Chapter Text
The sun was blazing as Beomgyu stepped out of his dormitory, fixing the strap of his bag over his shoulder. His schedule for the day was already planned down to the last detail, and made sure to double-check the contents of his neatly packed bag—laptop, notebooks, documents for the meeting, and an extra pen just in case, while checking his phone to see the time to make sure he has enough to visit their office for a quick meeting with the councils. He couldn't afford to be unprepared or it might have taken a toll on himself, heading out with his headphones on to keep his mind at ease despite the rush.
The campus was already alive with students heading to their first subject while Beomgyu walked quickly, bowing to the professors he'd met in the hall and smiling to students who greeted him a good morning. His mind was occupied with the council's upcoming event, the checklist he had to finalize, and the academic major he had to attend today, making sure that he always had to stay ahead.
"President Gyu!"
He turned at the familiar voice and found Yunjin, the Council Vice President and one of his close friends, waving at him while giggling. She approached him with her brightest smile, her long hair tied in a loose ponytail, as she catched up with him, "Did you check the final budget report Hyunjin sent last night on the group chat?" she immediately asked, falling into step beside him.
"Of course," Beomgyu replied in a composed tone, "I made a few adjustments though, but we should be good to present it at later's meeting in the afternoon with the event coordinator. In other words, there's nothing to worry about anymore."
"Ugh, thank god," Yunjin exhausted in relief, "I swear, balancing all these council work and my thesis is killing me," she expressed, faintly walking to portray her fatigue while Beomgyu chuckled, "That's why you should organize your time better," he advised, a smile now curling at his lips, "Not all of us can multitask and still get passing grades."
"Not all of us are you, Choi Beomgyu," she shot back with a grin as they both laughed. They reached the main building, where the Council Office was located, as the usual chaos greeted them the moment they stepped inside. "Beomgyu, thank god you're here," Wonyoung exclaimed as she flipped through a stack of papers, "Hyunjin and Heeseung won't stop bickering over the allocation for the upcoming festival."
"I said we should spend more on visuals, but this dude wants to hoard money like a dragon," Hyunjin inserted himself in the conversation, arguing with arms crossed.
"Because we need backup funds in case of emergencies," Heeseung countered, shaking his head, "Why are we even debating this?"
Beomgyu sighed, already feeling the beginnings of a headache. Council work is indeed one hell of a job as you have both the expectations of the whole campus and its reputation on your shoulder. Although, that doesn't mean Beomgyu didn't enjoy it one bit; he enjoys being under pressure for some reasons, and it helps him to grow his leadership skills and learn new things in the midst of it all. "Let's go over the numbers again during the meeting. Until then, both of you—calm down," he calmly requested, eyeing the two men with different expressions on their faces, "See? Even Beomgyu agrees with me," Heeseung said smugly while Hyunjin rolled his eyes, "Whatever."
Across the room, Kai and Jeongin, the Media department heads, were deep in discussion over promotional designs, while Jimin, Jaeyun, and Minjeong were making last-minute changes to the itinerary. Eunbin and Seungcheol were checking venue arrangements, while Chris and Felix from the Literature Department were reviewing speech drafts.
The council ran like a well-oiled machine, but only because Beomgyu ensured it did. He wouldn't say that it is all thanks to his leadership that it made everything happen right, but he does make sure that each skill they possess would be of good use when running the campus and credit their hard work afterwards. Plus, they're all still in their freshman and sophomore years; they still have tons of change to create in this beloved university of theirs.
As the quick morning meeting wrapped up, Beomgyu gathered his things and prepared for his first class. Psychology was his best choice out of all the courses he had in mind given that he is intrigued to know more about the human mind and behavior, and it was his mom's course as well before. Even so, having to be in such a class also meant walking past the part of campus where the basketball team usually hung out.
And that meant seeing him.
Choi Yeonjun.
The campus' golden boy who lit up any room he walked into. He's the kind who's full of confidence, effortlessly charming, and the kind of person everyone gravitated toward. Yeonjun and Beomgyu had never spoken unless necessary, but that didn't stop Beomgyu from noticing him and admiring him from afar.
As Beomgyu made his way through the hallway, he spotted Yeonjun laughing with his friends—Dino and Wooyoung, his classmates in the same block. They were all leaning against the lockers, deep in some conversation. Yeonjun's laughter was loud, unrestrained, and it carried easily through the halls.
Beomgyu didn't stop to stare for too long. But for a moment, as he passed, he glanced in a bit.
Yeonjun was smiling—bright, carefree, the kind of smile that could make anyone pause.
