Meeting You

Dohoon is forced to move from Busan to Seoul, what will awaits him at the new city?
Before moving, he met with a boy that he never seen before, is this a fateful encounter or just a random one?

Notes:

Hey this is my first work, forgive me if some part is slightly weird cause some of it i write them i'm god awfully drunk.

(See the end of the work for more notes.)

Work Text:

Kim Dohoon had lived in Busan for as long as he could remember.

But everything changed with a single decision that wasn’t his.

Because of his father’s promotion, his entire family had to move to Seoul.

And Dohoon… hated it.

“Dohoon-ah, make sure you finish packing. We’re leaving tomorrow,” his mother called from outside his room.

“Yeah, yeah, I know,” he replied, stuffing another shirt into his suitcase. “I’ve packed most of it already. Just a few clothes left.”

His voice sounded casual—but his heart wasn’t.

It felt… heavy.

Bittersweet.

He had to leave behind everything he knew—his home, his memories, and most importantly… the people who meant the most to him.

Still, a small part of him felt curious.

Excited, even.

He had never been to Seoul before.

After finishing most of his packing, Dohoon slipped out of the house for one last walk around the neighborhood.

The quiet streets. The familiar corners. The houses where laughter used to echo.

Every step felt heavier than the last.

Without realizing it, he found himself standing in front of a house he knew all too well.

“Dohoonie!”

The front door burst open.

A boy with black hair, dressed in a hoodie, rushed out.

“I’m going to miss you so much,” he said, voice already trembling. “Promise me you’ll keep in touch!”

Dohoon smiled, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes.

“Gyuvin-ah, of course I will. I won’t forget you. And we already promised, remember? Same university in Seoul.”

“Even if it’s just a year apart… it still feels too far,” Kim Gyuvin muttered, letting out a soft chuckle. “Yujin cried earlier because of this.”

“Dohoon-hyung!”

A smaller figure came running out—

—and launched straight into Dohoon.

“Yujin-ah…” Dohoon laughed softly, catching him in a hug. “Hyung’s going to miss you too.”

He ruffled the boy’s hair gently.

“Look at you,” Gyuvin shook his head, smiling. “So clingy with him. I’m starting to wonder if I’m even your real brother.”

“Gyuvin-hyung always teases me,” Yujin pouted, sticking his tongue out. “Dohoon-hyung treats me better anyway.”

Dohoon chuckled, warmth spreading through his chest.

“Yujin-nie,” he said softly, raising his hand. “I promise I’ll visit whenever I can, okay?”

Yujin hooked his pinky with his immediately.

“Promise! If you break it… you’ll turn into a dog!”

Dohoon laughed. “Deal.”

“Tell us everything about Seoul when you get there,” Gyuvin added. “I’ve always been curious about it.”

“You don’t even have to ask,” Dohoon replied. “You know I can’t stop talking once I start.”

Suddenly—

his phone rang.

He glanced at the screen.

Eomma.

“Dohoon-ah,” his mother’s voice came through, light and teasing. “It’s getting late. Dinner in ten minutes. If you’re not back, we’ll eat everything without you.”

“Eomma!” Dohoon groaned. “That’s cruel. Am I even your son?”

After a short exchange, he hung up.

Silence settled between the three of them.

“…I guess this is goodbye for now,” Dohoon said quietly.

His vision blurred.

“Don’t cry,” Yujin sniffled. “If you cry, I’ll cry again…”

Too late.

Gyuvin pulled both of them into a tight hug.

“Dohoon-ah… promise us you’ll keep in touch.”

“You two are my most precious friends,” Dohoon whispered, his voice breaking. “I’ll never forget you. I promise.”

Tears fell freely now.

Between laughter and sobs, they repeated their promises—over and over—like trying to carve them into something permanent.

Something unbreakable.

“…Alright,” Dohoon finally said, stepping back. “I really have to go now… or I’m not getting dinner.”

“Bye, Dohoon-hyung!” Yujin waved, still wiping his tears.

“Don’t forget!” Gyuvin added, an arm around his brother.

Dohoon waved one last time—

then turned and ran.

Because if he stayed even one second longer…

he wouldn’t be able to leave.

—

Memories flooded his mind as he ran.

The playground where they first met.

Walking home together after school.

Sharing lunch.

Late-night study sessions that turned into sleepovers.

Every moment.

Every laugh.

Every piece of his life was here.

His chest tightened.

And before he knew it—

he had stopped.

At the playground.

The same one.

The place where everything began.

“Why… does this have to happen…” he whispered.

His voice cracked.

He dropped to the ground, hugging his knees as tears fell again.

A broken sound escaped him.

Then—

“You look like you need this.”

A hand extended toward him.

Holding a pack of tissues.

Dohoon looked up.

And for a moment—

everything went still.

The boy standing in front of him was tall, effortlessly handsome. There was something calm about him… something steady.

And the small mole on the tip of his nose—

somehow made him even more unforgettable.

“T-thanks…” Dohoon stammered, taking the tissues and wiping his tears.

The boy sat down beside him quietly.

“Let it out,” he said softly. “You’ll feel better.”

For a while, neither of them spoke.

The night sky stretched above them, filled with quiet stars.

“Tough day?” the boy asked.

Dohoon nodded.

“I’ve never seen you around here,” he said after a moment.

“I’m visiting relatives,” the boy replied. “I’m not from here. Just came out for some air… and to look around.”

He glanced up at the sky again.

“It’s nice here. Quiet.”

There was something comforting in his voice.

Something that made Dohoon’s chest feel lighter.

“…I have a feeling we’ll meet again,” the boy said, turning to him. “What’s your name?”

“Dohoon. Kim Dohoon.”

A small pause.

“Shin Junghwan,” the boy replied.

Then, after a beat—

“Or you can call me… Shinyu.”

Dohoon blinked.

Shinyu.

It suited him.

“Well… goodbye, Dohoon,” Shinyu said, standing up.

He gave a small wave—

and walked away.

Dohoon watched him go.

For some reason—

his heart was beating faster than it should.

And he didn’t understand why.

—

Dohoon woke with a groan as the plane touched down at Incheon International Airport. The long flight had left his body heavy and sluggish, his mind still somewhere between Busan and Seoul.

By the time they reached their new home, the sky had already shifted into a soft afternoon glow.

The house… looked familiar.

Too familiar.

It was almost a mirror of their Busan home—the same layout, the same warm tones, even the same arrangement of furniture. His parents had clearly tried their best to recreate a sense of comfort for him.

He appreciated it.

But it still felt… different.

Without wasting a second, Dohoon dragged his suitcase into his room and flopped face-first onto the bed.

“Ughhh…”

“Dohoon-ah,” his mother called from downstairs, “make sure to unpack your things, okay?”

“Yes, Eomma… just let me rest for a bit,” he replied, his voice muffled by the pillow.

After a moment, he rolled over and pulled out his phone, snapping a quick photo of his new room. He sent it straight to Gyuvin and Yujin.

Made it. Looks almost the same.

He stared at the room again, taking in the details.

It should feel like home.

But it wasn’t quite there yet.

After unpacking, Dohoon decided to take a walk. If he was going to live here, he might as well get used to the place.

The neighborhood was lively—more crowded than Busan, with unfamiliar streets and new faces everywhere.

Eventually, he spotted a convenience store.

His stomach growled.

“Milkis… tteokbokki… ramyeon…” he muttered, scanning the shelves. “What should I get…”

Then—

He froze.

A familiar figure stood a few aisles away. Broad shoulders. Tall frame.

His heartbeat suddenly sped up.

No way…

Dohoon quickly shook his head.

It can’t be him. What are the chances?

Panicking for no reason, he grabbed a can of Milkis and a sandwich, paid as quickly as possible, and rushed out of the store.

He didn’t dare look back.

Before heading home, he wandered further, mapping out the route to his new school.

Restaurants lined the streets. A bookstore sat quietly at the corner. A public swimming pool stood not too far away.

It wasn’t bad.

Just… new.

When he got home, he saw his mother chatting with a neighbor outside.

“Oh! This is my son, Dohoon. He’s in his third year of high school.”

Dohoon gave a polite nod. “Hello.”

The neighbor smiled warmly. “Oh, third year? My son is also in third year. I’m sure you’ll meet him soon. He’s out buying groceries right now—at the convenience store nearby.”

Dohoon stiffened for a split second.

Convenience store…?

“…I see.”

He excused himself and went upstairs.

Dropping onto his bed again, he let out a long sigh.

So… this is where my new life begins.

—

The next day, Dohoon woke up earlier than usual.

Too early.

He stood in front of the mirror, adjusting his hair for what felt like the tenth time.

What if I mess up? What if I say something weird?

“Dohoon-ah! Breakfast is ready!” his mother called.

“Coming!”

He gave himself one last look before heading downstairs.

At the table, his father glanced up. “First day at a new school. Nervous?”

“Of course I am,” Dohoon groaned. “What if I make a bad first impression?”

His father chuckled.

His mother, meanwhile, stirred her coffee. “I asked the neighbor’s son to guide you today. He’s the student council president.”

Dohoon froze mid-bite.

“…Eomma. That sounds even more stressful.”

“Just be yourself,” she said gently. “You don’t need to force anything.”

Ding dong.

“That must be him,” his father said. “Done eating?”

“Yes!”

Dohoon grabbed his bag and rushed to the door.

He opened it—

—and froze.

“Hi,” the boy smiled. “Told you we’d meet again.”

“S-Shinyu?!”

Standing there, as if it was the most natural thing in the world, was Shin Junghwan.

Or rather—

Shinyu.

“Let’s go?” Shinyu said casually. “We don’t want to be late on your first day.”

Dohoon nodded stiffly, still trying to process the situation as he stepped out beside him.

“I didn’t expect you to be the transfer student,” Shinyu said with a soft chuckle. “So that’s why you were crying the other day.”

“Ah… that…” Dohoon scratched his neck, ears heating up. “Can we not talk about that?”

Shinyu laughed.

“Alright, alright. I’ll stop teasing.”

They walked side by side as Shinyu began explaining the school.

“TWS High School is one of the top high schools nationwide. There are a lot of events, so make sure you participate. It’ll make things more fun.”

Before Dohoon could respond—

An arm suddenly slung over Shinyu’s shoulder.

“Yo, Junghwan-hyung! Who’s this?”

Dohoon flinched slightly.

“Transfer student,” Shinyu replied. “Kim Dohoon.”

The boy grinned brightly. “Nice to meet you! I’m Han Jihoon, second year. Just call me Jihoon!”

“Nice to meet you,” Dohoon said, returning the smile. “I’m Dohoon. Third year.”

“Where are you from?”

“Busan,” Shinyu answered for him.

Jihoon’s eyes lit up. “Busan? That’s so far! I’ve been there once—it’s amazing!”

Their chatter continued as they made their way to school.

At the school gates, Dohoon hesitated.

“Shinyu… where’s the teacher’s office? I need to meet Mr. Kim.”

“Mr. Kim? You mean Kim Seokjin? You’re probably in my class. Office is on the second floor, that building.” He pointed.

“Thanks.”

As Dohoon walked off, Jihoon raised an eyebrow.

“…You let him call you ‘Shinyu’?”

Shinyu blinked. “Did I?”

Then he just smiled and walked away, leaving Jihoon completely confused.

—

“Ah! You must be the new student!” Mr. Kim beamed. “Wow, you’re tall—you’ve raised my standards!”

Dohoon blinked.

“…Huh?”

“Anyway!” the teacher clapped. “Class 3-A. I’m your homeroom teacher. Welcome!”

“…Thank you,” Dohoon said, still unsure how to react, before heading out.

“Class 3-A… Class 3-A…”

He found a door and opened it.

Every head turned.

“…Yes?” the teacher inside asked.

Dohoon looked up.

3-B.

“…I’m so sorry!”

He bowed repeatedly before slamming the door shut.

Laughter erupted behind him.

And in front of him—

Shinyu was dying laughing.

“I can’t—Dohoon-ah—your class is here.”

Dohoon covered his face. “Please stop…”

Shinyu guided him into the correct classroom.

“Everyone, attention,” he announced. “This is our new transfer student, Kim Dohoon.”

Dohoon stood awkwardly at the front.

“Hi… nice to meet you.”

“Sit next to me,” Shinyu said, pointing at the empty seat beside him.

Dohoon hesitated—

—but sat down.

From behind, a voice whispered:

“Nice ‘empty seat.’ You definitely planned that.”

Shinyu just grinned.

The boy leaned forward. “I’m Choi Youngjae. His best friend.”

“Nice to meet you,” Dohoon chuckled.

Maybe this won’t be so bad…

Then the door opened.

“Good morning!” Mr. Kim walked in. “Did Dohoon find the classroom? I heard he entered the wrong one—isn’t he cute?”

The entire class burst into laughter.

Dohoon slowly lowered his head onto the desk.

Shinyu, beside him, was still laughing.

…Never mind.

First Encounters are hard.

—

“Kim Dohoon, after class, come to the office. I’ll be giving you a test to assess your current academic level.”

Mr. Kim said it so casually—as if he hadn’t just dropped a bomb on Dohoon’s first day.

“…Yes, Mr. Kim,” Dohoon replied, already regretting every life decision that led him here.

A test… on the first day? Seriously?

As the class settled, Dohoon slumped slightly in his seat.

“Dohoon-ah,” Choi Youngjae said without even looking up from his book, “it’s important. Our school moves faster than most.”

“You can always come to me if you can’t keep up,” Shin Junghwan added, glancing at him. “I can tutor you.”

Dohoon sighed dramatically. “That doesn’t change the fact that I have a test… on the first day.”

Shinyu chuckled softly.

After the class is over, Dohoon head to the office to meet Mr. Kim.

“So here’s your paper,” Mr. Kim said, handing it over. “You’ll have one hour. Answer as much as you can.”

He gestured toward a nearby room. “Use the meeting room. When you’re done, bring it back to me.”

“Yes, Mr. Kim.”

Dohoon stepped inside, closed the door behind him, and looked down at the paper.

…Then blinked.

Oh.

This wasn’t as bad as he expected.

Most of the questions were familiar—challenging, yes, but manageable.

Forty-five minutes later—

Dohoon placed the paper on Mr. Kim’s desk.

“You’re done already?” Mr. Kim raised an eyebrow, clearly impressed as he flipped through the pages. “Alright. I’ll let you know the result after recess.”

“Thank you, sir.”

—

When Dohoon stepped out—

He froze.

Shinyu and Youngjae were waiting outside.

“…You guys were waiting?”

“How was the test?” Shinyu asked immediately. “Could you answer most of it?”

Dohoon nodded. “Yeah. It wasn’t that hard. Finished it in about forty-five minutes.”

Silence.

Shinyu and Youngjae exchanged a look.

“…Dohoon,” Youngjae said slowly, “you might not know this, but Mr. Kim’s test is the hardest one here.”

He pointed at Shinyu. “The only other person who finished it within the time limit is this genius.”

Then he looked back at Dohoon.

“…Don’t tell me you’re one of those monsters too.”

“Uh…” Dohoon scratched his neck, suddenly embarrassed.

Before it could get awkward—

“Yah, stop stressing him out,” Shinyu said, lightly punching Youngjae’s shoulder. “He just finished the test.”

“Fine, fine,” Youngjae sighed.

“Junghwan-hyung! Youngjae-hyung!”

A familiar voice cut in.

Han Jihoon stepped out of the office, then spotted Dohoon.

“Oh—you’re the one who took the test?”

He visibly shivered. “Just hearing ‘Mr. Kim’s test’ gives me chills. Are you okay, hyung?”

“…I think?” Dohoon nodded.

Youngjae leaned over and whispered something into Jihoon’s ear.

Jihoon’s eyes widened instantly.

He turned to Dohoon—

“Hyung! Please tutor me!”

“…What?” Dohoon blinked.

“It’s sudden, I know, but please! I’ll buy you snacks!” Jihoon clasped his hands together dramatically. “I’m terrible at math. You finished that test in forty-five minutes—you’re definitely a genius!”

Dohoon felt heat creep up his neck.

Before he could respond—

“Why don’t you ask Youngjae instead?” Shinyu cut in, a knowing grin on his face.

“Ah… Youngjae-hyung…” Jihoon immediately shrank, suddenly shy.

Dohoon blinked.

…That reaction?

Youngjae, on the other hand, punched Shinyu. “Yah.”

“Alright, lunch?” Shinyu said quickly, cutting the tension. “Kyungmin and Hanjin are probably waiting.”

“Yeah—food sounds great,” Dohoon said instantly, grateful for the escape. “Can you show me the cafeteria?”

—

Inside the cafeteria, there are a lot of people and it is much alrger than Dohoon's school back in Busan

“Hyung! Over here!”

A boy waved enthusiastically.

“That’s them,” Shinyu said. “Let’s go.”

“Took you long enough,” the brown-haired boy said. “What happened?”

“Nothing much. Just waiting for our transfer student.” Shinyu gestured toward Dohoon.

“Oh—hi!” the boy grinned. “I’m Lee Kyungmin. And this is Hanjin. We’re second years.”

“Nice to meet you,” Dohoon said with a polite smile.

“Can I call you Dohoon-hyung?” Hanjin asked.

“Of course,” Dohoon nodded. “Nice to meet you too.”

Surprisingly…

It didn’t feel that hard anymore.

“…Why are Jihoon-hyung and Youngjae-hyung so quiet today?” Kyungmin whispered to Shinyu.

“Who knows?” Shinyu shrugged.

Meanwhile, Dohoon stared at the food stalls.

So many choices…

“Shinyu,” he said, turning to him, “what do you recommend? I can’t decide.”

“Easy. Come with me.”

Shinyu grabbed his wrist and pulled him along.

Behind them—

“…Did he just call him ‘Shinyu’?” Kyungmin blinked.

