Chapter Text
Title from "True Love" by Pink (ft. Lily Allen). I highly recommend that you listen to the song before or while reading, as this story is also inspired by it. ;)
Jihoon had a crush on Kwon Soonyoung. Had. Past tense. Because whatever warm, fuzzy feelings he once had for the guy? Totally gone. Now, every time they crossed paths, it drove him crazy.
It wasn’t always like this. Back then, Soonyoung was it for Jihoon. The boy was charming without trying, effortlessly fun, and had this ridiculous way of making everyone feel special—including Jihoon. And that’s what messed him up. Because somewhere between Soonyoung’s teasing grins and the way he’d casually throw an arm around Jihoon’s shoulder, Jihoon had convinced himself that maybe—just maybe—there was something more there.
Then school retreat happened. He still remembered it vividly…
✧*̥˚ flashback *̥˚✧
Jihoon had always been good at hiding his feelings, but being tent mates with Soonyoung during the school retreat? That felt like fate's cruel way of testing him. Or rewarding him. Honestly, he wasn’t sure which.
The retreat campsite was nestled in a quiet forest, the kind of place where the air smelled of pine and the stars looked close enough to touch. As the sun dipped below the horizon, their teacher announced the evening’s task: the boys needed to gather wood for the campfire.
“I’ll go,” Soonyoung volunteered, his hand shooting up eagerly. He turned toward Jihoon, grinning. “Wanna come with me?”
Jihoon blinked, stunned into silence. Soonyoung’s voice was casual, but the offer hung in the air like a lifeline. Jihoon’s cheeks turned crimson as he mumbled, “Sure.”
As they walked into the woods together, the cool night air did little to soothe Jihoon’s burning face. Soonyoung chatted the entire time, his words tumbling out effortlessly—about how he was excited about the campfire, how the stars were brighter here than in the city, how Seungkwan had almost tripped over a tent pole earlier. Jihoon nodded along, barely registering the words. His brain was too busy screaming, why does he have to be so handsome?
At one point, Jihoon got lost in thought, staring at Soonyoung’s profile illuminated by the moonlight. It wasn’t until Soonyoung waved a hand in front of his face that he snapped back to reality.
“Earth to Jihoon?” Soonyoung teased, his head tilted in amusement. “You okay?”
Jihoon nodded quickly, though his heart was still racing.
“Oh,” Soonyoung said, leaning in closer. Jihoon froze. “You have a mole under your eye. That’s so cute.”
Jihoon’s brain short-circuited. His hands flew to his cheeks, which were now burning hotter than the campfire they were supposed to be building. “Y-Yes,” he stammered, cursing himself for how ridiculous he sounded.
Soonyoung chuckled softly, a sound that made Jihoon’s chest ache in the best (and worst) way.
Once they’d gathered enough wood, they headed back to their tent. Jihoon was still struggling to string together a coherent thought when Soonyoung plopped down on his sleeping bag and asked, “Jihoon, do you watch anime?”
Jihoon blinked. “Uh, yeah. Why?”
“The one I’m watching is almost finished,” Soonyoung explained, “and I need something new. Got any recommendations?”
That was all Jihoon needed to launch into a ramble about his favorite shows. For once, his nerves faded as he listed titles and described storylines. Soonyoung listened intently, his chin propped on his hand, his eyes never leaving Jihoon’s face.
It wasn’t until Jihoon noticed the way Soonyoung was looking at him—like he was actually interested—that the words dried up in his throat. “Sorry,” Jihoon mumbled, ducking his head. “I’m such a nerd. I’ll stop now. But you really should watch Inuyasha.”
“No, no,” Soonyoung said quickly, shaking his head. “Go on. I’m the type to listen to spoilers before watching. It helps me figure out if I’ll like it.”
He smiled, and Jihoon swore his heart skipped a beat.
“I could lend you the CDs,” Jihoon offered shyly. “You can borrow them, and we can talk about it after.”
