetic boy who always seemed to have endless stamina had fallen asleep within minutes.
It was strangely adorable.
Youngjae shifted a little closer.
He studied Jihoon's sleeping face, noticing details he had never really paid attention to before.
The way his eyelashes rested against his cheeks.
The slight rise and fall of his breathing.
The soft strands of hair swaying gently in the breeze.
"...Jihoon?"
He called quietly, almost testing him.
Jihoon merely frowned a little in his sleep before turning onto his side, mumbling something completely unintelligible.
Then he settled back into a peaceful sleep.
Youngjae shook his head with another quiet laugh.
"You're really unbelievable."
His gaze slowly dropped to their hands.
Even in his sleep...
Jihoon hadn't let go.
Youngjae looked at their intertwined fingers for a long moment.
A small smile naturally found its way onto his face.
"...You really don't let me escape, do you?"
The words were barely louder than a whisper.
Yet...
He didn't dislike it.
Not even a little.
Time passed quietly beneath the tree.
The breeze continued to drift across the lake, cooling the warm afternoon air.
Youngjae felt his eyelids growing heavier with every passing minute.
"...Maybe..."
"I'll take a nap too."
He carefully lay down on the grass beside Jihoon.
The ground was surprisingly warm from the afternoon sun, yet the shade kept it comfortably cool.
It felt...
Safe.
Comfortable.
Before he knew it, his eyes had already closed.
Beneath the quiet summer tree, with the wind gently rustling the leaves overhead, the two of them drifted off to sleep side by side—
Their hands still intertwined, neither of them letting go.
—
"...Hyung."
A familiar voice drifted into Youngjae's consciousness.
"Hyung, wake up."
He felt someone gently shaking his shoulder.
"It's already four in the afternoon."
Another gentle shake.
"Wake up, hyung."
Youngjae frowned slightly before slowly opening his eyes.
His vision was still blurry from sleep.
As it gradually came into focus...
The very first thing he saw was Jihoon's face.
Far too close.
Jihoon was leaning over him, close enough for Youngjae to clearly see the warmth in his eyes and the loose strands of hair falling over his forehead.
...Too close.
Youngjae's heart skipped a beat.
Almost instinctively, he reached out and lightly pushed Jihoon backward.
Jihoon stumbled back onto the grass before bursting into laughter.
"Hyung!"
Youngjae immediately sat up, rubbing the back of his neck to hide his embarrassment.
He could already feel warmth spreading across his cheeks.
"...Thanks for waking me up."
He cleared his throat, trying to sound as calm as possible.
"...How long have you been awake?"
Jihoon tilted his head.
"About an hour."
Youngjae froze.
"...An hour?"
Jihoon nodded as if it were completely normal.
"Mhm."
Youngjae stared at him.
...So he just watched me sleep for an entire hour?
The thought alone made his face grow even hotter.
Unable to meet Jihoon's eyes, he lowered his gaze—
Only to notice something else.
Their hands.
Still intertwined.
Neither of them had let go, even after waking up.
Youngjae blinked.
"..."
Jihoon followed his gaze before smiling sheepishly.
"I didn't want to wake you too early."
Youngjae wasn't sure whether that explanation made things better or worse.
Before he could think of something to say—
Jihoon leaned in slightly.
"Hyung."
"...What?"
"Your face is really red."
Youngjae looked away almost immediately.
"...It's the sun."
A terrible excuse.
They were sitting beneath the shade of a tree.
Jihoon stared at him for a second.
Then a soft chuckle escaped his lips.
"If you say so, hyung."
The teasing smile on Jihoon's face made it obvious he didn't believe a single word.
Youngjae simply sighed in defeat.
Some battles...
Were impossible to win against Han Jihoon.
"...Your hand."
Youngjae glanced down.
"You're still holding it."
Jihoon blinked before following his gaze.
"Hm?"
A second later, realization dawned on him.
"Oh... right."
He let go almost immediately.
The warmth lingering in Youngjae's palm disappeared with it.
...
Why does it suddenly feel... empty?
The thought slipped into his mind before he could stop it.
He quietly curled his fingers together, as if trying to hold onto the warmth that had just left.
"...Let's head back."
He stood up first, brushing the grass off his clothes.
"It's almost time for the results."
Jihoon nodded.
"Let's go."
—
By the time they returned to the main hall, most of the participating teams had already taken their seats.
The atmosphere was completely different from the morning.
Earlier, everyone had been nervous before performing.
Now...
Everyone was anxious in a different way.
Waiting.
Hoping.
Wondering if all their hard work had been enough.
Youngjae scanned the hall and soon spotted familiar faces.
He raised a hand toward Woonhak and Sanghyeok across the room.
The two waved back with confident smiles.
Turning toward his own team's row, he found Kyungmin and Yujin already waiting.
"There you two are," Kyungmin said.
"Where did you disappear to?"
Youngjae sat down beside Jihoon.
"We walked around the campus."
"And somehow ended up taking a nap under a tree."
Yujin chuckled.
"The lakeside park?"
Youngjae nodded.
"It was beautiful."
"It really was," Jihoon agreed.
Kyungmin looked at the two of them with disbelief.
"...You guys seriously fell asleep in an open park?"
Youngjae shrugged.
"It was surrounded by students."
"But still."
Kyungmin sighed dramatically.
"You two have absolutely no sense of danger."
Jihoon scratched his cheek sheepishly.
"...It was comfortable."
"That's not the point."
Before Kyungmin could continue lecturing them—
The emcee's voice echoed throughout the hall.
"Welcome back, everyone!"
The conversations around the venue gradually died down.
"We hope you've all enjoyed today's performances and the campus activities."
"After several rounds of discussion and evaluation..."
"Our judges have officially finalized the rankings!"
The audience erupted into applause.
"So..."
"Which team will be taking home this year's grand prize?"
"Let's begin our award ceremony!"
Cheers filled the hall once more.
"Please welcome back our judges!"
One by one, Kooyoung, Lip J, and Hoshi returned to the stage.
Lip J smiled as she picked up her microphone.
"Boys..."
She looked toward the other judges.
"Don't you agree?"
"The evaluation was unbelievably difficult."
Kooyoung immediately laughed.
"My head still hurts."
The audience chuckled.
"Every single team worked incredibly hard."
"There honestly weren't any weak performances today."
Hoshi nodded.
"It felt like trying to find the brightest star among a sky full of stars."
"But..."
"We still had to make a decision."
Lip J smiled.
"So let's begin."
"Fifth place goes to..."
"Team Sparking Blue for their performance of Plot Twist!"
Cheers erupted as the five members walked onto the stage to receive their trophy.
Youngjae applauded sincerely.
"They deserved that." Yujin who watched the performance commented. "They were really clean,"
While the applause continued, Youngjae turned toward his teammates.
"...Guys."
They all looked at him.
"No matter what happens..."
"If we win, we'll celebrate."
"If we lose..."
He smiled.
"We're still having barbecue tonight."
Kyungmin immediately raised a thumb.
"I'm in."
Yujin nodded.
"Sounds perfect."
Jihoon grinned.
"I've been craving meat all day."
Youngjae laughed.
"...You always crave meat."
"I know."
Jihoon smiled innocently.
"I can easily eat six plates."
"I believe you."
—
"Fourth place goes to..."
"Team Bomb with Jellyous!"
A group of five girls happily ran onto the stage.
Lip J smiled.
"Their footwork was incredible."
"And the synchronization during the chorus..."
Kooyoung nodded.
"Very satisfying to watch."
After another round of applause, Hoshi stepped forward.
"Ready for third place?"
The crowd responded with an enthusiastic cheer.
"Third place goes to..."
"Team Last Bell with Last Festival!"
A six-member team walked up to receive their award.
"The emotions they delivered were wonderful," Lip J commented.
"You could truly feel the atmosphere of graduation."
Youngjae applauded again before unconsciously clenching his hands together.
Only two awards remained.
Second.
And first.
He could feel his heartbeat becoming louder.
—
Hoshi looked toward Lip J.
"So..."
"Ready for the final announcement?"
Lip J smiled mischievously.
"I have an idea."
Kooyoung raised an eyebrow.
"Oh?"
"Let's announce both finalists first."
"We'll invite them onto the stage..."
"And only then reveal the winner."
The audience immediately erupted into excited cheers.
"I like that," Hoshi laughed.
"That's evil."
Youngjae instinctively glanced across the hall.
Almost at the exact same moment—
Sanghyeok looked toward him.
Then Woonhak.
The three of them exchanged knowing smiles.
It felt inevitable.
One more showdown.
Lip J raised the microphone.
"Our two finalists are..."
"Team Love..."
"...with If I Say, I Love You!"
Applause.
"And..."
"Team No Tragedy..."
"...with All the Possibilities!"
The hall exploded with cheers.
"Hyung!"
Jihoon practically jumped out of his seat.
"We're Top 2!"
Youngjae smiled.
"...Let's go."
The four members walked onto the stage together.
On the opposite side stood Sanghyeok, Woonhak, and the rest of Team Love.
Kooyoung smiled at Hoshi.
"As expected."
"Your juniors are impressive."
Hoshi folded his arms proudly.
"They've worked hard."
Lip J laughed.
"I think this is already the third time these two teams have fought for first place."
"It really is becoming a rivalry."
The audience chuckled.
Kooyoung pointed toward the giant LED screen.
"Since we're making this dramatic..."
"Let's reveal the scores live."
Immediately, the hall fell silent.
The screen lit up.
Team No Tragedy
Team Love
Both score counters started from zero.
Youngjae swallowed.
His palms were already damp with sweat.
Then—
He felt warmth against his hand.
Jihoon had quietly reached over and held it.
Youngjae turned.