“I thought only we could call him that,” Hanjin added.

Youngjae shook his head. “Junghwan’s definitely plotting something.”

—

Dohoon and Shinyu now queue up at the foodline, looking at the amount of food that is available, Dohoon is in deep thought, but he is interrupted by the other boy.

“You have to try the bibimbap and naengmyeon,” Shinyu said. “And the japchae is really good too.”

“What about tteokbokki?”

“A must. Best thing here. I get it almost every day.”

“Then I’ll get naengmyeon and tteokbokki,” Dohoon decided.

He glanced at Shinyu.

He’s been helping me all day…

“Shinyu, I’ll treat you this time,” he said. “For helping me out.”

“You don’t have to,” Shinyu smiled. “It’s part of my job. And… I think they already like you.”

Dohoon felt his heartbeat spike again.

That smile… seriously…

“At least let me buy you a drink.”

Shinyu considered it.

“…Alright. After school?”

“Deal.”

—

When the two of them finally got back to the table, Dohoon was immediately bombarded by questions.

“So you’re from Busan?” Kyungmin asked.

Dohoon nodded. “Yeah… moved here two days ago.”

For a moment, something flickered across his face.

“I can’t imagine that,” Hanjin said softly. “Leaving everything behind…”

“But you have us now!” he added quickly, smiling brightly.

Dohoon blinked—then smiled.

“…Thank you. Really.”

“Told you,” Shinyu said quietly beside him. “They’d like you.”

Dohoon looked around the table—

Kyungmin and Hanjin were already arguing about after-school plans.

Jihoon and Youngjae were bickering over food.

And Shinyu—

Was looking at him.

Smiling.

Dohoon let out a small breath.

…Maybe…

This won’t be so bad after all.

—

“Dohoon-hyung, are you free after school? Let’s have a celebration,” Kyungmin said, stuffing a piece of tteokbokki into his mouth.

Hanjin shot him a look of disgust. “Kyungmin, can you at least swallow before talking?”

“Huh?” Kyungmin blinked, then swallowed quickly.

Dohoon glanced at his phone, checking the date. Nothing special. No festival, no holiday.

“A celebration? For what?” he asked, confused.

“For you, of course!” Kyungmin grinned.

“Me? Why?” Dohoon raised an eyebrow, taking another bite of his naengmyeon. “And isn’t that a bit sudden?”

“To celebrate you joining us. What else would it be?” Kyungmin replied as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.

Shinyu looked at Dohoon, a soft smile on his face. “Sounds like a good idea. You in?”

Dohoon hesitated.

Everything still felt… new. The people, the place, the sudden warmth they were offering him. He wasn’t used to it yet.

But when he looked at Kyungmin’s eager expression, something in him softened.

“I… guess I’m okay with that?” he replied, though it came out more like a question.

Youngjae noticed immediately. “Hey, if you’re not comfortable, you can just say no. It’s fine. We’ve got plenty of time to get to know each other.”

Dohoon understood what he meant. It wasn’t pressure—just consideration.

Jihoon leaned forward. “Or we can do it another day?” he suggested gently.

Hanjin nudged Kyungmin lightly, signaling him to back off.

Kyungmin caught on at once, scratching the back of his head. “Ah… sorry. Didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable. It’s okay if you don’t want to go. I was just trying to get a chance to make Shinyu-hyung treat us.”

“Hey!” Shinyu protested immediately.

Dohoon couldn’t help but laugh.

“You don’t have to apologize,” he said, a mischievous glint appearing in his eyes. “But if Shinyu is treating… then of course I’m coming.”

“Deal!” Kyungmin clapped his hands, grinning. “You heard that, hyung!”

Youngjae and Jihoon burst out laughing, while Hanjin simply shook his head with a quiet chuckle.

“Kyungmin, you rascal,” Shinyu sighed, though a smile tugged at his lips. “Fine. Only because of Dohoon.”

—

After recess, Shinyu and Youngjae returned to class first, while Dohoon headed to the office to collect his results.

“Mr. Kim, how did I do?” Dohoon asked.

Mr. Kim, who was oddly laughing at something on his phone—some kind of bizarre horse dancing video—looked up.

‘…What is that cursed thing?’ Dohoon thought, slightly disturbed.

“Ah, Dohoon-ssi!” Mr. Kim said cheerfully, handing him the paper. “You did very well. Out of 20 questions, only 3 minor mistakes. You can head back to class now.”

“Thank you, sir,” Dohoon replied, accepting the paper.

As he turned to leave, Mr. Kim had already gone back to watching the video.

‘…He’s definitely an interesting teacher,’ Dohoon thought.

—

The moment Dohoon stepped back into the classroom, Shinyu and Youngjae turned toward him.

“Well? How was it?” Youngjae asked.

“Yeah, Dohoon-ah,” Shinyu added with a teasing smirk. “If you got everything wrong, it’s fine. I can tutor you personally.”

Dohoon raised an eyebrow, then held up his paper. “Well… I guess I’ll disappoint you. 17 out of 20.”

Youngjae froze.

Then slowly turned to Shinyu.

“Great,” he deadpanned. “Now I have two monsters in my class.”

Shinyu chuckled. “Not monsters. Geniuses.”

Dohoon laughed softly, their banter reminding him of his time with Gyuvin.

‘…I wonder what that idiot is doing right now.’

—

Back in Busan…

“ACHOO!”

Kim Gyuvin sniffed, rubbing his nose. “Who’s talking about me?”

—

Back in Seoul, classes continued.

Dohoon quickly realized something—TWS High wasn’t kidding about its pace. Everything moved faster, sharper.

And strangely…

He liked it.

It kept him focused.

—

After school, Youngjae collapsed onto his desk.

“I can’t feel my brain anymore,” he groaned. “I think it’s gone.”

Shinyu knocked lightly on his head. “Hmm… yeah. Definitely hollow.”

Youngjae shot him a glare.

Dohoon chuckled at the two of them before glancing out the window. Students were already heading home.

Then he remembered.

“Shinyu, aren’t we meeting the others? Where are we going?” he asked.

Shinyu leaned back casually. “I already told them to wait at the front gate. As for where… it’s a secret.”

Dohoon narrowed his eyes. “You’re enjoying this way too much.”

—

At the school gate, Dohoon saw a boy waving to him.

“Here!” Hanjin waved, with Kyungmin and Jihoon beside him.

Dohoon walked over, still curious. “So… where are we going?”

Kyungmin opened his mouth—

But froze when Shinyu shot him a sharp look.

“…Nothing,” Kyungmin muttered, swallowing his words.

Dohoon looked between them, suspicious. Then back at Shinyu, who wore an innocent smile.

“…Are you guys kidnapping me?” Dohoon raised an eyebrow.

“You’ll find out,” Shinyu said. “Let’s go.”

“This better be good,” Dohoon huffed. “Or I’m reconsidering this friendship.”

“Trust me,” Jihoon grinned. “You’ll love it.”

—

After a short five-minute walk, they stopped in front of a…

“…run-down building?”

Dohoon stared at it.

‘No way… this is the place, right?’

But when everyone casually walked in—

He sighed and followed.

‘Yep. I’m getting kidnapped. Willingly.’

—

Inside, a tall man greeted them warmly.

“Boys! Welcome!”

“Hi, Mingyu-sunbaenim,” Shinyu greeted, the others following.

Dohoon bowed slightly. “Nice to meet you.”

Kim Mingyu noticed him immediately. “And who’s this new face?”

“Our transfer student—Kim Dohoon,” Shinyu introduced.

Before Dohoon could say more—

CRASH!

A loud noise echoed from the kitchen.

“Yah! Hoshi! Are you cooking or destroying the kitchen?!” Mingyu shouted, rushing inside.

Kyungmin laughed. “Chaotic as usual.”

—

Once seated, Shinyu explained, “Our seniors opened this BBQ place after graduating. Group investment. Mingyu and Hoshi are running it.”

Dohoon blinked. “Then why does it look like a haunted house?”

Mingyu’s voice came from the kitchen.

“Simple. Cheap rent!”

Youngjae added, “It looks terrible—but the food’s amazing. Always packed at night.”

Hanjin leaned forward. “You know Jeju black pork?”

Dohoon’s eyes lit up. “Of course. It’s the best.”

“They get direct supply,” Hanjin said proudly.

Jihoon tried to grab his phone back from Kyungmin. “Yah! Give it back!”

“I think they did something shady,” Kyungmin joked, dodging him.

“Kyungmin-ah, you know that’s not true,” Mingyu called out.

Dohoon flipped through the menu, impressed. “Then how?”

“Connections,” Shinyu said simply, before turning—

—and immediately got dragged into Kyungmin and Jihoon’s chaos.

“Yah! Give me back my phone!”

Now it was a three-way fight.

“Sorry you have to see this,” Youngjae sighed.

Dohoon… laughed.

Genuinely.

—

Soon, even Hoshi joined the chaos.

Four grown boys bickering like children.

And somehow—

It felt familiar.

Like Busan.

Like Gyuvin and Yujin.

A warm smile slowly spread across Dohoon’s face.

—

Shinyu returned, finally reclaiming his phone. He glanced at Dohoon—and paused.

“You should smile more,” he said softly.

Dohoon froze, warmth creeping up his ears. He quickly looked away.

Shinyu chuckled.

—

“Are they always like this?” Dohoon asked Hanjin.

Hanjin nodded. “Yeah. Chaotic… but lively, right?”

Dohoon watched them again.

Kyungmin laughing.

Jihoon arguing.

Youngjae pretending not to care.

Shinyu… smiling at him.

And for the first time since leaving Busan—

Dohoon felt it.

He was… okay.

Maybe even happy.

Is it always going to be this chaotic?

…If it is—maybe that’s not such a bad thing.

—

A week had passed since Dohoon’s celebration at the sunbae’s BBQ place.

In just that short time, he had already learned a lot about the group.

Jihoon and Kyungmin were always getting into mischief.
Youngjae was quiet, but sharp.
Hanjin was the thoughtful one, always looking out for others.

And Shinyu…

Shinyu was just Shinyu.

Like a reliable older brother figure—steady, responsible…
and somehow always the reason Dohoon’s heart wouldn’t stay calm.

—

It was Saturday morning when Dohoon woke up.

A full week in Seoul.

He had been sharing everything with his friends back in Busan—especially Gyuvin and Yujin—telling them about his new life, the chaotic group, and… certain people.

He glanced at his phone.

9:00 a.m.

Still early.

Then he remembered—

The drink.

He had promised to treat Shinyu.

Maybe today…?

But just as he was about to roll over and go back to sleep—

“Dohoon-ah, your friend is here. Come down.”

His mother’s voice echoed from downstairs.

Dohoon blinked.

“…Friend?”

Who would come this early?

“Five minutes!” he called back, quickly rushing into the bathroom.

—

When he walked downstairs—

He froze.

A familiar broad-shouldered figure stood in the living room.

“…Shinyu?”

Dohoon’s brain short-circuited.

He was still in his teddy bear pajamas, hair messy, face slightly puffy from sleep.

Shinyu turned around—

And paused.

That’s… Dohoon?

Teddy bear pajamas. Bed hair. Sleepy expression.

He stared for a second too long.

…Cute.

Dohoon immediately noticed and panicked.

“C-can you give me a few minutes? I’ll go tidy up,” he said quickly before darting back upstairs.

Shinyu let out a soft laugh.

—

A few minutes later, Dohoon came back down—this time in a hoodie, hair fixed, looking far more presentable.

“So… what brings you here?” he asked, trying to sound normal.

Shinyu leaned back on the couch. “I came to pass something to your mom. Your mom insisted I come in.”

Then, casually—

“You looked cute in those pajamas.”

Dohoon froze.

Heat crept up his neck and ears instantly.

“You’re annoying,” he muttered, looking away. “Since I’m down here now, you can leave.”

His heartbeat was racing again—and he blamed it entirely on embarrassment.

Shinyu chuckled. “Already kicking me out? That’s cruel, Dohoon-ah.”

He was clearly enjoying this.

But before he could tease any further, he stopped himself.

“Alright, I’ll go. See you Monday?”

He turned to leave—

“Wait.”

Shinyu glanced back.

“Are you free today?” Dohoon asked.

Shinyu raised an eyebrow. “My weekends are always free.”

“Good. Let’s go.”

—

“Eomma! I’m going out with Shinyu! No need to make breakfast for me!”

Before Shinyu could react, Dohoon had already grabbed him and pulled him out of the house.

—

“Where are we going?” Shinyu asked, hands in his pockets, amused.

“Remember our deal? I said I’d treat you a drink,” Dohoon replied, scrolling through cafés on his phone.

Shinyu glanced at the screen, then smirked slightly.

“If you want somewhere good, follow me. It’s just a few streets away.”

He stepped ahead, taking the lead.

“You might even see someone you know.”

He tried to wink.

…And failed.

Dohoon burst out laughing. “That was terrible.”

“Let me show you how it’s done.”

Dohoon winked.

Shinyu sighed. “Please don’t.”

—

After about six minutes, they arrived at a cozy book café.

Warm lighting filled the space, and shelves lined with books surrounded them.

“…This place looks nice,” Dohoon said softly, taking it all in.

“It is. I come here when I want to focus or read,” Shinyu replied, glancing around as if searching for someone.

“…Now where is he…”

Dohoon noticed. “Who are you looking for?”

“You’ll see.”

—

“Junghwan? You’re here—and Dohoon too?”

A familiar voice.

Dohoon turned—

“…Youngjae?”

Youngjae stood behind the counter, wearing an apron.

“Wait, you work here?” Dohoon asked, surprised.

“My mom owns the café. I help out on weekends,” Youngjae replied calmly.

Before he could continue—

“Hyung, I finished arranging the pastries—oh!”

Jihoon popped out from behind the counter.

“Junghwan-hyung, Dohoon-hyung. Hi.”

Dohoon blinked. “Jihoon? You too?”

Even Shinyu looked surprised. “Since when do you work here?”

Jihoon scratched his cheek. “I just started this week… Youngjae-hyung promised to tutor me.”

“Well, I’m not doing it for free,” Youngjae added immediately.

Dohoon looked between the two of them.

Something felt… off.

But he couldn’t quite figure out what.

Shinyu, however, just gave Jihoon a knowing look.

Jihoon shrugged.

—

“Alright, Dohoon, what do you want?” Youngjae asked.

“Iced tea with an espresso shot. And a croissant,” Dohoon replied.

“Got it. Give us a few minutes.”

“Hey, you didn’t even ask for my order,” Shinyu complained.

Youngjae rolled his eyes. “Do I need to? Strawberry latte. Strawberry cake. Same as always.”

Shinyu smiled sheepishly. “Nope. That’s it.”

—

While waiting, Dohoon wandered around the bookshelves.

“So, what do you think?” Shinyu asked, scanning the titles.

“It’s comfy. I can see myself coming here often,” Dohoon said, flipping through a book.

“Good. I come here almost every Saturday.”

“Do you come here to study… or just to annoy Youngjae?” Dohoon asked.

Shinyu didn’t answer.

Instead, he handed over a book.

“Idiot Sandwich Cooking Guide.”

Dohoon stared at it.

“…Why does this even exist?”

Shinyu shrugged. “Maybe we should ask Youngjae’s mom.”

Dohoon shot him a glare.

Shinyu smirked.

—

They returned to their table just as their drinks arrived.

Dohoon glanced at Shinyu’s order—strawberry latte and strawberry cake.

“Didn’t expect you to like strawberry that much.”

“I don’t just like it. I love it,” Shinyu said, taking a sip with a satisfied expression.

Then he looked at Dohoon.

“It’s sweet… and cute. Just like you.”

Dohoon froze.

“W-what are you saying…” he muttered, face turning red as he focused on stirring his drink.

His heartbeat was out of control.

He quickly looked away.

Then, after a moment—

“I… think you’re cute too.”

The words slipped out.

And he immediately regretted it.

He stared down at his drink, stirring it like his life depended on it.

Shinyu froze.

For once—completely speechless.

—

From the counter, Youngjae watched the entire exchange.

“…These two,” he muttered. “Lovebirds.”

He turned to Jihoon, who was struggling with dough, flour all over his face.

Youngjae chuckled softly.

“…And I’m no better.”

—

“Hyung! We’re here!”

Dohoon turned toward the entrance.

Kyungmin and Hanjin had arrived.

“Dohoon-hyung! Shinyu-hyung!” Kyungmin waved, then squinted. “Why are you both so red?”

Hanjin sighed. “Kyungmin… just let them be.”

Dohoon and Shinyu exchanged glances—

Then immediately looked away again.

And took a sip of their drinks at the exact same time.

—

“Kyungmin! Hanjin-hyung! Come help me!” Jihoon called from the counter.

The two of them joined in, immediately being handed aprons by Youngjae.

“Well,” Youngjae sighed, “there goes my peaceful Saturday.”

But the small smile on his face said otherwise.

—

The afternoon passed in comfortable chaos.

Hanjin helped serve customers.

Jihoon and Kyungmin fought the dough like it was their greatest enemy.

And Dohoon—

Sat beside Shinyu, quietly reading.

Listening to the laughter, the noise, the warmth.

It reminded him of Busan.

Of those peaceful, noisy days with Gyuvin and Yujin.

—

Dohoon closed his book slightly.

“…Maybe I’ll come here every weekend,” he said softly.

Shinyu glanced at him.

And smiled.

—

Monday came quietly, slipping into Dohoon’s routine as if it had always belonged there. Ever since he transferred, his walk to school was no longer lonely—there was always someone beside him. Shinyu. And today was no exception.

When they arrived at school, however, Shinyu didn’t follow him in.
“I’ve got something to do at the office first,” he said casually.

Dohoon simply nodded and headed to class on his own.

“Morning, Youngjae,” he greeted as he stepped inside.

“Morning. Where’s Junghwan?” Youngjae glanced around, already noticing the absence.