Beomgyu kept walking, suppressing the sigh that threatened to escape his lips. It was fine. This was fine. He was someone he admired from afar, nothing more. Yeonjun doesn't have to know that someone like him existed, as that could possibly shade his light. He shouldn't be reacting too much either.
But as he turned the corner to enter the busiest classroom of theirs, he couldn't ignore the way his heart was still racing.
Yeonjun leaned against the lockers, balancing a basketball under one arm while scrolling through the group chat on his phone. Dino and Wooyoung stood beside him, their expressions mirroring his—focused, but slightly amused. Their coach apparently reminded him that the upcoming division tournament is in two weeks, and that's unfortunately as much time as they can have to prepare.
"So, are we really going all in for the division tournament?" Dino asked, nudging Yeonjun's arm, "Or are we pretending like we aren't trying to take home the trophy again?"
"Oh, we're definitely taking it," Yeonjun said, a confident smirk playing on his lips while assuring, "San and Changbin were talking strategy last night in the chat, Taehyun is already mapping out plays, and Serim and Bumjune were throwing in their own suggestions along with the heads of the Sports Science department. We're gonna be unstoppable."
"Yeah, well, if Serim actually sticks to defense instead of showing off, we might have a chance," Wooyoung teased, crossing his arms as Yeonjun chuckled, "You know he can't help himself. But seriously, we've got a solid plan. Taehyun wants us to do extra drills this week, though."
"Ugh," Dino groaned, "Tell me he's not making us do suicides again."
"You already know the answer," Yeonjun replied, laughing when Dino dropped his head dramatically onto Wooyoung's shoulder.
"Anyway," Wooyoung said, straightening up, "Changbin also mentioned a practice match with another school. When's that happening?"
"Either this Saturday or tomorrow," Yeonjun confirmed, "Mingyu told me that they might be checking the event's venue before the division week at the same time, so it might happen as soon as possible. We need to make sure our teamwork is solid before the real deal first. But hey, don't worry. We're going to win like always."
"Speaking of practice," San's voice suddenly chimed in as he walked over, dribbling a ball, "Are we meeting at the gym after classes or are you guys slacking?"
"Of course, we're meeting," though surprised at his sudden entrance, Yeonjun responded with ease, "We can't have Taehyun nagging us about effort again."
"Effort?" Taehyun appeared beside them, arms crossed. "You mean how Wooyoung keeps skipping his morning runs?"
"Hey!" Wooyoung protested, "It's called reserving energy. Unlike you guys, I know how to balance studies and practices just like right now."
Serim arrived next, chuckling while Changbin was already hyping up the practice match, mimicking their opponents' moves dramatically. The banter between them filled the hallway, and soon enough, the entire team was caught in playful arguments over drills, stamina, and who needed to step up their game the most.
"Honestly, what would you guys even do without me?" Changbin said, puffing out his chest, "I carry this team."
"Oh yeah, sure," Taehyun deadpanned. "Carrying us straight into exhaustion with your endless yelling on court. Yeonjun is the captain, dude, not you."
"Excuse me! That's called motivation," Changbin countered, "It's called a headache," San added with a laugh, nudging Serim, who nodded in agreement.
"Alright, alright, enough," Wooyoung clapped his hands, "Listen up! Dino, Yeonjun, you're fine because we're in the same class, so there's no need for you to listen to me. But the rest of you? Why are you even here? Don't you have major classes to attend?"
Serim grinned sheepishly, "Uh, technically, yes, but—"
"No buts!" Wooyoung cut him off, "Changbin, I know for a fact your professor takes attendance seriously. And Taehyun, weren't you just lecturing us about effort? Go put that energy into your own class!" Playfully, Changbin pulled a pout, "We were just—"
"No excuses! Get moving before I personally report all of you for loitering," Wooyoung threatened, crossing his arms.
The group groaned but started dispersing, muttering complaints under their breath. Serim exchanged amused glances with Taehyun, while Changbin playfully nudged Wooyoung, "You sound like my mom."
"And yet, I'm right," Wooyoung shot back, "Now go!"
"But babe, we'll miss you," San sighed dramatically, "What if this is the last time we all hang out like this? What if life pulls us apart and we never get to argue about drills again? Or worse, what if someone dies in the spot right now"
"Yeah, Wooyoung," Serim chimed in, pretending to wipe a tear, "Are you really kicking us out with such coldness? I thought we had something special."
"Oh my god," while Yeonjun and Dino, speechless, started giggling to each other over how stupid their friends look when "begging", Wooyoung groaned while rolling his eyes, "Get your dramatic asses out of here before I actually start missing you idiots."