Jihoon simply smiled.
No words.
Just a reassuring squeeze.
Youngjae smiled back before turning toward the screen again.
The numbers climbed steadily.
20...
43...
67...
81...
90...
The pace slowed.
The hall became so quiet that even breathing felt loud.
Team Love stopped first.
95
A wave of applause broke out.
Then everyone's eyes shifted to the remaining counter.
The number stopped at 95, but it’s still blinking.
For one second—
Complete silence.
Then—
98.
"Congratulations..."
"Team No Tragedy!"
"You are the champions!"
The hall erupted.
Cheers.
Applause.
Whistles.
Everything blended into one overwhelming roar.
"We won!"
Before he even realized what he was doing, Youngjae pulled Jihoon into a hug.
"We actually won!"
Jihoon laughed brightly as he hugged him back.
"Hyung!"
"I can already hear the prize money!"
Kyungmin immediately wrapped his arms around both of them.
"Here comes the money!"
Yujin joined the embrace with a laugh.
"I can hear the ka-ching already!"
The four of them burst into laughter as the audience applauded.
After the celebration settled, Hoshi stepped forward with the championship trophy.
He handed it to Youngjae.
"Keep leading them well."
"You've built an amazing team."
Youngjae accepted it with both hands before bowing deeply.
"Thank you, sunbaenim."
"I won't let you down."
After the ceremony concluded, Youngjae walked over to Team Love.
Woonhak crossed his arms with an exaggerated sigh.
"...You won again."
Youngjae couldn't help smiling.
"Looks like I did."
Woonhak clicked his tongue.
"Just wait."
"Next time, first place is ours."
Beside him, Sanghyeok simply laughed before extending a hand.
"Congratulations."
"You earned this one."
Youngjae shook his hand firmly.
"Thanks."
Sanghyeok smiled.
"But don't get too comfortable."
"The next time we meet..."
"We're coming for that trophy."
Youngjae's competitive smile returned immediately.
"I'll be waiting."
The rivalry wasn't over.
If anything...
It had only just begun.
—
By the time they returned to campus, the sun had already begun to set.
The celebration naturally led them to a nearby barbecue restaurant, where the sizzling sound of meat and the aroma of charcoal filled the air.
The three of them had barely settled into their seats when three familiar faces appeared at the entrance.
Youngjae looked up.
"..."
"...Tell me again."
He looked from one person to another.
"Why are the three of you here?"
"I thought this was supposed to be our celebration dinner."
Without answering immediately, Junghwan calmly placed a few slices of pork belly onto the grill.
The meat sizzled loudly.
A few moments later, he picked up a perfectly grilled piece with his chopsticks and casually placed it onto Dohoon's plate.
Dohoon accepted it without even looking up.
"Thanks."
Then he popped it straight into his mouth.
Youngjae slowly narrowed his eyes.
...What did I just watch?
Something about this interaction felt...
Far too natural.
He silently shifted his gaze toward Hanjin instead.
The photographer was already busy taking pictures of everyone before they had even started eating.
Click.
Click.
Click.
"You guys really are hopeless," Hanjin laughed while checking one of the photos.
Junghwan finally answered Youngjae's question.
"Technically..."
He flipped another slice of meat.
"...we're part of this victory too."
Youngjae raised an eyebrow.
"Oh?"
"We helped you shop for outfits."
Junghwan pointed his chopsticks toward Hanjin.
"He came up with your team name."
Hanjin proudly nodded.
"And I provided emotional support."
Youngjae blinked.
"...When?"
Hanjin thought for a second.
"...I took nice pictures."
"...I'll allow it."
Everyone laughed.
Youngjae still wasn't convinced.
"...That still doesn't explain how you even knew we were celebrating."
Dohoon didn't even bother looking up from his food.
Instead, he lazily pointed his chopsticks toward Jihoon.
"Him."
Everyone turned.
Jihoon immediately froze.
Dohoon laughed.
"The moment the results came out..."
"My phone exploded."
Jihoon scratched the back of his neck sheepishly.
"...I got excited."
Dohoon pulled out his phone dramatically.
"'HYUNG WE WON!!!'
"'FIRST PLACE!!!'
"'WE'RE EATING BARBECUE!!!'
"'COME IF YOU WANT!!!'"
He looked at Jihoon.
"You sent four messages."
Jihoon laughed awkwardly.
"...Maybe five."
Youngjae pinched the bridge of his nose.
"...Unbelievable."
"But..."
He glanced around the table.
"...I guess the more people, the livelier."
Jihoon immediately smiled.
"I knew hyung wouldn't mind."
"I didn't say that."
"You were thinking it."
Youngjae sighed in defeat.
"...You're impossible."
—
As everyone finally began eating, Hanjin looked around the table.
"...Wait."
"Where's Yujin?"
Youngjae laughed.
"...It's actually a funny story."
He picked up a piece of grilled beef.
"The moment the competition ended..."
"His friend Gyuvin showed up."
Jihoon nearly burst out laughing before Youngjae could continue.
"He literally threw Yujin over his shoulder!"
Youngjae nodded.
"And just walked away."
Kyungmin added with a grin,
"Like he was carrying a sack of rice."
Everyone at the table laughed.
"I still remember Yujin shouting..."
"'At least let me tell my teammates first!'"
Jihoon wiped a tear from laughing.
"But Gyuvin just kept walking."
"'We'll settle this over dinner!'"
Dohoon blinked.
"...And you guys just watched?"
Youngjae shrugged casually.
"...Yujin didn't look like he was against it."
"He was laughing the whole time."
"So..."
"I figured he'd survive."
Junghwan looked up from the grill.
"...Aren't you supposed to be the team leader?"
Youngjae didn't even hesitate.
"I learned from you."
The table immediately fell silent.
Junghwan blinked.
"...Excuse me?"
Youngjae calmly picked up another piece of meat.
"You disappear all the time."
"You drag Dohoon everywhere."
"And somehow everyone just accepts it."
"So..."
He smiled innocently.
"I assumed that's what good leaders do."
For a second—
No one spoke.
Then Dohoon burst out laughing so hard he nearly dropped his chopsticks.
"Hahaha!"
"He got you!"
Even Hanjin lowered his camera because he was laughing too much.
Jihoon leaned against the table, unable to stop smiling.
Junghwan clicked his tongue before pointing his chopsticks at Youngjae.
"...You've changed."
Youngjae tilted his head.
"Have I?"
Junghwan smirked.
"You're making jokes now."
Youngjae paused for a moment before smiling to himself.
"...Maybe."
Without realizing it...
He really had changed.
—
By the time they finished dinner, Junghwan and Dohoon had already disappeared before anyone even realized they were gone.
Kyungmin looked around the restaurant in confusion.
"...Their ability to vanish should seriously be studied. Also..." He glanced toward the empty seats the two had occupied. "Are they getting closer lately?"
Youngjae simply shrugged.
"Maybe. Only the two of them know what's going on."
"I've stopped trying to understand them," Jihoon admitted with a laugh.
"Same," Youngjae replied. "It's healthier that way."
Kyungmin stretched his arms above his head before letting out a long yawn.
"Whatever. I'm exhausted. I'm heading back to rest."
"See you guys tomorrow," Youngjae said.
"Night!"
After Kyungmin left, Hanjin remained seated, scrolling through the photos on his camera.
Every now and then, he would let out a quiet laugh.
Youngjae raised an eyebrow.
"Hanjin... what are you laughing at?"
Without saying a word, Hanjin turned the camera around for him to see.
On the screen was a perfectly timed photo.
Youngjae was busy talking while grilling meat, completely unaware that Jihoon had reached across the table and stolen a piece straight from his plate.
Jihoon, caught in the act forever thanks to Hanjin's camera, wore the most innocent expression imaginable.
Youngjae blinked.
"...When did that even happen?"
He slowly turned toward Jihoon.
Jihoon scratched the back of his neck, immediately realizing he'd been exposed.
"...Oops."
Youngjae couldn't help letting out a quiet laugh.
"So that's where my meat went."
"I... got hungry."
"You had your own plate."
"...Yours looked tastier."
The table fell silent for a second before Hanjin burst into laughter.
"I knew it!" he said, still grinning. "I thought I was imagining things when I took the picture."
Jihoon covered his face.
"Hyung..."
Hanjin stood up, slinging his camera over his shoulder.
"Well, I'm going to take some night scenery photos before heading back."
He waved casually.
"See you guys."
"See you."
Once Hanjin disappeared down the street, only Youngjae and Jihoon remained.
The night had grown much quieter.
Cars passed by occasionally, their headlights sweeping across the road before fading into the distance.
For a while, neither of them spoke.
Youngjae looked up.
The sky above them was unusually clear tonight, countless stars scattered across the darkness.
A small smile found its way onto his face.
He lowered his gaze and looked at Jihoon.
"...Jihoon-ah."
"Hm?"
"You know..."
Youngjae hesitated for a brief moment before continuing.
"...you're really special."
Jihoon blinked.
"Huh?"
"What do you mean?"
Youngjae looked ahead instead of meeting his eyes.
"It's just..."
"Whenever I'm with you..."
"I end up acting differently."
He let out a quiet laugh.
"I've been doing things I'd never imagined myself doing."
"Going to weird restaurants."
"Trying roller skating."
"Wandering around shopping malls."
"Taking photo booth pictures."
He paused.
"...Even buying earrings."
Jihoon couldn't help but smile.
"I guess I've been dragging you everywhere."
"You have."
"...Sorry?"
Youngjae shook his head.
"No."
"...Don't apologize."
Another breeze drifted past, gently rustling the trees beside them.
Youngjae looked up at the star-filled sky once more.
"...Want to take a walk together?"
