wc: 4.4k , pairing: older brother's bsf & past fwb!eunseok x fem!yn , genre: smut, angst (MDNI!!!) , warnings: name calling (baby, seok), lots of kissing, fingering (fem receiving), handjob & blowjob (m receiving), slight angst at the end (there might be w part 2 to this .) , featuring: txt's beomgyu as yn's older brother (i am a beomgyu eunseok friendship enthusiast and also the biggest briizemoa alive)
synopsis! growing up as beomgyu's younger sister, yn has always gotten everything she's wanted, but not the one person she needs. after a year abroad, eunseok comes back within reach again, and yn finds herself right where she left off, like nothing between them ever really ended.
you’ve always gotten what you wanted. there was never a moment you didn’t. your parents made sure of that. your brother did too. so when you set your mind on eunseok, it felt inevitable—like he would fall into your hands the same way everything else always had.
except you knew beomgyu wouldn’t allow it.
eunseok was the one thing he never let you touch.
the first time beomgyu ever told you no, you were children, asking to play with him and eunseok. still, they both showed up to your tea party later that afternoon, sitting cross-legged on the floor like nothing had happened. years later, as preteens, beomgyu shut his door in your face when you asked for help with your homework. eunseok solved the problem for you at the dinner table that night instead.
by the time beomgyu and eunseok were preparing for college, your gratitude for eunseok’s kindness had twisted into something else entirely. stolen glances that lingered too long. smiles meant only for you. a warmth you learned to tuck away whenever beomgyu entered the room, careful to keep what felt like yours hidden in plain sight.
eunseok’s been gone for a year.
the last time you held him was when he climbed into your room in the middle of the night, careful not to make a sound, just to tell you he was leaving. the last time you saw him was from behind, watching the familiar slope of his shoulders disappear into airport security. the last time you heard from him was a postcard sent to your dorm from greece, written like nothing had ever been unfinished between you, saying he’d decided to stay an extra month.
“beomgyu’s going to have it rough, huh?” you’d said when eunseok finally told you, forcing a laugh that came out wrong. “his best friend gone all across europe for a whole year.”
you’d already known, of course. you always did. a month earlier, you’d overheard beomgyu in the kitchen, telling him to go, to have fun, to not think about home. eunseok hadn’t argued.
“yn,” he’d said that night, your name soft in his mouth, almost careful.
you tried to pull away then, to pretend this was just another goodbye. he didn’t let you. his hands stayed at your waist like they belonged there, thumbs brushing familiar paths as if by habit. when you cried, he wiped your tears with a tenderness that felt too practiced, too intimate to mean nothing. he held you against his chest until your breathing evened out, until sleep claimed you the way he never quite could.
when you woke up, he was gone.
your phone buzzes with a notification from someone who isn’t eunseok, so you don’t bother checking it. stretched out in the guest room of beomgyu’s new apartment, you stare at the ceiling and think about how this makes two christmases without him. you wonder, briefly and stupidly, if he’s noticed the same thing.
the thought sits heavy enough that you don’t hear the front door open. it isn’t until three firm knocks hit your bedroom door that you react. you roll your eyes. beomgyu had said he’d be back late—so why was he home already?
“i’m studying right now,” you call out, dry and unimpressed. “naked.”
a scoff comes from the other side of the door, followed by a voice you know too well. “is that supposed to make me leave?”
your body reacts before your mind does. you jolt upright, heart slamming into your ribs, breath catching like it’s been stolen from you. by the time you reach the door, your hands are shaking.
you don’t give him a chance to say anything.
your arms wrap around his waist, tight and desperate, like you’re afraid he’ll disappear if you don’t anchor him there. the force of it knocks the air from his lungs, and for a split second, you’re embarrassed by how much you need this—how quickly your control slips the moment he’s in front of you. his body feels achingly familiar, solid in a way you’ve missed more than you ever admitted to yourself.
his arms come around you immediately, sure and instinctive, holding you just as closely, just as carefully, like no time has passed at all.
“you’re not beomgyu,” you breathe into his chest, the words more confession than observation.
“and you’re not naked,” he murmurs with a soft laugh, pressing a kiss to the top of your head—gentle, practiced, intimate enough to mean something. "who's more disappointed?"
you pull back just enough to kiss him.
he meets you immediately, like he’s been waiting for it, tilting his head down until your lips fit together the same way they always have—familiar, soft, devastating. the sweetness is still there, but it’s layered now with hunger, with everything you didn’t let yourself want for the past year. you kiss him long and slow, pouring every unanswered thought into the space between your mouths.
“i thought you weren’t coming back for another month,” you murmur against his lips, breathless.
he shakes his head, his mouth still moving gently against yours. “wanted to surprise you.”
your heart stutters. “me?” the word slips out barely louder than a whisper.
he smiles and nods, like it’s obvious. like it could only ever be you.
you don’t quite believe him. not fully.
“how are you even here?” you ask. “how did you know i’d be here?”
he huffs a quiet laugh, shaking his head at you. “i still talk to beomgyu almost every day. he sent me the address when he moved.”
“he gave you the door code?” you narrow your eyes. “he knows you’re back?”
“i guessed the door code,” he admits easily. “and no. you’re the only one who knows.”
something warm and dangerous coils low in your chest.
“come,” you say softly, already reaching for him.
you guide him to the bed, and he sits without question, watching you like he’s trying to memorize every detail. you stand between his knees, close enough to feel his warmth, close enough that stepping back would hurt. you cradle his face in your hands, thumbs tracing his cheeks, then his jaw, reverent and unsteady. the look in his eyes makes your breath catch—open, wanting, a little afraid, like he’s been holding onto this too.
you ruffle his hair once, a familiar, almost teasing gesture, before your hands slide down to his shoulders, then along his arms. slowly, deliberately, you bring his hands up to your face and press a kiss to his knuckles, lingering.
“your hands are tan,” you murmur, guiding them down to your waist, keeping them there. your own hands return to his face, grounding yourself. “but everything else is the same.”
he swallows. “is that good?” he asks quietly, like the answer matters more than anything else.
when you don’t respond, his grip on your waist tightens, pulling you closer until there’s no space left to question. his forehead dips toward yours, breath warm, uneven.
“did you miss me, yn?” he whispers.
your mouth feels dry as you look at him—at his pink lips, his wide, shining eyes, the way he’s bracing for your answer like it might undo him.
“yes,” you breathe. “eunseok. so much.”
he stands suddenly, hands firm at your waist, and before you can even react he’s guiding you backward, laying you down on the bed with a level of care that makes you want to cry.
then his mouth crashes back into yours and there's nothing gentle about it.
the kiss steals the breath from your lungs, deep and unrelenting, like all that restraint finally snapping. his hands stay careful while his lips move against yours with a desperation that makes your head spin. it doesn’t match, and somehow that makes it worse. he’s holding you like something precious while kissing you like something he’s been starving for.
your lips only part when he pulls away just long enough to tug his shirt over his head, tossing it aside without looking. before he can hover over you again, your hands are already there, pressing into the warmth of his bare back, urging him down until his weight settles against you.
“don’t—” you breathe, fingers digging in, “don’t go anywhere.”
a soft, broken sound leaves him at that, and then he’s kissing you again, slower now but no less intense. his mouth trails along your jaw, lingering, before moving down your neck—familiar and deliberate, because he knows exactly where you’ll react. your breath stutters, your hands tightening against his skin.
“eunseok,” you mumble, voice wrecked. “did you miss me?”
he stills for half a second, forehead resting against your shoulder, breath warm and uneven against your skin.
“every day,” he whispers. “don’t ask me that like you don’t already know.”
his lips press back to your neck, softer now, almost aching, like he’s trying to say everything he couldn’t over the past year without using words. one of his hands slides up to cradle your face, thumb brushing your cheek.
“i tried not to,” he murmurs between kisses. “i really did.”
you tilt your head instinctively, giving him more, pulling him closer with a quiet sound that feels like surrender.
“you’re here now,” you whisper back.
he exhales shakily, pressing his forehead to yours again. “yeah,” he says. “i’m here.”
and then he kisses you like he plans on staying.
his hands slip beneath your shirt, skimming your ribcage as his lips never leave yours. you let eunseok kiss you however he needs to, running his tongue over your lips before sticking it in your mouth.
his fingers toy with the hem of your shirt, restless, distracting enough to make you squirm.
“take it off,” you murmur against his mouth. “please.”
he nods, but instead of listening, he pulls back just far enough to breathe, forehead dropping to yours as if he’s steadying himself.
“is beomgyu coming back tonight?” he asks quietly.
you close your eyes with a soft sigh and sit up, reaching for your phone on the nightstand. a new message lights up the screen, and you can’t help the grin that curves your mouth before you set the phone face down again.
you answer him without words.
your fingers hook into the curve of his silver chain to bring him closer to you.
“the snow’s too heavy,” you whisper, tracing a slow line along his jaw. “beomgyu can’t drive anymore.”
his gaze flicks back to yours, sharp and hungry, like he knows exactly what you’re offering.
“so,” you continue softly, leaning in just enough for him to feel your warmth, “you can stay.”
your thumb brushes his pink bottom lip.
“play with me all night,” you murmur. “like we used to.”
the words barely leave your mouth before eunseok moves.
his hand slides up the back of your neck, fingers threading into your hair as he pulls you into another kiss—deeper this time, slower. your breath catches as his mouth presses against yours again, warm and insistent, and whatever space was left between you disappears.
you kiss him back just as fiercely.
your hands slide over his shoulders, across the heat of his back, feeling the way his muscles tense under your palms. he exhales softly against your lips when your fingers press in, like the touch alone is enough to undo him. the sound sends a rush of warmth through you.
“yn…” he murmurs, barely pulling away before kissing you again.
his thumb brushes along your jaw while his other hand settles at your waist, under your shirt, holding you firmly against him. the kiss turns messy—mouths opening, breaths tangling, the kind of kiss that keeps deepening instead of ending. every time you think he’s about to stop, he just pulls you closer and kisses you again.
your fingers slide into his hair, tugging slightly, and he responds immediately with a quiet groan that vibrates against your mouth.
“how do you want it today?” he breathes, lips brushing yours.
eunseok has always been one to give you whatever you wanted, in and out of the bedroom. if you asked for the moon, he might actually try to give it to you.
“doesn’t matter,” you whisper, chasing another kiss. “just need to feel you right now, seok.”
he sighs against your lips at your words. his hands stay at the hem of your shirt, pulling away to look you in the eye for permission to remove it. when you nod, he pulls it off your head quickly. his hands are shaking when they reach up to cup your chest, and a small gasp escapes your lips.
his mouth collides with yours messily as he continues to play with your chest. your tongues tangle, and you’re starting to feel dizzy from the lack of air.
“how did we get so bad at this?” you laugh against his lips at your clumsiness.
“i’m a little out of practice,” he pants, softly tucking your hair behind your ear. your heart swells upon hearing his words. you didn’t think he would have messed around with other girls when he was abroad, but you couldn’t expect him not to, either. whatever you and eunseok were before he left had no label, no commitment, and no rules.
still, his confession gave you a slight ego boost. you can’t help but grin ear to ear as he rids himself of his pants. when he's done, you wrap your arms around his shoulders and pull him down into you, until your chests are pressed flush, skin warm against skin.
“wow, you really meant it when you said you want to feel me,” eunseok laughs, looking into your eyes adoringly. you can’t believe that this is your real life and that eunseok is smiling down at you with your chest against his in the middle of december.
both of your hands move to cradle his face and bring him back to your lips. upon contact, you immediately turned your face to get a better angle to shove your tongue into his mouth. eunseok lets out a breathless moan at your aggression. he was completely at your mercy, he decided.
you must be too focused on relearning the inside of eunseok’s mouth because you fail to notice his hand finding its way down your body until he’s cupping your heat. you bring your hips closer to his hand that begins pressing into you. when you let out a whimper, he takes control of the kiss. you moan and arch your back off of the bed when he gathers your wetness between his fingers.
“you’re so fucking wet,” eunseok and you look at the wetness coating his fingers. your face goes hot in embarrassment.
“it’s been a long time, so… i’m sensitive,” your voice is small. “i don’t know how much i—”
“that’s ok,” he coos, his forehead against yours. “i’m here now. we have time, baby. i’m here to make you feel good.”
one of his fingers slides inside of you, pumping slowly. you moan quietly, spreading your legs wider for him. “eunseok…” you groan against his lips. his eyes never leave yours.
it’s been a year. a year of pretending this didn’t matter, of swallowing down every thought of him, every memory that came too easily at night. and now he’s here, exactly the same, exactly where he used to be, like nothing between you was ever temporary.
you think you should be embarrassed by the noises your body is making in response to eunseok, but when he inserts another finger, you feel completely overwhelmed and full of him.
“yn, this is crazy,” he breathes against your lips, thrusting his fingers in and out of you at a quicker speed. “you’re so wet.”
“please,” you plead, not knowing for what. when he curls his fingers, you see stars. the thought of his fingers being the only ones to stretch you out for the first time in so long makes eunseok feel dizzy.