“At the office. No idea what he’s doing,” Dohoon shrugged, dropping into his seat.

There was still time before class, and the quiet hum of the morning made his eyelids heavy. Without much thought, he rested his head on the desk and drifted off.

—

When Shinyu entered the classroom later, his gaze immediately found Dohoon.

Asleep.

A small, unguarded smile tugged at his lips.

He checked the clock—ten minutes before class. That was enough time.

He leaned against his desk, watching. Dohoon’s features looked softer in sleep, peaceful in a way that made it hard to look away.

“You’re going to burn a hole into his face,” Youngjae muttered from behind.

Shinyu didn’t even deny it.
“Can’t help it. He looks good—even when he’s asleep.”

His eyes lingered a little too long… drifting from Dohoon’s relaxed expression to his lips—slightly parted, the same lips he always bit unconsciously.

His throat went dry.

For a second—just a second—his thoughts slipped somewhere dangerous.

He blinked, straightening abruptly.

“Get a grip,” he muttered under his breath, shaking his head.

Five minutes left.

He reached out, gently placing a hand on Dohoon’s shoulder.
“Dohoon-ah… wake up. Class is starting soon.”

A faint mumble escaped the sleeping boy.
“Mm… five more minutes…”

Shinyu chuckled softly.

“Class starts in five minutes,” he leaned closer, poking Dohoon’s cheek lightly. “You should wake up now.”

Dohoon stirred at the touch.

His eyes fluttered open—

—and immediately met Shinyu’s face, far too close.

He shot upright.

“I—I’ll go wash my face,” he blurted, ears burning as he practically fled the classroom.

Behind him, Youngjae sighed.

“Junghwan… you’re hopeless.”

Shinyu smirked, unfazed.

“Look who’s talking. You’re just as bad.”

“…Maybe,” Youngjae admitted quietly.

—

At the sink, cold water splashed against Dohoon’s face.

But it did nothing to cool the heat in his chest.

Shinyu’s face—so close, so clear—kept replaying in his mind.

“Get it together…” he muttered, gripping the edge of the basin. When he looked up, his reflection stared back at him—flushed, flustered, completely exposed.

“He’s going to be the death of me…”

—

When Dohoon returned, Mr. Kim was already taking attendance.

He slipped back into his seat, trying to act normal—only to notice that Shinyu looked just as… off.

“…Thanks for waking me up,” Dohoon said quietly.

Shinyu nodded, equally restrained.

Neither of them mentioned what just happened.

—

At recess, the group gathered in the cafeteria as usual.

Between bites of food, Jihoon suddenly asked,

“Junghwan-hyung, student council recruitment is this Wednesday, right?”

“Yep,” Shinyu replied. “You interested?”

Jihoon shook his head immediately.

“No way. I’m already dying academically.”

Dohoon, however, paused. “This Wednesday…?”

Kyungmin perked up.

“Dohoon-hyung, you’re interested?”

“A little,” Dohoon admitted. “It’s my last year… might as well try something new.”

Shinyu raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued.
“Didn’t expect that.”

Youngjae chimed in, “Isn’t Hanjin in the student council too?”

Hanjin nodded.

“I’ll explain the requirements after school. There’s some stuff you need to prepare.”

“Hanjin-ah,” Shinyu warned lightly, “don’t leak too much.”

Hanjin just shrugged.

“No promises.”

Despite his words, Shinyu couldn’t hide the faint satisfaction in his expression.

“Dohoon-ah,” he said, leaning slightly forward, “I’ll be looking forward to your interview.”

Dohoon laughed nervously.

“Don’t be too harsh on me.”

—

After school, Hanjin was about to meet Dohoon—until Shinyu suddenly pulled him aside.

“Hyung?” Hanjin blinked.

Shinyu scratched the back of his head, oddly hesitant.

“…You can just tell him everything.”

Hanjin stared at him, amused.

“…Okay?”

Before he could say more, Shinyu had already turned and walked off—almost like he didn’t want to be questioned.

“…What was that?” Hanjin muttered.

—

“Hyung!” Hanjin waved when he finally reached Dohoon.

“Hey. What took you so long?” Dohoon asked, brows slightly furrowed.

“Ah… just met Jihoon,” Hanjin said quickly.

Dohoon raised an eyebrow—he had literally seen Jihoon minutes ago—but chose not to press it.

Instead, Hanjin handed him a form.

“This is for the registration. And here’s everything you need to prepare.”

Dohoon scanned the list.

“…That’s a lot.”

“But you’ll manage,” Hanjin said with a small smile. “Someone’s pretty eager for you to join too.”

Dohoon tilted his head slightly, not fully catching the meaning.

“Thanks, Hanjin. Really.”

“No problem, hyung.”

—

On his way home, Dohoon spotted a familiar figure sitting on a bench outside a convenience store.

Shinyu.

The moment their eyes met, Shinyu smiled.

“Hey. Been waiting for you.”

Dohoon blinked.

“Waiting… for me?”

Shinyu nodded casually.

“So we can walk back together. We’re neighbors anyway.”

“You didn’t have to,” Dohoon said, looking away. “I already know the way.”

“I know,” Shinyu replied, standing up. “I just… wanted to.”

A simple answer—but it lingered.

They began walking side by side.

After a moment, Dohoon spoke again.

“Are you a cat person or a dog person?”

Shinyu hummed.

“Both. But if I had to choose… dogs.”

(You.)

He didn’t say it out loud.

“How about you?”

“I like both too,” Dohoon said. “But cats always seem to find me.”

Almost as if on cue—

A small black cat appeared, meowing softly as it brushed against Dohoon’s leg.

Dohoon immediately crouched down. “Hi, kitty…”

The cat purred, leaning into his touch.

Shinyu watched, amused, and reached out to pet it—

Hiss.

The cat swatted at him before returning to Dohoon like nothing happened.

“…Rude,” Shinyu muttered.

Dohoon laughed.
“Cats just don’t like you, I guess.”

“Exactly why I prefer dogs.”

Meanwhile, the cat purred louder under Dohoon’s hand, clearly demanding more attention.

Shinyu pulled out his phone quietly.

Click.

The moment—Dohoon smiling softly, bathed in afternoon light, a small black cat in his arms—was captured.

And immediately set as his wallpaper.

“…Yeah,” he murmured under his breath. “Definitely a dog person.”

Eventually, Dohoon sighed, standing up.
“I wish I could take you home…”

The cat let out a soft, disappointed meow before retreating into a nearby box.

Dohoon nudged Shinyu lightly.
“Let’s go?”

“Yeah,” Shinyu replied.

They continued walking.

Side by side.

Unaware of how natural it had already become.

—

Weekdays… might actually be better than I expected.

—

That night, Shinyu retraced the path he had walked with Dohoon.

Step by step, under the dim streetlights, he scanned the familiar surroundings, eyes searching carefully.

“Now where is it…” he muttered to himself.

Then it clicked—the boxes.

The same pile where they had seen the stray cat.

He approached slowly, pulling out a small snack he had bought along the way.

“Come here, kitty…”

His voice softened, almost instinctively.

For a moment, there was nothing.

Then—

A faint meow.

Shinyu’s lips curved into a small smile.

“There you are.”

He crouched down, holding the snack out. The cat peeked out from the boxes, cautious at first. But as soon as it caught the scent, it stepped forward, slowly, carefully… until it reached him.

“Good,” Shinyu murmured.

As the cat began nibbling on the snack, he gently reached out, brushing his fingers through its fur.

Soft.

Warm.

Alive.

A quiet, satisfied laugh escaped him.
“Finally.”

The cat let out a contented meow, leaning into his touch.

“Want to come home with me?” he asked, half-joking.

The cat meowed again.

“…I’ll take that as a yes.”

Carefully, Shinyu lifted it into his arms, one hand supporting its small body while the other continued feeding it.

“Aren’t you cute…”

And just like that, he turned and walked home—with the cat tucked safely against him.

—

Inside his room, he placed the cat into a prepared box lined with a blanket. Beside it were small bowls of water and food.

The cat looked up at him and meowed—almost like it was complaining.

“I know, I know… it’s not much for now,” Shinyu said, crouching beside it. “I’ll get you something better soon.”

He reached out again, gently petting its head.

The cat purred.

Shinyu smiled.

Then, without meaning to—his thoughts drifted.

To a certain someone.

He let out a soft laugh, shaking his head.

“I’m really hopeless…”

His gaze shifted toward the window.

From here, he could see it clearly—Dohoon’s room.

A faint light still glowed.

“…I wonder how you’d react,” he murmured.

To the cat.

To everything.

—

Days passed quickly.

Before he knew it, it was Wednesday.

—

After school, Dohoon stood outside the student council room, trying to calm his racing heart.

Despite all the help Hanjin had given him, the nerves refused to settle.

When his name was finally called, he took a breath and stepped inside.

And there he was.

Shin Junghwan.

Sitting at the center of the room.

Waiting.

The interview began.

Question after question—just as Hanjin had described. Dohoon answered steadily, gaining confidence with each response.

Until the final question.

Shinyu leaned back slightly, eyes fixed on him.

“For the last question… are you free this Friday after school?”

Dohoon blinked.

“…What?”

That definitely wasn’t part of any interview.

“I guess… I’m free?” he answered, confusion written all over his face.

“Good,” Shinyu said, a small smile forming. “That concludes your interview. I’ll let you know the result tomorrow.”

Dohoon nodded slowly and left the room.

—

Inside, Hanjin stepped out from where he had been quietly observing.

“…He didn’t even need my help,” he muttered, arms crossed. “Also, what was that last question?”

Shinyu only smiled.
“Nothing important. Let’s review the candidates.”

“Do I really have to?” Hanjin groaned.

“Yes,” Shinyu replied calmly. “It’s procedure. And we need to write a report.”

Hanjin sighed.
“…You’re really making me suffer.”

—

Outside, Dohoon sat on a bench, scrolling aimlessly through his phone.

Waiting.

(For who? He wouldn’t admit it.)

After what felt like forever, the door finally opened.

Shinyu and Hanjin stepped out.

The moment Shinyu saw him, his eyes widened slightly.

Hanjin noticed—and immediately smirked.

“Alright, I’ll go first,” he said quickly, disappearing before he could become a third wheel.

“…Traitor,” Shinyu muttered under his breath.

“Didn’t I tell you to go home first?” Shinyu asked, turning back to Dohoon. “How long have you been waiting?”

“…More than half an hour,” Dohoon groaned, slumping against the bench. “I almost died of boredom. And I’m hungry.”

Shinyu chuckled.

“Then let me treat you to a meal.”

Dohoon shot up instantly.
“Deal!”

And before Shinyu could react, he had already sprinted toward the school gate.

“…Hey!” Shinyu laughed, chasing after him.

—

They ended up at their sunbae’s BBQ restaurant.

Mingyu greeted them warmly, immediately piling extra side dishes onto their table.

“You two again? Where are the others?” he asked.

“They went home already,” Shinyu replied, chewing on his bulgogi. “We had student council stuff.”

“Ah… student council,” Mingyu sighed. “Brings back memories.”

“You sound like an old man, hyung,” Shinyu teased.

Dohoon chuckled.

Mingyu watched them quietly for a moment—then crossed his arms.

A thought forming.

“You two look like a couple.”

Silence.

“W-what?” Dohoon froze, heat rushing to his face.

Shinyu choked on his food, coughing as he grabbed his drink.
“Hyung—what are you even saying?!”

Mingyu only laughed and walked back into the kitchen, leaving chaos behind.

The two boys sat there—

Red.

Speechless.

Stealing glances when the other wasn’t looking.

—

The walk home was… quiet.

Too quiet.

Eventually, Dohoon cleared his throat.

“So… why did you ask if I’m free this Friday?”

Shinyu blinked, mind still stuck on Mingyu’s words.
“Huh? Oh… that…”

He paused.

“I’ll tell you later.”

(He had no plan. Not yet.)

—

As they passed the familiar street, Dohoon suddenly stopped.

“The cat…”

He rushed toward the boxes, crouching down.

“Kitty? Are you here?”

He mimicked a soft meow, searching.

Nothing.

No sound.

No movement.

“…I guess it’s gone,” he murmured, disappointment clear in his voice.

Shinyu felt a small tug in his chest.

“Maybe someone took it in,” he said gently, placing a hand on Dohoon’s shoulder. “It’s probably living comfortably now.”

“I hope so…” Dohoon sighed. “I really liked that cat.”

For a moment, Shinyu swore he could see invisible puppy ears drooping.

“…Or maybe it’s just wandering somewhere,” Shinyu added softly. “We can look for it again next time, okay?”

Dohoon nodded.

“Okay.”

They resumed walking.

Slow. Quiet. Comfortable.

—

Then suddenly—

“Shinyu…”

“Hmm?”

“…Can I call you Shinyu-hyung?”

Shinyu stopped.

For a second, his brain went completely blank.

“…Of course you can,” he said, trying to sound calm.

(He was not calm.)

“But… why?”

Dohoon smiled faintly.

“Because you feel like a big brother. You’re always taking care of me.”

Shinyu’s chest tightened slightly at the words.

A strange mix of warmth—and something else.

Something he didn’t want to name.

“…I see,” he said softly.

And as they continued walking side by side—

Shinyu realized something.

He liked it.

More than he should.

—

And maybe… that’s exactly the problem.

—

Wednesday night settled quietly over the neighborhood, but Shinyu’s mind was anything but calm.

He stood by his window, gaze drifting toward the room directly across from his—Dohoon’s room. The faint glow from inside only made his thoughts louder.

Hyung.

The word replayed in his head over and over again.

He exhaled, running a hand through his hair. “I’m totally screwed…”

A soft meow pulled him out of his thoughts.

The black cat—still unnamed—sat nearby, staring at him expectantly. When Shinyu reached out to pet it, the cat hissed, swatting lightly at his hand. He sighed.

“Still not friendly, huh?”

But the moment he brought out food, the cat’s attitude shifted completely. It walked over, tail raised, and began eating. This time, when Shinyu gently stroked its fur, it didn’t resist.

After finishing its meal, the cat nuzzled against his hand before climbing onto his lap, curling up comfortably.

Shinyu chuckled softly. “You’re cute… but troublesome.”

His fingers absentmindedly traced through its fur.

“…Just like him.”

He lifted the cat slightly, holding it up as if examining it.

“Dohoon-ah, why are you so cute…?” he muttered, half to himself, half to the cat.

Dangerous thoughts flickered through his mind, and he let out a quiet, helpless laugh.

“I’m really a hopeless idiot.”

—

Across the street, Dohoon wasn’t doing any better.

He lay sprawled across his bed, staring at the ceiling.

Why did he say that?

The moment replayed in his head—Shinyu-hyung.

He groaned, burying his face into his pillow.

“I wasn’t supposed to say that…”

A pause.

“…Okay, maybe I don’t regret it.”

But that didn’t make things easier.

Every day, it was getting harder to hold himself back—to pretend his feelings weren’t growing stronger. Shinyu’s patience, his care, his constant presence…

And his face.

“Seriously…” Dohoon mumbled into the pillow. “Why does he have to look like that…”

His ears burned as his thoughts wandered somewhere he absolutely refused to acknowledge.

“Nope. Not thinking about that.”

He rolled over, groaning again.

“I’m doomed.”

—

The next day came faster than he expected.

By recess, the entire group had gathered in the cafeteria as usual. Shinyu, with an almost casual tone, dropped the news.

“Dohoon-ah, you got in. Welcome to the student council.”

For a split second, Dohoon froze.

Then—

“What?! Really?!”

Without thinking, he threw his arms around Shinyu in a tight hug.

The entire table went silent.

Shinyu blinked in shock, clearly not expecting that reaction. His hands hovered awkwardly for a moment before slowly settling.

Around them, the others exchanged knowing looks.

Youngjae snorted. “Well, there goes my best friend. Stolen by the hot and cute transfer student.”

Dohoon immediately pulled back, face burning bright red.

“I—That’s not—!”

“Dohoon-ah,” Shinyu said with a grin, clearly enjoying this far too much, “welcome to endless work and suffering.”

Hanjin shook his head, pretending not to see the obvious tension between the two.

Youngjae leaned back, casually tossing tteokbokki into Jihoon’s bowl. “At this rate, you’re really stealing him.”

“Yah,” Shinyu cut in instantly, smirking, “you’re one to talk. Haven’t you been spending a lot of time with Jihoon lately?”

Youngjae stiffened. “That’s because I’m tutoring him! He won’t stop bothering me.”

“Hyung…” Jihoon muttered, clearly hurt. “You could’ve just said no.”

Before anyone could react, Jihoon stood up and walked off.

“Jihoon—wait!” Youngjae shot Shinyu a glare, flipping him off before chasing after him.

Kyungmin and Hanjin watched the chaos unfold with amusement.

“This is getting interesting,” Hanjin commented.

Shinyu leaned back casually. “Don’t think I don’t know you’re trying to hit on my cousin.”

Kyungmin immediately facepalmed.

Hanjin looked like he wanted the ground to swallow him whole.

“Wait—WAIT—WHAT?!” Dohoon clutched his head. “There’s too much happening at once—”

He pointed around the table. “So they have something going on, you and Shinyu-hyung are cousins, and you’re—what—even—”

“Also,” Hanjin added calmly, “why are you calling him ‘hyung’?”

Dohoon froze.

Shinyu tried—and failed—to look unaffected.

“…I’m done,” Kyungmin declared, dragging Hanjin away. “We need a wall.”

The moment they left, Shinyu burst out laughing.

“Dohoon-ah, isn’t this fun?”

Dohoon couldn’t help but laugh too, though concern lingered. “I hope Jihoon’s okay…”

“He’ll be fine,” Shinyu said. “Sometimes people just need a push.”

Then his expression shifted into something far more mischievous.