Jihoon's face immediately brightened.
"Of course."
The two began walking side by side through the quiet campus.
For a while, only the sound of their footsteps accompanied them.
Youngjae stole a glance at Jihoon.
The boy's ears had turned slightly red.
A smile tugged at the corner of his lips.
"You know..."
Jihoon looked over.
"Hm?"
"You look cute when you're shy."
"It's a pretty rare sight."
Jihoon's eyes widened.
"W-What?"
Almost instantly, his entire face turned bright red.
"Hyung!"
Youngjae laughed—a genuine laugh that came effortlessly.
"There it is again."
Jihoon covered his burning face with both hands.
"...You're teasing me now."
"Maybe."
"I can't believe this."
Youngjae smiled to himself.
For once...
It felt nice being the one making Jihoon flustered instead.
Jihoon walked beside him in silence for a few moments before suddenly speaking.
"...Hyung."
"Hm?"
"You do remember that I confessed to you yesterday... right?"
Youngjae nodded without hesitation.
"Mhm."
"I remember every single word you said."
Jihoon blinked, caught off guard by the immediate answer.
"...But..."
"You still haven't accepted me."
"...Or rejected me."
Youngjae let out a quiet hum.
"I know."
"I haven't given you an answer yet."
He paused for a moment before continuing.
"...But I haven't rejected you either."
Jihoon looked at him with a puzzled expression.
"...Then why are you saying all these things to me today?"
"The breakfast."
"The compliments."
"And just now..."
"You called me special."
Youngjae looked up at the night sky again, as if searching for the right words among the stars.
"...Maybe..."
"...because I wanted to."
Jihoon stared at him for a few seconds before letting out a helpless laugh.
"Hyung..."
"You're unbelievable."
Youngjae glanced at him, a faint smile appearing.
"I learned it from you."
Jihoon laughed even harder this time.
"Is that supposed to be a good thing or a bad thing?"
Youngjae pretended to think seriously.
"...I don't know."
"How about you tell me?"
Jihoon smiled warmly.
"I think it's a good thing."
"At least..."
"It is to me."
Youngjae nodded as though the answer had already been decided.
"...Then it's a good thing."
Neither of them said anything after that.
They simply continued walking beneath the starry sky, shoulder to shoulder.
For Jihoon, Youngjae still hadn't given him an answer.
But somehow...
The distance between them felt closer than it ever had before.
By the time they arrived back at the dormitory, the campus had grown quiet.
They stopped in front of the path where they would head to their separate rooms..
Youngjae turned to Jihoon.
"...See you tomorrow."
Jihoon smiled and nodded.
"Hyung, let's have breakfast together tomorrow."
Youngjae didn't even need to think about it.
"Mhm. Sounds good."
For a brief moment, neither of them moved.
"...Hyung."
"Hm?"
Jihoon opened his mouth, only to hesitate.
"...Uh..."
His fingers fidgeted nervously at his side.
Youngjae waited patiently.
"...Nothing."
"Just... make sure you get a good rest."
Youngjae studied Jihoon's expression.
The boy was smiling as always...
But something about that smile seemed hesitant.
Almost as if he wanted to ask something.
"...Is that really all you wanted to say?"
Jihoon's eyes widened for a split second before he quickly looked away.
"...Y-Yeah."
He laughed awkwardly and scratched the back of his neck.
"Good night, hyung."
Before Youngjae could say anything else, Jihoon hurried off toward his dormitory.
Youngjae watched his retreating figure until it disappeared around the corner.
He let out a quiet sigh.
"...You wanted to ask about my answer, didn't you?"
But Jihoon hadn't asked.
He had kept his promise.
He said he would wait...
And he truly was waiting.
Youngjae looked down at his own hand, unconsciously clenching it into a loose fist.
"...Just give me a little more time."
The words escaped his lips so quietly that only the night breeze carried them away.
Then, with a small smile, he turned and walked toward his own dorm.
—
When Youngjae returned to his dorm room, the first thing he noticed was Junghwan lying on his bed with a grin on his face, completely absorbed in whatever was on his phone.
He didn't even notice Youngjae had come back.
Youngjae quietly walked over to his closet and pulled out a towel and a fresh set of clothes for his shower.
Only then did Junghwan finally glance up.
"Oh."
"Youngjae, you're back."
"Mhm."
Youngjae closed the closet door before looking at his roommate with an amused smile.
"I guess things are going pretty well between you and Dohoon, huh?"
Junghwan froze.
"...What do you mean by that?"
Youngjae crossed his arms.
"Junghwan."
"I'm not blind."
Junghwan let out an awkward cough.
"Uh..."
"It's just..."
"We've been talking more."
"Really?"
Youngjae raised an eyebrow.
"Then I guess you feeding Dohoon grilled meat throughout dinner was completely normal."
Junghwan immediately looked away.
"...That was just because he doesn't know how to grill."
"Mhm."
"And you just happened to put every piece on his plate."
"..."
"And you also kept asking if it was too hot before giving it to him."
"..."
"And every time his plate was empty, somehow more meat magically appeared."
Junghwan buried his face in a pillow.
"...You're impossible."
Youngjae chuckled.
"So, I was right."
Junghwan sighed in defeat before sitting up.
"...Fine."
"Yes."
"We're... doing a lot better now."
A small smile appeared on Youngjae's face.
"Good."
"I'm happy for you."
Junghwan smiled back before pointing at the trophy resting near Youngjae's desk.
"Anyway..."
"Congratulations on first place."
"You owe me a meal."
Youngjae laughed.
"...I'll consider it."
"You'd better."
Shaking his head with a smile, Youngjae grabbed his towel.
"I'm taking a shower."
"Don't use all the hot water."
"No promises."
Youngjae rolled his eyes before disappearing into the bathroom.
—
The warm water washed away the exhaustion from the day, relaxing every tense muscle in his body.
He closed his eyes.
Almost immediately...
The memories began replaying in his mind.
Jihoon waiting outside the fitting room.
Jihoon calling him breathtaking.
Roller skating while holding hands.
Falling together onto the rink.
The breakfast this morning.
Their walk beneath the stars.
The way Jihoon had quietly held his hand at the park.
The confession.
Every moment surfaced one after another.
Youngjae couldn't stop himself from smiling.
A soft chuckle escaped his lips.
“Jihoon, I think I have fallen for you, hard.”
—
A week had passed since the competition.
Life had gradually returned to normal.
Morning classes.
Leading dance practice.
Assignments.
The usual routine.
But one thing had quietly become part of Youngjae's everyday life.
Having breakfast with Jihoon.
Every single morning, the two of them would meet before class, eat together, then head off to their own lectures.
It had become a habit.
—
At ten in the morning, Youngjae sat alone on the second floor of the campus cafeteria.
He didn't have any classes today.
Jihoon, however, had an 8 a.m. lecture and had texted him that he'd come over as soon as class ended.
With nothing else to do, Youngjae rested his chin on one hand and scrolled through his phone.
Almost instinctively...
He opened his chat with Jihoon.
His thumb stopped.
...
I've been texting him a lot lately.
That wasn't like him at all.
Youngjae had never been someone who enjoyed texting.
Usually, if something could be said in one message, he'd keep it to one message.
Then he looked at Jihoon's replies.
"..."
Youngjae couldn't help laughing.
Every single conversation looked exactly the same.
Youngjae
Okay.
Jihoon:
Okay!!
I'll be there soon!
Hyung, did you eat yet?
Wait for me!
Don't eat everything first!!
Youngjae shook his head, smiling to himself.
"...How does he even type this fast?"
Then there was another habit Jihoon had.
One that Youngjae had become surprisingly familiar with.
Jihoon often typed faster than he thought.
So every now and then...
A message would suddenly disappear.
This message was deleted.
Youngjae already knew what had happened.
Jihoon had typed something without thinking...
Then immediately panicked and unsent it.
At first, Youngjae hadn't paid much attention to it.
But after it happened dozens of times...
He started watching the notifications instead.
Every time he saw a deleted message, he'd immediately tease Jihoon.
The reactions were always worth it.
There had been one incident in particular that Youngjae still remembered vividly.
Late one night, his phone lit up with a notification.
Jihoon:
Hyung... I suddenly want to hug you.
Not even two seconds later...
This message was deleted.
Jihoon had recalled it almost instantly.
Unfortunately for him...
Youngjae had already seen the notification.
The next morning, the moment they met—
Youngjae looked at him calmly.
"So..."
Jihoon blinked.
"Hm?"
"You wanted to hug me?"
"..."
Jihoon's brain completely froze.
"..."
"..."
"...Hyung."
His ears slowly turned red.
"You saw that?"
Youngjae nodded innocently.
"It showed up in my notification."
Jihoon covered his face with both hands.
"...I hate notifications."
Youngjae couldn't stop himself from laughing.
"No."
"I think I like them."
Jihoon let out a helpless groan.
"...You're bullying me now."
"I'm simply reading your messages."
"You weren't supposed to read that one!"
Youngjae smiled to himself at the memory.
For some reason...
Teasing Jihoon had become one of his favorite things to do.
—
It didn't take long before Jihoon appeared at the top of the stairs.
Youngjae looked up from his phone almost immediately.
Jihoon was breathing heavily, one hand gripping the strap of his backpack as he hurried over.
"H-Hyung..."
He took another breath before smiling.
"...Did you wait long?"
Youngjae shook his head.
"No."
"I just got here."
He looked Jihoon up and down before raising an eyebrow.
"...Did you run here?"
Jihoon laughed sheepishly.
"...Yeah."
"I was worried you'd be waiting for me."
Youngjae let out a quiet sigh, though the corners of his lips curved up slightly.
Without a word, he reached into the plastic bag beside him and handed Jihoon a bottle of water.