“Perfect.” Soonyoung’s grin widened. “By the way, can I call you ‘Ji’? Jihoon feels too formal, and ‘Hoonie’ is more of a Yoon Jeonghan thing.”
Jihoon hesitated for half a second before nodding, his lips curving into a small smile. “Sure.”
The rest of the night passed in a blur. Jeonghan and Seungcheol dragged Jihoon out of the tent for the campfire, while Soonyoung ended up sitting with Seokmin. The activities were fun, but Jihoon’s mind kept drifting back to the tent, to Soonyoung.
Toward the end of the night, Seungkwan and Chan introduced a game called “Adore U.” Everyone had to write down a list of their crush’s best features or characteristics on a slip of paper and drop it in a box. The twist? The notes would be read aloud after the retreat.
Jihoon hesitated but eventually gave in, his heart pounding as he scrawled out a list:
fun-loving
passionate about the things he likes
cute eyes
amazing dancer
He kept it anonymous, of course, but he couldn’t stop imagining Soonyoung’s reaction if he ever found out. As he walked back to his spot, Jeonghan smirked knowingly. “Someone’s in love~,” he sing-songed, earning an embarrassed glare from Jihoon.
Later that night, back in their tent, Jihoon was busy trying to calm his racing heart (because he is literally going to sleep with his crush!) when Soonyoung suddenly broke the silence.
“Ji,” he said softly, his voice oddly hesitant. “I need to tell you something.”
Jihoon turned to face him, his stomach flipping nervously.
“I like you,” Soonyoung admitted, his cheeks dusted with pink. “A lot. For a long time now… since elementary days. I wanted to befriend you but I’m too shy during those times. But, now, I got to know you somehow and I wanted to know you more so—yeah. I like you, Lee Jihoon. Like, romantically.”
Jihoon’s brain stopped working.
“You don’t have to say anything now,” Soonyoung added quickly. “I just… I wanted you to know. Maybe we could go on a date or something after the retreat? If you’re interested?”
Jihoon nodded dumbly, his heart feeling like it might explode.
“Really?” Soonyoung’s eyes lit up.
“Y-Yeah,” Jihoon managed. “After class. I-I mean, if I’m not busy.”
Soonyoung laughed, the sound warm and familiar. “Okay. Deal.”
Jihoon stared at him, still half-convinced he was dreaming. “Can you… pinch me?”
“What?” Soonyoung asked, confused.
“Just pinch me.”
Soonyoung grinned and reached over, gently pinching Jihoon’s cheek. “There. Real enough for you?”
Jihoon’s face turned a deeper shade of red, but he didn’t care. For once, everything felt perfect.
If only he knew how quickly it would all fall apart.
After the retreat, everyone gathered at the gymnasium. Seungkwan’s in front of the crowd reading Soonyoung’s “Adore U” paper—he didn’t remain anonymous—and Jihoon is scared.
“I’ll read it out loud!” Seungkwan declared, clearing his throat. “Cat eyes, mole under the right eye, porcelain-like skin, and dimples on the cheeks.” He paused for effect, letting the description hang in the air.
For a moment, the gym was silent, everyone trying to connect the dots. Then someone shouted, “That’s Min Yeji!”
Laughter and shouts of agreement filled the room. Jihoon froze.
Before he could fully process what was happening, Min Yeji was being nudged toward the stage by their classmates, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. Meanwhile, Soonyoung was dragged along by Seokmin and Chan, their grins wide and teasing.
“Look at them! So beautiful! Our flower couple!” one of their classmates screamed.
“Flower couple! Flower couple!” someone in the crowd chanted, and soon the whole gym joined in.
Up on stage, Soonyoung laughed, looking both bashful and flattered as the spotlight shone on him and Min Yeji. Jihoon stared at the scene, his chest tightening with each cheer, each chant. It wasn’t the scene he’d imagined—Soonyoung, smiling so easily at someone else, being celebrated as if they were meant to be.
The noise faded into the background as Jihoon unlocked his phone and opened Soonyoung’s text from that morning: Morning! Just confirming about the movie later. Still on, right?
