Soo Hyun strolled casually around campus Monday morning, hands in his pockets and mind way too restless to really sleep. He spotted Joon-oh and Sung Min sitting on a bench, chatting and laughing, so he wandered over to join them.
"Why do you look like you didn't sleep a wink?" Joon-oh teased. "Regretting not coming to the party?"
"Nope," Soo Hyun said quickly, forcing a smirk. "I was up all night playing GTA... without you losers."
The boys groaned in unison. "You traitor," Sung Min pouted.
But honestly? Soo Hyun hadn't touched his controller. His mind was stuck on Su Kyung.
"So, did Ji Hwan actually show up?" Soo Hyun asked, trying to sound casual.
"Of course!" Sung Min said dramatically. "The girls were practically sliding off their chairs."
"I envy that man," Sung Min sighed dreamily, gazing up at the sky like Ji Hwan was some Greek god.
"Try passing your next quiz first," Joon-oh scoffed, smacking the back of his head.
While the two argued, Soo Hyun zoned out. His thoughts kept circling back to Su Kyung. He wondered if she carelessly confessed her love to Do Ji hwan. What would he do if they actually date, after all su Kyung is a smart, charming girl. Who wouldn't fall for her
Just as Soo Hyun was about to walk off, a wave of squealing echoed from the school cafeteria. Curiosity piqued, the trio made their way over.
Pushing through the crowd, Soo Hyun finally made it to the front—and nearly choked.
There he was.
The guy from the night before. Standing in his school. Calm. Casual. Talking to Su Kyung like they were besties.
"He has round eyes and he looks small," the guy said to Su Kyung, scanning the crowd like he was on a scavenger hunt.
What the hell?
Soo Hyun turned to leave, not ready for whatever mess this was—when a hand landed on his shoulder.
"It's you," the guy said brightly, smiling like they were old friends.
"M-Me?" Soo Hyun blinked.
"Hello!" the boy waved, eyes curving adorably, completely unbothered.
Soo Hyun's brain short-circuited. Why was this chaos magnet waving at him like that?
......
Soo Hyun sat uncomfortably across from the guy at the snack bar.
"Why are you here?" he asked, voice low.
The guy, still wearing that annoying smile, leaned back, sipping his coffee.
"I was in the area and thought I'd visit my alma mater. Then you just popped into my head."
Soo Hyun raised an eyebrow, clearly skeptical. He glanced out the window and sighed before taking a sip of his espresso.
"You dropped this that night." The guy slid the golden lighter across the table.
Soo Hyun caught it, surprised he hadn't noticed it was missing. "Thanks." He slipped it into his pocket, then looked back at the guy.
"If that's all, I'll take my leave."
The guy's tone shifted slightly, curious. "You were looking for Do Ji Hwan. Why?"
Soo Hyun leaned back, half lying. "Just curious. Never seen him before."
The guy pressed on. "Why so curious?"
"None of your business." Soo Hyun's tone was sharp.
The guy chuckled softly. "It is my business, kiddo."
Soo Hyun raised an eyebrow.
"You'd be curious too if some random kid started asking about you."
Soo Hyun frowned. "What do you mean?"
The guy smiled like he knew something Soo Hyun didn't.
"I'm Do Ji Hwan."