“i missed you so much, yn,” he coos to you sweetly when he can tell you're close.
you have half of a thought to reach down and touch him too, attempting to ungrip the sheets beneath your hand. but he speeds up even more, and your breaths turn into pants, and your orgasm crashes over you before you know it.
as you come down from your high, eunseok begins trailing open-mouthed kisses along your jawline. they grow warmer as he moves down your neck, lingering in places that make your breath catch, your chest still rising and falling unevenly.
when his mouth reaches your chest, you thread your fingers into his hair, holding him there—not forcefully, but like you need the weight of him, the warmth, the proof that he’s real.
your fingers tighten slightly in his hair.
“i shouldn’t have let you leave,” you whisper, more to yourself than to him.
he stills for just a second at that, breath warm against your skin, before pressing another kiss there—softer this time, almost apologetic.
“you didn’t let me,” he murmurs. “i just… went.”
his hands slide up your sides, slower now, less desperate, more intentional. there’s something different in the way he touches you now—like he’s not taking it for granted.
you swallow, your heart beating a little too fast.
“i thought about you,” you admit quietly, staring somewhere past him. “more than i should have.”
he exhales against you, a shaky, quiet thing, like the words hit deeper than he expected. his forehead rests briefly against you before he looks up, eyes searching your face.
“i didn’t stop,” he says. “not once.”
something in your chest tightens at that.
you’d always known, somewhere deep down, that this wasn’t just habit or convenience, not just something easy and secret to fall back into. but hearing it—feeling it in the way he’s holding you, like you might slip through his fingers if he loosens his grip—makes it harder to ignore.
your hand drifts from his hair to his cheek, thumb brushing lightly across his skin.
“eunseok…” you start, softer now, uncertain.
he leans into your touch without thinking, eyes closing for a brief second, like he’s been waiting for it.
“i missed you,” he says again, quieter this time. “i think i—”
he stops himself, jaw tightening just slightly, like the rest of the sentence scares him. but you already feel it.
it’s in the way he came back early. in the way he looked at you the second you opened the door. in the way he’s touching you now—careful, like this means more than either of you ever said out loud.
your chest aches with it.
“don’t,” you whisper, not pulling away, your fingers still resting against his face. “not if you’re not going to finish it.”
his eyes open again, meeting yours, conflicted and wanting all at once.
“i don’t want to say it wrong,” he admits.
your heart stumbles, because you think you might already know what he means. and worse—you think you might feel it too.
your hand slides back into his hair, pulling him up just enough to kiss him again, slower this time, softer—but somehow heavier with everything neither of you is saying.
you reach your hand down, testing the space between you, wanting to feel him, to close whatever distance is left.
his hand catches your wrist gently before you can go further.
“you don’t have to, yn,” he murmurs, voice softer now, like he’s trying to hold onto something fragile.
you look at him, really look at him—at the way his eyes search yours, at the way he’s holding himself back.
“i missed you, seok,” you say, your voice quieter than before, but steadier. sweeter.
something in his expression gives.
he exhales slowly, tension leaving his shoulders as his grip loosens, his hand slipping away from your wrist. not stopping you this time—just letting you choose.
the moment stretches between you, heavy and warm.
when your hand grips him over the thin fabric of his boxers, he reacts instantly—his head dropping into the crook of your neck, like it’s the only place he can steady himself. his breath is uneven against your skin, warm, familiar, and it sends a shiver down your spine.
“yn…” he breathes, barely holding it together. you smile as you sit up to help him out of his boxers completely.
“hi,” you giggle when his cock springs free, the tip leaking. he lays back down, his cheeks turning pink and his member twitching under your unrelenting gaze.
“stop,” he mumbles weakly, closing his eyes. “i haven’t even seen it like this before.”
your face goes red at his words. “you really must have missed me.”
you know you’re right because his breath hitches as soon as your hand wraps around his twitching cock. you stroke him slowly, indulging in the small sounds he’s letting out.
“feels good.” he’s hiding his eyes behind his forearm, but you want to see him fully.
“eunseok,” you coo softly, strokes speeding up. “can i see you?”
he shakes his head at first, a quiet, almost helpless sound leaving him. eunseok’s pants mix with the wet sound of you jerking him, mirroring how his fingers sounded inside of you earlier.
“please?” you whisper, hand slowing down just slightly. there’s a pause—just a second—but it feels longer.
then, slowly, he lowers his arm.
his eyes meet yours, glassy and overwhelmed, lips parted like he’s trying to catch his breath. there’s something raw there, something unguarded you don’t think you’ve ever seen so clearly before. it makes your chest tighten.
“there you are,” you murmur, softer now, smiling as you lower yourself down.
“yn, i’m really, really—” his whines are cut off with a hiss when your tongue circles his tip. your left hand continues to pump him slowly as you place soft kisses around his tip. “baby, i’m really close,” he pants, his chest rising and falling quicker.
his hands grip the sheets when you place your lips around his tip fully. he pulls his bottom lip between his teeth and you bob your head up and down, hollowing out your cheeks.
you mean to pull off of him to tell him it’s ok to cum, but his body tenses before you know it and he’s twitching and releasing in your mouth. you swallow what he gave you before you lay beside him.
“thank you,” he whispers, pressing a soft kiss into your hair.
when his breathing finally evens out, he shifts beside you, slipping his boxers back on before gently pulling his shirt over your body. the fabric still carries his scent. then he slides back into bed, like he never plans on leaving.
you settle into your place against him without thinking, resting your head on his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart—the sound you missed more than you ever admitted.
“i missed this,” you mumble against his skin.
his hand comes up to your head, patting softly, absentminded, familiar. it doesn’t take long before sleep pulls you under.
it’s almost noon when you wake.
you haven’t slept like that since he left last year. somewhere in the blur of it, you remember the ghost of his lips against your forehead—but sleep had held you too tightly to follow it.
when your eyes finally open, you’re alone.
the light spilling through the window is pale and cold, reflecting off a fresh blanket of snow outside. the other side of the bed is empty. cold.
your breath quickens.
you pull on pajama pants and a sweatshirt with unsteady hands before stepping into the hallway. “eunseok?” your voice is small, but if he were here, he’d hear it.
no answer.
beomgyu’s door is still closed. the apartment is quiet—too quiet. it used to be normal. now it makes your chest tighten, your heart picking up with every step you take further from your room.
was it a dream?
you try to retrace it, every detail, every touch, wondering if your mind could really make something feel that real. but the thought hits you all at once, sharp and familiar—waking up alone was always the worst part.
your least favorite part of whatever this was between you and eunseok. because he was never someone who stayed. and you always hated that.
your cheeks are already wet by the time the front door opens.
“yn?” beomgyu’s voice calls out, softer than usual, a plastic bag rustling in his hand. “yn, are you crying?”
he finds you curled up on the couch, knees pulled to your chest. another set of footsteps follows quickly behind him.
eunseok. his cheeks are pink from the cold, and his lips are fixed into a pout.
you wipe at your face quickly, standing up. “no,” you say, even though they’ve already seen. both of them are looking at you now—worried, confused.
“the snow is really pretty,” you add, gesturing vaguely toward the window, turning your head away from eunseok. but you can still feel him looking at you.
“she doesn’t even care that you’re back,” beomgyu calls as he disappears into the kitchen.
eunseok doesn’t move, not until beomgyu is fully out of sight.
then he steps closer, dropping down in front of you so you can’t avoid him anymore. you finally look at him, lashes still damp.
“what happened?” he asks quietly, his hand lifting to your cheek, gentle.
your voice wavers. “you left again.”
he frowns. “we were getting food.”
“i thought i imagined it,” you admit, swallowing hard. “or that it was a dream. you always leave me, eunseok.”
something in his expression shifts.
“i came back,” he says, softer now. “i’m not leaving you again, yn.”
you have to look away. you want to believe him. you really do. but you know better. because eunseok has always been the one thing you could never keep.
“i really wanted pasta for lunch,” beomgyu calls, popping his head back into the room, “but eunseok insisted we get takeout from your favorite place, yn. you really do always get what you want.”
you let out a quiet breath.
“everything i want,” you say, your voice steady now, even if your chest isn’t, “but not the one thing i need.”
you walk past eunseok and into the kitchen, leaving him behind.
Oh Y/n and Song Eunseok have been inseparable since they were toddlers, growing up side by side in neighboring houses, their bond strengthened by the close friendship of their mothers. From chasing away bugs to bandaging scraped knees to protecting her from other mean classmates. Eunseok has always been Y/n’s quiet guardian — the one who stood between her and the world when it felt too loud.
Everything is thrown into question when things slowly started to change. Less time spend together.
Is she finally realizing that maybe… her best friend was never just her best friend?
“Y/n-ah! Wake up! Eunseok’s already here!”
Mrs. Oh’s voice rang from downstairs, followed by the faint clatter of dishes and the warm smell of grilled spam and eggs wafting into Y/n’s room. Groggily, she peeked from under her blanket, the morning light spilling through the half open curtains.
She sat up slowly, hair a mess of soft tangles, eyes still heavy with sleep. Today was the first day of university — a new beginning. And yet somehow, it still started just like any other morning.
From below, she could hear Eunseok’s voice — calm, casual, teasing her mom as he always did.
“He’s eating your breakfast if you don’t come down in five!” Mrs. Oh shouted again, and Y/n scrambled out of bed, muttering to herself, “He better not…”
Downstairs, Song Eunseok was already halfway through a plate of toast and eggs, grinning when he saw Y/n storm into the kitchen in oversized pajamas and socks that didn’t match.
“There she is,” he said, acting like he hadn’t just taken the last slice of spam. “Morning, princess.”
Y/n shot him a glare and slid into the seat beside him, rubbing her eyes. “Did you really eat the last piece?”
“I thought it was for me,” he replied, shrugging with zero guilt.
Mrs. Oh set another slice on Y/n’s plate with a knowing smile. “You’re lucky I made extra. And you,” she said, turning to Eunseok, “Stop stealing food. This isn’t your house.”
“Yes, it is,” Eunseok said with a wink, already sipping on his second cup of miso soup. “Right, mom?”
Mrs. Oh shook her head, laughing. “Aigoo… You’re worse than my actual kid.”
Y/n smiled quietly into her food. This .. the teasing, the warmth the familiarity — was how her mornings had always been. Eunseok was like the older brother she never had… except he wasn’t. He was something else entirely. Something harder to name.
After breakfast and Y/n getting dressed, they left the house together, Y/n still brushing her hair out of her face while Eunseok held her backpack for her.
“I can carry my own bag,” she grumbled.
“You looked like a bird’s nest exploded on your head five minutes ago,” he said, deadpan. “You’ve got bigger problems.”
“Yah!”
He laughed, effortlessly dodging her weak attempt to smack his arm.
They caught the bus to campus, sitting in their usual spot near the back. The ride was filled with Eunseok’s endless teasing and Y/n’s quiet attempts to defend herself — usually by rolling her eyes or crossing her arms while trying not to smile.
“I bet you were drooling in your sleep.” he said casually.
“I was not!”
“Your pillow says otherwise.”
She huffed, turning to look out the window, cheeks warm. “I should’ve left you at the table.”
“You’d miss me too much,” he replied smugly.
When they finally arrived at campus, the air buzzed with nervous energy. First-years shuffling around, some trying to look confident, others clearly lost. Y/n felt a little of both.
She and Eunseok made their way to the administration building to collect their class schedules. While waiting in line, Eunseok leaned against the wall beside her, scanning his phone.
“What if we’re not in the same classes?” she asked suddenly.
He glanced over. “We always are. Relax.”
But the moment they received their timetables, a frown tugged at Y/n’s lips.
“You’re in B3 for English… I’m in A1,” she murmured.
Eunseok looked at hers, comparing it with his. “Okay, so we don’t have English or Lit together. But we’ve still got lunch, right?”
“I guess,” she mumbled.
“Y/n, it’s not like I’m going off to the military.” he teased. “We’re still on the same campus.”
She nodded but couldn’t shake the unfamiliar feeling in her chest, a quiet fear of change. They’d always been in the same class since kindergarten. This was new... and new scared her a little.
While she was busy overthinking, someone bumped into her shoulder.
“Oh! I’m so sorry,” Y/n said, startled as she stepped back.
The girl blinked, then smiled easily. “My bad! First-day chaos, right? I’m Shin Ryujin.”
Y/n bowed slightly, a bit shy. “Oh Y/n.”
Ryujin tilted her head. “Wait… you’re in A1 for English, right?”
Y/n nodded, surprised. “You too?”
“Yup! And Lit, History, and Korean Culture.”
“Oh… wow,” Y/n said, the nervousness ebbing slightly.
“Well, looks like we’re stuck together then,” Ryujin grinned. “Come on, want to find the classroom together?”
Y/n looked around, her eyes instinctively searching for Eunseok in the crowd, but he was nowhere to be seen. The hallway had grown busy — students rushing, calling out to friends, phones out, maps up.