The rest of them burst into laughter, ruffling Wooyoung's hair or patting him on the back as they slowly retreated toward their classrooms. Wooyoung shook his head, muttering under his breath about how he was surrounded by children.
As everyone else chatter here and there, and in the midst of the chaos his friends made, Yeonjun's eyes flickered up just in time to see a familiar figure pass by.
Choi Beomgyu.
The pride of their university and the council president; the one everyone respected—but barely anyone truly knew. Yeonjun had heard plenty about him, but their paths had never really crossed.
Still, for some reason, Yeonjun found himself watching him longer than necessary, a strange curiosity settling in his chest.
"Earth to Yeonjun," Dino called, snapping his fingers in front of Yeonjun's face. "You good?"
Yeonjun blinked, shaking off the thought, "Yeah. Just thinking."
Wooyoung smirked, "About the game or a hot chick?"
Dino and Wooyoung laughed, nudging his back while entering the classroom as Yeonjun rolled his eyes but said nothing.
For now.
The lecture hall was already buzzing when Beomgyu entered, taking his usual seat. As he set down his books, the professor walked in and clapped his hands to get everyone's attention. As last week was their examination week, today's the official end of the midterm, which means that the results would be out today. Although everyone already expected that Beomgyu is still on top, he still felt nervous, turning his pen between his fingers as fast as he could.
"Before we begin," the professor announced, "I'd like to take a moment to recognize the outstanding student. Choi Beomgyu, congratulations on achieving perfect scores on all your midterm departmental exams and for being the only student who had so," while he complimented him, the professor handed out his test papers to him who walked his way to accept it. A wave of whispered exclamations spread through the room before the students broke into applause.
Beomgyu instantly felt his face heat up. Faintly smiling and slightly bowing at everyone who clapped for him. His fingers tightened around his pen, and he stared down at his desk as if it would swallow him whole. The attention made his skin prickle, and he desperately wished the moment would pass quickly. Not that he doesn't deserve the recognition since he knows for himself that he worked hard for it, but to him, he shouldn't be praised for something so simple as he knows everyone worked hard the same way as him but also differently. The rest think otherwise, highly looking up at him as an inspiration, as his friends next to his seat began to cheer him.
"As expected from the campus president," Yunjin whispered, grinning as she elbowed Beomgyu playfully, "Yeah, nothing new," Hyunjin teased, "You're practically setting some standard at this point," Minjeong chuckled, "Not just some standard, but the standard of every school. Ours just got lucky we have him. You're indeed the pride, bestie!"
Eunbin leaned forward, offering her hands to reach out for his exam papers, of which Beomgyu allowed to by handing it over, to look at his scores with her mouth wide open, the rest of his circle trying to peek along, "Should we just hand over our exams to you next time?" she remarked jokingly, giggling softly while Wooyoung, sitting a few rows ahead, turned back with a mischievous grin, "You better tell us your secret study techniques, or I'm calling fraud."
Beomgyu forced another smile, yet he could feel his heartbeat hammering against his ribs, "It's nothing. I just studied," he muttered, shifting uncomfortably in his seat while one of his fingers scratched the back of his ear. He didn't know how to handle all this praise—he never did. It felt undeserved, even if the numbers proved otherwise.
He wished, for once, that people wouldn't make such a big deal out of it.
Yeonjun, who was listening from his seat nearby, tapped Dino's shoulder, "He really got perfect scores in everything?" he asked, feigning curiosity. Dino, who was also able to take a glance at his papers, nodded to confirm, "Yeah. It's not even shocking anymore. He's been like that since high school."
Yeonjun hummed, resting his chin on his palm as he watched Beomgyu entertain the people around him.
Even after handing out the results, and the professor continuing with the lesson, Beomgyu could still feel the lingering glances, and it only made him want to disappear further into his seat. He lowered his head slightly, his mind racing. Did he look arrogant for not responding enough? Did people think he was showing off? He just wanted to do well, to meet his own expectations, and make his mother proud, but moments like these made him feel like he was on display for something he wasn't sure he even deserved.
After class, Yunjin, Hyunjin, Minjeong, and Eunbin walked with him toward the council office, still playfully gushing about his results.
"We should start making bets on how long your streak will last," Hyunjin said, "Forever, obviously," Yunjin replied, "He's Choi Beomgyu!"
Beomgyu sighed, shaking his head, "You guys are making this a bigger deal than it is," Minjeong laughed softly, clinging onto his arm, "Because it is a big deal. Just take the praise for once."
Beomgyu hesitated but eventually mumbled, "I just don't think it's that special."