"Here."
Jihoon accepted it with a grin.
"Thanks, hyung."
He twisted the cap open and drank nearly a quarter of the bottle in one go.
Youngjae watched him for a moment before speaking.
"I don't mind waiting a few minutes."
"So next time..."
"...don't run."
"Especially when you're carrying your bag."
Jihoon looked at him for a second before smiling softly.
"...Okay."
"I'll listen to you."
Youngjae nodded, satisfied.
"Good."
After Jihoon caught his breath, Youngjae stood up from his seat and glanced toward the food stalls.
"The queue's getting shorter."
"Let's go get something before it gets crowded again."
"Okay!"
Jihoon quickly followed after him, naturally falling into step beside Youngjae.
As they walked through the cafeteria, Youngjae couldn't help noticing that Jihoon was still smiling to himself.
"...What's with that expression?"
Jihoon looked over innocently.
"Hm?"
"You've been smiling ever since I gave you the water."
Jihoon scratched the back of his neck.
"I was just thinking..."
"My boyfriend treatment has already started."
Youngjae stopped walking.
"..."
Jihoon blinked.
"...Ah."
"I said that out loud."
A beat of silence passed.
Youngjae sighed, trying to hide the smile threatening to appear.
"...You're unbelievable."
Jihoon laughed awkwardly.
"Sorry, hyung."
"...My mouth is faster than my brain again."
Youngjae resumed walking, shaking his head.
"I've noticed."
Behind him, Jihoon quietly smiled.
Even though Youngjae hadn't given him an answer yet...
Moments like these already made him happier than he could put into words.
—
While waiting in line for food, Youngjae found himself drifting back into his thoughts.
…I should probably give him an answer.
I've already made him wait long enough.
There's nothing left to be afraid of.
He likes me.
...And I like him.
Youngjae let out a quiet breath.
Come on, Choi Youngjae.
Get yourself together.
Just tell him.
Just as he was mentally rehearsing the words—
"Hyung?"
A gentle nudge against his arm pulled him back to reality.
"It's your turn."
Youngjae blinked.
"Huh?"
He looked up to find the cafeteria auntie waiting patiently for his order.
"...Oh."
"Sorry."
After quickly ordering his food, he stepped aside with Jihoon to wait for their trays.
Jihoon glanced at him, concern evident on his face.
"You've been spacing out a lot today."
"Is something bothering you?"
Youngjae shook his head almost immediately.
"Nothing."
"I'm just thinking about something important."
Thinking about you.
The words remained safely inside his mind.
Jihoon didn't press any further.
Instead, after a brief silence, he smiled.
"Hyung."
"Hm?"
"Are you free tomorrow?"
Youngjae thought for a moment.
"I have classes until noon."
"And Yujin is leading tomorrow's dance club practice."
"So..."
He nodded.
"Yeah."
"I'm free."
Jihoon's eyes immediately lit up.
"Then let's go to the Han River!"
Youngjae looked at him with a blank expression.
"...Tomorrow afternoon?"
"Mhm!"
Youngjae glanced outside the cafeteria windows.
The summer sun was already blazing.
"...Jihoon."
"Hm?"
"The sun is going to kill us."
Jihoon paused.
"..."
"...That's true."
He scratched his cheek awkwardly before thinking for a few seconds.
"...Then..."
"How about the evening?"
Youngjae nodded without hesitation.
"That should be fine."
Jihoon grinned.
"Great!"
"I'll think of what we can do there."
Youngjae smiled to himself.
"...Knowing you, you've probably already planned everything."
Jihoon laughed.
"I've got a few ideas."
"I'll keep them a secret for now."
Youngjae shook his head with a quiet chuckle.
"...You're really bad at hiding your excitement."
"I don't want to hide it."
Jihoon answered so naturally that Youngjae was caught off guard for a moment.
Youngjae sighed in amusement.
"...One of these days, you're really going to give me a heart attack."
Jihoon tilted his head.
"...Really?"
Youngjae looked at him for a brief second before looking away.
"...You have no idea."
Maybe tomorrow evening…?
—
After getting their food, the two of them headed back to the second floor of the cafeteria.
Compared to downstairs, it was much quieter.
Only a handful of students were scattered around, chatting softly while enjoying their meals.
Youngjae sat across from Jihoon and took a sip of his drink before picking up his chopsticks.
Not long after they started eating, Jihoon suddenly looked up.
"Hyung."
"Hm?"
"When's our next competition?"
Youngjae raised an eyebrow.
"Already looking forward to the next one?"
Jihoon nodded enthusiastically.
"Of course!"
"It was so much fun."
Youngjae couldn't help but smile.
"There is one coming up soon..."
"But unfortunately, the minimum team size is five members."
"We only have four."
Jihoon's shoulders immediately slumped.
"...Oh."
"So we can't participate."
"Mhm."
Youngjae took another bite before continuing.
"But I heard there's another competition around two months from now."
Jihoon's eyes lit up again.
"Really?"
"Yeah."
"It should be around then."
Jihoon sighed dramatically.
"So we have to wait another two months..."
Youngjae chuckled.
"I guess we don't have much of a choice."
Jihoon shrugged.
"I suppose."
After another few bites, Youngjae remembered something.
"Do you still have classes today?"
Jihoon thought for a moment.
"Yeah."
"I've got one more class in about thirty minutes."
"It ends around one."
Youngjae nodded.
"Then..."
"How about we play some games together after your class?"
Jihoon froze.
"...Really?"
His eyes sparkled with excitement.
Youngjae laughed at the reaction.
"Yeah."
"You were the one who kept asking me before, weren't you?"
"I was!"
Jihoon grinned so widely it was impossible to miss.
"Hyung!"
"Make sure you wait for me!"
Youngjae shook his head, amused.
By now, he'd completely gotten used to Jihoon's boundless energy.
"Of course."
"I'll wait for you."
Jihoon smiled so brightly that Youngjae couldn't help smiling back.
For a moment, neither of them noticed it.
They had started mirroring each other's expressions more and more lately.
After finishing their meal, Jihoon glanced at the time and immediately stood up.
"Ah!"
"My class starts soon."
He hurriedly slung his backpack over one shoulder before waving.
"See you later, hyung!"
"Don't start the game without me."
Youngjae nodded.
"Mhm."
"See you later."
Jihoon jogged toward the cafeteria exit before suddenly turning around.
"Oh!"
"I almost forgot."
"Don't skip lunch while waiting for me!"
Youngjae laughed.
"...We literally just finished eating."
"...Right."
Jihoon scratched his head sheepishly.
"My brain's not working today."
"It rarely does."
"Hyung!"
Jihoon pouted before laughing.
"Okay, I'm really leaving this time."
With one final wave, he disappeared down the stairs.
The cafeteria suddenly felt much quieter.
Youngjae watched until Jihoon was completely out of sight before gathering his tray.
"...I should head back too."
—
After returning to his dorm room, he opened his laptop, intending to catch up on the coursework he'd neglected over the past few days.
The moment he logged into the student portal—
An endless list of assignments filled the screen.
Youngjae stared at it in silence.
"..."
He slowly leaned back in his chair.
...Why are there so many assignments?
For the first time in days...
He genuinely considered pretending the portal didn't exist.
But no matter how much he wanted to procrastinate...
He still had to study.
Youngjae let out a quiet sigh and glanced at the clock.
11:00 a.m.
He still had about two hours before Jihoon finished class.
...That should be enough time to finish a few assignments.
Rolling up his sleeves, he opened the first document.
"Let's get this over with."
The room soon fell silent, save for the occasional tapping of his keyboard.
One assignment.
Then another.
Without realizing it, Youngjae became completely absorbed in his work.
Every now and then, he'd stretch his stiff shoulders before diving straight back into the next task.
Time slipped by much faster than he expected.
—
Two hours later.
Ding.
The notification sound broke the silence.
Youngjae blinked and finally looked away from his laptop.
His eyes drifted toward the phone lying beside his keyboard.
The screen lit up.
Jihoon:
Hyung! I'm back in my dorm!!
Youngjae glanced at the time in the corner of his monitor.
1:30 p.m.
"...Already?"
He hadn't even noticed two and a half hours had passed.
Looking back at his laptop, he realized he'd actually managed to finish a decent portion of his coursework.
Not everything...
But enough to make him feel a little less guilty.
He leaned back in his chair and stretched until his joints gave a satisfying crack.
"...I'll deal with the rest later."
His fingers quickly moved across the keyboard.
Youngjae:
Give me five minutes.
Not even a second later—
His phone buzzed again.
Jihoon:
Okay!!
I'll wait for you, hyung 😊
Youngjae smiled unconsciously.
"...He really replies fast."
Closing his laptop, he grabbed his headset from the desk.
It was time to keep the promise he'd made over breakfast.
—
On the next day, Youngjae returned to his dorm right after his class ended. After staring at his wardrobe for almost ten minutes, he finally gave up and pulled out his phone.
Youngjae:
I know it's sudden.
But I need your help.
A few seconds later, Dohoon's reply came.
Dohoon:
What?
What help?
Youngjae:
You're good with fashion, right?
Come help me choose my outfit.
There was a brief pause before another message appeared.
Dohoon:
Now?
Youngjae:
Yes. Now.
Exactly two minutes later...
Knock. Knock.
Youngjae opened the door to find Dohoon standing outside with both hands in his pockets.
Without saying a word, Dohoon walked straight into the room.
The first thing he noticed was the disaster on Youngjae's bed.
Several shirts, cardigans and pairs of pants were scattered everywhere as if someone had tried every possible combination before giving up.
Then his gaze shifted toward Junghwan's side of the room.
It was just as messy as always.
"...Where's that idiot?"