Jihoon’s fingers hovered over the keyboard for a moment before he started typing.
Sorry, I’m kind of busy after school. Jeonghan-hyung invited me for dinner with his family.
He hit send and locked his phone, slipping it into his pocket.
It was a lie. He had no plans. He simply couldn’t bear the thought of sitting beside Soonyoung in a dark theater, pretending everything was fine while the image of him and Min Yeji smiling on stage replayed in his mind like a cruel film.
He didn’t need to look at the stage again to know what he’d see: Soonyoung and Min Yeji, smiling, waving, basking in the attention of everyone around them. Jihoon exhaled softly, a bitter smile tugging at his lips.
✧*̥˚ end of flashback *̥˚✧
It was funny, wasn’t it? How one moment could change everything.
The warmth Jihoon once felt for Soonyoung had turned cold. Now, he couldn’t think of him without feeling the sharp sting of betrayal. Soonyoung had led him to believe in something that wasn’t real, and Jihoon hated him for it.
He had a crush on Kwon Soonyoung. But not anymore.
Or so he thought.
︵ ‿ ︵ ‿ ୨ ♡ ୧ ‿ ︵ ‿ ︵
Jihoon had an entire list of things he hated about Kwon Soonyoung. And topping that list was how effortlessly the boy could drive him absolutely crazy.
It was during P.E. when Soonyoung approached him, grinning like he had no care in the world. “Hey, Ji,” Soonyoung said, holding his phone out. “What’s your Instagram username?”
Jihoon blinked, taken aback. His first instinct was to tell Soonyoung to leave him alone and call him an asshole. After all, this was the same person who had made his heart soar with that confession during the retreat, only for it to come crashing down when rumors started flying about him dating Min Yeji the very next day. Jihoon had been doing his best to avoid Soonyoung ever since.
“Jihoon?” Soonyoung called again, leaning in closer. Too close. Jihoon had to lean back, the proximity making his pulse race—not from excitement, but from frustration. “Fine,” he muttered, quickly typing his username into Soonyoung’s phone just to make him go away.
Soonyoung accepted his phone back with a satisfied grin and immediately opened Jihoon’s profile. “You’ve only posted one picture since you made this account?” he asked, tilting his head.
“Y-Yeah,” Jihoon stammered, his throat suddenly dry.
“You should post more selcas,” Soonyoung said casually as if he hadn’t just flipped Jihoon’s world upside down. “You’re too cute to be hidden.”
Before Jihoon could come up with a retort—or even process the comment—Soonyoung was already being called to the field for football practice, jogging off with that same carefree energy.
Jihoon sighed, his gaze following Soonyoung. He was such a jerk. An infuriating, heart-stealing, hope-crushing jerk.
As the game carried on, Jihoon’s attention shifted to his classmates milling around the gym. His eyes landed on Min Yeji, the school’s golden girl. She was holding a polaroid camera, her face glowing as she laughed with her friends. It wasn’t surprising that she was popular—Min Yeji was effortlessly beautiful, the kind of pretty that could stop traffic.
Jihoon tried to shake off the bitterness creeping into his chest. It wasn’t Yeji’s fault that everyone loved her, and it wasn’t her fault that Soonyoung was probably in love with her too.
“Yeji! Take a picture of Soonyoung!” someone called out, and Yeji laughed. “I’ll take pictures of everyone! I have so much film!” she chirped, walking around to snap candid shots of her classmates.
Jihoon tried to focus on the field again, but his thoughts were already spinning. Did Soonyoung really like Yeji? Or was it just a misunderstanding? Did that confession even mean anything to him?
“Jihoon-ah!”
He turned to find Yeji standing in front of him, her camera in hand. “Pose for me?” she asked with a small smile.
Jihoon hesitated before giving her a peace sign. She snapped the photo, grinning as she waved the film in the air. “Awww, this is so cute!” she gushed, holding the picture up.
“Now do this!” Yeji said, demonstrating a half-heart pose by pressing her hand against her cheek. Jihoon wanted to groan, but the pleading look on her face was impossible to refuse. Reluctantly, he copied her pose, hoping the ground would swallow him whole.