“Now… say it again.”

Dohoon blinked. “Say what?”

Shinyu leaned closer, voice low.

“Hyung.”

Dohoon’s face turned red instantly.

“…H-Hyung…”

Shinyu froze for half a second before turning away, trying—and failing—to hide his reaction.

Dangerous.

—

After school, student council work kept them busy.

Assignments were handed out, and unsurprisingly, Dohoon was paired with Shinyu.

Completely coincidental.

Definitely not intentional.

Hanjin rolled his eyes.

After the meeting, they headed to the café to unwind.

Youngjae and Jihoon were already there—quiet, but no longer tense.

“Everything okay?” Dohoon asked carefully.

Youngjae nodded. “Not perfect. But fine.”

Dohoon wasn’t entirely convinced—but he let it go.

As the calm atmosphere settled in, exhaustion crept up on him.

“Tired…” he mumbled.

Without realizing it, he leaned sideways.

Straight onto Shinyu’s shoulder.

Shinyu stiffened.

Youngjae noticed immediately, about to comment—but Shinyu shot him a look. He backed off, dragging Hanjin away with him.

Silence settled between them.

Shinyu glanced down.

Dohoon was asleep.

Soft breathing. Relaxed expression. Lips slightly parted.

“…What are you doing to my heart…” Shinyu whispered, gently patting his head.

When it felt like enough time had passed, he nudged him.

“Dohoon-ah… wake up.”

“Why are you always so good to me…” Dohoon murmured sleepily—

—and promptly fell back asleep.

Shinyu froze.

“…You can’t just say things like that…”

He shook him gently again.

“Wake up. Your drink’s here.”

This time, Dohoon stirred awake. It took him a moment to process—

—and then he realized.

He had been leaning on Shinyu the whole time.

His face turned red instantly.

“How long was I asleep?”

“Fifteen minutes.”

“…Thanks. For letting me—”

“Anytime,” Shinyu cut in lightly. “Just massage my shoulder next time.”

Dohoon nodded shyly.

As he looked around, chaos had already resumed—Jihoon and Hanjin arguing, Youngjae lying dramatically on the floor, and his mother silently retreating to the kitchen.

“Nope,” Dohoon muttered, taking a sip of his drink.

He leaned back slightly.

His thoughts drifted again.

That warmth.

That closeness.

It felt good to lean on him.

—

Thursday night settled softly over the house, the kind of quiet that made thoughts louder than usual.

Shinyu sat on the edge of his bed, watching the black cat curled up on its newly bought pillow. Its chest rose and fell gently, completely at ease—as if it had always belonged there.

A small smile formed on his lips.

“Maybe… I should surprise him with this.”

His fingers brushed gently along the cat’s back, earning a low, contented purr. The sound was soft, but it filled the room in a way that made everything feel warmer.

He still hadn’t given it a name.

Maybe I should let Dohoon name it.

After all, the cat was here because of him.

“Only when you’re asleep or eating will you let me touch you…” Shinyu muttered, shaking his head lightly. “You’re a fierce little thing.”

But the fondness in his voice was unmistakable.

The cat stirred, stretching lazily before nudging its head into his hand. That simple gesture pulled Shinyu’s thoughts back to the afternoon—

To Dohoon.

To the warmth on his shoulder.

To that quiet, sleepy voice—

“Why are you always so good to me…”

Shinyu swallowed, his fingers drifting to scratch under the cat’s chin. It tilted its head upward instantly, clearly enjoying it.

“…You two are really alike,” he murmured.

“Want a snack?”

The cat let out a soft meow, as if answering him.

He chuckled and stood, the cat padding after him as he stepped out of his room.

In the kitchen, his mother noticed immediately.

“You really like him that much, huh?”

Shinyu froze.

Him?

His mind spiraled instantly.

Does she know? Is she talking about the cat? Or—Dohoon? What do I even say?

Before he could form a response, his mother laughed softly, clearly amused by his panic.

“It’s your decision,” she said gently. “I’ll support you no matter what. Your happiness is what matters most to me.”

She paused, then added with a playful edge, “And if your father disagrees… I’ll just convince him.”

Shinyu let out a breath he didn’t realize he was holding.

“…Thanks, Mom.”

He stepped forward and hugged her briefly, warmth settling in his chest.

“I promise I’ll take good care of him.”

With that, he grabbed the cat’s snacks and returned to his room.

—

As the cat happily ate, Shinyu leaned back against his chair, thoughts drifting.

When did it start?

His mind wandered back—

Back to Busan.

—

It had been evening when he decided to escape his aunt’s endless dramatics and take a walk.

That was when he heard it.

A voice—shaky, breaking.

Crying.

Curiosity led him to a nearby playground, where he found a boy sitting on the ground, knees pulled close, shoulders trembling.

Without thinking much, Shinyu approached and held out a tissue.

“You look like you need this.”

The boy accepted it quietly, wiping his tears.

Shinyu sat beside him.

And when their eyes met—

Something shifted.

He couldn’t explain it.

But in that moment, he felt it clearly—

A pull.

A desire to stay.

To comfort him. To protect him. To see him smile instead of cry.

As if that boy deserved something brighter. Something better.

As if he deserved everything.

But Shinyu’s time in Busan was short.

Before leaving, he asked for the boy’s name.

Kim Dohoon.

“…That’s a nice name,” he had thought.

When the boy asked for his in return, Shinyu replied,

“Shin Junghwan… but you can call me Shinyu.”

Even now, he didn’t know why he said that.

He rarely let anyone use that name.

But for Dohoon—

It felt natural.

—

On his way back to Seoul, his chest had felt tight, his heartbeat strangely fast.

It was unfamiliar.

Unsettling.

And yet—

He didn’t hate it.

Even the next day, while grabbing groceries, he thought he saw him again—a familiar figure near the drinks section.

But the boy left too quickly.

It can’t be… Busan and Seoul are too far apart.

Still—

A part of him hoped he was wrong.

—

When he returned home that day, his mother was speaking with a new neighbor.

He greeted her politely.

“Hello, I’m Shin Junghwan.”

“Oh, you’re lovely,” the woman smiled. “I have a son too—third year, just like you. His name is Kim Dohoon.”

Everything stopped.

Kim… Dohoon?

“…Did you move here from Busan?” he asked carefully.

The woman looked surprised.

“Yes. How did you know?”

“…I think I met your son back in Busan.”

—

Back in the present, Shinyu let out a soft laugh.

“…Maybe it really started back then.”

He looked down at the cat.

“I’m inviting Dohoon over tomorrow, okay?” he said, tapping its head lightly. “You remember him, right? The one you refused to leave.”

The cat, completely uninterested, continued eating.

Shinyu shook his head, smiling.

His gaze drifted toward the window again—to the room across from his.

To him.

“Dohoon-ah… I hope you’ll like the surprise I prepared.”

The cat finished its snack and climbed onto his lap, licking its paws lazily.

“Why are you so cute?” Shinyu murmured, gently booping its nose.

A small, complaining meow answered him.

He leaned back, eyes still fixed on the faint glow of Dohoon’s window.

His thoughts lingered there.

Unmoving.

Unavoidable.

“…I really can’t stop thinking about you.”

—

Friday afternoon settled quietly over the school as Dohoon and Shinyu stayed behind once again, buried under piles of paperwork for the upcoming event. Forms, registrations, approvals—it felt endless.

After what felt like hours, Dohoon finally leaned back in his chair, letting out a long, exhausted sigh.
“I swear I can see steam coming out of my head…”

He tilted his head slightly and looked over at Shinyu, who was still focused, pen moving steadily across the papers.

“Aren’t you tired?” Dohoon asked, genuinely curious.

Shinyu paused, glancing up at him.
“It is tiring,” he admitted, adjusting his posture. “But it’s my responsibility as president. And… it feels worth it when everything turns out well.”

Dohoon frowned slightly, slouching deeper into his chair.
“There are so many booth registrations… and it’s not even the deadline yet.”

As he spoke, his eyes lingered on Shinyu longer than intended.

The glasses.

Shinyu rarely wore them—but somehow, they fit him perfectly. Too perfectly.

Why does everything look good on him…?

“You’re staring,” Shinyu said casually, adjusting his glasses. “Is there something on my face?”

Dohoon snapped out of it.
“A-Ah, nothing. Just… tired.”

Yeah. Tired because of you.

Shinyu sighed softly, stretching his shoulders.
“Let’s call it a day. I’m tired too.”

The moment those words left his mouth, Dohoon practically sprang to life.

“Really? Yes! Finally!”

Within seconds, he had packed his things and was already dragging Shinyu out of the student council room.

“Hey—wait,” Shinyu laughed. “You’re suddenly full of energy.”

Dohoon turned, grinning.
“You asked me before, right? If I’m free today. So what’s the plan?”

Shinyu scratched the back of his neck, looking slightly flustered.
“Actually… I was thinking of inviting you to my house. My parents left for vacation this morning, so… I’ll be alone this weekend.”

Dohoon froze for a split second.

Alone… at his house?

His heart skipped.

Shinyu quickly added, “Of course, if you’re not comfortable, we can just go somewhere else. Like Youngjae’s café—”

“It’s fine,” Dohoon cut in almost immediately. “Let’s go to your place.”

The answer came faster than he expected—even to himself.

Shinyu’s face lit up.
“Okay. Let’s grab some snacks and takeaway first.”

—

It didn’t take long before they parted briefly—Dohoon heading home to shower first.

After his bath, he informed his mother he’d be heading to Shinyu’s.

Her reaction was immediate—and enthusiastic.

“Of course! You can even sleep over if you want!”

Dohoon’s ears turned slightly red at that.

“No, no—it’s fine. We already bought food.”

“Oh right, Mr. Shin mentioned they’re away,” she said with a smile. “Tell Junghwan he’s always welcome here too. Eating takeaway all the time isn’t healthy.”

Dohoon nodded.
“I’ll tell him.”

As he left the house, his mother watched him with a soft expression.

“As long as you’re happy…”

—

When Dohoon rang the doorbell, the door opened almost instantly.

And then—

He froze.

Shinyu stood there, casually drinking water, his hair still damp, droplets trailing down his neck. A simple white t-shirt clung slightly to his frame, paired with loose shorts.

Effortless.

And dangerously distracting.

Dohoon swallowed.

Why is he like this…?

Shinyu smirked, clearly noticing.
“You can stare as long as you want once you come inside.”

“S-shut up!” Dohoon shoved him lightly and stepped in.

Shinyu chuckled, closing the door behind him.

—

“Come, I’ll show you my room.”

Dohoon followed him upstairs, his nerves quietly building.

Halfway up, Shinyu glanced back.

“I prepared a surprise for you.”

“…A surprise?”

That only made Dohoon more nervous.

When they reached the door, a soft sound could be heard from inside.

A meow.

The moment the door opened—

“Kitty!”

Dohoon’s eyes lit up instantly.

The black cat sat comfortably on the bed.

He turned to Shinyu, disbelief and excitement mixing together.
“You brought it home?”

Shinyu nodded.
“You liked it, didn’t you? Since you couldn’t keep it… I thought I could.”

“And since we’re neighbors, you can come see it anytime.”

That was all it took.

Dohoon launched forward and hugged him.

Shinyu froze for a split second—before slowly wrapping his arms around Dohoon’s waist, pulling him closer.

“Thank you,” Dohoon murmured softly.

“It’s nothing,” Shinyu replied. “As long as you’re happy.”

Dohoon nuzzled into his shoulder.
“I am.”

The hug lingered.

Longer than necessary.

Long enough for both of them to realize… something was dangerously close to crossing a line.

Shinyu tightened his grip slightly before forcing himself to let go.

Control yourself.

Meanwhile, Dohoon stepped back, equally flustered.

It’s just a hug… so why…

Silence filled the room.

“Uh… I’ll get snacks for the cat,” Dohoon said quickly before escaping downstairs.

—

In the bathroom, he splashed water onto his face.

His reflection stared back—completely red.

And then—

He groaned.

Seriously…? Just from that?

—

When he returned, Shinyu had also just come out from washing his face, looking just as flustered.

Dohoon cleared his throat.
“Oh—my mom said you’re welcome to come over anytime. Especially while your parents are away.”

Shinyu nodded quietly, retreating to his desk to eat, still avoiding eye contact.

—

Dohoon sat on the bed with the cat, gently petting it.

Soft purrs filled the room.

“You’re lucky,” Shinyu muttered from behind. “It only lets me touch it when I feed it.”

Dohoon laughed softly.
“That explains the three boxes of snacks.”

He paused, then asked,
“Does it have a name?”

Shinyu shook his head.
“I thought… you should name it.”

Dohoon blinked.

Then smiled.

“…Coffee.”

He nuzzled the cat gently.
“Do you like it? Coffee?”

The cat let out a soft meow.

“See? It likes it.”

Shinyu smiled, watching him.

“Yeah… it suits.”

You suit this place too.

—

“So,” Shinyu said, leaning back slightly. “Any reward for me?”

Dohoon pouted.
“Do I have to?”

“It doesn’t have to be anything big.”

Dohoon thought for a moment.

“I’ll treat you a drink.”

“With pastry.”

“…Fine.”

—

A yawn escaped Dohoon.

Shinyu yawned shortly after.

“Tired?” he asked. “Want to… nap together?”

Silence.

Shinyu blinked.
“…I mean—you can go back and nap if you want.”

Dohoon hesitated.

Then quietly—

“I don’t mind… napping together.”

And just like that—

The line between them blurred even further.

—

I’m slowly losing control.

—

Dohoon stirred softly, waking from his nap, his mind still hazy.

As his eyes slowly opened, his breath hitched.

Shinyu’s face was right in front of him.

Too close.

Way too close.

Even in sleep, that face never failed to make his heart race.

Carefully—almost unconsciously—Dohoon lifted his hand and gently brushed his fingers along Shinyu’s cheek. His skin felt softer than he expected, warm and calm in sleep.

His gaze drifted downward.

Lips.

How soft would they be…?

Before he could stop himself, his fingers lightly touched them.

Shinyu stirred.

A faint reaction—but enough.

His arms tightened around Dohoon’s waist, pulling him closer.

Dohoon froze for a moment.

Then slowly melted into it.

He didn’t even remember when they had ended up like this. They had started on opposite sides of the bed—but now…

Entangled.

And honestly—

He preferred this.

Dohoon shifted slightly, burying his face into the crook of Shinyu’s neck, breathing in his scent. His hand rested against Shinyu’s chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.

It was warm.

Comforting.

Safe.

A small smile formed on his lips as he drifted back to sleep.

—

The next time Dohoon woke, it was to the sharp sound of the doorbell ringing.

He blinked, still groggy, and glanced beside him.

Shinyu was still asleep.

Carefully, Dohoon untangled himself from the arms around his waist and slipped out of bed before heading downstairs.

When he opened the door—

“Dohoon?”

Youngjae stood there, eyebrows raised.

“Why are you here?”

Before Dohoon could answer—

Arms suddenly wrapped around his waist from behind.

A familiar warmth pressed against him as a head nuzzled into his neck.

“Dohoonie… I was wondering where you went.”

Shinyu’s voice was deeper, still laced with sleep.

Dohoon froze.

Then immediately turned bright red.

“S-Shinyu—let go! Youngjae is here!”

Youngjae, meanwhile, simply watched with an amused expression.

“Then let him see,” Shinyu murmured, tightening his hold.

“Oh, this is definitely worth recording,” Youngjae added casually.

That was the final straw.

Dohoon broke free, shoved Shinyu lightly, and fled upstairs without a word.

—

“Yah, Youngjae, what are you doing here?” Shinyu asked, now fully awake—and mildly annoyed.

Youngjae crossed his arms.
“Isn’t you the one who invited us?”

Shinyu blinked.

Then—

“Oh.”

Right.

He did.

An awkward laugh escaped him as he opened the door wider.
“…I forgot.”

Youngjae sighed.
“Remind me again why I’m your best friend?”

“Who knows,” Shinyu shrugged. “But we’re probably stuck together for life.”

“Unfortunately.”

Youngjae stepped inside, then gave Shinyu a light punch on the shoulder.
“You should go check on Dohoon. He’s probably rethinking all his life choices right now.”

Shinyu paused.

“…Oh shit.”

And then he bolted upstairs.

—

Dohoon was buried under the blanket, kicking and punching a pillow in frustration.

“I hate you, Shinyu… I hate you so much…”

The door opened.

A pillow flew across the room.

Shinyu caught it easily, letting out a soft chuckle.

“I hate you! Don’t come near me!”

Despite the words, his flushed face told a completely different story.

“You say that,” Shinyu said, stepping closer, “but your face says the opposite.”

Another pillow came flying.

Then another.

Shinyu caught his wrist mid-throw.

“Sorry, Dohoonie… forgive me?” he said softly.

The tone alone was enough.

Dohoon’s resistance crumbled instantly.

“Why are you apologizing…” he muttered, voice softer now. “…I didn’t hate it anyway.”

—

Ahem.

Both of them froze.

“Sorry to interrupt,” Youngjae’s voice came from the door, “but the others are here.”

He paused, eyeing Dohoon.

“…Also, it’s fascinating how red you can get.”

And with that, he left.

Dohoon stared at the door.

Then slowly sank into the bed.

I’m going to bury myself alive.

—

When they finally went downstairs, all eyes were on them.

Kyungmin spoke first.

“Dohoon-hyung, is it true you live next door?”

Youngjae blinked.
“Wait—what?”

Jihoon answered before Dohoon could.
“Yeah, I’ve seen them walking to school together every day.”

Youngjae snapped his fingers.
“That explains why you were already here earlier.”

Then—

His expression changed.

A smirk.

“Oh—so that’s what I walked in on—”

Dohoon lunged forward instantly, covering his mouth.

“You say a word and I’ll stab you.”

Youngjae rolled his eyes, prying his hand off.