She turned back to Ryujin and nodded. “Yeah, let’s go.”
They moved with the crowd, Ryujin chatting easily about how she got lost three times already that morning. As they approached the classroom, three girls waved Ryujin over.
“Yunjin! Winter! Somi — this is Y/n,” Ryujin said. “She’s in our class.”
The girls offered warm greetings. Yunjin had a confident, sunny vibe; Winter seemed a bit quieter but observant; Somi immediately complimented Y/n’s backpack, and just like that, the awkwardness faded.
Y/n smiled softly. It wasn’t what she was used to, being around new people, new energy but maybe this wasn’t so bad.
As the bell rang and they all shuffled into class, Y/n took one last look behind her.
Still no sign of Eunseok.
It’s just one class, she told herself.
But something about not seeing him there, not having him nearby — it felt like the first crack in something she wasn’t ready to let go of yet.
—
The classroom buzzed with the energy only a first day could bring — excited whispers, chairs scraping against the floor, papers rustling as students settled in. Y/n took a seat near the middle row, sandwiched between Ryujin and Yunjin, with Somi and Winter seated just behind them.
“Professor Baek is apparently super strict,” Yunjin whispered, leaning closer. “Like, don’t check your phone or die strict.”
“Oh great,” Ryujin muttered. “Guess I’ll have to stay awake.”
Y/n smiled softly. She hadn’t expected to feel at ease so soon, but there was something about these girls their effortless chatter, their easy inclusion that made the transition feel less overwhelming.
She opened her notebook and glanced at the empty seat near her, half expecting Eunseok to slide in late with that smug grin, tossing her a pen she forgot to bring.
But the chair stayed empty.
He’s not in this class, she reminded herself. Still, a small ache bloomed in her chest.
“Y/n,” Somi whispered behind her, tapping her shoulder. “Where are you from again?”
“Oh, I live about fifteen minutes from here,” she replied. “I grew up in the area.”
“Did you go to school nearby too?” Winter asked curiously.
“Yeah, I… I’ve always lived in the same neighborhood.”
Ryujin nudged her. “So you know all the good spots around here?”
Y/n chuckled. “Some. I guess I’m kind of boring that way.”
“Hey, we love boring if it includes knowing where to get the best late-night tteokbokki,” Ryujin grinned.
As class began, the professor’s stern demeanor confirmed Yunjin’s warning — Professor Baek was not one for small talk or leniency. He dove straight into the syllabus, assigning reading material with due dates and expectations before most students had even found the course title on their sheet.
Still, Y/n took diligent notes, her handwriting neat and organized. Her quiet concentration didn’t go unnoticed.
“You take notes like a perfectionist,” Yunjin whispered during a lull. “Can I copy yours if I zone out?”
Y/n blushed. “Um… sure.”
By the time class ended, the five of them were already talking about grabbing lunch together. Y/n hesitated at first, thinking maybe Eunseok was waiting somewhere — they had agreed to meet after the first class. But her phone showed no texts, no missed calls.
“He’s probably still in his own class,” she mumbled to herself.
“Your boyfriend?” Winter asked lightly as they exited the lecture hall.
“What? Oh—no. He’s just my best friend,” Y/n said quickly.
“Hmm,” Somi hummed, giving her a look. “You said that very fast.”
Ryujin raised an eyebrow. “You’ve got that ‘childhood best friends who might be secretly in love’ vibe.”
Y/n nearly choked on her water. “No! It’s not like that.”
“Sure, sure,” Yunjin grinned, linking arms with her. “We believe you… for now.”
They found a table outside near the campus lawn. Students sprawled under trees, eating lunchboxes, laughing over iced coffees. The late morning sun had chased away the chill, and the world felt alive, full of possibility.
As they ate, the girls swapped stories about their high schools, embarrassing moments, and the classes they were dreading. Y/n mostly listened at first, smiling at their jokes, occasionally chiming in. It felt easy. Not forced.
She hadn’t realized how much she needed this — her own space, her own circle.
She did glance at her phone once more, though. Still no message from Eunseok. No “Where are you?” or “Come meet me.” It was unlike him.
Then again… maybe he was adjusting too. Maybe he was finding his own people.
“Y/n,” Ryujin said, nudging her gently. “Earth to you. You okay?”
Y/n blinked. “Yeah. Just thinking.”
“You always look like you’re deep in a drama when you space out like that,” Somi teased.
“Must be the main character energy,” Winter added with a small smirk.
Yunjin handed Y/n a piece of kimbap from her container. “Eat. Thinking’s dangerous when you haven’t had enough rice.” Y/n laughed softly and accepted it. Maybe university wasn’t so scary after all. And maybe, just maybe, it was okay to grow — even if that meant letting some things change.
As Y/n reached into her bag to look for her bottle of water, something suddenly cold touched the top of her head.
Startled, she looked up — only to find a familiar smirk looking down at her.
“Hydration,” Eunseok said casually, holding a cold can of soda and setting it atop her head like a crown.
Y/n blinked up at him, then smiled as she took it. “Where’d you come from?”
“B-classroom,” he said, shrugging. “I saw you from over there.”
He nodded toward a table across the lawn, where a group of guys were already waving him over laughing like they’d been friends forever even if today was their first day together on campus.
“I’m sitting with them,” he added, jerking his thumb over his shoulder. “Just wanted to check on you first.”
Y/n nodded, her smile still soft. “Thanks.”
He gave her a quick once-over making sure she looked okay, comfortable, not too overwhelmed then ruffled her hair, much to her horror.
“Eunseok!” she hissed, trying to fix it.
He just grinned. “Still looks like a bird’s nest.”
Before she could reply, he was already walking away, falling into his usual effortless stride. The moment he reached his table, the noise level around the boys doubled — easy banter, loud laughter, playful shoving.
“He’s cute,” Yunjin murmured, watching him with mild amusement before slowly turning back to Y/n. “You sure you two aren’t a thing?”
Y/n, mid-sip of her soda, nearly choked.
“We’re not,” she said quickly, coughing slightly. “Seriously.”
Winter raised a brow. “You seemed really natural together.”
Somi leaned forward, grinning. “Yeah. That whole ‘he-just-randomly-brings-you-a-drink-and-ruffles-your-hair-like-it’s-an-everyday-thing’ thing doesn’t happen between just friends.”
Y/n looked down at the can in her hands, trying to suppress the heat rising to her cheeks. “It’s not like that,” she said. “We just… grew up together. We’re neighbors — literally next door. Our moms are best friends, so we kind of had no choice.”
“That’s adorable,” Ryujin said, resting her chin in her palm. “You’re childhood besties and next door neighbors? Straight out of a slice-of-life drama.”
“I’m telling you,” Yunjin added. “At least one of you is in love with the other. I’ve read enough webtoons to know how this goes.”
Y/n shook her head, laughing nervously. “We’ve just always been close. Eunseok’s… like a habit. It’s always been the two of us. It’d be weird not to have him around.”
The girls exchanged knowing looks, but didn’t press further.
“Well,” Somi said, popping a grape into her mouth, “I’m just saying — if he ever does start seeing you differently, don’t pretend to be surprised. The guy basically soft-launched you just now.”
Y/n opened her mouth to argue, but Ryujin cut in before she could.
“You know what? Let’s make a deal. No more best-friend-boy talk today,” Ryujin announced. “Today, we celebrate surviving our first morning as adults.”
As laughter bubbled up around her again, Y/n smiled and leaned back slightly, the soda still cool in her hands. Her eyes wandered to Eunseok’s table for just a second — he was laughing at something one of his friend said, his shoulders shaking the way they always did when something really got him.
Something inside her stirred. It wasn’t loud. It wasn’t painful. But it was there.
Maybe it was just the first day jitters. Maybe she just missed the way things used to be. Or maybe… maybe some things were beginning to change.
And she wasn’t sure if she was ready.
—
After lunch, the sun had risen higher, casting long shadows through the campus windows as the students filtered back into the lecture halls. The buzz of conversation had mellowed, giving way to the quiet lull of post-meal sleepiness.
Y/n walked back to class with Ryujin, Somi, Winter, and Yunjin, still laughing at a story Somi was telling about mistaking the chemistry lab for the dance studio during orientation. The comfort of new friendship surrounded her, yet her eyes instinctively scanned the hallway for a familiar face.
“Ugh, I already forgot what class this is,” Ryujin groaned, flipping open her schedule. “Oh, right. Media and Culture. I heard the professor’s cool.”
“Same classroom from this morning,” Yunjin added, already leading the way.
As the girls found their seats in the middle of the room, Y/n instinctively left the spot beside her open. It was a reflex — one that had been built over years of habit.
And just as the bell was seconds from ringing, the door opened again.
Eunseok walked in.
He looked relaxed as always, in a dark button-up and jeans, headphones still dangling around his neck. Behind him followed his usual crowd. Y/n’s eyes lit up briefly — she hadn’t known they’d be in the same class this period.
Before she could lift her hand or call out, a girl — tall, stylish, with glossy hair and an effortless confidence — stepped up to Eunseok and grabbed his arm.
“Sit with me,” she said playfully, tugging him toward a seat by the windows.
Eunseok looked surprised for half a second, glancing over his shoulder. His gaze found Y/n almost immediately.
She was still holding the empty seat beside her, her expression halfway between confusion and disappointment.
Eunseok mouthed a quick, “I’m sorry” with an apologetic shrug before being pulled down into the seat next to the girl.
Y/n blinked, lowering her hand slowly.
“Who’s that?” Ryujin leaned over and whispered.
Y/n gave a small smile, shaking her head. “No idea.” Somi, who had caught the whole interaction, exchanged a glance with Winter. “That looked… intentional.”
Yunjin turned slightly in her seat. “Well, she sure seemed confident.”
Y/n stared down at her notebook, suddenly hyper-aware of the dull ache building in her chest. It was silly — he hadn’t done anything wrong. He didn’t owe her a seat, or an explanation. But the image of someone else tugging him away so casually, like it was the most natural thing in the world, left her feeling… displaced.
Like she’d just been quietly replaced.
As the lecture began, Y/n tried to focus on the slides. Ryujin passed her a note that read:
“You okay?”
She nodded, scribbling back:
“Yeah. Just tired.”
But she wasn’t just tired. She was realizing — maybe for the first time — that she and Eunseok weren’t going to be side by side all the time anymore.
Maybe growing up meant giving each other space.
Even if that space felt colder than she expected.
—
The final bell of the day echoed through the hallways, signaling the end of their first official day of university life. Students stretched, packed their bags, and filed out in small groups, the hum of laughter and conversation echoing off the walls.
Y/n stayed behind for a moment, typing out a quick text to her mom:
Hey, I might be home a little later. Going out with some friends for a bit. Don’t worry! I Love you
The reply came a minute later:
OK. Have fun, sweetheart. I love you too.
Y/n smiled faintly and slipped her phone into her tote. She stood up, adjusting the strap on her shoulder, eyes instinctively searching the room for one person.
Eunseok.
He was still at his seat, half-turned in conversation with one of his friends, laughing at something. The girl who had tugged him into the seat earlier — still nameless to Y/n — was sitting beside him, scrolling through her phone. She looked up just as Y/n approached and gave her a polite smile.
It was the kind of smile Y/n couldn’t read — not warm, but not unfriendly either.
“Hey,” Y/n said, stopping by Eunseok’s desk.
He looked up. “You heading home?”
“Not yet,” she replied, glancing quickly at the girl. “I’m going to hang out with the girls for a bit. I just wanted to say you don’t have to walk me home today.”
“Same, actually,” he said, standing and stretching. “The guys wanna chill for a while. First day, y’know.”
She nodded, forcing a smile. “Cool.”
There was a moment — one of those quiet spaces that used to be filled with easy teasing or shared thoughts. But this time, Y/n couldn’t find anything to say.
Before she could speak again, Somi called from the doorway, “Y/n! You coming?”
“Be right there!” she called back.
Eunseok glanced over his shoulder as her friends waited. “I’ll see you tonight,” he said casually, reaching out to ruffle her hair.
Y/n swatted his hand away, her smile returning, softer this time. “Stop doing that.”
But he was already turning to his group, nodding at something one of them said. Y/n lingered a second longer, then turned and headed off with her own friends, the buzz of energy between them infectious.
They ended up at a quaint little café just a ten-minute walk from campus — one of those places with handwritten menus on chalkboards, soft indie music playing, and mismatched furniture that somehow worked together.
They ordered iced drinks, pastries, and claimed a round table near the window. As they sat chatting, the girls fell into easy rhythms — talking about professors, gossiping lightly about fellow students, and sharing first impressions of the day.
Y/n sat nestled between Ryujin and Winter, sipping on a caramel latte.
“It’s so weird not being in uniforms anymore,” Yunjin said, fiddling with the sleeves of her cropped hoodie. “I keep expecting a teacher to scold me.”
“I know, right?” Ryujin added. “Also, bless college for letting us drink coffee in class.”
“Yeah,” Winter said with a small smile. “Also bless everyone’s outfits today. Campus looked like Pinterest exploded.”