“Smile more, yeah?”
Jihoon forced a smile, and Yeji clapped her hands in delight. “You’re so cute! See? You should smile more often!”
Around them, whispers began to circulate. “Look at her, trying to get Jihoon’s attention even though she’s dating Soonyoung already.” It was one of their classmates, and Jihoon cringed inwardly.
Yeji didn’t seem fazed. She handed Jihoon the polaroid with a bright grin. “I’ll scan it for my gallery and give you the original later, okay?”
Jihoon nodded, mumbling a quiet, “Thanks,” before turning his attention back to the game.
After class, Jihoon realized he’d left his manga under his desk and had to double back. “I’ll be right back!” he called to Jeonghan and Seungcheol, who were waiting for him at the school gate.
When he reached the classroom, he froze in the doorway. There, sitting on his desk, was Yeji, laughing as Soonyoung hugged her. Soonyoung looked so... happy.
Jihoon swallowed the lump in his throat and turned away.
“Let’s go,” he muttered to Jeonghan and Seungcheol when he reached the gate.
They exchanged worried looks. “What’s up with you?” Jeonghan asked.
“Just tired,” Jihoon replied, his voice flat.
He shouldn’t have gone back for that stupid manga.
︵ ‿ ︵ ‿ ୨ ♡ ୧ ‿ ︵ ‿ ︵
Jihoon stared at his phone, his finger hovering over the keyboard. Another message from Kwon Soonyoung lit up his screen, this time asking if he was free on June 15th. Soonyoung’s birthday. Kwon fucking Soonyoung’s birthday. It was May 17th, and Jihoon had successfully dodged every single invitation Soonyoung sent him over the past month by claiming he was busy preparing for exams. Soonyoung seemed to buy it too, because, well, exams were important.
But now, Jihoon was out of excuses because: 1) June 15th was during the semestral break, 2) Jihoon had already mentioned he wasn’t planning on going anywhere during the break, 3) Seungcheol would be away with Jeonghan meeting his parents, and 4) Jihoon didn’t have other friends aside from them.
He sighed and begrudgingly typed, “Okay.”
Not even a minute later, Soonyoung replied with an excited string of messages about his weekend binge-watching Inuyasha and how he was planning to start Naruto next. Jihoon shook his head, suppressing a small smile, and recommended a shorter series like Full Moon o Sagashite.
Soonyoung texted next.
Are you busy today?
I need spoilers. Pretty please?”
Jihoon hesitated before replying: I’m studying, but we can do FaceTime. I’ll talk while writing.
When Soonyoung’s face popped up on the screen, Jihoon froze. How was he supposed to be mad at someone this ridiculously handsome? That was exactly why he couldn’t hate him as much as he wanted to.
As Jihoon worked through his study notes, Soonyoung listened intently to his ramblings about anime, occasionally throwing in questions about Jihoon’s hobbies, his dreams, and whether he preferred cats or dogs. Jihoon answered, his voice growing softer and more relaxed, until he realized he’d been talking non-stop. When he glanced back at the screen, Soonyoung was quiet.
Soft snores came from the other end of the call. Jihoon stared at the screen, his heart doing an annoying little flip. “Idiot,” he muttered, but his lips curled into a small smile as he ended the call.
The next morning, Jihoon was stuffing his books into his locker when his phone buzzed with another text: Sorry I fell asleep during our call last night. Did I miss anything important?
Jihoon replied with a quick, “It’s fine” and shoved his phone back into his locker. But when he closed the door, he locked eyes with Soonyoung.
Jihoon’s heart jumped, but before he could even process the moment, Soonyoung was mobbed by a group of classmates. The girls were teasing him, and Jihoon followed their gaze—straight to Min Yeji, whose locker was next to his.
Jihoon mentally slapped himself. Of course. It wasn’t him Soonyoung was looking at. It was Yeji.
He turned on his heel and walked into the classroom, trying to shake off the sinking feeling in his chest.