Youngjae shrugged.
"Who knows? Probably slacking off somewhere."
"Sounds about right."
Dohoon turned back toward him.
"So..."
"What made you suddenly ask the fashion disaster known as Kim Dohoon for help?"
Youngjae scratched the back of his neck awkwardly.
"...I'm going out with Jihoon this evening."
"And I can't decide what to wear."
"...Ah."
Dohoon immediately understood.
"That explains why Jihoon was giggling like an idiot this morning."
Youngjae blinked.
"...He was?"
"He sure was, it woke me up."
Dohoon chuckled before walking toward the wardrobe.
"So..."
"A date with Jihoon."
"...I never said it was a date."
Dohoon slowly turned around and looked at Youngjae with the flattest expression imaginable.
"...Yes."
"It is."
Youngjae immediately looked away.
"...Fine."
Only then did Dohoon continue browsing through the clothes.
"You nervous?"
"...A little."
"Hmm."
Dohoon nodded thoughtfully.
"That's understandable."
"But what's the problem?"
"You already dress pretty well."
Youngjae hesitated for a moment before opening a small box from his drawer.
Inside was the silver ear cuff he had bought during their shopping trip.
It was simple and sleek, shaped like a tiny blade wrapping around the ear.
Dohoon raised an eyebrow.
"...An ear cuff."
"That's... not what I expected."
He picked it up for a closer look before handing it back.
"Both ears?"
"No."
"Only the left."
"Hmm..."
Dohoon thought for a few seconds.
He pulled out a white T-shirt and a light-blue overshirt, holding them in front of Youngjae.
He stared for three seconds.
"...Definitely not."
The clothes immediately went back into the wardrobe.
Youngjae couldn't help laughing.
"So you already rejected it before I even tried it?"
"It doesn't match the ear cuff."
Dohoon replied without hesitation.
"Try something else."
He continued digging through the wardrobe before stopping.
His eyes landed on a familiar outfit.
A fitted long-sleeve with the faintest tint of gray.
A white sleeveless outer layer.
He took both pieces out.
"...Try these."
Youngjae blinked.
"...Isn't this the outfit I bought last time?"
"Exactly."
"...Then why this one?"
Dohoon looked at him like the answer was obvious.
"Because Jihoon couldn't stop staring at you when you wore it."
Youngjae froze.
"...He was that obvious?"
Dohoon laughed.
"To everyone."
"Except you."
Immediately, the memory resurfaced.
Jihoon standing outside the fitting room.
Speechless.
Completely frozen.
Panicking so badly that he accidentally ended the group call before blurting out that Youngjae looked breathtaking.
Youngjae could feel his ears heating up.
"...Right..."
"And."
Dohoon held up the silver cuff.
"Wear this."
"The silver works really well with the gray."
"It'll complete the look."
Youngjae quietly accepted the ear cuff.
"...Okay."
A few minutes later, he stepped out after changing.
The light-gray fitted long-sleeve highlighted his figure without looking flashy.
The white sleeveless outer layer added just enough contrast.
Combined with the silver cuff on his left ear, the outfit looked clean, elegant and effortlessly stylish.
"...How about this?"
Dohoon looked at him silently.
One second.
Two seconds.
Three.
Then he nodded once.
"There."
"That's the one."
Youngjae turned toward the mirror.
It really was the outfit from that day.
"...You sure?"
"I'm sure."
Dohoon walked over and adjusted the collar slightly.
"You don't need something flashy."
After taking one step back to admire the result, he smiled.
"Jihoon likes you."
"Not your clothes."
Youngjae's heartbeat skipped.
"...Since when did you become good at saying things like that?"
Dohoon smirked.
"I've been dealing with one lovesick idiot."
He pointed toward the door.
"...Now I'm dealing with another."
Youngjae sighed.
"...Am I really that obvious?"
Dohoon laughed.
"You asked me to pick an outfit."
"You bought an ear cuff because Jihoon said it'd look good on you."
"You've been having breakfast with him every morning."
"You even asked me for help before your so-called 'not a date.'"
He folded his arms.
"You tell me."
Youngjae covered his face with one hand.
"...How do you even know about the ear cuff thing?"
"Jihoon told me."
"...He WHAT?"
Youngjae groaned in embarrassment.
"I swear that guy tells you everything."
"He does."
Dohoon answered without even trying to deny it.
Then his expression became a little more serious.
"I'll remind you of one more thing."
Youngjae lowered his hand.
"What?"
"Stop worrying."
"I've seen the way Jihoon looks at you."
"And I've seen the way you look at him."
"...You two are exactly the same."
"The only difference is..."
"You took longer to figure it out."
Silence filled the room.
Youngjae looked at his reflection again.
The gray long-sleeve.
The white outer layer.
The silver ear cuff.
The outfit Jihoon had once called breathtaking.
A small smile slowly appeared on his face.
"...Thanks."
Dohoon simply shrugged.
"Don't thank me."
"Just don't keep him waiting."
Youngjae's smile softened.
"...He already waited long enough."
He looked at himself in the mirror one last time.
"...I think..."
"...I'm ready."
Dohoon grinned as he headed toward the door.
"Good."
"My job here is done."
He opened the door before looking back over his shoulder.
"I'll be waiting to hear the good news."
Then, with one last wave, he left the dorm, leaving Youngjae alone with his racing heart and the reflection of someone who was finally ready to take the next step.
—
The moment Youngjae arrived at the park near the Han River, he realized one major flaw in his outfit.
"...It's way too hot."
The light-gray long-sleeve and white sleeveless outer layer looked exactly the way he wanted, but under the summer weather, it was far warmer than he had expected.
He lightly fanned himself with one hand before letting out a quiet sigh.
"...I should've thought about the temperature."
Fortunately, the sun was already beginning to set.
The intense afternoon heat had faded into a gentle warmth, and the occasional breeze drifting in from the river made the weather much more bearable.
Youngjae walked toward a nearby bench beneath the shade of a large tree and sat down.
He looked around him.
The leaves swayed softly with the wind.
Birds chirped somewhere overhead.
The sky was slowly changing into a beautiful golden hue as golden hour approached, painting the Han River in shimmering shades of orange and gold.
The park wasn't crowded, but it was lively enough.
Some people were jogging along the riverside path.
Some couples walked hand in hand while chatting.
Others simply sat on benches, quietly watching the sunset.
It was peaceful.
Youngjae pulled out his phone to check the time.
5:30 PM.
He blinked.
"...Thirty minutes early."
Jihoon had said to meet at six.
Youngjae stared at the screen for a few more seconds before locking it again.
…Why am I here this early?
He already knew the answer.
He was nervous.
Ridiculously nervous.
It wasn't because he was afraid Jihoon wouldn't show up.
Nor was he worried about how the evening would go.
It was because he had already decided what he was going to say.
He was going to confess.
The thought alone made his heart beat faster.
"...I already know he likes me."
Jihoon had confessed for some time now,
He had been patient.
He had never pressured Youngjae for an answer.
Instead, he simply continued treating him the same way he always had—with that bright smile, endless energy, and unwavering sincerity.
Youngjae looked toward the river, where the sunlight danced across the surface of the water.
"...And now..."
"...it's my turn."
His fingers unconsciously touched the silver cuff on his left ear.
The very one Jihoon had picked out for him.
A small smile tugged at the corner of his lips.
"...I wonder what kind of expression you'll make."
Yet again, Youngjae found himself looking forward to seeing Jihoon’s reaction more than worrying about his own.
After a while, Youngjae spotted a familiar figure walking along the riverside path.
Even from a distance, he could recognize the energetic stride immediately.
Jihoon.
Youngjae stood up instinctively.
"...He's early too."
As Jihoon got closer, their eyes met almost at the same time.
For a brief moment, both of them simply smiled.
It was almost as if fate had decided that neither of them would be able to wait until the agreed time.
Jihoon stopped in front of him, slightly out of breath.
"Hyung... you're already here?"
Youngjae raised an eyebrow.
"...I could say the same to you."
Jihoon scratched the back of his neck sheepishly.
"I got too excited."
"...So I came early."
Youngjae couldn't help smiling.
"...Me too."
For a second, neither of them spoke.
Then Jihoon's eyes slowly wandered over Youngjae.
From his neatly styled hair...
To the light-gray fitted long-sleeve...
The white sleeveless outer layer...
Until they finally stopped at his left ear.
His eyes widened ever so slightly.
"...Hyung."
"You're wearing the ear cuff."
Almost unconsciously, Youngjae reached up and touched it.
"...Does it look good?"
Jihoon didn't answer immediately.
Instead, he quietly admired him for another few seconds.
"...Yeah."
A soft smile appeared on his face.
"...Really good."
Youngjae felt his heartbeat quicken.
Jihoon's gaze lingered for just a little longer before dropping to the rest of his outfit.
"...And..."
"You're wearing that outfit."
Youngjae tilted his head.
"...You remember it?"
Jihoon laughed.
"Of course I do."
"How could I forget?"
Youngjae immediately remembered the fitting room.
The group call.
Jihoon freezing in place before blurting out that he looked breathtaking.
His ears slowly became warm again.
"...I see."
Jihoon smiled to himself before suddenly looking around.
Then he looked back at Youngjae.
"...Hyung."
"Aren't you hot?"
Youngjae let out a long sigh.
"...Don't remind me."
"I completely underestimated summer."
Jihoon burst into laughter.
"I was wondering why you looked like you were trying not to melt."
"...I probably am."
Youngjae tugged lightly at the collar of his long-sleeve.
"I only realized my mistake after I got here."
Jihoon couldn't stop laughing.
"So you suffered for fashion?"
Youngjae looked at him helplessly.
"...Apparently."