Y/n chuckled, her heart warming from the inside out. This was nice — a new kind of comfort. Not the familiarity of Eunseok, but something lighter, exciting, unpredictable.
Then the bell above the café door jingled. They all looked up instinctively. In stepped Eunseok, followed by his friends.
Y/n’s eyes met his the second he scanned the room. His face lit up with an easy grin.
“Oh look, it’s the cool table,” he said, motioning to the others to follow as he approached.
Y/n raised an eyebrow. “You following us?”
“Coincidence,” he said smoothly. “But good timing, huh?”
He gestured to his friends. “This is Sungchan, Anton, Shotaro, Seunghan, Wonbin, and Sohee. Guys, meet Y/n my bestfriend and her friends.
Sungchan gave a bright smile. “Nice to meet you all.”
Chairs were pulled in, drinks were ordered, and just like that, the café table grew louder, livelier. The two groups melted into one conversation — jokes flying, stories being exchanged, laughter bouncing off the café walls.
Y/n sat beside Ryujin and across from Eunseok, their eyes meeting occasionally in those in-between moments when the group chatter paused. His smile was still familiar, still teasing — but it lingered a beat longer now. And hers? A little more unsure. Maybe the world was widening for both of them.
And maybe, just maybe… this was where everything began to shift.
—
The sky was starting to tint orange by the time they all stood outside the café, stretching, waving, and saying their goodbyes. One by one, Ryujin and the others disappeared in different directions, until only Y/n and Eunseok remained, heading toward the bus stop they’d always shared.
“First day down,” Eunseok said, stuffing his hands into the pockets of his jacket. “You survived.”
Y/n smiled. “Barely.”
He glanced at her. “You’re lucky you made some cool friends though. They seem decent. Loud, but decent.”
“Hey,” she laughed. “They’re fun. And Winter isn’t loud.”
“No, she’s just scarily observant,” he said, pretending to shiver.
Y/n was about to reply when Eunseok suddenly stopped in his tracks and turned to her. “Hold still.”
“Huh—?”
Before she could react, his thumb reached out and gently wiped something from the corner of her lips. “You had whipped cream,” he said casually.
But his voice was quieter. Softer.
Y/n blinked, her breath caught in her throat. For just a split second, it wasn’t just his hand on her face. It was the weight of something unspoken. The heat that climbed up her neck had nothing to do with the summer air.
She quickly looked away and swatted at his hand. “Ugh, you’re so annoying.”
Eunseok only smirked, walking ahead again. “You’re welcome.”
On the bus ride home, things felt normal again. Their shoulders bumped occasionally as the vehicle rattled along the familiar streets. Y/n texted her mom:
On the way home. Eunseok’s coming in for a bit.
The response came seconds later:
Of course. I’ll keep dinner warm.
As soon as they stepped off the bus and reached the familiar steps of Y/n’s front porch, Eunseok opened the door like he lived there — because honestly, it felt like he did.
“I’m home!” they both called out in unison.
From the living room, a distracted voice responded. “Hi!” It was Sion, Y/n’s younger brother, fully immersed in his racing game, fingers clicking rapidly as the car zoomed across the large TV screen.
“Still trying to beat your record?” Eunseok teased, dropping his bag near the shoe rack.
“Don’t distract me,” Sion muttered, tongue slightly out in concentration. “I’m on the last lap.”
Y/n rolled her eyes fondly and padded into the kitchen, instantly reaching for the snack cupboard. But her hand barely grazed a bag of chips when a sharp smack tapped the back of it.
“Not before dinner,” Mrs. Oh said, narrowing her eyes with a knowing smile.
“Ugh,” Y/n groaned, pouting. “I’m starving.”
“There’s fruit on the table. You can eat that.”
Defeated, Y/n shuffled out of the kitchen and headed upstairs. Eunseok didn’t need prompting — he followed behind her, casually making his way into her room and collapsing onto her bed, face-first.
“Your bed still smells like strawberry detergent,” he muttered into her blanket.
“That’s because I actually wash my sheets,” she said, tugging her chair out from her desk.
He rolled onto his back, eyes half-lidded. “So… first day. What’d you think?”
Y/n leaned back slightly, kicking off her shoes. “It was… a lot. But good. The girls were nice. It felt weird not being in the same class as you though.”
“Yeah,” he agreed, turning his head to look at her. “Felt empty. Kept waiting for your annoying commentary about the professors.”
She smirked. “You mean correct observations.”
Eunseok smiled, then sighed. “It’s going to be weird this year. Different schedules, new people….”
“Yeah,” she echoed, softer now.
There was a brief silence — not awkward, just thoughtful.
Then Eunseok added, “But we’ll figure it out. We always do.”
Y/n nodded, watching him from her chair. He looked too comfortable on her bed. Too familiar. Like this moment had played out a hundred times before — and yet, somehow, everything felt… a little different now.
She wasn’t sure what it meant yet.
But she could feel it.
And that was enough to make her heart ache just a little.
The scent of simmering stew and garlic-soy marinated meat wafted through the air, curling its way up the stairs and into Y/n’s room. “Dinner’s ready!” Mrs. Oh called out from the kitchen.
Eunseok sat up immediately. “Finally. I was about to pass out.”
“You had a whole pastry earlier,” Y/n said, laughing as she stood.
“That was fuel for emotional support,” he quipped, following her down the stairs.
In the dining room, the table was already set. Bowls of warm rice, glistening meat, side dishes, and a bubbling pot of kimchi jjigae awaited them like a familiar embrace. Sion was already in his seat, chopsticks in hand.
“You eat like you didn’t just have snacks ten minutes ago,” Y/n muttered to her brother.
“Mom said you couldn’t have snacks. Not me,” Sion replied with a smirk.
Mrs. Oh ushered the two of them to their seats. “Come on, food’s getting cold.”
As always, Eunseok took the spot next to Y/n — across from her brother and beside her mom, who barely blinked at the routine. It was like muscle memory, the way she instinctively placed an extra set of utensils by his bowl, spoon angled just the way he liked.
“Eunseok-ah, taste this and tell me if it’s too salty,” Mrs. Oh said, offering him a spoonful from the stew.
He obliged with a grin, tasting it like a proper food critic. “Mmm. Perfect. Just spicy enough.”
“I swear, you compliment my cooking more than my own kids do,” Mrs. Oh said with a laugh, smacking Y/n lightly on the arm.
“I think I already have it,” Eunseok replied smugly.
“You wish,” she shot back, but the warmth in her voice was real.
They ate together like they always had — laughter bouncing around the room, chopsticks clinking against bowls, casual teasing woven in between mouthfuls. Sion recounted a weird video he’d watched, and Mrs. Oh shared a story about a nosy neighbor. And through it all, Eunseok felt less like a guest and more like a piece of the house itself.
Halfway through the meal, Mrs. Oh gently reached out to fix Eunseok’s bangs, brushing them away from his eyes.
“You need a haircut soon, don’t you?” she said. “I keep telling you, you should let me trim it.”
Eunseok chuckled. “You just want an excuse to make me look like Sion.”
“She cuts his hair every few months,” Y/n whispered to him. “It’s like a ritual.”
“Don’t remind me,” Sion groaned dramatically.
Y/n glanced between them — her mom fussing over him, her brother casually talking to him like he was another sibling, Eunseok cracking jokes like he belonged in every chair at the table.
It hit her all at once.
He was part of the family. Her mom treated him like a son. Her brother liked him more than most of his own classmates. Their house — her home — had his imprint in every corner.
And yet…
There was something bittersweet sitting just beneath her ribs.
As dinner wound down, Mrs. Oh packed some leftovers into a container. “Take this home, Eunseok. You’ll get hungry again by midnight.”
“Thanks, mom.” he said with a grin, accepting it like it was a given.
“You’re basically another mouth to feed in this house,” she teased.
Y/n followed Eunseok to the door, the evening breeze cool on their faces as he slipped on his sneakers. She held the door open, leaning against the frame.
“I think my mom likes you more than me,” she said, trying to sound casual.
“She’s got good taste,” he teased.
They stood there for a second — not quite wanting to end the day, not quite knowing what else to say. The silence between them wasn’t awkward, but it wasn’t easy either. It felt… loaded.
“I’ll text you later.” he finally said.
“Okay.”
He stepped off the porch, gave her a lazy wave, turn to walk towards the next house. Y/n stood there watching as he stepped infront of his front porch, glancing up at Y/n smiling and entered the house.
That night after dishes, after Eunseok had texted his usual “home safe” message… Y/n layed in bed, staring at the ceiling in the dark.
She should’ve been asleep by now. Her alarm was set for 6:00 AM. She had classes to think about and new friends to maintain.
But her mind was stuck — looped on the moment his thumb wiped cream from her lips. On the way he collapsed onto her bed like it was his. On how naturally he fit at the dinner table. How her mom smiled differently around him. How she smiled differently around him.
Why am I thinking about him like this?
She turned onto her side, clutching her pillow.
It’s just Eunseok. He’s always been like this. Always been here. He’s my best friend. That’s all.
Still, her chest felt tight. Not painful. Not scary. Just... full. Like she was holding something in, afraid of what it would become if she let it out.
The next morning arrived too soon.
By 6:30 AM, Y/n was already in the kitchen rubbing the sleep out of her eyes, tying her hair into a loose bun as she reached for the eggs in the fridge. The pan was already heated.
Crack.
Eggshells landed awkwardly on the edge of the sink. The yolk broke too fast.
She sighed. Right on cue, the doorbell rang. She didn’t even flinch. “It’s open!” she called out, too used to the routine by now.
Seconds later, Eunseok stepped into the kitchen like he lived there. “You still can’t crack eggs properly?” he greeted, setting down his bag.
“Good morning to you too,” she mumbled, flipping the eggs with uncertainty.
He leaned beside her and peered into the pan. “That’s a war crime, Y/n.”
“Shut up,” she said, laughing under her breath.
“I’ll handle it.” He took the spatula from her, bumping her gently aside. “You cut up some fruit or something. This is painful to watch.”
She rolled her eyes, muttering, “Drama queen.”
A few minutes later, the scent of properly cooked eggs and buttered toast filled the kitchen.
Y/n walked into the living room where Sion sat on the couch, still wrapped in a blanket, eyes barely open as a random anime played in the background.
“You’re up,” she said, surprised. “I thought I’d have to drag you out of bed.”
“Woke up to the smell of something burning,” he mumbled.
She gasped. “That was not burning—”
“You mean the ones that Eunseok hyung made since you messed up?” Sion interrupted with a sleepy smirk.
Without hesitation, Y/n grabbed the closest couch pillow and smacked it against his shoulder.
“Hey!” Sion protested, shielding himself.
“Respect your sister,” she grumbled, but her voice was light.
From the kitchen, Eunseok called out, “Sion-ah, come eat! Before your sister ruins dessert too.”
“I heard that!” Y/n shouted.
Soon they sat at the table, the three of them — Eunseok in the seat her mom usually occupied. Sion was still yawning between bites, but his plate was almost clean.
“Mom left early?” Eunseok asked, nodding toward the empty seat.
“She had a meeting downtown,” Y/n said. “Told me to make sure Sion ate properly, like I don’t do that every morning.”
“You don’t,” Sion said with a full mouth.
“I will smother you with toast,” she warned.
Eunseok just watched them with a smile, like this scene was something he’d memorized — something that grounded him.
After a moment, Y/n looked over and caught him staring at the two of them. Not in a weird way. In a soft way. Like… this was peace.
“What?” she asked, her voice quiet.
He blinked. “Nothing. You’re just… you’re good at this.”
“At what?”
“Being the older one. It suits you.”
She didn’t know how to respond to that. But something fluttered in her chest — something that hadn’t stopped since last night.
As the clock ticked closer to 7:30 AM, Sion packed his things and ran out to catch his own bus. Y/n and Eunseok gathered their bags next, ready to head out.
But as Y/n tied her shoes by the front door, her heart still tugged with confusion. She glanced at him — same hair slightly messy from the wind, same easy grin.
Why do you feel different now?
Why does my heart feel like it’s noticing you for the first time?
She shook her head, willing the thoughts away.
He’s just my best friend. Right?
—
The morning air on campus buzzed with sleepy energy the kind only found in second-day-of-school chaos. Some students were rushing with their lanyards flapping in the breeze, others loitering near vending machines, sipping energy drinks and still blinking sleep from their eyes.
Y/n and Eunseok walked side-by-side, their steps in sync out of habit rather than intention. She tugged at the hem of her sweater while balancing a piece of toast in one hand, barely biting into it.
“You know you look like a squirrel when you chew in a rush, right?” Eunseok said, casually slinging his bag higher up on his shoulder, looking at her sideways.
Y/n narrowed her eyes and nibbled again. “And you look like an unbothered grandpa. What’s your point?”
He chuckled. “I’m just saying… maybe today, try not to scare off your professors with your zombie-walk.”
“I’m functioning, thank you very much,” she grumbled, brushing a crumb from her lip. “At least I don’t snore through three alarms like you.”
