Chapter Text
Sangwon neatly packed his books and stationery into his small bag. He straightened his desk one last time before—
“LEEE SANGWONNN!!”
The sudden shout nearly pierced his ears.
“Let’s go home together! Let’s grab snacks—come onnn!” Geonwoo said loudly, bursting into Sangwon’s classroom and immediately pulling him closer.
Sangwon could only let out a tired sigh.
Geonwoo was walking beside him now, wearing that wide, familiar grin. He looked ridiculously happy today. Too happy, even.
What’s gotten into him?
Sangwon didn’t ask.
Geonwoo, as usual, talked first.
“I’m gonna join the debate competition with the club,” Geonwoo said excitedly. “I’ll be super busy, Won. Like—really busy. But I’m so happy. I honestly thought I wouldn’t get picked, but I did! Can you believe that? It sounds fun as hell.”
He rambled on without pause.
“But it’s not as fun ‘cause you’re not joining,” he added quickly. “Why don’t you wanna join the debate club anyway? Oh—wait. Never mind. You’d probably get tired. Debates aren’t really your thing.”
He laughed. “Plus, if you debate with me, you’ll lose every time. Sorry, not sorry.”
Geonwoo burst out laughing at his own teasing.
Sangwon stayed quiet.
Because it was true.
He couldn’t argue back.
And honestly, Sangwon wasn’t interested anyway—even if it meant spending more time with Geonwoo. It wasn’t his passion. He’d probably just become Geonwoo’s joke again.
So exhausting.
That’s when it hit him.
Geonwoo was going to be really busy.
Busy enough that—worst case—he wouldn’t have time for Sangwon anymore.
No… that’s probably just me overthinking, Sangwon told himself.
Geonwoo would stay the same, right? No matter what, they’d still be best friends.
…Right?
Or would Geonwoo get so busy that he’d forget about him?
No. That couldn’t be true. Geonwoo wasn’t that cruel.
Sangwon didn’t protest. Being busy with competitions was good for Geonwoo. It was a good thing.
Just… not for Sangwon’s heart.
Because the truth was, Sangwon didn’t like being alone.
And Geonwoo was the only friend he had.
He was shy. Too shy. Making friends never came easy to him. Geonwoo was always the one who talked first, who stayed, who pulled him along.
Sangwon didn’t even realize how long he’d been lost in thought until they reached the motorcycle parking area.
Geonwoo quickly grabbed a helmet and placed it on Sangwon’s head. “Come closer,” he said casually while putting his own helmet on. “Hold on tight.”
Sangwon climbed onto the motorcycle.
Geonwoo checked on him once more, then gently pulled Sangwon’s hands around his waist. “So you won’t fall,” he said.
Be careful on the road, Sangwon thought.
Geonwoo didn’t take him straight home.
“Where are we going?” Sangwon asked, raising his voice slightly so Geonwoo could hear him over the traffic.
“To the park!” Geonwoo replied cheerfully. “Let’s eat ramyeon. Like a picnic, kinda. You’re in, right?”
Sangwon nodded.
Even if he hadn’t, Geonwoo already knew the answer. Sangwon always said yes when it came to him. Trusting him that much—almost like a kid who’d follow someone anywhere if told to.
They arrived at the city park and bought two cups of ramyeon from a small stall nearby. They sat on the grass with a thin mat under them, sipping cold drinks and slurping spicy noodles.
Green trees stretched out in front of them. A small stream flowed quietly at the edge of the park.
It was beautiful.
Perfect for the eyes, the ears—
and the heart.
They didn’t talk much.
They didn’t need to.
Being there together was enough after a long day at school.
“You feeling better now?” Geonwoo said after a while. “Let’s head home. It’s getting cloudy. Don’t want you getting soaked and sick.”
Sangwon nodded and quickly packed their trash, throwing it away properly.
As they crossed the small stream, Geonwoo reached for Sangwon’s hand, helping him step across the stones—unnecessary, really, but Sangwon let him anyway.
He noticed something.
Geonwoo always walked slightly behind him. Then, after a while, he’d move to walk beside him. Near the road, Geonwoo always positioned himself closer to traffic, no matter which side they were on.
Like he was protecting him.
Sometimes, he’d suddenly grab Sangwon’s hand and pull him into a light jog, not caring who saw them. He’d smile widely at Sangwon before looking forward again.
Geonwoo always noticed his mood shifts. Especially when Sangwon was thinking too much.
Sangwon never asked why Geonwoo was like this.
Never asked what it meant.
He didn’t know whether he wanted the answer—or if he was afraid of it.
Lost in thought, he didn’t realize Geonwoo shaking his shoulder.
“You’ve been quiet,” Geonwoo said. “What’re you thinking about? Here—helmet on.”
Sangwon snapped back to reality.
“Oh—sorry. Nothing. Thanks.”
Geonwoo sighed softly.
He knew Sangwon was lying.
Sangwon was like that—keeping things to himself, never fully opening up. Completely opposite from Geonwoo, who usually said whatever he felt.
Except for one thing.
Love.
That one, he never said.