Yunjin rolled her eyes and slung an arm around his shoulders, "You're too humble for your own good, Gyu. You deserve the recognition."
Close to their destination, the conversation goes on as Minjeong suggests that they should have a mini celebration with the other council members for their president's achievement. He was hesitant at first, but as swallowed hard, Beomgyu gave her a small nod yet still feeling the weight of their words as Yunjin and Minjeong squealed, walking faster to enter the office. Hyunjin tried to reach them, following their pace, as Beomgyu could only chuckle at the sight of his friends' happiness for him.
Yet, he wasn't sure he could ever see himself the way they did.
Meanwhile, Yeonjun, Dino, and Wooyoung made their way toward their usual lunch spot, the campus kiosk near the basketball court, where the rest of their team had already gathered.
San waved them over, "Finally! I thought you guys got kidnapped."
"Nah, we were just busy admiring Beomgyu's perfection," Wooyoung teased, plopping down onto the bench, "Dude aced every single exam. I think he might secretly be a robot."
Changbin snorted, "Great. Now my mom's gonna use him as my new standard again. Thanks a lot, President Choi," he stated in a tease while Serim leaned back with a grin, "We should recruit him to the team. If he's that good at academics, maybe he can teach us how to strategize better. He might even be a better coach if we have to compare him to Taehyun," with that statement, Taehyun threw a paper towards him as Serim quickly pulled him to a side embrace to create a quick truce while the rest continued with a different topic, laughing and bickering as usual.
Yeonjun smirked but stayed quiet, swirling his drink as he listened to the conversation. His curiosity had been steadily growing which Dino noticed, "You keep looking like you want to say something," he shrugged, responding in a hum before he raised a question, "Say, you mentioned earlier that he has been that smart since high school, right? Were you classmates before? What was he like?"
Dino raised an eyebrow at the sudden question, "Beomgyu? Well yeah, back in 11th grade, why?"
"Just curious," Yeonjun replied nonchalantly.
Wooyoung grinned, "Oh? Our captain is suddenly interested in the school ace?"
Yeonjun rolled his eyes, "I've just noticed he never really talks to people outside of the council."
Dino nodded thoughtfully, "That's just how he is. He's not unfriendly, but he doesn't really go out of his way to approach people. Probably because he's timid, neither were we close before, but I get to talk to him whenever I get the chance to. I don't think he's ever said more than a sentence to you though, right?"
Yeonjun thought back and realized he was right. Even though they had shared classes since they were freshmen, Beomgyu always seemed distant—almost like he was avoiding him.
"Maybe he thinks you're scary," San joked, nudging Yeonjun, "I mean, you do have that kind of aura."
Yeonjun teasingly raised his hand as a threat then laughed with him, but the thought lingered nonetheless.
Just then, a group of female students passed by their table, giggling as they stole glances at Yeonjun. One of them gathered enough courage to wave, her cheeks turning pink when Yeonjun gave her a charming smile in return.
"There it is," Changbin sighed dramatically, "The Yeonjun Effect. One smile and they're practically floating."
"I swear, you have an entire fan club," Wooyoung added, shaking his head.
"What can I say? People like me," Yeonjun jokes, leaning back against the bench.
"Man, we get it, you're irresistible," Dino scoffed playfully, then suddenly gasped dramatically, clutching his chest, "Even I can't resist you. I think... I think I'm falling for you, too, Choi Yeonjun!"
Yeonjun raised an eyebrow, unimpressed but amused, "Dino, please. Control yourself."
Dino grabbed Yeonjun's wrist, his voice turning exaggeratedly desperate. "How can I? You saw what just happened! One smile, and she was gone! And now..." he pretended to swoon, "Now I am, too!"
Wooyoung burst into laughter, nearly choking on his drink, "Someone get this man a reality check," San joined in, clapping, "A+ performance. But honestly, who can blame him? The Yeonjun Effect is real."
Yeonjun rolled his eyes, shaking Dino off, "If you keep this up, I'm filing a restraining order," Dino wiped away fake tears, "Fine, but just know," he grasped his heart with both hands, "my heart will always be yours," He shot him a dramatic wink before finally sitting back down, grinning when the group erupted into laughter, earning a shook in the head from Yeonjun.
"Anyway, back to Beomgyu—why the sudden interest?" Yeonjun hesitated for a split second before answering Dino, who is now drinking his water bottle while glancing at him, "No reason. Just thinking."
Wooyoung nudged Dino, smirking, "Mark my words, he's gonna start stalking him."
"Shut up," Yeonjun shot back, rolling his eyes, but he couldn't deny it—something about that guy intrigued him.
But for now, he'd keep his curiosity to himself.