Later, during break time, Jihoon overheard the rumors swirling around the cafeteria.
“Did you hear? Soonyoung serenaded Yeji on the rooftop.”
“They were holding hands too!”
“And what about that matching ring he gave her? Why doesn’t she wear it?”
“She probably doesn’t want to be labeled as ‘his.’ Classic Yeji—flirting with all the boys.”
Jihoon couldn’t take it anymore. The whispers felt like needles, jabbing at his already fragile composure. He stood abruptly and made his way to the cafeteria, hoping the walk would clear his head.
But there they were. Soonyoung and Yeji, sitting together and sharing a lunchbox.
Yeji noticed him first. “Jihoon-ah!” she called, waving enthusiastically. “Come try these muffins! I baked them for everyone.”
Jihoon hesitated, but with everyone watching, he couldn’t exactly run away. Reluctantly, he approached and picked up a muffin.
He was about to take a bite when Soonyoung chimed in, his voice too cheerful for Jihoon’s liking. “You should try these brownies too. She’s an amazing cook!” Soonyoung handed him a brownie, smiling brightly.
Yeji nodded; her own smile wide. “That’s my special!”
Jihoon took a bite, the sweetness flooding his mouth. He hated how delicious it was. “It’s good,” he admitted begrudgingly.
Soonyoung grinned like he’d baked it himself. “See? She’s the best!”
Yeji rolled her eyes, playfully nudging Soonyoung. “You’re just saying that so I’ll give you more, you pig.”
Jihoon cut in before they could continue. “What’s the occasion?”
Yeji’s smile faltered for a moment before she replied, “It was my birthday yesterday. I didn’t throw a party because, well… no one would’ve come.” She laughed lightly, but Jihoon could hear the sadness beneath it. “So, I just baked for everyone instead.”
Jihoon felt a pang of sympathy. Yeji might be labeled as a “pick me” by their classmates, but standing there, he saw someone who just wanted to be liked. It wasn’t her fault that people misjudged her.
So, even if Yeji is Soonyoung’s crush or girlfriend or whatever, he can’t bring himself to hate her. He only needs to hate Kwon fucking Soonyoung—if he can even manage to do that.
︵ ‿ ︵ ‿ ୨ ♡ ୧ ‿ ︵ ‿ ︵
Jihoon needed to breathe. The exams were finally over, and all he wanted was to do something outside his room for a change. He had texted Jeonghan, hoping the older boy would have time to spare before his trip with Seungcheol. Unfortunately, Jeonghan was out shopping with his sister. However, Jeonghan mentioned sending Seungcheol to meet him instead, and Jihoon agreed—it saved him the trouble of asking himself.
Now here he was, wandering around the mall alone while waiting for Seungcheol to arrive. What was he going to do? He didn’t know yet. Maybe he’d buy some new manga or treat himself to seafood. Whatever it was, Jihoon felt he deserved it after surviving the exams.
He passed time window-shopping, indulging in a batch of takoyaki before deciding to visit a stationery store. He was planning to browse for a potential gift for Soonyoung’s birthday. But as he was about to enter the store, his steps faltered.
Inside, he spotted Kwon Soonyoung and Min Yeji. They weren’t exactly holding hands or kissing, but they were bickering over a plush toy, their matching shopping bags making the scene feel almost... domestic. Yeji’s designer bags contrasted with Soonyoung’s paper bags stuffed with art supplies. They looked good together—too good—and Jihoon’s stomach churned. He turned on his heel and headed straight for the food court, deciding to wait for Seungcheol there instead.
Last night’s FaceTime with Soonyoung resurfaced in his mind. It had become a strange routine for them—talking late into the night. And once again, Soonyoung had confessed, telling Jihoon that he liked him.
But now? Here he was, seemingly on a date with Yeji. How did any of this make sense? How was Jihoon supposed to confront him about this without exposing too much of his own feelings?
His spiraling thoughts were interrupted by Seungcheol’s voice. “You really eat a lot for a small guy.” Jihoon glared at the older boy; cheeks puffed with another bite of takoyaki.
