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The campus is abuzz for the freshman welcome party. The atmosphere crackles with excitement as new students mingle and make connections, eager to kick off their college journey. The venue pulses with music, laughter, and the sound of clinking glasses as classmates bond over shared experiences and newfound friendships. From icebreaker games to impromptu dance-offs, there's never a dull moment as everyone dives headfirst into the excitement.
Among the newcomers was Leehan, the one that always took everyone's attention from the moment he stepped foot into the place. Leehan quickly became the talk of the campus, drawing curious glances and eager admirers wherever he went.
As the night wore on, Leehan found himself at the center of attention, with students clamoring to be near him, to catch a glimpse of the campus's most talked-about freshman. Drinks were thrust into his hand, and before long, he was swept up in a whirlwind of laughter and overwhelming situations.
Despite his attempts to refuse, the persistent offers from his peers proved difficult to resist, and before he knew it, Leehan found himself succumbing to the effects of the alcohol as the drinks flowed freely to his glass. His ability to think clearly began to erode. The alcohol numbed his senses and dulled his judgment, and soon, he was struggling to maintain a coherent conversation.
People bombarded him with questions, their curiosity relentless. "Do you have a girlfriend?" one girl asked, her eyes gleaming with interest. "What about your ex?" another voice chimed in, "What is your type?" each question blurring into the next. Leehan struggled to keep up with the constant questions and started answering randomly. His answers became more mixed up. He laughed loudly, stumbled over his words, and sometimes blurted out things that made no sense.
"I think he had a bit too much to drink guys, what about giving him some space and let him rest? We don't want anyone to feel uncomfortable at the welcoming party, right?"
Seeing Leehan's deteriorating state, the upperclassman, who had been sitting beside him, quickly intervened. He could see that Leehan was struggling with the barrage of questions and the effects of too much alcohol.
Riwoo, the upperclassman, has always been nice since the orientation and no one really wants to talk back to him. A girl who had been asking about Leehan's relationship status still frowned. "But we just wanted to know more about him. He's the star of the party!"
"I understand," Riwoo replied, his expression serious. "But he's not feeling well. Let's give him a chance to rest, okay?" The crowd slowly began to disperse, as the last few people backed off, Riwoo turned to Leehan, who was swaying unsteadily.
Leehan looked up at him, his eyes glassy. "Riwoo, I... I feel so dizzy." He clings to the upperclassman. "Wanna switch sides?" he said softly, guiding Leehan to a more comfortable space. Leehan, visibly relieved, leaned heavily on Riwoo. "Thanks," he mumbled, "I couldn't keep up..."
"This is what your face and your friendly behavior doing, became the most-talked freshman as soon as you stepped up here on the first day? Such a you thing." Leehan frowned, his eyes glazed and his speech slurred, clinging to Riwoo tighter "What's wrong with my face and attitude? I justㅡI just wanted to fit in," Riwoo chuckled softly, he forgot that drunk Leehan is really vulnerable, he brushed a stray lock of hair from Leehan's forehead. "I know and you did well, sorry for saying that, I didn't mean it to be harsh." The freshman only nodded.
As they settle into their new spot, everyone is back to their conversation and so does Riwoo. Leehan, feeling increasingly unsteady, no one is talking to him anymore and he feels rather sleepy.
Suddenly, Riwoo felt a weight on his shoulder. Turning slightly, he found Leehan leaning heavily against him, his chin resting there as if it was the most natural thing in the world. Riwoo just leaves it as it is until Leehan starts to sniff his hair. "Leehan," Riwoo whispered, trying to keep his voice low, "People are watching." But Leehan didn't move. Instead, he inhaled deeply, a soft hum escaping his lips. "Riwoo, you smell so nice," he murmured, his words slurred and slow.
Riwoo felt his face heat up, aware that some of his colleagues were now glancing their way. "Leehan, come on, you're drunk," he said, attempting to shift away without drawing more attention. "Let's not do this here." Leehan pouted, his hand brushing against Riwoo's, their fingers tangling briefly. "But I like being close to you," he insisted, nuzzling Riwoo's neck with his nose. "You're always so busy talking to everyone else and ignoring me." Riwoo sighed, trying to keep his patience. "I know, but we can talk later. You know everyone is still paying attention to you, right?"
Despite Riwoo's efforts, Leehan stayed glued to his side, his breath warm on Riwoo's ear. The scent of alcohol was unmistakable, and Riwoo silently cursed himself for not stopping everyone a little earlier. One second before Riwoo protests, Leehan is already mumbling incoherently "I just... I like being close to you, Riwoo. Feels safe."
Riwoo's heart swelled with warmth at Leehan's words, he wants to say that he likes being close to the freshman too, but he holds himself. "How about we go get some water first?" Leehan blinked, a confused look crossing his face before he nodded slowly. "Okay, Riwoo. But you have to come with me."
"Of course," Riwoo replied, giving his junior an apologetic smile. "Excuse us for a moment." As he led Leehan to get the water, Riwoo gave a quick glance around the room, he saw some of his colleagues shooting curious looks in their direction.
"Leehan," Riwoo whispered urgently, trying to keep his voice low, "we should probably head home." Leehan's response was a sleepy mumble, his grip on Riwoo's hand tightening slightly. "But I don't want to go home yet," he protested, his words slurred.
Riwoo gently removes his hand from Leehan's grasp, giving him a sympathetic smile. "I know, but you've had a bit too much to drink. Let's call it a night, okay?" Leehan pouted, his chin still resting on Riwoo's shoulder. "But I'm having fun here with you," he mumbled, his voice barely audible over the din of the party.
Riwoo felt a pang of guilt at Leehan's words. He knew how much Leehan enjoyed socializing, especially when they were together. But he also knew that it was his responsibility to take care of him, especially when he had clearly overindulged.
"I promise we'll have more fun tomorrow," Riwoo reassured him, gently guiding Leehan towards the exit. "But right now, I think it's best if we head home. Can you hold yourself a little longer for me?"
Leehan hesitated for a moment, but then nodded reluctantly, allowing Riwoo to lead him towards the door after making up excuses to tell the others. Several partygoers tried to persuade the star of the party to stay longer, disappointment clear in their voices. Leehan just smiled politely, waved them off, and continued toward the door with Riwoo's steadying support.
As they settled into the backseat of the taxi, the city lights blurred outside the window, casting a soft glow over their faces. Leehan sighed, his voice tinged with a hint of guilt. Riwoo glanced over at him, noting the solemn expression on Leehan's face. "What's on your mind, Leehan?"
"I'm sorry if I caused a lot of trouble tonight," Leehan said, his shoulders slumping slightly. "I know everyone always pays so much attention to me, and it can be bothersome."
Riwoo reached out, gently squeezing Leehan's hand. "It's not your fault, Leehan. You're just being yourself, and that's what everyone admires about you. This is our agreement that we want to keep things low key."
"Yeah, I just want to be able to be myself without everyone watching my every move. I want to hold your hands, rest my head on your shoulder, sniff your hair, and give you a surprise kiss in public without us getting uncomfortable." Leehan admitted, leaning into Riwoo's comforting presence.
Riwoo smiled, pressing a soft kiss to Leehan's forehead. "Don't worry, It's been so long since that one day, I'm fine now. We can do whatever you like without worrying anything next time."
Leehan returned the smile, his heart swelling with affection for the man beside him. He's back to nuzzling Riwoo and mumbling how much he loves him.