"...Worth it though."
Jihoon's voice came out almost as a whisper.
Youngjae looked at him.
"...Hmm?"
Jihoon immediately cleared his throat, pretending nothing had happened.
"N-Nothing."
"I just think..."
"...you really look handsome today."
For a brief second, neither of them looked away.
The evening breeze drifted between them, carrying away the warmth of the summer day.
Yet somehow...
Youngjae felt even warmer than before.
—
They continued walking side by side along the riverside path.
Neither of them spoke.
There wasn't any need to.
The gentle breeze from the Han River, the golden light of the setting sun, and the peaceful atmosphere were enough to fill the silence between them.
Occasionally, they would steal a glance at each other.
Only to quickly look away after making eye contact.
Every now and then, their hands brushed lightly as they walked.
Each small touch sent another ripple through Youngjae's heart.
He looked ahead, taking a slow breath.
...Just holding hands.
...There's nothing scary about that.
He slowly moved his hand closer.
Their fingers brushed once.
Twice.
Then, before he could lose his courage...
Youngjae gently slipped his hand into Jihoon's.
The warmth of Jihoon's hand immediately enveloped his own.
Jihoon stopped walking.
He turned toward Youngjae with wide eyes, clearly caught off guard.
"...Hyung?"
Youngjae suddenly became painfully aware of what he had just done.
"...I..."
Before he could think of an excuse, Jihoon's surprised expression slowly melted into the brightest smile Youngjae had ever seen.
It wasn't his usual playful grin.
It was softer.
Warmer.
And somehow... even happier.
Without saying another word, Jihoon tightened his grip ever so slightly.
Then, almost immediately, he began swinging their joined hands back and forth as they walked.
Youngjae stared at him in disbelief.
"...Do you really have to make it this obvious?"
"Of course!"
Jihoon answered without the slightest hesitation.
"You're the one holding my hand this time."
"So I'm happy."
"And I want everyone to know."
Youngjae couldn't hold back his laughter anymore.
"...You're unbelievable."
Jihoon grinned proudly.
"I know."
"But can you blame me?"
"I've been waiting for this."
Youngjae's ears slowly turned red.
"...You make everything embarrassing."
Jihoon looked at him with a mischievous smile.
"No."
"I just think it's something worth showing off."
Youngjae shook his head helplessly, though the smile on his face never disappeared.
"...You're hopeless."
"And yet..."
He intertwined their fingers a little more firmly.
"...I'm still holding your hand."
For a brief second, Jihoon simply stared at their intertwined fingers.
Then he looked back at Youngjae.
His smile grew even brighter than before.
"...Hyung."
"...I don't think I've ever been this happy."
Youngjae felt his own heart soften.
Maybe...
Just maybe...
Holding Jihoon's hand felt even more natural than he had imagined.
Well I could get used to this feeling,
—
The food stalls seemed endless.
The deeper they walked into the night market, the more lively it became. The scent of grilled meat drifted through the air, mixing with the sweetness of hotteok and roasted chestnuts. Laughter echoed from every direction as people wandered beneath strings of warm lights.
Jihoon looked like a child who had just entered an amusement park.
"Hyung! Let's get skewers!"
...
"Hyung! That tteokbokki looks amazing!"
...
"Ooh! Corndogs!"
...
"And watermelon juice! I'm thirsty!"
Within twenty minutes, Jihoon's hands were already full.
One hand held two skewers and a corndog.
The other carried a cup of watermelon juice along with several plastic bags.
Youngjae looked at him in disbelief.
"...Jihoon."
"Hm?"
"Aren't you deciding a little too quickly?"
"We're only halfway through the market."
Jihoon took another sip of his watermelon juice before tilting his head.
"But everything looks delicious."
"I don't see any reason to wait."
Youngjae sighed.
"...What if you get full, then see something even better later?"
Jihoon blinked.
"Then we come back another day."
"..."
"There's always a next time."
Youngjae couldn't argue with that.
"...You're not wrong."
Jihoon grinned proudly as if he had just won a debate.
Then his eyes wandered toward Youngjae.
Unlike him, Youngjae was only carrying a few shopping bags and a drink.
"Hyung."
"Is that really all you're getting?"
Youngjae glanced down at what he was holding before looking ahead again.
"...We're only halfway through."
"I'll buy something if I see something I really want."
Almost immediately, Jihoon pointed toward another stall.
"Hyung!"
"Dumplings!"
Youngjae followed his gaze.
Steam rose from bamboo baskets while rows of freshly made dumplings were lined up behind the counter.
The aroma alone was enough to make him hungry again.
"...They do look good."
Jihoon's eyes sparkled.
"Right?"
"Let's go!"
The two walked over to the stall.
The owner, a cheerful woman wearing an apron, greeted them with a bright smile.
"Fresh dumplings!"
"Hot dumplings!"
"Come and try them!"
Youngjae stepped forward.
"Could we have twelve, please?"
"Of course!"
"What filling would you like? Pork, prawn, or mixed?"
Youngjae thought for a moment.
"...Mixed sounds good."
"Great choice!"
The woman skillfully packed the dumplings into a container before placing them inside a plastic bag.
Just before closing it, she casually slipped in one more dumpling.
"There."
"Thirteen."
Youngjae blinked.
"...I ordered twelve."
She laughed.
"You two are handsome."
"One extra is on the house."
"That'll be 7,500 won."
Youngjae smiled politely before handing over the money.
"Thank you."
The woman accepted it before looking back and forth between the two boys.
Then, with a playful grin, she waved.
"Enjoy your date!"
"And make sure to share them with your boyfriend."
Youngjae froze.
"..."
Heat rushed to his face almost instantly.
Beside him, Jihoon burst into laughter.
Youngjae awkwardly rubbed the back of his neck.
"...He's not my boyfriend."
"Oh?"
The woman covered her mouth.
"My mistake."
"But you two look really good together."
She chuckled.
Youngjae's face somehow became even redder.
"...It's okay."
Jihoon was still trying—and failing—to stop laughing.
Once they left the stall, Youngjae walked noticeably faster.
Jihoon quickly caught up beside him.
"Hyung."
"...What?"
"Your face is really red."
"...I know."
Jihoon's smile widened.
"So..."
"Does the thought of me being your boyfriend make you shy?"
Youngjae answered almost instinctively.
"...Yes."
Jihoon blinked.
Youngjae kept walking.
"I like you."
"So... the thought of you being my boyfriend..."
"...would make me really happy."
Silence.
Even Youngjae stopped walking.
...What did I just say?
His eyes slowly widened as his own words replayed inside his head.
"..."
...I just confessed, randomly.
Without another word, he immediately began walking again—much faster this time—heading toward a quieter corner away from the bustling crowd.
Jihoon stood frozen for two seconds before a huge smile spread across his face.
Then he hurried after him.
"Hyung!"
After walking for another minute, Youngjae finally found an empty table beneath a row of lanterns.
He set the food down before taking a deep breath.
Only then did he turn around.
Jihoon had already caught up.
He wasn't laughing anymore.
Instead...
He was smiling so brightly that Youngjae almost couldn't meet his eyes.
"Hyung."
"..."
"Are you shy?"
Youngjae remained silent.
Jihoon tilted his head playfully.
"If you don't answer..."
"I'll take that as a yes."
"..."
Youngjae sighed.
"...Let's eat first."
He reached for the dumplings.
Before his fingers could touch the container, Jihoon gently caught his wrist.
The smile on his face softened.
For the first time that evening, he looked completely serious.
"Hyung."
His voice was quiet.
"Will you be my boyfriend?"
"I've liked you for a long time."
"You already heard my confession."
"And..."
"I've been waiting for your answer."
Youngjae slowly looked into Jihoon's eyes.
There was excitement.
Hope.
And just a little nervousness.
…He's been waiting long enough.
I should give him the answer now.
Youngjae took a slow breath.
"Jihoon."
"You know..."
"You're noisy."
Jihoon blinked.
"You talk too much."
"You never stay still."
"You always drag me everywhere."
Jihoon scratched his cheek awkwardly.
"...That doesn't sound very promising."
Youngjae laughed softly.
"But..."
"That's exactly what makes you..."
"...you."
"You slowly invaded my personal space."
"You kept pulling me out of my comfort zone."
"You brought me to places I'd never gone before."
"You made me try things I'd never thought I'd enjoy."
Youngjae lowered his eyes before smiling to himself.
"...By the time I realized what was happening..."
"...it was already too late."
Jihoon listened quietly.
Youngjae looked back at him.
"You're already living in my mind."
"Rent free."
Jihoon couldn't help laughing.
Youngjae smiled too.
"Nowadays..."
"I actually look forward to seeing you."
"I look forward to eating breakfast with you."
"Playing games with you."
"Practicing together."
"And wondering where you'll drag me next."
His voice became softer.
"I even started changing..."
"...because I wanted to become someone who could stand beside you."
Jihoon gently shook his head.
"Hyung."
"You don't have to change."
"I liked you from the very beginning."
"The quiet you."
"The awkward you."
"The overthinking you."
"I like all of it."
Youngjae felt his heart tighten.
Jihoon smiled.
"So..."
"Will you finally give me your answer?"
Youngjae closed his eyes for a brief moment.
Then he smiled.
"...Jihoon."
"I like you."
"And..."
"...yes."
"I'll be your boyfriend."
For half a second—
Jihoon simply stared at him.
"...Really?"
Youngjae nodded.
"Mhm."
The next instant, Jihoon threw his arms around him.
Youngjae staggered back from the sudden impact.
"...Jihoon."
"You're hugging too tightly."
"I don't care."
Jihoon's voice sounded muffled against his shoulder.
"You have no idea how happy I am right now."