“What?” Seungcheol said with mock surrender, raising his hands. “Just an observation. What’s going on in that little head of yours?”
Before Jihoon could respond, a familiar voice rang out. “Jihoon! Seungcheol!”
It was Yeji, waving excitedly as she approached with Soonyoung in tow. She was practically glowing, her happiness radiating as she greeted them. “What are you guys doing here? Are you on a date?”
Before Jihoon could even process her question, Seungcheol answered smoothly, throwing an arm around Jihoon’s shoulder. “Yep.”
Jihoon froze. What the hell, hyung? But Yeji didn’t seem fazed. She grinned and waved them off with a cheerful, “Enjoy your date!” before dragging Soonyoung away.
That night, Jihoon begrudgingly accepted Soonyoung’s FaceTime request. Their conversation was casual at first, Soonyoung recounting his day. He explained that he had been shopping with Yeji to help her with something. Jihoon only nodded in response; his expression unreadable.
Then, Soonyoung hesitated. “Didn’t know you and Seungcheol-hyung were...”
“Were what?” Jihoon prompted.
“Like... dating?” Soonyoung asked, his voice uncertain.
Jihoon couldn’t stop himself. He burst out laughing. “Eww! No way. That was just a friendly hangout. Besides, he’s dating Jeonghan-hyung.”
“Oh,” Soonyoung said, sounding relieved. His lips quirked up into a small smile, and Jihoon’s chest tightened. Before Jihoon could analyze his expression further, there was a knock on Soonyoung’s door.
“Soonyoung-ah, Yeji’s here,” his mom announced from the hallway.
Soonyoung’s smile faltered as he looked back at Jihoon. “I’ve got to go. Yeji and I need to work on something. I’ll call you later, okay?”
Jihoon nodded, trying not to show his disappointment. “Sure.”
But Soonyoung didn’t call back that night.
︵ ‿ ︵ ‿ ୨ ♡ ୧ ‿ ︵ ‿ ︵
Jihoon barely set foot inside the school building before the wave of gossip hit him. The first thing he heard was the ridiculous notion that Soonyoung and Yeji were frequently spotted at a convenience store. “Maybe buying condoms? Do you think they’re doing it?” someone whispered, and Jihoon could feel his last brain cell begging for mercy. Since when did a simple visit to a convenience store equate to something so scandalous?
As if that wasn’t enough, another group was discussing how Soonyoung had supposedly gifted Yeji a plush toy on the rooftop. The tales didn’t stop there—luxury shopping trips, late-night hangouts. “Do you think Yeji’s just using Soonyoung for his money?” one girl asked.
“No way,” another interjected. “Yeji’s a chaebol. Her dad’s practically a mogul. Maybe it’s an arranged marriage? Soonyoung’s family is rich too, but Yeji doesn’t seem into him.”
Jihoon rolled his eyes so hard it was a miracle they didn’t fall out of his skull. What kind of delusional K-drama plot were these people scripting? He quickened his pace, desperate to escape the idiocy buzzing in the hallways. He headed straight for his locker, eager to grab his books and be done with this nonsense.
As he reached his locker, he spotted Yeji next to him. She greeted him with a bright smile, and Jihoon responded with a polite nod. They both opened their lockers simultaneously, and Jihoon noticed something fall to the floor between them. He wasn’t sure if it was from his locker or Yeji’s, but before he could check, Dahye’s squeal pierced the air.
“Oh my gosh, Yeji and Soonyoung, you guys are so cute!” Dahye exclaimed, pointing at a colorful A4 paper on the floor.
The paper was meticulously crafted, decorated with paper flowers and a teddy bear design. It looked like someone had poured hours into making it. At the center, in big bubble letters, were the words: “Ji, WILL YOU SEE THE MOON WITH ME? – Kwon Soonyoung.”