Shinyu was laughing.

Hanjin didn’t even look up from his phone.

Kyungmin and Jihoon were just confused.

—

“So,” Shinyu clapped his hands once, shifting the mood, “what’s for dinner? Delivery or cooking?”

“Delivery,” Youngjae answered instantly.

“Agreed,” Shinyu nodded without hesitation.

Jihoon frowned.
“Hey! That one time wasn’t my fault—no one told me you can’t microwave an egg—and Kyungmin—”

Chaos erupted again.

Dohoon leaned toward Hanjin.
“…What happened?”

Hanjin didn’t even hesitate.

“Jihoon microwaved an egg. It exploded. Kyungmin made… something questionable. And Youngjae somehow set spaghetti on fire.”

“…Spaghetti?”

Hanjin showed him photos.

Burnt noodles. A destroyed microwave. A suspicious brown liquid.

Dohoon stared.

“…Am I lucky or unlucky that I missed this?”

Hanjin shrugged.
“You’ve only been here three weeks.”

“…Feels longer,” Dohoon said with a small smile.

“Yeah,” Hanjin agreed. “It does.”

—

After finally settling on delivery, Shinyu brought out his PS5.

“Game time?”

Jihoon immediately grabbed a controller.
“This time, I’m winning.”

Turns out—

He wasn’t.

When it was Dohoon’s turn, he faced Jihoon.

“I won’t go easy on you,” Jihoon said confidently.

Dohoon smiled.

“Even if you go 200%, you won’t win.”

And then—

He absolutely destroyed him.

Flawless.

Not a single hit landed.

“Hyung, are you cheating?!” Jihoon protested.

“Rematch!”

Same result.

Again.

And again.

Kyungmin narrowed his eyes.

“…Dohoon. Are you Icarus?”

Dohoon blinked.

Then nodded casually.
“Yeah.”

Jihoon froze.

“…You’re WHAT?!”

“Top 100 player in the country,” Kyungmin added.

Jihoon collapsed dramatically.
“Why didn’t you tell me?!”

Dohoon just smiled.

“Oops.”

—

From across the room, Shinyu watched him.

The way he smiled.

The way he played.

The way he kept surprising him.

How much do I not know about you yet…?

A quiet thought formed in his mind—

And stayed.

I want to know everything.

—

By the time the boys finished dinner, it was already eight at night.

Dohoon followed Shinyu upstairs, heading straight to his room to check on Coffee.

The cat was curled up comfortably on the bed, fast asleep.

“Isn’t Coffee cute…” Dohoon murmured, sitting down beside it. He gently brushed its fur, coaxing it awake.

Coffee responded with a soft purr, stretching lazily before opening its eyes and immediately nuzzling into Dohoon’s hand.

“Time to eat, Coffee,” he said softly, continuing to pet it.

From across the room, Shinyu watched.

Something about the scene—Dohoon, gentle and smiling, the cat responding so warmly—made his chest tighten in the best way possible.

He opened a can of fish, and the moment the lid lifted—

Coffee jumped off the bed and trotted over eagerly.

Shinyu filled the bowl, then reached out to pet it.

“See?” he muttered. “You only let me touch you when I feed you.”

Dohoon chuckled, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder.
“Give it time. Coffee will come to you on its own eventually.”

Shinyu glanced at him briefly, the corner of his lips lifting.

“…Hope so.”

“Let’s keep the door open,” Dohoon suggested. “In case Coffee wants to wander.”

Then, after a pause—
“Did you tell them you have a cat now?”

Shinyu shook his head.
“Not yet. But I don’t think they’ll make a big deal out of it.”

Footsteps echoed from the stairs.

“Hyung! What are you guys doing up there?”

Kyungmin appeared at the doorway—and immediately froze.

“A cat?!”

Within seconds, he was kneeling beside Coffee.
“Hi, kitty! You’re so cute!”

That was enough to summon the rest.

“A kitty? Where?” Jihoon’s voice rang out as he rushed in.

“Kitty! I want to see!” Hanjin followed close behind.

Youngjae arrived last, far less surprised than the others.

“Yah, don’t crowd it,” Shinyu warned, watching as Kyungmin, Jihoon, and Hanjin surrounded Coffee.

But instead of being overwhelmed, Coffee seemed… thrilled.

It meowed, rubbing against their hands, happily accepting all the attention.

Shinyu stared.

“…I’m the owner, right?” he muttered, turning to Dohoon. “Why is it so mean to me?”

He pouted slightly.

Dohoon laughed.
“Maybe Coffee’s just shy around you.”

“Like you?” Shinyu blurted.

Silence.

Dohoon froze.

His face turned red instantly.

Jihoon blinked.
“Hyung, are you okay? You’re really red.”

That only made it worse.

“A-Ah—I’m fine! Just… hot!” Dohoon stammered, backing away. “I’ll… cool down downstairs.”

And just like that, he fled.

—

Dohoon collapsed onto the couch, staring at the ceiling.

His hand pressed against his chest, feeling his heart pounding wildly.

“Shinyu… you’re going to kill me…”

“Dohoon?”

He turned his head.

Youngjae stood nearby.

“Want to help me clean up?”

Dohoon sat up.
“…Sure. I’ve got nothing better to do.”

—

In the kitchen, they worked side by side, clearing leftovers and washing dishes.

After a moment, Youngjae spoke.

“So… how do you feel about Junghwan?”

Dohoon paused.

“Shinyu?” he repeated softly.

A small smile appeared on his face—one he didn’t even notice.

“He’s been helping me a lot since I moved here. Introducing me to everyone… helping me settle in… bringing me to your café…”

His voice softened slightly.

“Even though we’re the same age… when I’m with him, I feel smaller somehow.”

Youngjae glanced at him.

Dohoon continued,
“I’m really glad I met him.”

Then he smirked.

“…And I’m glad I met you guys too.”

He turned.
“So—tell me about Jihoon.”

Youngjae choked slightly.

“What about him? There’s nothing to say.”

Dohoon raised an eyebrow.
“Really?”

Youngjae sighed.

“…He’s clingy. Loud. Way too energetic. Never shuts up.”

But there was no real irritation in his voice.

“He does weird things sometimes… asks ridiculous questions…” he added, shaking his head. “…but it’s funny.”

Dohoon smiled knowingly.

—

When they returned to the living room, Coffee was now comfortably curled up on Hanjin’s lap.

“Movie?” Jihoon suggested, already scrolling through Netflix.

“How about horror?” Kyungmin suggested.

The moment the word horror was said—

“No.”

Shinyu sat up immediately.

“No horror movies in my house.”

Dohoon glanced at him.

“…But it’s been a while since I watched one.”

And then—

He gave him that look.

Puppy eyes.

Shinyu lost instantly.

—

Lights off.

Movie playing.

Coffee safely relocated back to the room.

Shinyu sat stiffly, one hand ready to cover his eyes at any moment.

Beside him, Dohoon leaned closer.

“If you’re scared, why agree?” Shinyu whispered.

“Because that’s the fun part,” Dohoon replied, eyes glued to the screen.

Minutes later—

Both of them screamed.

Multiple times.

By the end of the movie, their hands had somehow intertwined—gripping each other tightly.

When the credits rolled—

They both realized.

And immediately pulled away.

“…You two scream a lot,” Jihoon teased.

“How could you not?!” Shinyu protested, turning to Dohoon. “It was scary, right?”

Dohoon yawned.
“Yeah… but fun.”

—

“I’m hungry again,” Dohoon said suddenly. “Anyone want supper? I’ll make ramyeon.”

“Me,” Shinyu replied instantly.

“Me too!” Kyungmin raised his hand, following Dohoon into the kitchen.

—

As the water boiled, Kyungmin leaned against the counter.

“You’ve gotten really close to Shinyu-hyung.”

Dohoon nodded.
“Yeah… somehow.”

“He’s approachable,” he added.

Kyungmin snorted.

“…Approachable?”

He shook his head.

“People who tried to hit on him got shut down instantly. Some even call him ‘cold prince.’”

Dohoon blinked.

“…Are we talking about the same person?”

He stirred the pot thoughtfully.

“He approached me first… and he’s never been cold to me.”

Kyungmin watched him carefully.

“…You’re special to him. You know that, right?”

Dohoon didn’t respond immediately.

But deep down—

He knew.

The walks. The closeness. The way Shinyu looked at him.

Even Coffee.

“…I think there’s something going on between you two,” Kyungmin added. “But I won’t pry.”

—

They brought the ramyeon out.

“Thanks, Dohoonie,” Shinyu said with a smile.

“It’s nothing. But you’re washing my bowl later.”

“Deal.”

—

“Hyung,” Jihoon suddenly said, “you’re sleeping with us, right?”

Dohoon blinked.
“…With all of you?”

“Junghwan-hyung never lets anyone sleep in his room,” Jihoon explained. “So we use the guest room.”

Silence.

Then—

“He’s sleeping with me,” Shinyu said calmly.

Jihoon froze.
“…What?”

Before he could question further, Youngjae dragged him away.

Hanjin and Kyungmin didn’t even react.

They expected it.

“Hyung, remember to use protection,” Hanjin added casually.

Dohoon froze.

Then exploded.

“YAH—WHAT ARE YOU SAYING?!”

A pillow flew.

Hanjin caught it easily.

“Just being safe,” he winked.

Dohoon turned to Shinyu—

Only to find him completely red.

“…Shin Junghwan!”

He shoved him.

Shinyu snapped out of it.
“Y-yeah—Hanjin, stop teasing him.”

“Whatever you say, hyung~”

—

Later, after supper, Dohoon went upstairs first.

Coffee was already back on the bed.

“You really like this bed, huh…” Dohoon smiled, scratching behind its ears.

The cat purred loudly.

“Who’s a good cat? You are.”

“Uh… Dohoon.”

He turned.

Shinyu stood at the door, holding out a toothbrush.

“I prepared this for you.”

“…Thanks.”

Dohoon quickly took it and escaped into the bathroom.

—

Shinyu walked over to Coffee.

He reached out.

Hiss.

The cat moved away.

Shinyu sighed, smiling faintly.

“You’re lucky you’re cute.”

Then, softer—

“Come here, Coffee.”

This time—

The cat walked toward him.

No food. No tricks.

Just… willingly.

It nuzzled into his hand before settling on his lap.

Shinyu blinked.

Then smiled.

“…So you do like me.”

He gently stroked its fur.

“Just like him…”

—

When Dohoon returned from the bathroom, he found Shinyu already asleep on the bed, with Coffee curled up beside him. The cat noticed Dohoon's return, waking up and jumping down to nuzzle against his leg. Dohoon bent down to give Coffee a gentle pat before heading to the bed.

He lay down stiffly, feeling a little awkward despite having slept together earlier that afternoon. Shinyu was fast asleep. Turning to face him, Dohoon whispered softly, "Shinyu, are you asleep?"

There was no reply.

An urge suddenly came over him—to touch him, just once. Slowly, he reached out, wanting to trace the boy's cheek, to admire the mole on his nose and the one on his chin that somehow made him even more attractive.

"You look so good... it's messing with my heart, you know that?" Dohoon murmured, gently poking Shinyu's cheek before quickly pulling his hand back.

A small groan escaped from the sleeping boy as he shifted slightly closer. Startled, Dohoon immediately turned away, afraid he had woken him. But instead, he felt an arm wrap around his waist, pulling him closer. Now they were pressed together, Dohoon trapped as the smaller spoon.

He could feel Shinyu's breath against his neck, sending shivers down his spine.

He squirmed a little, trying to loosen the hold, but the arm around his waist only tightened.

"Be good... and stay still," Shinyu muttered in his sleep.

Dohoon froze.

He liked it—he really did—but he was far too shy to admit it. Being this close, he could feel the warmth of Shinyu's body, catch the faint scent of body wash and clean laundry.

Slowly, his eyelids grew heavy. Before drifting off, he turned again to face Shinyu, nestling into the crook of his neck, greedily breathing in his scent.

It was the best sleep he'd had since moving here.

—

"Dohoon-ah... why are you so cute?"

Shinyu's voice was soft as he cupped Dohoon's face and leaned in, closing the distance between them. Their lips met in a slow, tender kiss.

Dohoon tried to push him away, but his strength felt nonexistent—the gesture came out weak, almost teasing. It only encouraged Shinyu to deepen the kiss.

Dohoon felt his breath hitch as Shinyu's tongue brushed lightly against his lips, asking for permission. Helpless, he responded, letting him in.

His head spun. His breathing grew uneven. His hands wandered across Shinyu's lean frame, grasping for something to hold onto.

The kiss grew more intense, both of them lost in the moment. Shinyu's hand moved to the back of Dohoon's head, pulling him closer. A soft moan slipped from Dohoon's lips, and that was all it took for Shinyu to lose what little restraint he had left. His hand slid beneath Dohoon's shirt, fingers tracing teasing patterns across his chest.

When they finally broke apart, both were breathless.

Dohoon looked into Shinyu's eyes—dark, filled with something dangerous.

"Hyung... please touch me."

For a moment, Dohoon swore Shinyu looked like he was about to devour him—and he didn't want to stop him.

"You don't have to tell me."

Shinyu pulled off his own shirt, then helped Dohoon out of his.

—

"Huh?!"

Dohoon shot awake, drenched in sweat, his face burning. He glanced around—he was still on Shinyu's bed, the arm still around his waist.

He checked the clock.

6:00 a.m.

"Fuck..." he muttered under his breath, realization hitting him hard.

A wet dream. About Shinyu.

The worst part? He didn't want it to end.

Groaning, he covered his face. It had felt so real—too real. And now, his body was reacting in ways he couldn't ignore.

He looked down.

"Shit... what now?" he whispered.

He couldn't even get up without waking Shinyu.

Turning away, he tried to calm himself, but the memory of the dream lingered vividly. Shinyu's arm around him only made things worse.

Eventually, exhausted, he forced himself back to sleep.

—

"Dohoon."

Shinyu's voice again.

Dohoon felt like prey under his gaze.

His hand was guided—placed against something firm.

His breath caught.

"Hyung... what are you doing?" he asked shakily, eyes locked on Shinyu's smirking face. A soft moan escaped him as he felt the heat beneath his palm.

"Can't you see?" Shinyu whispered, leaning closer. "I'm seducing you."

Their lips nearly met again as Shinyu guided his hand lower, slipping it beneath the waistband—

—

"Fuck!"

Dohoon woke up again, heart pounding.

This time, the clock read 10:00 a.m.

Before he could even process the dream, he felt something pressing against him.

"Is that...?"

Even if it was a normal morning reaction, having it directly against him was something else entirely.

"Shinyu, wake up," he said, trying to keep his voice steady.

No response.

He shifted slightly, hoping movement would wake him.

A groan.

"Five more minutes..."

Encouraged, Dohoon shook his arm lightly. "Shinyu, wake up. I want to get up."

"It's the weekend... we don't have to wake up this early..." Shinyu mumbled, his voice deeper with sleep.

Dohoon hesitated, then spoke quietly, making sure he was heard.

"You're... poking me."

Shinyu jolted upright instantly, now fully awake.

"Uh... sorry."

His face flushed red as realization hit him, how long had he been....

Dohoon didn't wait—he quickly slipped out of bed and escaped to the bathroom. Splashing cold water on his face, he tried to calm down.

He stared at his reflection.

Flustered. Embarrassed. Overwhelmed.

From the dream... to that moment just now...

Only one thing was becoming clearer.

I'm downbad for him

—

Dohoon returned from the bathroom and froze slightly when he saw Shinyu sitting at the edge of the bed, looking completely flustered. The moment Shinyu noticed him, he panicked.

"I-I'm sorry about that."

"I-it's fine... just a normal body reaction," Dohoon replied, avoiding his gaze.

Feeling the awkward tension thick in the room, Dohoon quickly looked for an escape. "I'll go check on the others."

He left the room almost immediately and headed downstairs. Kyungmin was still asleep, but Hanjin was already up, lounging on the sofa while scrolling through his phone.

"Morning, Hanjin. Are the others awake yet?" Dohoon asked.

Hanjin looked up. "Jihoon is, but Youngjae's still sleeping. What about Junghwan-hyung? He's usually the hardest to wake."

Just hearing Shinyu's name made warmth creep up Dohoon's neck.

"H-he's awake," he replied, scratching his neck nervously and avoiding eye contact.

Hanjin, ever observant, narrowed his eyes slightly. "I'm just going to ignore the fact that your face is completely red right now."

Dohoon silently thanked him for that.

"Hanjin, is there anything to eat? I'm starving."

Jihoon appeared from the guest room, rubbing his eyes and yawning. "Morning, Dohoon-hyung. How was your sleep with Junghwan-hyung?"

It was an innocent question—but to Dohoon, it sounded like teasing.

He didn't answer.

"Dohoon-hyung? Are you okay?" Jihoon asked, now concerned.

Hanjin sighed at Jihoon's obliviousness. "He's fine. Just groggy." He answered on Dohoon's behalf as the latter stood there, spacing out.

The noise eventually woke Kyungmin. He took one look at the scene—Dohoon red as a tomato, Jihoon confused, and Hanjin shaking his head.

"Nope. It's still too early for this. I refuse to process anything," he muttered.

Just then, Shinyu walked downstairs—also visibly flustered.

"Hyung? It's rare to see you up this early," Jihoon said, genuinely surprised. He squinted slightly, deep in thought. Did Dohoon do something to wake him up?

"Uh... hunger woke me up," Shinyu replied quickly.

Jihoon nodded, easily convinced.

Shinyu, however, glanced at Hanjin and Kyungmin. Those two weren't as easy to fool—but surprisingly, neither of them said anything, almost as if they were choosing to ignore the situation.

His attention shifted to Dohoon, who was still spacing out. He stepped closer and gently poked his back.

"Dohoon... are you okay?" he whispered.