Youngjae smiled before slowly wrapping his own arms around Jihoon.
"...I'm happy too."
For a while, neither of them spoke.
The sounds of the bustling night market faded into the background.
All Youngjae could hear...
Was Jihoon's heartbeat.
And his own.
...I finally did it.
After what felt like forever, both of them suddenly realized where they were.
They were still standing in the middle of the night market.
Surrounded by people.
The two quickly let go at the same time.
Youngjae immediately looked away, his ears burning.
"...Uh..."
"...Let's eat."
"I'm hungry."
Jihoon couldn't stop smiling.
"Okay."
"My boyfriend."
Youngjae immediately looked back at him.
"...Don't get used to saying that."
Jihoon grinned.
"Too late."
"I've been waiting to say it."
Youngjae covered his face with one hand before letting out a helpless laugh.
"...You're unbelievable."
Jihoon laughed brightly.
"And yet..."
"You still said yes."
"..."
Youngjae smiled.
"...Yeah."
"I did."
The awkwardness from their confession slowly melted away the moment they finally sat down.
Between them sat an absurd amount of food.
Skewers.
Corndogs.
Tteokbokki.
Dumplings.
Watermelon juice.
"...We bought too much."
Youngjae looked at the overflowing table before letting out a sigh.
Jihoon scratched his cheek sheepishly.
"...Maybe a little."
"A little?"
Youngjae raised an eyebrow.
"There are enough dumplings here to feed three people."
Jihoon looked down at the table before nodding seriously.
"...You're right."
"We should eat faster."
"...That wasn't my point."
Jihoon only laughed before picking up a skewer.
"This one is really good."
Without thinking, he held it toward Youngjae.
"Hyung."
"Open."
Youngjae stared at the skewer.
Then at Jihoon.
"..."
"...What?"
Jihoon blinked innocently.
"...You're feeding me?"
"Mhm."
Youngjae looked at him with complete disbelief.
"...We're not children."
"We're boyfriends."
"...That's even worse."
Jihoon pouted dramatically.
"...Just one bite."
Youngjae sighed.
"...You're unbelievable."
He leaned forward anyway and took a bite from the skewer.
Jihoon's face instantly lit up.
"See?"
"It's good, right?"
Youngjae chewed quietly before nodding.
"...It's good."
"I told you."
Youngjae couldn't help smiling.
A few minutes later...
Jihoon held another skewer in front of him.
"Hyung."
"...Again?"
"This one's different."
Youngjae looked at him with obvious disgust.
"...Did your hands stop working?"
"They work perfectly."
"Then feed yourself."
"I want to feed my boyfriend."
"..."
Youngjae pinched the bridge of his nose.
"...You're impossible."
"...Open."
Youngjae rolled his eyes before taking another bite.
Jihoon looked ridiculously satisfied.
"...Why do you look happier feeding me than eating yourself?"
Jihoon thought for a second.
"...Because seeing you eat something I give you makes me happy."
Youngjae immediately looked away.
"...You're saying embarrassing things again."
"I'm only telling the truth."
Youngjae quietly picked up one of the dumplings.
"...Open."
Jihoon froze.
"...Huh?"
"You fed me."
"So..."
"...It's only fair."
Jihoon's eyes widened.
Then, almost obediently—
"Ahhh."
Youngjae placed the dumpling into his mouth.
Jihoon chewed twice before covering his mouth dramatically.
"...Hyung."
"What?"
"...I'm happy."
Youngjae chuckled.
"It's just a dumpling."
"It's not."
"It's the first thing you've fed me."
Youngjae suddenly felt embarrassed.
"...Eat."
"I am eating."
Jihoon smiled so brightly that Youngjae couldn't help laughing.
The rest of the meal passed just as peacefully.
Sometimes Jihoon fed Youngjae.
Sometimes Youngjae secretly placed another dumpling onto Jihoon's plate whenever he noticed Jihoon finishing his food.
Neither of them pointed it out.
Neither of them needed to.
Somehow...
Everything already felt natural.
—
By the time they finished eating, the night market had become even livelier.
The golden glow of sunset had disappeared completely.
Above them, the sky had turned into a deep navy blue, with the first few stars beginning to appear.
The riverside lights reflected beautifully across the water.
Youngjae stood up, stretching slightly.
"...I think we ate too much."
Jihoon rubbed his stomach.
"...Definitely."
"I regret nothing."
Youngjae laughed.
"...Let's walk."
"We should at least pretend we're trying to digest all of this."
Jihoon nodded enthusiastically.
"Okay."
Naturally...
Their hands found each other again.
This time, neither of them hesitated.
They simply intertwined their fingers and continued walking along the riverside.
The evening breeze was much cooler now.
The air carried the distant sounds of busking performances, laughter, and waves gently brushing against the riverbank.
For a while, they simply enjoyed the silence.
Then Jihoon suddenly spoke.
"Hyung."
"...Hmm?"
"When did you realize you liked me?"
Youngjae blinked.
"..."
He genuinely didn't know.
He spent several moments thinking.
Remembering the fruit-themed restaurant.
Breakfast together.
The competition.
Holding hands beneath the tree.
The nap.
The park.
The confession.
None of those moments felt like the beginning.
Instead...
They all blended together naturally.
Youngjae smiled to himself.
"...Seriously..."
"I don't know."
Jihoon tilted his head.
"I mean it."
"It just..."
"...happened so naturally..."
"...that I didn't even realize it."
Jihoon stared at him for a second before laughing softly.
"...That really sounds like you."
Youngjae chuckled.
"What about you?"
Jihoon's smile immediately became gentler.
"I realized I liked you..."
"...when I first brought you to that weird fruit-themed restaurant."
Youngjae looked at him in surprise.
"...That was early."
Jihoon nodded.
"Yep."
"I didn't notice it immediately."
"I just knew..."
"...that I wanted to keep bringing you to places."
"I wanted to make you smile."
"I wanted to hear you laugh."
"And every time you smiled..."
"My entire day became better."
Youngjae listened quietly.
Jihoon looked ahead, the river reflecting in his eyes.
"So I guess..."
"I was already doomed back then."
Youngjae laughed.
"...You really fell hard."
"I did."
"And I don't regret it."
Without another word, Jihoon gently squeezed Youngjae's hand.
Their fingers intertwined even tighter than before.
He smiled as they continued walking beneath the evening lights.
"...I could get used to this every day."
Youngjae looked down at their joined hands.
Then at Jihoon.
A small smile naturally appeared on his face.
"...Me too."
For the first time in a long while...
The future no longer felt uncertain.
It simply felt like something he wanted to walk toward—
One step at a time.
Together.
—
Ever since that day, not much had changed.
They still met for breakfast almost every morning.
They still practiced together at the dance studio.
They still walked back to their dorms whenever their schedules matched.
From the outside, they looked exactly the same as before.
Only the people closest to them noticed the difference.
Jihoon had become much more openly affectionate.
Whenever he spotted an empty hallway, an unused classroom, or a quiet corner of campus, he'd immediately glance at Youngjae with a mischievous smile.
Youngjae already knew what that smile meant.
Sure enough—
"Hyung."
"...No."
"You don't even know what I'm going to ask."
"I do."
Jihoon laughed before gently taking Youngjae's wrist.
"C'mon."
"There won't be anyone there."
"...That's exactly what worries me."
Despite his protests, Youngjae still allowed himself to be led away.
A few moments later, they stood inside an empty classroom bathed in the warm afternoon sunlight.
Youngjae folded his arms.
"...Jihoon."
"Hm?"
"You kissed me five minutes ago."
"And now you're dragging me into an empty classroom again."
Jihoon scratched the back of his neck, looking completely unapologetic.
"I can't help it."
"I have such a perfect boyfriend."
Youngjae could only shake his head, a helpless smile appearing on his face.
"...You're unbelievable."
"I know."
"And yet you still like me."
"...Unfortunately."
Jihoon laughed brightly.
Youngjae stared at him for a moment before letting out another sigh.
"...If it's a kiss you're after..."
"...Then come here."
Jihoon's eyes widened slightly.
"...Really?"
Instead of answering, Youngjae stepped closer.
He gently cupped Jihoon's face with both hands.
His thumbs brushed lightly against Jihoon's cheeks.
Jihoon's expression softened immediately.
Gone was the energetic, playful boy from a moment ago.
Now he simply looked at Youngjae with quiet affection.
"...You're looking at me like that again," Youngjae murmured.
"Like what?"
"...Like I'm the only person here."
Jihoon smiled.
"Because you are."
Youngjae felt the corners of his lips lift despite himself.
"...You're cheesy."
"But it works."
Jihoon leaned in first.
Their lips met in a slow, gentle kiss.
Neither of them rushed.
Neither of them spoke.
They simply stood there, savoring the quiet moment together.
When they finally pulled away, they remained close enough that their foreheads almost touched.
For several seconds, neither of them said anything.
The silence wasn't awkward.
It was comfortable.
Peaceful.
Youngjae was the first to laugh softly.
"...That was nice."
Jihoon smiled with unmistakable satisfaction.
"...Yeah."
"We should do this more often."
Youngjae rolled his eyes, though there wasn't any real annoyance behind the gesture.
"...You're impossible."
Jihoon chuckled.
"But..."
"You liked it too."
Youngjae looked away, trying to hide the warmth creeping onto his face.
"...Maybe."
"Only maybe?"
Youngjae glanced back at him before smiling.
"...Don't push your luck."
Jihoon laughed again.
"Too late."
"I've been doing that since the day we met."
Youngjae couldn't argue with that.
He simply reached over and lightly flicked Jihoon's forehead.
"Ow."
"That's for dragging me into empty classrooms."
Jihoon rubbed his forehead dramatically.