Jihoon froze, his stomach doing somersaults. Ji. That was the nickname Soonyoung had given him. Now, he was using it for Yeji too? Jihoon’s mind raced. Was this a message meant for Yeji? Was Soonyoung trying to make him jealous? He remembered Soonyoung’s reaction when he’d seen Jihoon with Seungcheol the other day—it had seemed like jealousy.
Jihoon glanced up and immediately regretted it. Across the hallway, Soonyoung was staring at him. His expression was unreadable as everyone tugged him towards Yeji. Jihoon’s chest tightened. What’s going on? Nothing made sense anymore.
Shaking his head, Jihoon slammed his locker shut and made his way to the classroom, his thoughts a storm of confusion. All he wanted was for the day to end, to escape the mess of emotions Soonyoung always seemed to stir in him.
That night, when Soonyoung’s FaceTime request popped up on his screen, Jihoon didn’t even hesitate to decline it.
︵ ‿ ︵ ‿ ୨ ♡ ୧ ‿ ︵ ‿ ︵
It had been four days since the A4 paper incident, and Jihoon was at his wit's end. Four days of stewing in frustration. Four nights of ignoring Soonyoung’s relentless calls. The thought of Soonyoung playing games with him while seemingly cozy with Yeji made his blood boil. Why couldn’t Soonyoung just stick to being happy with his girlfriend? Why drag Jihoon into this mess? Does he even know how he’s affecting Jihoon right now? Or is he getting off with the idea of courting a guy while having a girlfriend? Jihoon clenched his fists, his mind flitting to the idea of punching Soonyoung square in his ridiculously pretty face.
His internal rant was interrupted by his phone buzzing. The cheerful notes of ‘Capybara Song’ filled the air—it was Jeonghan. Jihoon hesitated for a moment before answering.
“Did you and Soonyoung fight?” Jeonghan asked without preamble, his tone dripping with suspicion.
“No,” Jihoon replied curtly, though even he didn’t sound convincing.
“I call bullshit,” Jeonghan shot back. “He’s been pestering me for your address. What’s really going on, Jihoon-ah? Last I heard, he couldn’t shut up about how much he liked you, and you two were FaceTiming every night.”
Jihoon let out a long sigh, feeling cornered. Slowly, he recounted the events of the past few days—the A4 paper, Yeji, the confusing mixed signals from Soonyoung, and his own growing frustration. Jeonghan listened carefully, not interrupting even once.
When Jihoon was done, Jeonghan said softly, “You need to talk to him, Jihoon. If you want answers, you have to ask him directly. He’s the only one who can clear this up.”
“What if…” Jihoon trailed off, voicing his fears. “What if he realizes I like him too and uses it against me?”
“Stop overthinking,” Jeonghan said firmly. “Has he ever done anything to make you uncomfortable? You’ve already let him into your life and he’s been patient, hasn’t he? Always waiting for you to let him in. Give him the benefit of the doubt, Jihoon.”
Jihoon stayed silent, mulling over Jeonghan’s words.
“You don’t have to rush into anything,” Jeonghan added. “But think about it. You owe it to yourself to figure out where you stand.”
Jihoon nodded, more to himself than to Jeonghan. “Thanks, hyung.”
“Anytime,” Jeonghan replied before bidding him good night.
The next day, Jihoon found himself back on the school rooftop, his newfound refuge from the chaos below. He had taken to eating his packed lunch up there, avoiding the cafeteria and any chance of running into Soonyoung or—
“Jihoon-ah! I knew I’d find you here!”
Yeji’s cheerful voice broke his thoughts. Startled, Jihoon looked up to see her bounding toward him, her usual bright smile lighting up her face.
He managed a weak smile in return. “What’s up?”
She gave him a small smile in response and handed him a short brown envelope. “Open it,” she said simply.
Jihoon hesitated, his heart racing. Slowly, he opens the envelope. Inside was the same colorful A4 paper that had haunted him for days. But now, something was different. Written above the bubble letters in bold scribbles of pentel pen were the words “LEE” and “HOON,” framing his name:
“LEE JiHOON, WILL YOU SEE THE MOON WITH ME? – Kwon Soonyoung”