“I don’t snore.”
“Yes. You do.”
He was about to argue again, when—
“Eunseok!”
That voice — chipper, sweet, and unmistakably familiar — sliced through their morning banter.
Y/n turned her head and immediately recognized the girl approaching them. The same girl who had been glued to Eunseok’s side the day before. She wore a cardigan today over a white blouse, her skirt neatly pressed, hair flowing in gentle waves. The kind of girl who looked like she walked out of a web drama.
Y/n’s grip on her toast loosened slightly.
The girl slowed to a stop in front of them, a wide, almost practiced smile lighting up her face. “Good morning, Eunseok,” she said, tilting her head slightly.
Eunseok, polite as always, offered a warm smile in return. “Morning, Chaeyoung.”
And then the inevitable.
Chaeyoung’s gaze flicked to Y/n. Her expression didn’t falter, but something in her eyes shifted — a quick flicker of sizing-up.
“Oh? Is this your sister?” she asked sweetly, raising an eyebrow like she was only half-joking. Y/n was caught off guard, but before she could respond, both she and Eunseok said at the exact same time:
“No.”
“She’s not.”
There was an awkward beat of silence before Eunseok spoke again, casually placing a hand on Y/n’s shoulder. “She’s not my sister, but she’s like one. This is Y/n — my best friend. We’ve known each other since we were toddlers.”
Y/n managed a small, polite smile and extended her hand. “Nice to meet you.”
Chaeyoung took it, her grip firmer than Y/n expected.
“I’m Chaeyoung,” she said brightly. “I had classes with Eunseok yesterday. He gave me his coffee because I looked exhausted — wasn’t that the sweetest?”
Y/n’s stomach twisted slightly. She wasn’t sure why. It wasn’t like Eunseok hadn’t shared coffee with her before. Heck, he’d even split his lunch with her back in high school more times than she could count.
But hearing it from someone else — watching Chaeyoung talk about her Eunseok like that — felt strange. Foreign. Not quite jealousy, not yet, but… discomfort.
“I’m sure he was just being kind,” Y/n replied softly.
Before Chaeyoung could say anything else, the bell rang, its shrill tone bouncing off the hallway walls. Students began moving all around them like a tide pulling everyone in different directions.
“Oh, there’s my class!” Chaeyoung chirped, then — to Y/n’s surprise — reached out and hooked her hand around Eunseok’s arm like it was the most natural thing in the world.
Y/n’s eyes widened slightly.
Chaeyoung smiled up at him. “Let’s walk together?”
Eunseok blinked, hesitated for the smallest second, then gave her a polite nod. “Sure. I’ll see you later, Y/n.”
“Yeah,” Y/n said, quickly forcing a smile. “See you at lunch.”
Chaeyoung waved back with the arm not clinging to Eunseok. “Nice meeting you!”
As the pair disappeared down the hallway, Y/n stood frozen for a moment, toast in hand, heart oddly hollow. She knew it didn’t mean anything. Not really. Eunseok was just being his usual polite, non-confrontational self.
But still…
Why did that bother her so much?
She shook her head and turned to head toward her own class, her thoughts unusually noisy for this early in the day.
Maybe it wasn’t just the girl. Maybe it was how quickly Eunseok had adapted to the attention. Maybe it was that he let her cling to him. Or maybe… maybe it was that he hadn’t looked back once.
—
Third period felt like it would never end. The lecture droned on, and the fluorescent lights above flickered just enough to make Y/n restless. Her notes were barely legible, written more out of habit than focus. Her mind had been wandering since the morning—since Chaeyoung clung to Eunseok’s arm like they’d known each other forever.
Y/n glanced at the clock. Still twenty-five minutes left. She sighed and raised her hand.
“Professor, can I use the restroom?”
The teacher gave a distracted nod. “Make it quick.”
Y/n slipped her phone into her pocket and quietly exited the room, the hallways much quieter now that classes were in session. She walked toward the restroom, hoping the cold water might help clear her thoughts.
The door creaked softly as she stepped into the girls’ restroom, and almost immediately, her eyes landed on someone already inside.
Chaeyoung.
She stood in front of the mirror, leaning in close as she adjusted the gloss on her lips. Her long lashes fluttered as she blinked, dabbing gently at the corners of her eyes with a tissue. The light hit her just right—highlighting her features, her confidence, the effortless way she carried herself.
She looked up when she saw Y/n in the reflection.
And smiled.
Not wide. Not fake. But not exactly friendly either. It was polite. Civil. Measured.
Y/n offered a quick nod before disappearing into one of the stalls, doing her best not to think too much of it. It was just coincidence, right? Nothing more.
When she emerged a minute later and walked to the sink, Chaeyoung was still there. Still checking her makeup. Still perfect.
Y/n turned on the tap, the water splashing softly as she began washing her hands. There was silence between them — just the sound of the faucet and the soft crinkling of a makeup bag zipper.
“Y/n, was it?”
Y/n paused, blinking, and looked up slowly to meet Chaeyoung’s eyes through the mirror.
She nodded, drying her hands with a paper towel. “Yeah.”
Chaeyoung gave a small hum and turned slightly, her body still facing the mirror but her eyes now on Y/n’s reflection.
“Eunseok…” she began slowly, as if trying to sound casual. “Is he… seeing someone?”
Y/n’s hands froze in the act of tossing the paper towel.
That name. Her Eunseok. The way she said it — softly, curiously, with just enough edge to make it sound intentional — sent a small jolt through Y/n’s chest.
She tried to steady her voice, forcing a neutral tone. “No. From what I know, he’s been single for a couple of years now.”
There was a brief pause.
Then, Chaeyoung smiled — that same polite, unreadable smile — and turned to fully face the sink again.
“Just curious,” she said lightly, like it was an afterthought.
And without waiting for a response, she tucked her lip gloss back into her pocket, adjusted her bag strap, and walked out the door.
Y/n remained by the sink, staring at the door that had just softly clicked shut.
Just curious?
But it didn’t feel like curiosity.
She turned back toward the mirror, catching her own reflection — cheeks slightly flushed, brows faintly furrowed. Her eyes gave her away. She was bothered. More than she wanted to admit.
And in that quiet restroom, alone with her thoughts, she whispered the truth only to herself.
“I don’t like him… right?”
But even she didn’t believe it anymore.
By the time Y/n returned to class, the lecture was wrapping up. She slid back into her seat beside Ryujin, offering an apologetic smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. Ryujin glanced at her and raised an eyebrow.
“You okay?” she whispered, pen still idly tapping on her notebook.
Y/n hesitated for a second before giving a tight nod. “Yeah. Just needed a break.”
But Ryujin wasn’t convinced. She didn’t push though, sensing Y/n wasn’t ready to open up — not yet.
The bell rang not long after, and the class began filing out into the hallway, noise swelling with footsteps and chatter. Y/n followed behind her group, quieter than usual. Her mind kept replaying Chaeyoung’s voice in that restroom.
They made their way to the cafeteria, securing a corner table near the windows where sunlight filtered in lazily. Ryujin, Yunjin, Winter, and Somi launched into a chaotic conversation about how “hot” their ethics professor was and whether it was too soon to join a club or not.
“Okay, pause,” Somi said suddenly, leaning forward on the table and squinting at Y/n. “You’ve been weirdly quiet since you got back from your ‘bathroom break.’ Did someone cry in there or something?”
Ryujin crossed her arms, narrowing her eyes too. “More like someone’s thoughts are floating above her head like a speech bubble.”
Yunjin leaned over with a teasing grin. “Let me guess. This is about Eunseok, right?”
Y/n blinked. “What? No— I mean— I just…”
She looked down at her tray, suddenly finding the untouched rice ball very interesting. Winter rested her chin on her hand. “Did something happen?” There was a beat of silence.
Y/n finally sighed, pushing her tray aside slightly. “I ran into that girl again. Chaeyoung.”
That got everyone's attention. Ryujin’s brow furrowed. “The one from yesterday? Miss arm-hold?”
Y/n nodded.
“She asked me if Eunseok was seeing anyone,” she said quietly, then added, “When we were alone. In the restroom.”
The girls exchanged looks.
Yunjin whistled. “She’s making her move already. That’s bold.”
“Do you think she likes him?” Winter asked, sipping from her iced drink.
Y/n shrugged. “Probably. I mean… I don’t blame her. Eunseok’s— you know— him. He’s kind. And tall. And stupidly charming in his own way.”
“But it bothered you,” Somi said, not as a question but a statement.
Y/n didn’t respond at first. Then softly, barely above the noise in the cafeteria: “Yeah. I think it did.”
The others fell silent for a moment, giving her the space to breathe in her confession. Y/n had never admitted that before. Not even to herself.
Ryujin, always the one to cut through fluff, leaned forward. “Do you… like him?” Y/n looked up slowly. Her lips parted to answer — to deny it, like she always had. But no words came.
Because maybe… maybe she did. And she hated how real that felt now. Before anyone could say anything else, the sound of chairs scraping across the floor caught their attention.
Y/n turned her head — and there he was.
Eunseok, walking in with his usual group of guy friends — Sungchan, Shotaro, Sohee, Anton, Seunghan and Wonbin. And right behind him?
Chaeyoung.
Of course.
Y/n’s stomach twisted again as Chaeyoung subtly placed a hand on Eunseok’s arm, leaning in to say something only he could hear. He chuckled lightly — the same way he used to with Y/n.
Ryujin leaned closer, noticing her friend's gaze shift. “If you’re going to let someone else take your seat in his life,” she said quietly, “don’t be surprised when she makes herself comfortable.”
That hit a nerve.
Y/n’s fingers clenched slightly on the edge of the table. She didn’t say anything. But something inside her stirred — not jealousy. Not yet.
Something more dangerous. The realization that she might be losing someone who’d never even known he was hers.
The cafeteria was buzzing, chatter echoing off the walls as students gathered in their usual clusters. At a glance, it looked like just another lunch period—but for Y/n, every movement felt amplified.
Her eyes followed Eunseok and his group as they made their way inside, Chaeyoung still glued to his side like a shadow. She said something again, her hand briefly brushing Eunseok’s forearm as they passed a table. He responded politely—like he always did—but something about the way she lingered made Y/n clench her jaw.
Then, thankfully, Chaeyoung veered off, joining a group of girls a few tables away. Eunseok didn’t even glance back. Instead, he and his friends headed straight toward Y/n’s table.
“Yo,” Sungchan greeted first, already pulling out a chair beside Winter, who blinked at him in mild surprise.
Wonbin waved at Ryujin, who offered a nod in return. Anton and Sohee gave a casual “hey” while pulling up seats, and Seunghan dropped into place with an easygoing grin.
Then Eunseok, without hesitation, sat down in the empty chair right next to Y/n.
No announcement. No warning. Just… sat. Like he belonged there. And then, naturally, reached over and grabbed a bite from her tray.
“Didn’t even ask,” Y/n muttered half-heartedly.
Eunseok chewed exaggeratedly, unfazed. “You always share,” he said, already going for another bite. But when Y/n didn’t nudge him away like she normally would, when she didn’t roll her eyes or jab his hand with a fork, he paused.
He glanced at her. She wasn’t even looking at him. Her attention was… elsewhere. Focused on nothing. Or maybe too many things.
Subtly, Eunseok leaned a bit closer and lightly bumped his head against her shoulder.
“You okay?” Y/n blinked, startled slightly, then gave a small nod. “I’m fine,” she said too quietly, her voice flat.
Her friends noticed. Especially Yunjin, who had been watching the interaction with narrowed eyes.
“She’s just tired,” Yunjin spoke up suddenly, cutting in with a casual smile. “We stayed up late talking about joining clubs and stuff.”
Y/n looked at her gratefully, catching the gentle nudge under the table. Eunseok raised a brow, clearly still unsure. “You sure? You look—”
“Dead inside?” Ryujin smirked, picking up the thread smoothly. “Yeah, we all look like that.”
That earned a chuckle from the guys, though Eunseok’s eyes lingered on Y/n for a second longer.
She finally glanced at him and gave a faint smile. “I’m really okay.”
He nodded slowly, still not fully convinced, but let it go.
The group slipped into lively conversation, laughter bubbling between the two circles now merged into one. Anton and Sohee were exchanging K-drama hot takes with Winter, while Sungchan attempted to teach Somi how to do a card trick with a pack he randomly pulled from his pocket.
But even with all the energy, Y/n felt like she was watching from the outside.
Eunseok was right beside her—shoulder brushing hers now and then, his voice familiar and comforting. And yet… it all felt different. Like there was a space between them no one else could see. She stole a glance toward Chaeyoung, who was seated a few tables away, sipping her smoothie while looking—coincidentally or not—right at their table.
At Y/n.
Y/n quickly looked away. Eunseok was mid-laugh now, teasing Seunghan for dropping a whole chicken nugget under the table. But as he turned slightly, his hand casually grazed Y/n’s again as it rested near her tray.
She moved it without thinking.
He noticed that.