Dohoon snapped back to reality, startled. "Huh? Yeah... I guess?"

But his mind betrayed him—replaying flashes of his dream, the warmth, the closeness... and the morning incident.

Get a grip, he mentally scolded himself. But honestly, who could blame him? Shinyu was... everything.

—

The morning turned awkward—at least for the two of them.

They kept stealing glances at each other, only to quickly look away whenever their eyes met. In the end, they decided to order delivery for breakfast.

Youngjae noticed the tension almost immediately. He raised an eyebrow at Shinyu, who simply shrugged in response.

After breakfast, Youngjae left first to help his mother at the café, with Jihoon tagging along. Soon after, Hanjin and Kyungmin also headed out, claiming they had things to do.

That left Dohoon and Shinyu alone.

The silence between them felt heavy—like a library where even breathing sounded too loud.

"I'll... go feed Coffee," Dohoon said, breaking the silence.

Before he could leave, Shinyu reached out and grabbed his wrist.

"Dohoon, I need to tell you something." His voice was serious. "I'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable. I promise I won't touch you without your permission again. I'm really sorry."

Dohoon blinked, caught off guard.

He didn't feel uncomfortable at all. If anything... he liked it. More than he wanted to admit.

"Shinyu... you don't have to apologize. It really was just a normal reaction." He finally met his eyes. "...And I never said I hated your touch."

His voice softened at the end, almost shy.

Shinyu felt a wave of relief wash over him.

Only then did it hit him—they had never actually talked about their feelings. They had just... let everything grow quietly, naturally.

"Can you let go now...? Coffee is probably complaining," Dohoon said softly.

"Ah—right. Sorry." Shinyu quickly released his wrist.

Dohoon hurried upstairs, grabbed a can of fish, and went into Shinyu's room. Coffee was already waiting by the bowl, meowing impatiently.

"Sorry, Coffee. I'm feeding you now," he said, opening the can and filling the bowl.

As the cat ate, Dohoon gently stroked its back.

"Coffee... what should I do?" he murmured. "I think I've fallen hard. I don't think I can hold back anymore... Every moment with him, I just want to run to him... to feel his hug, his touch..."

—

After feeding Coffee, Dohoon told Shinyu he'd head home to shower and rest. Shinyu simply nodded.

Since their houses were next to each other, it didn't take long for Dohoon to reach home. The moment he stepped in, his mother greeted him cheerfully.

"Honey! Was the sleepover fun?"

Dohoon nodded. "Yeah, it was. We watched horror movies together—and Shinyu's actually a scaredy cat."

His mother chuckled. "As long as you had fun."

Dohoon went straight to his room, threw himself onto the bed, buried his face into the pillow, and let out a loud groan.

Then, he grabbed his phone and called his best friend back in Busan—Gyuvin.

"Hello? Gyuvin? Are you free?"

"Dohoon, I'm always free for you," Gyuvin replied instantly.

Dohoon could hear another voice in the background.

"Yujin's with you, right?"

"Yeah. Want to say hi?"

"Hello, Dohoon-hyung!" Yujin suddenly snatched the phone.

"Yah! Put it on speaker—I want to talk too, you monkey!" Gyuvin protested.

Dohoon couldn't help but laugh at the siblings' energy.

"So... anything new?" Gyuvin asked.

"There is..." Dohoon hesitated before continuing. He told him everything—about Shinyu, about the feelings he couldn't ignore anymore.

Gyuvin didn't even pause.

"Bro. You're in love. Helplessly in love."

"...Yeah. I know." Dohoon sighed, rolling onto his back as he stared at the ceiling. "Does it... weird you out? That I like boys?"

"Of course not! Why would it?" Gyuvin replied instantly. "I'm just surprised you didn't realize it sooner."

"Hey..."

"I mean it," Gyuvin continued, softer this time. "The way you're talking about him? It's obvious."

Dohoon let out a quiet breath. "...It's just... everything he does feels different."

"Different how?" Gyuvin asked.

Dohoon hesitated, then smiled faintly to himself.

"He always waits for me."

"Huh?"

"After school," Dohoon continued, voice quieter now, "even if he finishes earlier or I'm late, he'll just... hang around or wait on the way back. Pretends he has nothing to do. Then when I come out, he asks if I want to walk home together."

Gyuvin chuckled. "That's not even subtle."

"I know... he does this everytime" Dohoon admitted

"Wow..." Gyuvin dragged out the word. "He's got it bad too."

Dohoon felt his ears warm again.

"Also... he might've just brought back a cat just for me..." Dohoon murmured, smiling without realizing it.

"Brought a cat home?" Gyuvin echoed.

"Yeah, its name is Coffee. He... brought it home," Dohoon said. "One day, we walked back together and encounter a cat, but sadly I'm unable to bring it back home so we left, later he actually went back to look for it... because I mentioned I liked cats."

Gyuvin went silent for a second.

"...He went back just because of that?"

Dohoon nodded to himself. "Yeah. And now he takes care of it."

"He bring the cat back for you?" Yujin practically shouted.

Dohoon laughed, covering his face with his hand. "Yeah..."

"Hyung, you guys are so cute!" Yujin said.

"I know, right?" Gyuvin agreed. "At this point, you two are just pretending you're not dating."

"We're not!" Dohoon protested, though his voice lacked conviction.

"Then what do you call this?" Gyuvin pressed. "He waits for you every day, brings home a cat for you,"

"...When you say it like that, it sounds crazy."

"Because it is," Gyuvin replied bluntly.

Dohoon let out a small laugh, but it quickly faded into something more thoughtful.

Yujin chimed in again, softer this time. "Hyung... if he makes you happy, then you should stay with him."

Dohoon felt something warm settle in his chest.

"...You guys are really something, you know that?"

"Of course," Gyuvin said proudly. "Best emotional support duo."

"Self-proclaimed," Dohoon teased.

"Still counts."

They laughed together, the tension in Dohoon's chest easing little by little.

"...Thanks," he said quietly.

"For what?" Gyuvin asked.

"For not making this weird."

"Dohoon," Gyuvin said, voice steady, "there's nothing weird about liking someone who treats you that well."

Dohoon closed his eyes, letting those words sink in.

On the other end of the call, Yujin spoke again, curious as ever:

"Hyung... are you going to confess?"

Dohoon opened his eyes, staring at the ceiling again.

"...I don't know," he admitted honestly.

Beside Gyuvin, Yujin tilted his head. "Hyung... what is love?"

Dohoon smiled softly.

"Yujin-ah... one day you'll understand. It's something you discover yourself."

—

It's overwhelming.

Beautiful.

—

Sunday afternoon, Shinyu came over to Dohoon's house for lunch. He was warmly welcomed by Dohoon's mother.

"I've been expecting you. Your parents told me to take care of you while they're on vacation," she said with a friendly smile as she let him in.

"Dohoon is in his room. Just go upstairs and look for him—lunch will be ready soon."

Shinyu nodded politely. "Thank you, ma'am. I'll ask my parents to repay you."

"Oh, honey, you don't have to. You've already been a huge help by showing Dohoon around," she replied, clearly happy that her son had made a friend like him.

—

Meanwhile, Dohoon was lying on his bed, staring at the ceiling, his thoughts drifting aimlessly.

From entering the wrong classroom on his first day in Seoul... to goofing around with Gyuvin and Yujin back in Busan... to that incident yesterday morning—and the wet dream...

"Fuck... why does my mind keep replaying that?" he muttered, frustrated.

Deciding he needed fresh air, he got up and headed for the door. But the moment he opened it, he froze.

Shinyu was standing right in front of him.

"Eh? Shinyu?" he blinked in surprise.

"Well... you did say I could come whenever I want," Shinyu replied, scratching the back of his neck.

Dohoon stepped aside. "So... you're here for lunch, right?"

"That's one reason," Shinyu said as he walked in, glancing around the room. "The other is... I wanted to see you."

Dohoon paused, caught off guard. "I just left your house yesterday."

"Yeah... I know, but I'm alone and bored." Shinyu gave a small, sheepish smile. "Am I being too clingy? Are you annoyed?"

"No! Why would I be annoyed with you?" Dohoon said quickly.

I'm more than happy that you're here, looking for me, he thought, though he didn't say it out loud.

"I've seen your room before," Dohoon added, trying to sound casual. "It's only fair you see mine too, right?"

Shinyu continued scanning the room. It had a cool-toned theme—mostly black and white with hints of blue. A gaming PC setup sat neatly beside a PS5 connected to a small TV.

Then his eyes landed on a photo frame on the study table.

He walked closer.

Dohoon noticed and followed. "Those are my friends from Busan."

He picked up the frame and pointed at the boy in the middle. "This is Gyuvin. Same age as me—we're always together."

Then he pointed to the boy on the right. "And that's Yujin, his younger brother. One year younger."

As Dohoon spoke, Shinyu noticed the sparkle in his eyes.

"They must be really important to you," he said softly.

"They are," Dohoon replied with a small smile. "We basically grew up together. Sleepovers, hanging out—it was just normal for us..."

"It must've been hard to leave them," Shinyu said gently.

Dohoon fell silent for a moment, his gaze dropping.

"...Yeah. It was," he admitted. "I didn't take it well at first. I cried when I found out I had to move. But... it wasn't something I could avoid."

He looked back at Shinyu.

"But after being here for a while, I realized it's not so bad. I still miss them... but at least I have you guys now."

Especially you, he thought, but couldn't bring himself to say it.

"I can always visit them too. It's only a two to three hour train ride."

Noticing the slight sadness in his voice, Shinyu stepped closer and gently pulled him into a hug.

"Dohoon-ah... you have us now. Youngjae, Hanjin, Jihoon, Kyungmin—and me. We might not replace Gyuvin and Yujin, but we're here for you."

Dohoon stiffened in surprise, then slowly hugged him back.

"...Thank you. For everything," he said quietly. "For showing me around... and for sharing your friends with me. I mean it."

—

A knock on the door interrupted them.

"Boys! Lunch is ready!" Dohoon's mom called. "Come down before it gets cold! Oh—and I'm heading out with your dad for shopping. Take care of the house, okay?"

"Yes, Mom!" Dohoon shouted back. "Have fun! And bring snacks!"

"Honey, you don't even have to ask—I always do! Also, keep Junghwan company. I won't be back for dinner, so you two can figure something out, alright? Bye!"

As the front door closed, the house fell quiet again.

Dohoon and Shinyu headed downstairs for lunch.

The moment Dohoon saw the table, he froze—then facepalmed.

"Mom... really? Again?"

Shinyu let out a soft laugh. "Your mom really went all out."

The table was filled with food—tteokbokki, bulgogi, fried chicken, jumeok-bap, budae jjigae—and even a note saying there was hwachae in the fridge.

"...How are we supposed to finish all this?" Dohoon muttered, scratching his head.

Shinyu was already pulling out his phone.

"Yah, come over. Bring the others too... Don't ask—just come. Dohoon's house, next to mine."

Dohoon blinked. "Who did you call?"

Shinyu smirked. "You'll like it."

—

About ten minutes later, the doorbell rang.

"Yah, Shin Junghwan! This better be worth it or I'm going to kill you!"

Dohoon immediately recognized Youngjae's voice.

"You called everyone?" he asked, half-surprised, half-amused.

He opened the door—and sure enough, they were all there.

"Dohoon-hyung, open the gate! The sun is killing us!" Jihoon complained.

Dohoon quickly opened it. "Come in, come in!"

Youngjae crossed his arms. "What is Shinyu plotting?"

Dohoon just smiled. "You'll see."

He led them to the dining table.

"...Oh," Youngjae blinked. "That's... a lot."

"Told you it's good stuff," Shinyu said, clearly pleased.

Youngjae sighed. "You could've just told me over the phone. I rushed here for nothing—and dragged Kyungmin, Jihoon and Hanjin along too."

"Hyung, your mom is amazing," Kyungmin said, already eyeing the food. "This all looks so good."

"Is it okay if we eat here?" Hanjin asked politely.

Meanwhile Jihoon is already eating a piece of fried chicken.

"Of course," Dohoon replied. "My mom would be more than happy. And there's no way Shinyu and I can finish all this alone."

—

Soon, the table was filled with laughter, chatter, and playful bickering.

For a moment, Dohoon just sat there, taking it all in.

He felt... happy.

Then Shinyu, sitting beside him, leaned closer and whispered softly into his ear:

"You have us now."

Dohoon's heart skipped a beat.

He smiled to himself.

Yeah... I have you guys.

—

It was Tuesday after school, and Shinyu, Dohoon, and Hanjin stayed back for student council duties as the event drew closer.

“Dohoon-hyung, did you go through all the registration forms?” Hanjin asked, checking the approved list and double-checking everything with him.

“Yes, every single one,” Dohoon groaned, slumping in his chair. “I think my brain is hollow now.”

Shinyu, who was still reviewing the activity plans, called out to the treasurer.

“Woonhak, is this within the budget the school provided?” he asked, flipping through the documents listing estimated costs.

“From what I’ve checked, it’s still within budget,” Woonhak replied, “but there’s a risk of going over.”

As they continued discussing finances, Dohoon couldn’t help but stare at Shinyu again.

He looked different when he was focused—calm, serious… and somehow even more attractive. The glasses he wore only made it worse, giving him that effortlessly handsome, nerdy look.

I’m staring again…

Realizing it, Dohoon quickly looked away and forced himself to focus on helping Hanjin with the paperwork instead. By the time they finished, it was already late afternoon.

“Let’s call it a day. We’ve done a lot,” Shinyu said.

“Finally,” Dohoon sighed. “My brain is fried.”

Hanjin chuckled as he organized the documents. “You know, sometimes you act like you’re not academically strong.”

Dohoon shot him a look. “Is that a compliment or an insult?”

“Just an observation.”

“It’s just… paperwork isn’t my thing,” Dohoon muttered.

—

After everyone left, including Hanjin, only the two of them remained.

“Let’s go?” Shinyu asked.

Dohoon, still slumped in his chair, lifted his arms dramatically. “Shinyu~ pull me up. I’m tired.”

Shinyu smiled and grabbed his hands, pulling him to his feet. “Alright, let’s go.”

They walked home together as usual.

“Shinyu, I’ll come visit Coffee after I shower. Open the gate for me, okay?” Dohoon said.

“You don’t have to ask,” Shinyu replied. “You can come anytime. My parents will let you in.”

“If you say so… don’t be surprised if I suddenly show up in your room.”

“Oh? Since when did you get so bold?” Shinyu teased.

Dohoon just shrugged, though inside he felt slightly flustered. Memories from the sleepover lingered—but the urge to be closer to Shinyu won over everything else.

—

It didn’t take long for Dohoon to show up at Shinyu’s house. Fresh from the shower, his hair was still damp.

Shinyu’s mother welcomed him warmly and told him he could wait in the room.

When he entered, Coffee was lying on the bed, but Shinyu was nowhere in sight—probably still showering.

“Coffee! I’m here!” Dohoon said happily, sitting down.

The cat immediately climbed onto his lap, purring as he stroked its back.

“Did you miss me? I missed you too.”

Coffee nuzzled against his fingers.

After a while, the bathroom door opened.

“Dohoon? You’re here already.”

Dohoon looked up—and froze.

Shinyu stood there with only a towel wrapped around his waist, his hair still wet.

Heat rushed to Dohoon’s face instantly. He knew he should look away—but his eyes refused to move.

Shinyu’s lean frame, the subtle definition—it was enough to make his throat go dry.

“D-Dohoon… you’re staring,” Shinyu said, clearly flustered.

“A-ah—sorry!” Dohoon quickly stood up. “I should’ve waited outside!”

He rushed out, mentally scolding himself.

Seriously… get a grip…

A moment later—

“You can come in now.”

When Dohoon returned, Shinyu was dressed in a T-shirt and loose pants. For some reason, Dohoon felt a tiny bit disappointed.

“Didn’t you dry your hair properly?” Shinyu asked.

“I usually don’t. It dries on its own.”

“You should dry it. What if you catch a cold? Come here.”

Dohoon sat on the edge of the bed as Shinyu stood in front of him, gently drying his hair.

The warmth, the closeness—it made his heart race again.

Slowly, Dohoon looked up.

Their eyes met.

Shinyu’s gaze was soft.

Something in Dohoon gave in.

He reached up and gently pulled Shinyu closer.

“Hyung… can I kiss you?”

Shinyu didn’t answer.

Instead, he turned off the hair dryer, leaned in—

—and kissed him.

Soft. Gentle.

Dohoon froze at first, then slowly melted into it, savoring the warmth of Shinyu’s lips.

When they pulled apart, he looked completely dazed.

“Was that your first kiss?” Shinyu asked quietly.

Dohoon nodded.

“…That was mine too.”

Before Dohoon could react, Shinyu leaned in again, cupping his face as he kissed him once more—longer this time, slower, more deliberate.

Dohoon let out a soft breath against his lips, his thoughts blurring as he leaned into the moment. Everything felt overwhelming—in the best way.

Wanting more, Dohoon slightly licks the lips of Shinyu, almost like he’s asking permission, the other boy did not hesitate, shoving his tongue. What started as a small kiss on the lips turned into a full-on make out—and Dohoon enjoys it.

When they finally pulled apart again, both of them were slightly breathless, their foreheads almost touching.

For a moment, neither of them spoke.

Dohoon looked into Shinyu’s eyes—and understood.

They really were windows to the soul.

Without thinking, he grabbed Shinyu’s shirt and pulled him down onto the bed, closing the distance again, unable to resist.

Shinyu responded immediately, one hand supporting himself while the other gently held the back of Dohoon’s head, deepening the moment.

Everything else faded.

All Dohoon could think about… was him.

Ah… I’m completely screwed.

—

Somehow, Dohoon ended up napping with Shinyu again.