"...Worth it."
Youngjae laughed, shaking his head once more.
"...You're really hopeless."
Jihoon's smile only grew brighter.
"...Hopelessly in love with you."
This time, Youngjae didn't even try to hide his smile.
“Come on, let’s get out before someone noticed us.” Youngjae then suggested.
The moment they stepped out of the empty classroom, both of them froze.
Someone was walking down the hallway.
And unfortunately...
It was someone they knew very well.
Dohoon stopped in his tracks and looked back and forth between the two of them.
"...Jihoon?"
"...Youngjae?"
"What are you two doing inside an empty classroom?"
"..."
Jihoon immediately scratched the back of his neck.
Youngjae quietly looked away.
The silence alone answered the question.
Dohoon's eyes narrowed.
Then the corners of his lips slowly curled upward.
"...Oh."
"I see."
Jihoon already knew that expression.
"...Hyung."
"Don't."
Dohoon folded his arms, trying—and failing—to suppress his grin.
"Did you two just make out in there?"
"..."
"..."
Neither of them answered.
Which only made Dohoon laugh.
"I'll take that silence as a yes."
Jihoon covered his face.
"...Hyung..."
"I never knew you were this bold."
Youngjae coughed awkwardly.
"...Can we not have this conversation in the hallway?"
"Oh?"
"So it really happened."
Before Dohoon could tease them any further, Youngjae grabbed Jihoon's wrist.
"...Let's go."
"H-Huh?"
Without waiting for a response, he immediately pulled Jihoon away.
Behind them, Dohoon's laughter echoed through the hallway.
"I'll be expecting details later!"
"You won't be getting any!"
Jihoon shouted back without turning around.
Only after they had walked to another building did Youngjae finally slow down.
He let out a long sigh.
"...Well."
"At least it was someone we know."
Jihoon rubbed the back of his neck.
"...Dohoon-hyung is definitely going to tease me about this."
"For a long time."
Youngjae nodded sympathetically.
"...Probably."
They walked in silence for another few steps.
Then...
An idea suddenly came to Youngjae.
"...Actually."
Jihoon looked over.
"Hm?"
"...Just let him."
Jihoon blinked.
"Let him tease us?"
Youngjae nodded.
"And when he does..."
"Just tell him you have a lovely boyfriend..."
"...while he doesn't."
Jihoon stared at him for two seconds.
Then burst into laughter.
"Hyung!"
"That's evil."
Youngjae shrugged innocently.
"...I'm only stating facts."
Jihoon wiped the corner of his eye.
"...You know..."
"I actually want to see his reaction."
Youngjae smiled.
"...Me too."
After all...
From what he had observed over the past few months...
Dohoon and Junghwan clearly liked each other.
They were simply too stubborn to admit it.
Maybe...
A little push wouldn't hurt.
The two of them left the academic building and wandered around campus without any particular destination.
The weather was beautiful.
Not a single cloud could be seen.
Which also meant...
The summer sun was merciless.
Youngjae squinted toward the sky before letting out a defeated sigh.
"...This sun is trying to kill me."
Jihoon, on the other hand, stretched both arms wide as the summer breeze brushed past him.
"But the weather is amazing!"
"The breeze feels so nice."
Youngjae looked at him as if he were looking at a completely different species.
"...You're unbelievable."
"What?"
"It's sunny."
"It's warm."
"The sky is pretty."
"Perfect weather."
"...Perfect weather for you."
Jihoon laughed.
Youngjae couldn't help smiling.
Jihoon had always been like this.
Bright.
Energetic.
Always finding something to be excited about.
He was the complete opposite of Youngjae.
Yet somehow...
They fit together surprisingly well.
Youngjae watched Jihoon walking a few steps ahead, greeting passing classmates with his usual cheerful smile.
Almost everyone smiled back.
"...You really are like sunshine."
Jihoon turned around.
"Hm?"
Youngjae slowly caught up beside him.
"...Maybe that's why I opened up to you so quickly."
Jihoon blinked in surprise.
"You never made me feel uncomfortable."
"I don't have to think too much when I'm with you."
"I can just..."
Youngjae searched for the right words.
"...be myself."
Jihoon's expression softened.
"You know..."
"I feel the same."
Youngjae looked at him.
"I always act the most naturally when I'm with you."
"I never have to pretend."
"I always feel relaxed whenever you're around."
Youngjae smiled quietly.
Jihoon really did have a way of making people feel at ease.
Maybe...
That was one of the reasons everyone liked being around him.
Jihoon suddenly leaned forward slightly, studying Youngjae's face.
"What?"
Jihoon smiled.
"Hyung."
"You should smile more."
"You look really handsome when you smile."
Youngjae instinctively looked away.
"...I only smile when necessary."
Jihoon immediately frowned.
"That's such a boring answer."
Youngjae laughed.
"...See?"
Jihoon pointed at him triumphantly.
"You're smiling again."
Youngjae sighed in defeat.
"...Maybe."
"The truth is..."
He glanced back at Jihoon.
"...Most of my smiles are because of you."
Jihoon froze.
Youngjae continued walking, pretending not to notice.
"You never fail to make me smile."
"It's almost like..."
"...your sunshine rubbed off on me."
For a moment...
Jihoon simply stood there.
His heart felt impossibly full.
He quickly caught up, walking beside Youngjae once more.
A gentle smile spread across his face.
"Then..."
"I'll make sure that smile never disappears."
Youngjae looked at him.
Jihoon intertwined their fingers together naturally as they continued walking.
"At least..."
"...whenever you're with me."
Youngjae squeezed his hand gently.
"...I'll be counting on you, then."
Jihoon's smile somehow became even brighter.
"Leave it to me."
And somehow just looking at that smile alone...
Youngjae found himself smiling again without even realizing it.
They then slowly walked to the main entrance of the campus where everything started, the new intake, dance club booth.
They continued walking across campus at an unhurried pace.
The afternoon sunlight filtered through the trees, casting shifting shadows across the pathway beneath their feet.
Youngjae found himself looking ahead, but his thoughts drifted elsewhere.
Everything...
It all felt so unreal.
It felt like everything had happened only yesterday.
If someone had told him a few months ago that a loud, overly energetic freshman would completely turn his peaceful routine upside down...
Drag him out of his comfort zone.
Take him to places he had never thought of visiting.
Slowly become the person he looked forward to seeing every day.
And eventually...
Become the person he fell in love with...
Youngjae would've frowned.
Probably given them a look of complete disbelief.
Then walked away without another word.
"...Impossible," he would've said.
Yet...
Here they were.
Walking side by side.
Their fingers intertwined so naturally that neither of them even noticed anymore.
Youngjae smiled to himself.
"...I still remember the day we met."
Jihoon laughed immediately.
"Oh, I remember too."
Youngjae glanced at him.
"You looked like a dead fish."
Youngjae let out an offended laugh.
"...Dead fish?"
"Mhm."
"You had the most exhausted expression I'd ever seen."
"I seriously wondered if the dance club president was being forced to stand there."
Youngjae sighed dramatically.
"I practically was."
"I don't really enjoy socializing."
"But we needed new members."
"So I had to stay at the booth."
Jihoon nodded thoughtfully.
"That explains everything."
"You looked like you wanted the day to end."
"...Because I did."
They both laughed.
After a brief silence, Jihoon's expression softened.
"...I'm really glad it was you."
Youngjae looked over.
"If someone else had been running the booth..."
"...I probably wouldn't have joined."
Youngjae blinked.
"...Really?"
Jihoon nodded without hesitation.
"Mhm."
"I only stopped because I noticed you."
Youngjae raised an eyebrow.
"...Because I looked like a dead fish?"
Jihoon burst into laughter.
"Not only because of that."
"You looked..."
He searched for the right word.
"...Interesting."
"You were sitting there looking completely done with life while everyone around you was trying to recruit people."
"I kept wondering..."
"'Who is this guy?'"
Youngjae couldn't help laughing.
"...That's a terrible first impression."
"It worked though."
Jihoon smiled.
"I'm really glad you were the one at that booth."
"It gave me the chance to meet you."
Youngjae felt his ears warm.
"...You're being cheesy again."
"I have a boyfriend now."
"I'm allowed to be."
Youngjae rolled his eyes.
"...Who told you that?"
"I made it up."
"...Figures."
Jihoon laughed before gently bumping their shoulders together.
"But I'm serious."
"If I hadn't met you that day..."
"I don't think my university life would've been this happy."
Youngjae became quiet.
He looked down at their joined hands.
Then back at Jihoon.
"...Mine too."
Jihoon blinked.
Youngjae smiled gently.
"I used to think every day would be the same."
"Go to class."
"Practice."
"Go back to my dorm."
"Repeat."
He chuckled softly.
"But then..."
"You appeared."
"And suddenly..."
"I started looking forward to every tomorrow."
Jihoon stared at him, completely speechless.
Youngjae noticed and tilted his head.
"...What?"
Jihoon covered the lower half of his face with one hand.
"...Nothing."
Youngjae narrowed his eyes.
"You're smiling."
"I can't help it."
Jihoon looked at him with eyes full of affection.
"...My boyfriend is really unfair sometimes."
"Why?"
"You suddenly say things that make my heart race."
Youngjae laughed quietly.
"...I learned from you."
Jihoon smiled.
"Then..."
"I guess I've taught you well."
Youngjae gently squeezed Jihoon's hand.
"...Maybe you have."
The smile on his face never faded.
Neither did the warmth quietly blooming inside his heart.
For the first time in years...
Youngjae was genuinely glad that someone had barged into his carefully guarded world.
Someone who would cherish him.
Someone who would make him happy.
Someone who would unfold their story together.
And that someone...
Was Han Jihoon.