His eyes flickered to her, confused, but before he could say anything, Yunjin piped up again with a loud sigh. “Alright. After lunch, we’re dragging Y/n to the art club booth. She needs to stop bottling up her emotions.”
Y/n choked slightly. “I’m not bottling anything!”
“Exactly what someone bottling would say,” Ryujin said with a grin.
Eunseok leaned back in his chair, finally smiling again. “Art club, huh? You still draw those weird little cats in your notebook?”
Y/n glared. “They’re not weird. They’re stylized.”
“Mhm,” he teased, poking her side. “Stylized cats with one eye bigger than the other. Totally not creepy at all.”
The tension eased for a moment, laughter softening the corners of her chest. But still, beneath it all, Y/n could feel it—the growing distance between what she felt and what she let show.
And for the first time in years…
She didn’t know how to act around him anymore
—
The soft chime of the school bell signaled the start of the last period of the day. Students sluggishly filed into the classroom, half running on caffeine, half willing the clock to jump ahead.
Y/n entered with her usual calm steps, her bag slung lazily over one shoulder, clutching her notebook to her chest. She took her seat near the middle row — the same spot she'd claimed since orientation.
As she settled in, flipping her notebook open, she instinctively glanced at the door — and sure enough, there he was.
Eunseok.
Her fingers froze slightly on her pen as she watched him enter the classroom with his usual cool composure. He exchanged a casual nod with the guys seated near the back… but instead of walking toward the seat beside Chaeyoung, where he'd sat yesterday, he veered left.
Straight to Y/n’s desk.
Without a word, he slumped into the chair next to her like it was the most natural thing in the world.
Chaeyoung, already seated, turned slightly in her chair, eyes tracking Eunseok’s movement. She blinked once, lips parted like she was about to call out—but didn’t. Her smile faded just a bit.
Y/n noticed.
She swallowed and looked forward again, trying to act like her pulse hadn’t just picked up. “You left your pen yesterday,” Eunseok mumbled casually, fishing a navy-blue gel pen from his pocket and dropping it onto her desk.
Y/n glanced at it. “You used it, didn’t you?”
“Maybe,” he said with a faint smirk. “But I kept it safe.”
Before she could roll her eyes in response, the teacher walked in, beginning the lesson and drawing attention to the front of the classroom. Y/n focused on the board, her pen moving quietly across her notebook as she took notes.
Eunseok, meanwhile, tapped his fingers idly against the table for a few seconds before leaning over and scribbling something in the corner of her page.
She glanced down.
"Bored. Save me. 🙄"
Then a doodle of a very exaggerated, bug-eyed stickman collapsed over a desk.
Y/n covered her laugh with a cough, nudging his arm lightly. “Pay attention,” she whispered, trying to sound stern.
“I am,” he whispered back, resting his head on the desk now, turned toward her, one cheek squished against his arm. “Just… multitasking.”
She didn’t look at him, but she could feel his gaze on her. Soft. Comfortable. A gaze that had always been there.
After a moment, his voice came quieter this time, like a secret being passed between them.
“Wanna hang out after class?”
Y/n paused in her writing. She looked at him finally, and there he was — face half-buried, hair slightly messy, eyes watching her with the kind of calm that made her chest tighten. It was so casual… yet something about it felt heavier than usual.
“Just us?” she asked before she could stop herself.
Eunseok raised a brow. “Well, yeah. Unless you have plans with Ryujin and the others?”
Y/n shook her head. “No… I don’t think we’re doing anything.”
“Then come with me,” he said simply, before shutting his eyes for a moment as if trying to nap mid-lecture. “Let’s go to that bakery you like. The one with the cream buns.”
She stared at him, blinking once. She hadn't even mentioned that bakery in months. Maybe even a year. But he remembered. And somehow, the fact that he remembered something that small felt louder than anything else in the room.
She turned back to her notes, her cheeks growing warm.
“Okay,” she said softly.
Eunseok smiled against his sleeve.
—
The little bakery was quiet in the late afternoon, soft golden sunlight spilling through the windows and dusting the wooden tables in warmth. The scent of freshly baked bread and sweet cream filled the air, wrapping around Y/n like a comforting blanket.
Eunseok and Y/n slipped inside, shrugging off their bags and settling into a cozy corner booth. Eunseok immediately reached for the display case, eyes scanning the rows of pastries.
“Cream buns?” he asked with a teasing grin.
Y/n nodded, smiling softly. “You remembered.”
“Of course,” he said, almost too casually.
Their order arrived quickly — two cream buns, still warm, and cups of iced tea. Eunseok handed Y/n hers with a little flourish, watching as she took a bite, eyes closed briefly in delight.
They sat quietly for a few moments, the comfortable silence stretching between them.
Then Y/n cleared her throat, looking at him with a hesitant expression.
“So… about Chaeyoung.”
Eunseok raised an eyebrow, folding his arms on the table. “What about her?”
“She’s… nice,” Y/n said carefully, twisting a napkin between her fingers. “Friendly, confident, seems like she really likes you.”
Eunseok shrugged, taking a sip of his tea. “Yea, she’s cool. I guess.”
Y/n bit her lip, choosing her words slowly.
“Do you think she’s… your type?”
Eunseok looked down at his tea, then back up at her. “I don’t know,” he admitted. “I haven’t really thought about it.” Y/n watched his face, searching for any hint. “She’s pretty,” she added softly.
“Yeah,” Eunseok said, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips.
Y/n nodded slowly, but before she could respond, Eunseok’s lips curved into a small, genuine smile.
“Chaeyoung is really, really pretty,” he admitted, eyes lighting up as he smiled. Y/n glanced at him, surprised by his honesty. Eunseok’s gaze then drifted toward the window, watching the passersby on the street outside. After a moment, his voice dropped to a casual tone.
“Hey… do you think Anton is your type?”
Y/n nearly choked on her cream bun, coughing and blinking in confusion. “Why… why are you suddenly asking about your friend?” she managed, still recovering.
Anton — tall, good-looking, with a charming smile that made many girls swoon. But Eunseok bringing him up out of nowhere was unexpected. Eunseok leaned back in his chair, raising one brow as he gave Y/n a teasing look. “I saw him looking at you a few times,” he said slowly, like he was revealing a secret. “I think he might be crushing on you.”
Y/n’s cheeks burned at the mention, her heart skipping a beat. “You’re kidding,” she whispered, trying to play it cool but failing miserably. Eunseok chuckled softly, clearly enjoying the moment.
“Nope,” he said. “He definitely notices you.”
Y/n looked away, suddenly very interested in the patterns on the table, trying to keep her face from showing just how much Eunseok’s words unsettled her — and yet made her strangely glad.
—
The familiar creak of the front door opening announced their return. Y/n and Eunseok stepped inside, shrugging off their bags and exchanging tired but content smiles.
From the living room couch, Sion’s fingers danced over a game controller, eyes glued to the screen, but the moment he heard their footsteps, he looked up.
“Hey, you’re back,” he said without turning his head.
Y/n smiled warmly at her younger brother. “Hey, Sion.”
He paused his game, finally turning toward them. “Mom said she’s gonna be home late today. So it’s just us for dinner.”
Eunseok’s eyes flicked toward Y/n, then back to Sion, a knowing smile curling on his lips. As if he already knew exactly what to do. Without hesitation, he walked toward the fridge and pulled open the door. Taped to it was a small handwritten note.
Eunseok grabbed it, scanning the list of ingredients and instructions carefully. Then he chuckled softly, shaking his head as he flipped the note over.
At the bottom, scrawled in bold letters, was a warning:
“Do NOT let Y/n cook at all cost!”
Y/n, curious, leaned over Eunseok’s shoulder to glance at the note, eyebrows knitting in confusion.
“Why are you laughing?” she asked, a little suspicious.
Eunseok tucked the note into his back pocket, just out of her reach, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. “Because,” he teased, turning to face her, “I’m in charge of cooking tonight. So you better behave.” Y/n’s eyes narrowed playfully, but before she could protest, Eunseok was already moving toward the kitchen, humming a familiar tune like he owned the place.
Sion, grinning, called after him, “You’re lucky Mom left instructions. I’d hate to see what happens if you tried to cook without her help.”
Y/n laughed, the tension of the day melting away in the warmth of their little home — and the quiet comfort of their unusual, perfect little family.
—
It had been a few quiet weeks since the semester began. Between adjusting to class schedules, late-night group chats, and long walks home.
On their free day off, Mrs. Oh insisted on a proper grocery run, dragging both Y/n and Eunseok along with the promise of dinner rewards and the subtle joy of motherly bonding. It wasn’t the first time the three of them did this—it almost felt like a routine by now.
The supermarket was unusually lively for a weekday afternoon. It was the sort of noise that hummed in the background like a steady drum—carts rolling, kids whining for candy, soft music looping from the speakers overhead. Mrs. Oh was already two aisles ahead, list in hand and a laser focus only a seasoned grocery shopper could master.
Y/n trailed behind pushing the cart, while Eunseok occasionally dropped in snacks that definitely weren’t on the list.
“You know she’s going to notice when she gets to the checkout,” Y/n muttered, eyeing the third bag of shrimp crackers he slid between the rice and the milk.
“Yeah,” Eunseok said nonchalantly. “But she’s also going to pretend not to notice.”
Y/n rolled her eyes with a smile, shaking her head as she adjusted the cart’s wobbly wheel. It was a moment that felt painfully normal—familiarity wrapped in the mundane.
They turned into the fruit and vegetable section, where crates of apples were stacked in perfect pyramids and a low chill hung in the air from the misting systems above the leafy greens.
“Eunseok?”
The voice made them both pause.
Y/n looked up just in time to see Chaeyoung approaching from the opposite direction. She looked different—more casual than usual, but somehow still effortlessly put together. Her pale cream sweater hugged her frame and her jeans were neatly cuffed at the ankles. Her smile lit up immediately when her eyes landed on Eunseok.
“Oh,” Eunseok blinked, his voice caught somewhere between surprise and politeness. “Hey, Chaeyoung.”
Y/n felt her chest stiffen slightly.
Chaeyoung took a step closer, cradling a small basket of groceries. “Didn’t think I’d see anyone from campus here,” she said with a light laugh. “I was just picking up some things for my grandma.”
Y/n walked up beside Eunseok silently, a small nod of acknowledgment toward Chaeyoung. Her arms were full with a bag of flour and a tray of eggs. Chaeyoung’s bright expression dimmed slightly when she noticed her.
Before anyone could say more, Mrs. Oh appeared around the corner with another basket full of ingredients and a cheery expression that could charm a room.
“Oh! Eunseok,” she said, surprised to see him still standing. Then her eyes drifted to Chaeyoung. “Who’s your friend?”
Chaeyoung straightened up a little at the question, offering a polite smile. “Mom, this is Chaeyoung,” Eunseok replied. “She’s a classmate from uni. We have a few classes together.”
Mrs. Oh looked delighted, immediately stepping closer to greet her. “Ahh! Nice to meet you, Chaeyoung. You must be one of the smart ones keeping my boy here on his toes.”
“Oh—uh—thank you, ma’am,” Chaeyoung said with a short laugh. “Nice to meet you, too.”
Before the conversation could continue, a voice called out from behind them.
“Mom, can we get these too?” Y/n called, holding up a box of cereal and a jar of Nutella. She walked up to join them, her hair slightly tousled from the chill of the produce section. As she stepped beside Eunseok, Chaeyoung’s smile faltered slightly. Her brows furrowed as she looked between Y/n and Mrs. Oh.
“I’m… confused, is she also Y/n's mom” Chaeyoung muttered, barely above a whisper, but loud enough to be heard.
Mrs. Oh chuckled, resting a hand on Y/n’s shoulder. “Oh no, I’m just Y/n’s mom. Eunseok is my best friend’s son—but he’s practically family. He’s been part of this household longer than some of our furniture.”
Y/n snorted at that while Eunseok just grinned.
Chaeyoung nodded slowly, as if trying to mentally adjust the image she had of them. “That explains… a lot,” she said with a stiff smile.
There was a beat of silence. It wasn’t awkward—not exactly—but the air had thickened just a little, heavy with all the things unspoken.
Y/n stepped away to drop her items into the cart and walked down the next aisle without waiting. Eunseok glanced at Chaeyoung one last time.
“See you around,” he offered casually.
Chaeyoung gave him a soft smile. “Yeah. See you.”
And just like that, the moment passed. As they turned the corner, Eunseok caught up with Y/n, who was now rearranging items in the cart unnecessarily. “Did she seem… off to you?” he asked quietly, glancing sideways.
“She just looked surprised,” Y/n replied coolly. “It’s not every day you find out your classmate has a second mom.”
Eunseok chuckled under his breath. “Well, to be fair… Mrs. Oh is everyone’s second mom.” Y/n didn’t say anything. But her hands were clenched a little tighter around the cart handle.
From a few steps behind, Mrs. Oh watched the two of them interact, a small smile tugging at her lips. She didn’t say it out loud, but she noticed the way Eunseok looked at her daughter.