When he woke up, he could feel Shinyu’s arm wrapped securely around his waist. At this point, he was convinced Shinyu had an obsession with it—not that he was complaining. He actually loved being held like this, being treated like a personal body pillow.

His mind drifted back to what had happened before they fell asleep.

Just the memory alone made his face heat up.

—

“Dohoon-ah… when did you get so bold?” Shinyu asked softly as they broke away from the kiss.

He was hovering above Dohoon now, one arm beside his head, the other resting lightly on his side, keeping him pinned against the bed.

“I don’t know… it just felt right,” Dohoon replied, holding his gaze.

There was something dangerous in the way Shinyu looked at him—like a predator eyeing its prey. And strangely… Dohoon didn’t want to escape.

“If you keep looking at me like that… I might lose control,” Shinyu murmured, trying to hold himself back.

“What’s stopping you, hyung?” Dohoon said softly, the word hyung laced with something almost teasing.

That was it.

Whatever restraint Shinyu had left snapped.

He leaned down and kissed Dohoon again—this time deeper, more desperate, his hand sliding along Dohoon’s side as if trying to memorize every inch of him.

Dohoon responded without hesitation, his fingers gripping onto Shinyu’s shirt, pulling him closer.

The moment quickly grew more intense—no longer just soft and hesitant, but filled with something neither of them wanted to deny.

When they finally pulled apart, both were breathing heavily.

“You really like me that much… don’t you?” Shinyu whispered, his voice lower now.

Dohoon didn’t answer with words—but the way he looked at him said everything.

That was enough.

Shinyu leaned in again, pressing their foreheads together for a brief moment before kissing him once more—slow, lingering, almost overwhelming.

Dohoon runs his hands to the hem of Shiyu’s shirt, feeling the subtle abs as he works his hand upwards to the chest. Feeling Dohoon’s hands, he breaks away from the kiss for a brief moment,he stripped, letting Dohoon to see everything.

“Like the view?” Shinyu whispered, teasing Dohoon even further.

Craving the touch from Shinyu, he guided Shinyu’s hands into his shirt, letting the boy touch him and caress his body.

Shinyu runs his hands to touch every part of Dohoon’s body, then finally stops at the chest, flicking his nipple with finger. Dohoon moaned into the kiss as his hand was now doing the same thing as well, holding the boy’s chest.

From all those moments, Dohoon can feel his member awaken, craving attention, when they finally break away from the kissing, both of them breathing heavily, he saw an obvious tenting at Shinyu’s pants as well.

“You’re hard.” Dohoon gulps as he’s nervous about what's going to happen next.

“How could I not, especially when you keep touching and kissing.” Looking at Dohoon’s pants

“You’re not doing so well down there aswell.” A smirking face on his face.

Dohoon then feels an urge to feel the hardness of the other as his hands slowly venture, before he’s able to touch it, Shinyu holds his wrist.

“Dohoon, I’ll give you a chance to run before we end up doing something that we’ll regret.”

Dohoon shakes his head “I’m not running, and I’m definitely not regretting this.”

“Fuck” That was the last word from Shinyu before he completely lose control, Dohoon was stripped and he can feel the boy’s lips on his neck, nipping and licking.

Feeling sensitive, he tried to push Shinyu but it turned out softly and more like a teasing. Shinyu then caught his wrist, guiding his hand into the waistband.

“I gave you the chance to run, now don’t you even think about running.”

Time blurred.

Everything blurred.

All Dohoon could feel was warmth, closeness… and Shinyu.

—

Dohoon snapped back to the present, his face burning as he buried it slightly into the pillow.

What the hell was that…

Yet despite his embarrassment, he felt oddly… comfortable.

Shinyu’s arm tightened slightly around his waist, as if instinctively pulling him closer.

“Shinyu… wake up. It’s almost dinner time,” Dohoon said, gently nudging him.

“Five more minutes…” Shinyu mumbled, still half-asleep.

“No, it’s almost seven. I need to go home for dinner too.”

“…Mhm… fine.”

Shinyu slowly woke up, blinking lazily before leaning in and placing a small peck on Dohoon’s cheek, finally loosening his hold.

Dohoon got up and headed to the bathroom. The moment he looked into the mirror—

“Yah! Shin Junghwan!” he shouted.

Faint marks were visible on his neck.

Shinyu pushed the door open slightly, still looking sleepy. “What is it, Dohoonie?”

Dohoon turned around and lightly punched his arm. “Why did you leave marks?! We still have school!”

There was no real strength behind it.

Shinyu simply caught his wrists easily. “I gave you a chance to stop me,” he said with a small shrug, not looking the least bit guilty.

Then his expression shifted—more serious now.

“Dohoon… be my boyfriend.”

The words hung in the air.

“I know it’s sudden,” Shinyu continued, his voice softer now, “but ever since I first saw you back in Busan… I felt something. And when I found out you moved here—next door to me—I was so happy I couldn’t even sleep.”

Dohoon’s heart started racing again.

“Every day, I look forward to seeing you. I want to share everything with you… be around you all the time. I even asked Hanjin to help you during the interview just so I’d have more chances to spend time with you.”

Dohoon felt his chest tighten.

“Shinyu…” he started, voice slightly unsteady, “you have no idea how hard I’ve been holding myself back. Every day, it gets harder.”

He stepped closer.

“When I first moved here, everything felt so overwhelming. But you were always there—for me. Walking with me, staying by my side, introducing me to your friends…”

He let out a small laugh.

“You even went back to get Coffee… just because I said I liked cats.”

His eyes softened.

“I think I’ve already become too used to you. I don’t think I can go a day without you anymore.”

Shinyu’s eyes grew slightly watery, clearly not expecting that much.

“You don’t have to repay me,” he said quietly. “I did all that because I wanted to… because I like seeing you happy.”

Dohoon smiled.

Then he stepped forward and pulled Shinyu into a hug.

“And to answer your question… it’s a yes,” he whispered. “There’s no way I’d say no. So get ready—you’re stuck with me now.”

—

A knock came from outside.

“Honey, it’s almost dinner time. Is Dohoon staying?” Shinyu’s mom called.

Shinyu looked at Dohoon, who shook his head.

“Next time. My mom already cooked.”

“Mom, he’s heading home,” Shinyu replied.

“Alright, come down in twenty minutes!”

—

“So… see you tomorrow?” Shinyu said, ruffling Dohoon’s hair.

“Mhm. Tomorrow… and the day after that,” Dohoon smiled.

He leaned in and placed a quick kiss on Shinyu’s cheek.

“I’m going now. My parents are probably waiting.”

As he stepped out, he paused for a moment, glancing back.

See you tomorrow… and every day after.

—

"Honey... is that a hickey on your neck?" Dohoon's mother held his shoulder and leaned in for a closer look.

"M-Mom, it's just a mosquito bite," he said quickly, trying his best to sound convincing.

Clearly, she wasn't buying it.

"Let me guess... Junghwanie?" she teased, a smirk forming on her lips.

"No! What are you saying? How could it be him?" Dohoon panicked.

"Ohhh, so you do admit it's a hickey." She laughed, clearly enjoying this.

"Mom! Stop teasing me!" Dohoon groaned, his face completely red as he looked away.

"So... it is Junghwan? When you came home earlier, there was nothing on your neck. Then you went to his house..."

She paused, eyes narrowing playfully.

"Is he your boyfriend?"

"Mom!" Dohoon whined. "I'm going to my room. Call me when dinner's ready!"

He rushed upstairs, completely flustered.

—

The moment he entered his room, he threw himself onto the bed and buried his face into the pillow, letting out a muffled scream.

But the smile on his face never faded.

He had just become Shin Junghwan's boyfriend.

What do I do now?

The thought suddenly hit him. Would things change between them? Would their friends treat them differently?

Before he could spiral further, his phone buzzed.

Strawberry Addict: Hey :)

Kim Puppy: What >:(
Kim Puppy: I'm still mad you gave me a hickey

Strawberry Addict: I miss you already

Kim Puppy: I just left your house 10 minutes ago
Kim Puppy: ...yeah, me too

Strawberry Addict: I regret only giving you one hickey

Dohoon froze, heat rushing to his face.

Even though he liked it... he would never admit that.

Kim Puppy: Yah! I'm going to kill you

Strawberry Addict: You won't ;)
Strawberry Addict: And you didn't say you hate it

Kim Puppy: Shut up! You're annoying

Strawberry Addict: And you're my boyfriend

Kim Puppy: -_- I can still reject you

Strawberry Addict: No, you won't

Kim Puppy: ...yeah, I won't

Strawberry Addict: Youngjae's tomorrow?

Kim Puppy: Oh, right—dinner time. Bye

Dohoon stared at his phone, giggling like an idiot in love. He almost wished tomorrow would come faster—just so he'd have an excuse to see Shinyu again.

—

The next morning, for once, Dohoon woke up earlier than usual.

His mother stared at him in disbelief. "Who are you, and what have you done to my son?"

At breakfast, even his father noticed. "Dohoon-ah, something good happened? You look really happy."

"Yes," Dohoon replied, unable to hide his smile. "Something very good."

The moment he finished eating, he rushed next door and rang the doorbell.

"Shinyu! Dohoon's here!" his mom called out.

Shinyu appeared shortly after, looking slightly surprised. "Dohoon? You're early. Usually you'd still be asleep by now."

"Can't I be excited to see my boyfriend?" Dohoon pouted.

Shinyu chuckled. "Of course you can. Let's go."

—

On the way to school, Shinyu reached for Dohoon's hand—but Dohoon quickly pulled back.

Shinyu frowned slightly.

"There are people watching..." Dohoon muttered, looking down.

Is he uncomfortable? Shinyu wondered.

"Are you... afraid?" he asked carefully.

"No... I'm just shy."

A small laugh escaped Shinyu.

"But I really want to..." Dohoon added quietly.

Then, gathering his courage, he reached out and grabbed Shinyu's hand himself, his face turning bright red.

Just like that, Shinyu's worries disappeared.

"You're really cute when you're shy," he teased.

"Tease me again and I'll let go," Dohoon warned.

"You won't."

Shinyu ruffled his hair with his free hand.

"Yah! People are watching—and you're messing up my hair!"

—

They didn't let go of each other's hands the entire walk to school.

Only when they reached the classroom did they separate.

Youngjae was already there, sitting at his desk. He glanced up—and immediately noticed.

When they took their seats, he raised an eyebrow.

"So... you're a couple now?"

Shinyu turned around and nodded. "Mhm. A couple."

Youngjae leaned back in his chair. "Alright then. Kyungmin and Jihoon owe me a meal."

"Yah, you guys made bets about us?" Dohoon turned around, shocked.

"It was Hanjin's idea," Youngjae replied casually. "They were betting on when you'd finally get together. Me and Hanjin said before the end of this month."

He checked the date.

"And today's February 26th."

Dohoon swore he was going to deal with Hanjin later.

Then realization hit him.

"...Wait. Everyone knows?"

Youngjae gave him a look.

"You two weren't exactly subtle. It was only a matter of time."

Dohoon slowly turned back to his desk.

Well... time to dig my own grave.

During recess, the interaction between Shinyu and Dohoon didn't go unnoticed.

Every glance lingered just a little longer.
Every touch stayed a second too long.
And when their eyes met—there was no hiding it anymore.

"Dohoon-ah, what do you want? I'll get it for you," Shinyu said, casually placing his hand over Dohoon's.

"I'm too lazy to think... just get me anything," Dohoon replied, not even moving his hand away.

Hanjin noticed it immediately.

He nudged Youngjae, who was mid-conversation with Jihoon. "Free meal?"

Youngjae didn't even hesitate. He nodded once. "Free meal."

Jihoon blinked at both of them, completely lost.

Meanwhile, Hanjin turned and smacked Kyungmin, who had been daydreaming.

"Ow! What was that for?" Kyungmin rubbed his arm.

"Remember the bet? You lost," Hanjin said with a grin.

"What? Already? I thought they'd take at least a few more months..." Kyungmin sighed dramatically.

"Don't make it too expensive. I don't want to end up washing dishes to pay the bill," he added.

"Oh, don't worry," Hanjin smirked. "I'm going to make you regret it."

Kyungmin groaned.

—

Dohoon, who had been watching them, was suddenly dragged into the conversation.

"So, hyung," Hanjin leaned forward, "which one of you confessed first?"

"Huh?" Dohoon blinked.

His mind immediately replayed yesterday—Shinyu's voice, his words, the way his heart raced, the warmth of the hug...

A smile slowly crept onto his face.

"Hyung... you're smiling," Hanjin pointed out. "Was it Junghwan-hyung?"

"I was going to confess..." Dohoon admitted softly, "but he beat me to it."

"Really?" Kyungmin raised a brow. "That Shin Junghwan? Shinyu?"

"What about me?"

Shinyu suddenly appeared behind Kyungmin, holding two trays of food.

"Ah—!" Kyungmin jumped. "Hyung, you scared me!"

"I heard my name," Shinyu said calmly, sitting down and sliding a tray over to Dohoon.

"Thank you~ Shinyu-ya," Dohoon said, dragging out the name slightly.

"Hyung... is that a hickey?" Jihoon suddenly asked, pointing at Dohoon's neck.

Silence.

Dohoon froze.

He quickly pulled at his collar—but it was too late.

"There's definitely something on your neck," Youngjae added, pointing directly at it.

"Where? Where?" Kyungmin leaned in, trying to get a better look.

"No! It's just a mosquito bite!" Dohoon insisted—but even he knew how ridiculous that sounded.

"Ohhh... a big mosquito named Shin Junghwan?" Hanjin teased.

"Yah—!" Dohoon smacked Shinyu's arm, though there was no real force behind it.

Shinyu just laughed, clearly enjoying himself.

"Yeah," he said proudly, "I'm the mosquito."

"Yah, Shin Junghwan!" Dohoon hit him again, face completely red.

The table erupted into laughter.

—

Then suddenly—

"Wait..." Jihoon froze. "That means you two are actually—ah, shit."

"So... free meal for me," Youngjae said immediately, turning to him.

"You could've just asked..." Jihoon muttered under his breath.

"Hm? What was that?" Youngjae leaned in.

"Nothing," Jihoon said quickly.

—

Dohoon glanced at Youngjae and Jihoon, then nudged Shinyu slightly.

They exchanged a look.

A knowing smile formed on both their faces.

It wasn't just them.

It seemed like someone else was just as obvious.

—

"Ohhh..." Kyungmin suddenly leaned back, crossing his arms. "Wait a minute."

"What?" Jihoon asked, instantly defensive.

Kyungmin smirked. "Why do you look more nervous than the actual couple?"

"I'm not!" Jihoon protested.

Youngjae didn't say anything—just quietly sipped his drink.

Hanjin watched the two of them, amused. "Interesting..."

Dohoon leaned closer to Shinyu and whispered, "There ARE something going on."

Shinyu chuckled softly. "Looks like it."

Jihoon groaned, covering his face. "Can we just eat in peace?"

"No," the rest of them answered in unison.

And just like that, the table dissolved into laughter again—loud, chaotic, and full of warmth.

—

Dohoon looked around at everyone—at the teasing, the noise, the familiarity.

Then he felt Shinyu's hand gently brush against his under the table.

This time, he didn't pull away.

Instead, he intertwined their fingers quietly.

Hidden.

But certain.

His heart felt full.

Yeah... this is nice.

—

It was that time of year again—exam season.

The library was unusually full, filled with the quiet rustle of pages turning, the occasional scribble of pens, and the low hum of whispered discussions.

"Dohoon, don't you need to study?" Jihoon asked, frowning at his math problem. Youngjae sat beside him, patiently guiding him through it.

"Me?" Dohoon stretched lazily in his chair, hands resting behind his head as he yawned. "I just focus during class. It's been working so far."

Truthfully, he hated sitting down to study. It always made him sleepy. He only came along today to keep his friends company.

"Jihoon, you should worry about yourself first," Hanjin said, adjusting his glasses as he flipped through his biology notes. "I don't think he—or Junghwan-hyung—even knows the word 'study.'"

"I've never seen Shinyu-hyung study either," Kyungmin added while staring blankly at a chemistry question. "But he tutored me once, and I immediately felt stupid."

"Youngjae-hyung would know best. He's in the same class as them," Hanjin continued.

Youngjae didn't even look up. "The only thing I've seen is them holding hands throughout class."

Dohoon dropped his head onto the table dramatically. "How could I not? His hand is really comfortable to hold."

His boyfriend was nowhere to be seen—and he was bored out of his mind.

"Speaking of Junghwan-hyung... where is he?" Jihoon glanced around, trying to spot him.

"No idea," Dohoon muttered, absentmindedly playing with his fingers. "We agreed to meet here after school, but he said he had something to do first."

"Looking for me?"

A familiar voice appeared right behind him.

Dohoon immediately lifted his head. "Shinyu!"

Shinyu ruffled his hair, holding two drinks in his other hand.

"Where did you go? I'm so bored," Dohoon complained, leaning his head against Shinyu's stomach without hesitation.

Shinyu chuckled softly. "I was gone for ten minutes. You already missed me?"

"I'm bored. Is it my fault I want my boyfriend to keep me company?"

"Look what I got you." Shinyu placed a drink in front of him.

Dohoon's eyes lit up instantly. "Ashotchu! Thanks, Shinyu!"

He took a sip, visibly happier.

As Shinyu sat down beside him, Kyungmin leaned forward. "Hyung, where's ours?"

Shinyu raised an eyebrow. "You have legs, don't you? Go buy it yourself."

The group burst into laughter—loud enough that the librarian walked over and gave them a warning.

"Hyung, you've changed," Kyungmin complained.

"Have I?" Shinyu smirked slightly. "Maybe it's because I have someone to focus on."

He pinched Dohoon's nose lightly, earning an annoyed reaction.

"Don't you want to study?" Shinyu asked.

Dohoon shook his head. "Too lazy."