Campus was unusually warm for a spring morning. Golden sunlight filtered through the trees as students shuffled toward their buildings in twos and threes, some still yawning, others chatting animatedly about last night’s lecture or the latest group project panic.
Y/n walked with her usual group—Ryujin, Yunjin, Winter, and Somi. The five of them had clicked in that effortless, chaotic way where someone was always talking over someone else, someone was always laughing, and somehow it just worked.
As they neared the central courtyard, Ryujin pointed toward the right side of the building, where a familiar figure stood next to the vending machine.
“There’s your boy,” she smirked.
Y/n turned just in time to see Eunseok—messy hair, bag slung over one shoulder, tapping the vending machine like it personally offended him.
“What did it do this time?” Y/n asked, walking over to him while her friends hung back.
“It ate my money,” he said, crouching slightly to peer into the bottom slot. “Again. Why do I keep trusting these things?”
Y/n shook her head and fished into her own pocket for some coins. “Let me try,” she said, inserting the change and pressing the same buttons. The drink clunked into the bottom with a satisfying thud.
Eunseok took the can and grinned. “You’ve always had the magic touch.”
“Maybe the vending machine just likes me more.”
He laughed, but before he could reply, a familiar voice broke into their conversation. “Eunseok! You’re here early too!” Chaeyoung.
Y/n’s smile faltered just slightly as she turned to see the girl walking toward them, dressed in a neat denim skirt and a tucked-in blouse, her hair pinned back on one side with a pearl clip. There was something practiced in the way she walked—poised, confident.
Eunseok looked surprised but polite as he turned toward her. “Hey, morning.” Y/n stepped back a little without even thinking about it, letting the can of soda slip into Eunseok’s hand as Chaeyoung stopped in front of them.
“I was hoping I’d run into you,” Chaeyoung said, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. “Did you get the notes from yesterday’s lecture? I missed the last ten minutes.”
“Yeah, I think I did,” he replied, pulling his phone from his pocket. “I’ll send them to you.”
Chaeyoung leaned in slightly to peek at his screen, her hand lightly brushing his arm.
Y/n pretended not to notice.
But she did.
She always did.
“Oh, and,” Chaeyoung added, “There’s that group project for Communication Studies. I was thinking maybe we could meet up to brainstorm later this week? Just the two of us? You seem like you’d have good ideas.”
Y/n’s heart thudded a little harder. She stared down at her shoes, scuffing them against the pavement.
“I already have a group for that one,” Eunseok said with a sheepish grin. “Sorry, I think they already submitted our members list.”
Chaeyoung’s smile didn’t falter, but her eyes narrowed just a touch. “That’s alright. There’ll be more group work, right?”
Y/n couldn’t help it—she glanced up, their eyes met briefly. And Chaeyoung smiled sweetly.
“Morning, Y/n,” she added smoothly.
“Morning,” Y/n said, returning the smile with one of her own, smaller but steady.
Ryujin and the others walked up then, sensing the shift in energy. Yunjin gave Y/n a pointed look, mouthing silently: ‘You good?’
Y/n nodded almost imperceptibly.
Chaeyoung turned toward her own classroom just before the first bell rang. “Well, see you both later,” she said over her shoulder, her voice sing-song and light as air.
The second she was out of sight, Ryujin groaned.
“Someone’s trying way too hard,” she said under her breath.
“I don’t know,” Somi added, a little too honestly. “She’s kind of smooth with it. If I didn’t know any better, I’d think she was plotting something.”
“She is,” Winter said, biting into a breakfast bar. “And it’s working.”
Y/n stayed quiet. Her arms folded across her chest, her gaze drifting toward Eunseok, who had turned his attention to a message on his phone, oblivious to the way the conversation just shifted around him.
Inside, her thoughts were already spiraling.
It was silly, really. Chaeyoung hadn’t done anything wrong. She was just being... friendly. Maybe a little too friendly. But Eunseok wasn’t hers. He never had been.
But why did it bother her so much to hear his name on Chaeyoung’s lips? Why did her stomach twist when she saw her smile at him like that?
Later that day, during lunch break:
Y/n sat outside with her friends, eating slowly as they chatted about weekend plans and classes. Eunseok joined them a few minutes later with his tray in hand, sliding into the seat next to Y/n like it was always meant for him.
“Hey,” he said, nudging her shoulder slightly. “You okay? You’ve been quiet today.”
“Just tired,” she lied. “Didn’t sleep well.”
He looked at her for a second longer than necessary, but didn’t press.
“Chaeyoung was looking for you in the hallway earlier.” Ryujin added casually, smirking behind her drink.
Eunseok blinked. “She was?”
Y/n didn’t say anything. She kept her eyes on her food, willing her face not to show anything.
“She was probably going to ask again about that project,” Eunseok muttered, scratching the back of his head. “She’s... nice.”
“Very nice,” Yunjin said sarcastically.
“Maybe too nice,” Somi added.
—
The hallway was quiet, the distant murmur of classrooms echoing faintly behind closed doors. Y/n stepped out of the restroom, smoothing her hair and adjusting the strap of her bag, her eyes scanning casually ahead—
Until she spotted him.
Eunseok.
He was leaning against the wall across the hallway like he didn’t have a care in the world. One hand in his pocket, the other casually scrolling on his phone. His expression soft, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his lips—he looked like he was waiting for someone.
Y/n felt a small tug in her chest, her steps light as she instinctively began to walk toward him.
But just as she took a few steps forward, she saw her.
Chaeyoung.
Rounding the corner with a confident walk, the girl approached Eunseok like they’d been meeting up like this for years. She smiled brightly, her fingers reaching out to gently loop around his forearm as she leaned closer to say something. Eunseok looked up, startled for a second—but not pulling away either.
Y/n stopped walking.
Just for a second.
And that second was enough for the ache to creep in—low and warm, confusing and unwelcome.
She turned her gaze away quickly, trying not to react, when—
Thump.
She bumped into something—or rather, someone—solid. Y/n stumbled slightly backward, her breath catching as she looked up and saw a familiar face staring back at her with wide eyes and a startled expression. Anton.
His tall frame towered over her as he blinked in surprise, his hands raised awkwardly as if unsure whether to catch her or apologize first.
“S-sorry! I didn’t see you there,” he said quickly, his cheeks tinting the softest pink. He scratched the back of his neck, lips curving up into a shy smile. “Hi, Y/n... noona.”
Y/n’s heart, already fluttering from everything else, skipped again for some reason. She straightened, brushing invisible dust off her shirt, trying to regain her composure. “It’s fine—I wasn’t looking either.”
Anton looked past her for a second, spotting Eunseok and Chaeyoung still deep in conversation across the hall. His gaze returned to Y/n, softer now, almost like he knew.
“You... heading somewhere?” he asked, tone casual but curious.
“Back to class,” she replied.
Anton nodded, stepping aside so she could walk through the hallway beside him. A quiet pause settled between them as they walked slowly. Then, just when Y/n thought the moment might dissolve, Anton glanced at her and cleared his throat.
“I’ve seen you around a lot,” he said, trying to sound nonchalant but failing slightly with the way his voice pitched up. “You and Eunseok-hyung. You two are... close, huh?”
Y/n’s lips parted, a breath caught between a laugh and a sigh.
“Yeah. We’ve known each other forever.”
Anton nodded again, more thoughtful now. “That must be nice.”
Another beat of silence. Then, softly, like he’d been waiting to say it:
“You’re... different from other people here.”
Y/n looked up at him, a little startled. “Different?”
“I mean that in a good way,” he added quickly, ears turning red. “You’re... warm. Like, easy to talk to. And I don’t know—maybe that’s why it’s easy to notice you.” Y/n blinked. Her heart wasn’t racing like it did around Eunseok—but it was fluttering in a different way now. A quieter way. A gentler one.
Before she could answer, the warning bell rang through the hallway. Anton gave a sheepish grin and tilted his head toward the classroom ahead. “Guess we should go.”
“Yeah,” Y/n said softly. “Let’s go.”
—
Y/n stepped off the bus, the late afternoon sun casting golden streaks across the quiet neighborhood. Anton walked beside her, casually swinging the small cake box in one hand, the other buried in his hoodie pocket.
“Thanks again for offering to work on the project together,” Y/n said, glancing sideways at him. “I would’ve started it on my own and probably cried halfway through.”
Anton chuckled softly. “You’re being dramatic, noona.”
“Am I?” she said with a teasing smile.
They turned the familiar corner, approaching the familiar house with the low white fence and flowerpots by the door—her house. For Y/n, this route usually meant she was walking with Eunseok, laughing or arguing over something pointless, always feeling light and comfortably chaotic. But this time, it was... quieter. Still, not unpleasant.
Anton’s presence was different. Gentler. And even if it didn’t feel like home yet, it didn’t feel wrong either.
As they stepped up to the porch, Y/n unlocked the door and called out instinctively, “Mom, I’m home!”
Almost immediately, her mother’s voice floated from the kitchen. “Already? I thought you said you were staying late with—”
She paused mid-sentence the moment she stepped into view and saw Anton standing beside her daughter, holding a cake box, a bit stiff but offering a polite bow.
“Good afternoon, Mrs. Oh,” he said with a soft, respectful smile.
Y/n’s mom blinked, eyebrows raising in amusement as she glanced between her daughter and the boy. “Oh? You’re not Eunseok.”
“Mom,” Y/n said under her breath, lightly elbowing her.
Mrs. Oh laughed, waving a hand. “I’m joking. I just wasn’t expecting someone new. Eunseok practically lives here—you know how it is.”
“I’ve heard,” Anton said, that polite smile still on his face.
“Well, come in, come in,” she gestured toward the living room, turning to Y/n with a twinkle in her eye. “Don’t keep him standing at the door.”
Y/n rolled her eyes playfully and stepped in with Anton following behind. She led him to the dining table where they set their bags down and placed the cake box on top.
“So... this is your first time here?” her mom asked, casually leaning on the doorframe with that knowing glint mothers always seemed to have. “Project partner?”
“Yes,” Anton nodded. “We’re in the same Literature class.”
“He also said he’d get me cake,” Y/n added quickly, trying to shift the focus off the subtle interrogation.
Mrs. Oh chuckled. “He’s smart. Bribery always works on you.”
Y/n gave her a betrayed look, while Anton let out a small laugh.
“I’ll leave you two to it,” her mom said, turning toward the kitchen. “Let me know if you want anything, okay?”
The moment she was gone, Y/n let out a breath and looked at Anton.
“She’s... really not used to seeing anyone else with me,” she admitted. “She always thinks it’s either just me or me and Eunseok.”
Anton sat down, resting his arms on the table. “That makes sense. You and Eunseok-hyung seem really close.”
Y/n hesitated, reaching for her notebook. “Yeah... we are.”
“Do people ever... get the wrong idea about you two?” She blinked, caught off guard by the quiet sincerity of the question. “All the time.”
Anton gave her a glance that lingered, like he was about to say something more, but instead, he opened his own notebook and pulled out the textbook. “Let’s make this project so good the professor cries.”
Y/n smiled. “Deal.”
They dove into their work, and for a little while, things felt... light again. A different kind of light.
The late afternoon light poured through the living room window, bathing the dining table in a warm amber hue. Y/n and Anton sat across from each other, textbooks and scattered notes spread out between them, the earlier awkwardness slowly replaced with quiet concentration and comfortable pauses.
Anton was surprisingly funny when he relaxed. He had a soft way of speaking, and when he joked—usually dry, unexpected one-liners—it always caught Y/n off guard, making her laugh harder than she intended.
“So,” he said, scribbling something down and pushing it over for her to read, “if we interpret this line as symbolism for freedom, do you think the professor will think we’re overreaching or just incredibly intelligent?”
Y/n read the sentence he wrote:
"The open window didn’t just let the breeze in, it let her breathe for the first time."
“That sounds like a poetic cry for help,” she said through a laugh. “But... it’s also kinda beautiful.”
Anton looked down at his notebook, cheeks coloring slightly. “It’s cheesy.”
“It is,” she grinned, “but it’s a good cheesy. I think he’ll like it.”
A small smile tugged at Anton’s lips as he rested his chin on his palm. “You’re different when you’re not surrounded by your friends.”
Y/n tilted her head, curious. “Different how?”
He shrugged. “More relaxed. You don’t try as hard to hide how smart or thoughtful you are.”
The compliment took her off guard. She blinked, unsure how to respond, feeling her cheeks grow warm.
“I didn’t know I was hiding it,” she mumbled.
Anton gave her a gentle look. “A lot of people do. Especially around people they’ve known forever. They kind of get stuck being who they were back then.”
Y/n thought of Eunseok. Of all the years they’d shared the same jokes, the same rhythm, the same everything. She wasn’t sure if she’d ever had to show someone who she was outside of that.
With Anton, it felt like she could be a little more... her own person.
“Thanks,” she said quietly.
Anton looked at her, then down at the time on his phone. “It’s already past six.”
Y/n blinked. “Seriously? That fast?”