"Fair enough," Shinyu replied. "Same."

—

The two of them sat quietly after that.

The cool air from the AC, the faint scent of books, and the calm atmosphere slowly lulled Dohoon into sleepiness.

Before he knew it, his head tilted toward Shinyu, resting naturally against his shoulder—like it belonged there.

He could faintly smell the soft, floral scent of detergent from Shinyu's uniform.

Shinyu glanced down and smiled.

"Go ahead," he whispered. "Take a nap. I'll wake you later."

"Mhm..." Dohoon murmured, already drifting off.

—

Jihoon stared at them. "Are you really Shin Junghwan?"

Youngjae smacked Jihoon's hand lightly. "Are you Kim Dohoon? No? Then get back to work. You still have calculus to finish."

Hanjin glanced over. "Hyung, maybe you guys should head back first? If Dohoon sleeps like that too long, his neck will hurt—and your shoulder will go stiff."

"It's fine," Shinyu said softly, gently patting Dohoon's head. "We're here to help you guys study, right?"

He smiled faintly.

"If you need help, just ask. Dohoon doesn't look like it, but his math and physics are better than mine."

—

By the time Dohoon woke up, Kyungmin and Hanjin had already left.

Only Youngjae and Jihoon remained—Jihoon looking like his brain had completely shut down.

"Finally awake?" Shinyu asked. "Let's go?"

Dohoon nodded sleepily, taking a sip of his drink to wake himself up.

"Youngjae, Jihoon—we're heading off first. See you."

—

On the way home, Dohoon suddenly spoke up.

"Hey... have you noticed something about Jihoon and Youngjae lately?"

Shinyu thought for a moment. "Yesterday at Youngjae's café?"

"Yeah. Jihoon was basically following him around like a puppy."

Shinyu chuckled. "It was pretty funny."

"Doesn't Youngjae usually hate clingy people?" Dohoon asked.

"Maybe," Shinyu shrugged. "But who could dislike Jihoon? He's like a ball of sunshine."

"Fair point."

"Give it some time," Shinyu added. "Maybe Youngjae will open up."

—

Somehow, after getting home and showering, Dohoon ended up in Shinyu's room again.

"Hi, Coffee!" he greeted enthusiastically, immediately going over to pet the cat.

"Am I less important than the cat?" Shinyu pouted.

"Know your place. Coffee comes first," Dohoon teased.

Shinyu immediately looked away, clearly sulking.

Dohoon bit back a smile.

He's actually sulking... that's kind of cute.

"Aww, are you sulking?" Dohoon said, moving closer and placing a hand on his cheek.

"The cat's more important, right?" Shinyu muttered.

"You're cute when you sulk," Dohoon laughed softly. "It's rare."

Then his tone softened.

"Of course you're the most important. Nothing compares to you. I just wanted to see your reaction."

He gently caressed Shinyu's face.

Shinyu narrowed his eyes. "I don't trust you. Unless—"

Before he could finish, Dohoon leaned in and kissed him.

It was quick, but enough.

"How about now?" Dohoon asked, face already turning red.

Shinyu laughed softly. "Cheeky."

"You like it."

"...Yeah, I do."

—

"I'm still tired," Dohoon muttered. "Nap?"

"Sure."

They lay down on the bed, and like always, Shinyu's arm wrapped around Dohoon's waist, pulling him closer until he rested comfortably against his chest.

"You really like my waist, don't you?" Dohoon murmured.

"Very much."

"I could get used to this... sleeping next to you like this."

"You better," Shinyu said quietly. "I'm not letting go."

"Then don't," Dohoon replied shyly.

—

It didn't take long for both of them to fall asleep.

The room grew quiet, filled only with soft breathing.

Sometime later, Dohoon stirred.

He opened his eyes and turned slightly, studying Shinyu's sleeping face—memorizing every detail.

Then, quietly, he leaned in and pressed a soft kiss against his lips.

He wrapped his arms around him again and closed his eyes.

Yeah... I could really get used to this.

—

The exams were only two weeks away, yet Shinyu, Dohoon, and Hanjin were still tied up with student council duties. The welcoming event was scheduled right after exam week—terrible timing, if you asked anyone.

“Who in their right mind planned this right after exams?” Hanjin complained, flipping through the event flow documents. “I barely have time to study.”

“That’s exactly what I’ve been saying,” Woonhak added, checking the sponsorship list. “Shouldn’t this have been earlier, like at the start of the semester?”

Shinyu let out a quiet sigh. “I already brought it up to the school. They said they’d consider it… but clearly, nothing changed.” He leaned back slightly. “That’s why we had to recruit new members so early this year.”

His gaze shifted toward Dohoon.

Dohoon looked like he was about to collapse—eyes unfocused, head tilted slightly, as if smoke might actually start rising from him any second.

Shinyu couldn’t help but laugh.

“Dohoon-hyung… are you okay?” Hanjin asked, concern creeping into his voice.

“Huh?” Dohoon blinked slowly, eyes blank. “Yeah… I think so.”

In reality, his brain felt completely empty after hours of paperwork.

At least they were almost done—just a few final checks left.

—

Woonhak suddenly leaned closer to Shinyu, lowering his voice.

“Hyung… are the rumors true?”

“What rumors?”

“You and Dohoon-sunbae… are you dating?”

Shinyu paused, scratching his eyebrow slightly.

Well… we weren’t exactly subtle.

“How about you go ask Dohoon?” he said casually, passing the responsibility along.

Woonhak groaned. “You know I’m not that close to him yet. What if he thinks I’m weird?”

“Then take this as a chance to get closer,” Shinyu replied. “You won’t regret it.”

“…Fine.”

—

Woonhak approached cautiously.

Dohoon noticed immediately—and also noticed Shinyu trying (and failing) to hide his laughter.

“Uh… Dohoon-sunbae,” Woonhak started awkwardly, “I’m Woonhak, second year. Can I ask you something?”

“Let me guess,” Dohoon cut in, raising a brow. “Mr. President over there refused to answer and pushed it to me?”

Woonhak nodded.

“Then tell him he can suck it,” Dohoon said flatly. “And tell him to get me a drink. Go.”

“…Uh.”

Woonhak turned back and relayed the message word for word.

Shinyu burst out laughing, stood up, ruffled Dohoon’s hair on the way past—and left the room.

Woonhak stared in disbelief. “What… just happened?”

“It’s normal,” Hanjin said calmly, patting his shoulder. “Get used to it.”

“Did you get your answer?” Dohoon asked with a small grin.

“…Yeah,” Woonhak said. “That answered everything.”

“Oh—and just call me ‘hyung.’ ‘Sunbae’ sounds weird.”

—

A few minutes later, Shinyu returned with a drink.

Dohoon was now fully sprawled across the desk, barely alive.

The moment the drink—Ashotchu—was placed in front of him, he shot upright.

“Ashotchu!” His face lit up instantly as he hugged Shinyu. “You’re the best!”

Shinyu laughed and hugged him back. “Anything for you.”

“Alright, you two,” Hanjin sighed, “get a room.”

“We are in a room,” Dohoon replied cheekily.

“…Are you serious?” Hanjin facepalmed.

“I’ve done my part. I’m leaving.”

“Date with Kyungmin?” Shinyu asked casually.

“What? No—what gave you that idea?” Hanjin stiffened.

“Just guessing,” Shinyu smirked. “Unless I’m right?”

“…None of your business. Bye!” Hanjin rushed out immediately.

“Yah, stop teasing him,” Dohoon laughed, lightly hitting Shinyu’s arm.

“You’re laughing too,” Shinyu pointed out.

Woonhak stood nearby, laughing awkwardly, still processing everything.

—

After wrapping up their work, Dohoon packed his bag.

“I’m tutoring Jihoon today.”

“Why not Youngjae?” Shinyu asked.

“He’s busy, so he asked me to help.”

“Then I’m coming too.”

“You don’t have to—it might take a while.”

“I want to. I might be useful.”

Dohoon raised a brow. “It’s math.”

“…I’ll try.”

—

When they reached the library, Jihoon was already waiting, spinning his pen impatiently.

“Hyung!” he waved. Then he noticed Shinyu. “I thought only Dohoon-hyung was coming?”

“I’m here to help too,” Shinyu said, sitting down—then immediately pulling out his phone and scrolling.

“Right…” Jihoon muttered.

“Okay,” Dohoon said, sitting across from him. “Show me where you’re at.”

After reviewing Jihoon’s notes, he nodded.

“Calculus, right?”

Jihoon groaned. “I don’t get it. What do you mean by ‘area under the curve’?”

“Alright,” Dohoon said, grabbing a pen. “Let’s visualize it first.”

He sketched a simple diagram and explained step by step.

Shinyu, surprisingly, started paying attention too.

He knew how to calculate—but this kind of understanding? That was new.

It was also… different.

Seeing Dohoon this focused—calm, patient, confident—was something he didn’t get to see often.

“You look hot when you’re serious,” Shinyu said casually.

Dohoon froze. “…Yah. I’m teaching.”

Jihoon rolled his eyes.

But deep down, he smiled.

—

As the session continued, Shinyu suddenly asked, “Jihoon, you don’t usually care about grades. What changed?”

Jihoon hesitated. “…I made a bet with Youngjae.”

“What kind of bet?”

“If I get top 10, he owes me something. If I fail… I owe him.”

Shinyu raised a brow. “And he’s still tutoring you?”

“Well,” Dohoon smirked, “your odds just improved. We’re helping too.”

“Alright, focus,” Dohoon said. “Next question.”

—

By the end, Jihoon leaned back, stunned.

“…Why is this so easy now?”

Dohoon shrugged. “I got bored once and played around with the equations. This is what I came up with.”

When they finished, Dohoon checked his phone.

“2:00 p.m. Let’s go.”

Before leaving, he handed Jihoon some notes. “These might help.”

“Thanks, hyung!”

—

Outside, instead of heading home, Dohoon suddenly grabbed Shinyu’s hand and started running.

“Come on! Let’s do something fun!”

“Where are we going?” Shinyu laughed.

“Somewhere fun!”

Then—

“Wait. Let’s get everyone.”

Shinyu immediately called Hanjin.

“Where are you and Kyungmin?”

“Why? What’s going on?”

“No idea. Dohoon has a plan.”

“Tell them to meet at the junction near Youngjae’s café!” Dohoon shouted.

—

On the way, they spotted Jihoon.

“Come on!” Dohoon smacked his back lightly. “It’s Friday!”

“I don’t know what’s happening—but I’m in,” Jihoon said, joining them.

“Tell Youngjae’s mom we’re borrowing him!”

“Got it!”

—

Soon, they met Hanjin and Kyungmin.

“Why are you running?” Hanjin asked.

“Don’t ask—just follow!”

Kyungmin immediately joined. “It’s Friday! Let’s go!”

—

At the café, Shinyu dragged Youngjae out before he could react.

“Yah! What are you doing?!”

Then he saw everyone—and smiled.

“…Fine. Let’s go.”

—

They ended up at an arcade.

Laughter filled the place as they played everything—fighting games, basketball, racing, dancing.

“Come on, try harder!” Dohoon shouted, dominating.

“Basketball next!” Kyungmin challenged.

—

Eventually, they left—and started running again.

Until they reached the bus terminal.

“…Are we seriously going on a trip?” Hanjin asked.

“That’s the fun part,” Dohoon grinned.

“Eurwangni Beach!” Shinyu announced.

—

The bus ride was loud, chaotic, and full of laughter.

When they arrived, they ran straight to the beach.

Wind in their faces. Waves crashing softly.

“Race to the lifeguard chair!” Kyungmin shouted—and cheated with a head start.

“Yah!” everyone followed.

Shinyu came in last.

“Shinyu-hyung is paying!” Kyungmin laughed.

—

Suddenly, Shinyu had an idea.

He ran toward Dohoon.

“Yah—what are you doing?!” Dohoon laughed, trying to escape.

“You’re not getting away!”

Shinyu caught him—and they both tumbled into the sand, laughing.

Shinyu hovered above him, both breathless.

“You never fail to surprise me.”

“This is just one of my dumb ideas.”

“I fall for you more every day.”

“…Same.”

—

A month ago, everything felt like it was falling apart for Dohoon.

Now…

It felt like fate.

With the sun setting, the sea breeze around them, he leaned up—

and kissed Shinyu.

When they pulled away, both were breathless.

“I’m glad I met you,” Dohoon whispered.

Shinyu smiled softly.

“Me too. And from now on… it only gets better.”

Be with me until the end of this road.

—

“Stop sucking each other’s faces and get over here!” Youngjae shouted from afar.

Dohoon immediately pushed Shinyu away, his face burning red, which only earned a quiet laugh from the other boy.

“L-let’s go,” he said nervously.

But before he could get up, Shinyu pinned him down against the sand again, a smug smile on his lips.
“Just ignore them for now… and enjoy ourselves.”

That only made Dohoon blush harder.

Closing his eyes, Dohoon didn’t resist this time as Shinyu leaned down and kissed him again—deeper, more intense. One hand cradled the back of his head, pulling him closer, while their lips moved in sync, quickly turning heated. Their tongues met, clashing softly for dominance.

The scent of the sea breeze mixed with Shinyu’s warmth and sweat—it was overwhelming, intoxicating. Dohoon felt dizzy, his thoughts melting away until there was nothing left but Shinyu… and this kiss.

His arms instinctively wrapped around Shinyu’s neck, pulling him closer.

When Dohoon felt Shinyu’s hand sliding along his uniform, he finally broke the kiss, breathing hard, eyes dazed.

“Hyung… we’re in public…” he managed to whisper.

He swore he saw something shift in Shinyu’s eyes at that word.

“You calling me ‘hyung’ just makes this infinitely harder,” Shinyu muttered.

And then he kissed him again.

Time blurred after that—seconds, minutes, neither of them could tell. By the time they finally pulled apart, both were breathless, lips slightly swollen, completely lost in the moment.

The others were gone—probably already inside.

But even as the kiss ended, the tension didn’t.

Dohoon glanced down and groaned softly.
“Yah… because of you, what are we supposed to do now?”

Shinyu followed his gaze, then smirked.
“Well… I don’t mind public indecency—”

“Are you crazy?!” Dohoon smacked his arm immediately.

“Ow, I’m joking,” Shinyu laughed, catching his wrist to stop him.

Dohoon turned his face away, still flustered, voice dropping to a near whisper.
“If only there was somewhere private…”

“Hm? What did you say?” Shinyu tilted his head.

“N-nothing! Let’s just go,” Dohoon quickly stood up, panicking.

They brushed the sand off each other’s clothes, fixing their uniforms and messy hair—stealing quick glances at one another before heading inside.

—

The moment they entered, every head turned.

“Finally done sucking each other’s faces off?” Youngjae said flatly.

Dohoon immediately looked away, mortified, while Shinyu sat down like nothing had happened.

“You guys took so long I already ordered for you,” Hanjin added, handing over their drinks.

“Ashotchu… thank you,” Dohoon muttered, still avoiding eye contact.

“Hyung, I don’t know how you came up with this, but this might be one of the most fun things I’ve ever done,” Kyungmin said, happily munching on fries.

“Yeah,” Jihoon added, attempting to steal food from Youngjae—only to get his hand smacked instantly. “All the exam stress just disappeared.”

“It was just… a random idea,” Dohoon said, laughing softly now. “A spontaneous trip with no plan at all.”

“And somehow it worked,” Youngjae admitted, casually feeding Jihoon—before glaring at Shinyu, who raised an amused eyebrow.

“You know,” Shinyu said, brushing Dohoon’s hair back gently, fingers trailing to the back of his neck, “you feel like the missing piece we didn’t even realize we needed.”

“Alright, hyung, stop the PDA,” Hanjin sighed.

“Oh please,” Youngjae cut in, “don’t act innocent. You’ve been holding hands with Kyungmin this whole time.”

“I mean… you’ve been smiling like an idiot at Jihoon,” Kyungmin shot back.

Within seconds, the table erupted into chaos—everyone exposing everyone.

It was loud. Messy. Embarrassing.

And perfect.

—

Eventually, the group split off—Youngjae dragging Jihoon somewhere, while Hanjin and Kyungmin disappeared without explanation.

That left the two of them again.

“Want to watch the sunset?” Shinyu asked.

“Yeah… I’d like that.”

They sat side by side on the sand, watching the sky turn shades of orange and gold, the sea breeze brushing against their skin.

“This place reminds me of Busan,” Dohoon said softly. “I used to come to the beach with Gyuvin and Yujin all the time.”

Shinyu didn’t respond immediately.

“I know I’m not them,” he said after a pause, voice quieter, “but I’ll always be here for you.”

Dohoon turned—and burst out laughing.

“What?” Shinyu frowned.

“Your face,” Dohoon grinned. “You look like a sulky puppy.”

Shinyu pushed him lightly.

“Relax,” Dohoon said, still smiling. “You’ve already surpassed them a long time ago. You’re the most important person in my life.”

He turned back toward the horizon, voice softening.

“I feel so lucky… meeting you. Being with you. It still feels unreal sometimes.”

Then he looked back at him—eyes steady, sincere.

“Not just that day we met… but everything after. Being neighbors, friends… boyfriends. My future. My everything.”

A small pause.

“And the most important part… I’m lucky to be loved by you.”

Shinyu didn’t reply with words.

Instead, he pulled Dohoon in and kissed him—slow, gentle this time. No urgency, no heat. Just warmth.

The kind that settles deep.

When they parted, Shinyu cupped his face, eyes slightly glassy.

“Kim Dohoon… I love you.”

Dohoon smiled.

“Me too, Shin Junghwan. I love you.”

The sun dipped below the horizon.

And for once, everything felt exactly right.

We’re lucky to be loved.

Notes:

Are you interested what happened between Youngjae and Jihoon or Hanjin and Kyungmin? Let me know

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