He nodded, then glanced toward the kitchen. “Do you think your mom would be okay if I stayed a bit longer? I haven’t eaten yet.”
As if summoned, Mrs. Oh peeked around the corner at that exact moment, holding a dish towel.
“You’re welcome to stay for dinner,” she said, as if she’d been listening the entire time.
Anton sat up straighter. “Are you sure?”
“Yes. Besides,” she smiled at her daughter knowingly, “it’s nice seeing someone new for once.”
Y/n threw her mom a look, but didn’t protest. When Anton turned back to her with a grin, she rolled her eyes.
“You’re not getting out of doing the rest of this project just because my mom likes you.”
“Wouldn’t dream of it,” Anton said, already pulling the textbook back open.
Later, after dinner which Mrs. Oh insisted on serving with too many side dishes and far too many questions about Anton’s family, his favorite food, and his blood type—Y/n walked him to the front door.
The night air was cooler, crisper, and the sky was already turning a shade of deep indigo.
“Thanks for today,” Y/n said, standing at the door with him.
“I should be the one thanking you,” Anton said, his voice softer now. “I had a good time.”
She smiled. “Even the interrogation from my mom?”
“Especially that part,” he joked.
They stood there for a beat longer, something unspoken lingering in the space between them.
“I’ll see you tomorrow?” he asked.
“Yeah, see you tomorrow.” she nodded. “Let me know when you got home safely.”
As he walked off down the street, Y/n stood at the door just a few seconds longer than she meant to, watching his figure fade into the distance. When she finally closed the door behind her, the house felt quieter, but not in a bad way.
Something had shifted.
Not in a dramatic way. Just... enough.
—
Over the next week, Y/n and Anton found themselves spending more time together and not just because of the project, though that remained their excuse. Whether it was in the library corner near the windows or on a quiet bench tucked behind the art building, they found spaces that felt like theirs. Quiet. Comfortable.
Anton was never pushy. He didn’t talk too much, didn’t demand her attention, didn’t tease her the way Eunseok always did. Instead, he asked questions the kind that made her think. The kind that showed he really listened.
“…So, you write in a journal every night?” he asked one afternoon, leaning back on his elbows as they sat in the grass on campus, the sun casting a lazy golden light over them.
Y/n looked at him with a small smile, hugging her knees to her chest. “Sometimes. It depends on the day.”
“What do you write about?”
She hesitated, then shrugged. “Anything. Just… thoughts. Stuff I can’t say out loud.”
Anton nodded slowly, thoughtful. “I think that’s kind of brave.”
She turned her head, surprised. “Why?”
“Because writing things down means you’re willing to face them,” he said. “Most people just let thoughts slip away because they’re afraid of what they’ll find if they really stop and look.”
The silence that followed wasn’t awkward—it was full of understanding. Y/n looked down at her hands. “Do you ever feel like people expect you to be a certain version of yourself all the time?”
Anton gave a dry laugh. “All the time. Especially when you don’t talk much people assume who you are before they ever really get to know you.”
Y/n nodded quietly. “I think I’ve been stuck in the same version of myself for so long, I didn’t even notice it.”
Anton glanced at her gently. “You don’t seem stuck.”
Her eyes met his, something soft and unsure flickering between them.
Before either of them could say anything more, a breeze passed between them cooler now as evening began to settle. Anton sat up and brushed the grass from his sleeves.
“Let me walk you to the bus stop,” he said, standing and holding a hand out to her.
Y/n took it without thinking. His hand was warm, and he didn’t let go right away.
Later That Week
“Are you seriously bringing cake again?” Y/n laughed as she watched Anton pull a small pastry box out of his bag after their study session in the library.
He grinned. “You said you liked that chocolate chiffon last time.”
“I said it was dangerous,” she clarified, watching as he opened the box to reveal two neat slices—one for her, one for him.
“It’s not a bribe. I just like eating with you.”
Y/n blinked at that, cheeks warming slightly as she accepted the fork he offered. They ate in companionable silence, tucked in a quiet corner of campus, legs stretched out in front of them. The sun was starting to dip behind the trees, casting everything in soft orange and purple hues.
“This might become a tradition,” Y/n muttered between bites.
“Is that a bad thing?” Anton asked.
“No,” she said, smiling faintly. “Not at all.”
Back at Home
That night, as Y/n lay in bed with her journal open in her lap, pen tapping lightly against the page, she hesitated before writing anything.
She thought of Anton’s quiet humor, the way he remembered her small preferences, the way he never filled the silence with anything unnecessary.
He was different. Safe. But also... unpredictable in the best way.
“It’s strange,” she wrote. “How someone you barely knew a month ago can become a part of your day so easily. Not in a loud way. Just... there. Like background music that suddenly becomes your favorite song.”
She paused, then underlined the word “suddenly.”
—
The sun was barely peeking through the curtains when Eunseok stepped into the Oh household, slipping off his sneakers at the door like he’d done a thousand times before. The scent of sesame oil and something lightly frying on the stove wrapped around him like a familiar blanket.
“Sion?” he called out, already walking into the living room.
“Here.” Sion answered without looking up from his game controller, sprawled on the couch. “Noona’s in the shower. She’ll be down in a bit.”
With a shrug, Eunseok headed to the kitchen and grinned the moment he spotted Mrs. Oh laying out the breakfast dishes. “Good morning, Mom,” he greeted her as casually as ever.
Mrs. Oh turned around, her expression instantly brightening. “Eunseok!” she beamed, walking over and pulling him into a warm, motherly hug that made him chuckle.
“It’s been a while since I’ve seen you! You’ve barely dropped by lately,” she scolded gently, pulling away just enough to give him a fond look. “Too busy for me now?”
Eunseok raised both hands in mock surrender. “I swear I was buried in project deadlines. Ask Y/n. We haven’t even had lunch together properly this week.”
“You better not be starving yourself,” she replied, returning to the stove. “Sit. You’re eating with us.”
Just as Eunseok was about to pull out a chair, he heard footsteps descending the stairs. He turned, and there was Y/n—hair still damp, dressed in a soft oversized sweatshirt and loose pants, rubbing her towel over her head as she entered the kitchen.
Her steps faltered slightly when she spotted him.
“I honestly wasn’t expecting you,” she mumbled, catching his gaze before quickly looking away.
Eunseok raised a brow, his head tilting slightly. “Why wouldn’t you? It’s Saturday.” Sion, ever the chaos bringer, chose that exact moment to walk in. “Oh, did noona tell you? Anton’s coming to pick her up.”
Eunseok blinked, slowly turning to Y/n. “Anton?”
Y/n avoided his gaze, fiddling with the towel in her hands as she walked over to grab a cup of water. “We’re just finishing the project... and grabbing lunch.”
The silence that followed was subtle but heavy. Mrs. Oh caught it immediately.
“Huh,” she said casually, setting down a bowl of kimchi. “Isn’t that sweet? Anton’s the one you mentioned the other night, right? The one who brought over that cake?”
Y/n gave a sheepish nod, sipping her water a little too quickly.
Eunseok leaned against the kitchen counter, arms crossed now. “Didn’t realize you two were hanging out so much outside of class.”
“He’s nice.” Y/n said, her voice defensive even though he hadn’t accused her of anything.
“I didn’t say he wasn’t.” Eunseok replied smoothly, but his gaze lingered on her a second longer than usual.
Mrs. Oh, ever the observer, narrowed her eyes slightly at the exchange while pretending not to notice. “Well, if he’s good company and helps her focus, I approve,” she said, throwing a glance at Eunseok that held more meaning than her words let on.
“Didn’t know he was her type,” Eunseok muttered under his breath, just loud enough for Sion to catch.
Sion, traitorous sibling he was, grinned wide. “Well, noona never says anything, but Anton is good-looking, huh?”
“Sion,” Y/n hissed.
Eunseok didn’t say much after that, but his usual easy energy had shifted—just slightly. He took a seat, fiddling with the edge of the placemat, watching Y/n as she walked around the kitchen, trying to act normal. Trying not to fidget.
The air had changed. Not dramatically. Not explosively. Just enough to be noticed.
Mrs. Oh set the rice cooker down and sighed quietly, offering a faint smile to Eunseok. “You’ll stay for lunch, right?”
“I might head out before that,” he said, not meeting Y/n’s eyes this time. Y/n blinked, surprised by the answer. “You’re not staying?”
“Got something to do,” he said with a shrug that didn’t feel as casual as he wanted it to. Before anyone could say more, the doorbell rang. Y/n flinched.
“That must be him,” she murmured.
“I’ll get it!” Sion called, already halfway to the door.
And as Anton’s voice greeted the younger boy from the entryway, Eunseok stood up, the chair scraping slightly against the floor.
“Tell him I said hi,” he said, grabbing his jacket off the back of the chair.
Mrs. Oh frowned. “You don’t have to rush out, Eunseok.”
“I’ll be back later,” he said, already heading for the hallway.
Y/n turned to follow, but he paused just long enough at the edge of the room to say, “Have fun today.” The smile he gave her didn’t quite reach his eyes before walking past Anton and then he was gone.
The front door closed with a soft click, but to Y/n, it might as well have echoed. Eunseok’s presence, so loud and familiar, left a sudden hollow quiet in the air.
She stood in the hallway for a moment longer than necessary, eyes fixed on the now-closed door, her heart thrumming uneasily. Something about the way he left… the look on his face—it unsettled her.
Behind her, Mrs. Oh called out gently, “Y/n, sweetheart, don’t keep your guest standing.”
Snapping herself out of it, she turned and forced a smile as Anton entered the kitchen, Sion trailing after him.
“Anton! You came right on time,” Mrs. Oh greeted warmly, already gesturing to the table. “Come, come, we have enough food for everyone. Eunseok just left, so there’s an open seat.”
Anton blinked, slightly surprised. “Oh, he’s not eating with us?”
Y/n quietly took her seat, her gaze fixed on her rice bowl. “He had something to do,” she murmured.
Mrs. Oh gave Anton a kind smile. “He’s been in and out a lot lately. Busy boy. But that just means more food for you.”
Anton chuckled politely, settling into the seat Eunseok had vacated minutes before. It didn’t go unnoticed by Y/n, who kept her eyes down, pushing her food around.
Sion, not one for subtlety, pointed his chopsticks across the table. “Noona was spacing out since you got here. Think she’s sad Eunseok hyung left.”
Y/n nearly choked on air, glaring at her brother. “Sion!”
Anton laughed softly, lifting a spoonful of eggs and holding it toward Y/n. “Then let’s fix that. Say ‘ahh.’ Come on, it’ll make you smile.”
She looked at him, startled, before blinking rapidly. “Are you seriously trying to feed me right now?”
“You look like you need it,” he said with a teasing grin, clearly trying to lighten the mood.
Sion was grinning way too wide, and Mrs. Oh gave them both a knowing side-eye as she poured soup into small bowls. “I like this one,” she muttered under her breath just loud enough for Y/n to hear.
Y/n rolled her eyes, but despite everything, she opened her mouth slightly, letting Anton feed her a bite. She chewed, eyebrows rising in surprise.
“…Okay, that’s actually really good,” she admitted.
Anton smiled wider, clearly pleased. “See? Told you I’d cheer you up.”
And for a moment, it worked. Y/n allowed herself to relax—just a little—as they fell into a lighter rhythm. They joked, Sion made his usual ridiculous comments, and Mrs. Oh asked Anton the usual barrage of motherly questions, from his major to his favorite childhood food. He answered them all with charming ease.
But in the back of Y/n’s mind, she couldn’t stop replaying the slight furrow in Eunseok’s brow. The way his smile didn’t quite reach his eyes. The shift in the air when Sion mentioned Anton’s name.
She laughed when Anton teased her again, but her heart still felt tangled in a knot she couldn’t explain.
Outside, the day carried on like normal—but something between her and Eunseok had changed, even if neither of them had said a word about it.
After breakfast, the skies had softened into a quiet grey—the kind of weather that made everything feel slower, dreamier. Y/n and Anton stepped out of the house, her mom waving them off from the doorway with a smile and a suspiciously approving look. Sion had muttered something about “don’t be out too long” before disappearing into the living room, game controller already in hand.
Anton had offered his arm like a drama lead, jokingly, and Y/n had smacked it away with a laugh.
They decided to take the scenic route through the neighborhood park on the way to the café Anton had picked out. The breeze was cool, tugging gently at Y/n’s hair. Anton, walking slightly ahead, turned to look at her every now and then, like he was making sure she was still with him.
“You really okay?” he asked, voice softer now that they were alone. “You seemed… distracted earlier.”
Y/n hesitated for a second too long.
“Just… thinking about stuff,” she replied vaguely. “You know how it is. Life, school, projects...”
Anton looked at her a moment longer, his eyes warm but thoughtful. “Right. Life stuff.”
They left it at that—for now.
The café Anton brought her to was small and tucked between a bookstore and a plant shop, its storefront framed by hanging vines and chalkboard menus in handwritten script.
Y/n blinked as she stepped inside. “How did you even find this place?”
Anton grinned, proud. “I came here a lot when I was preparing for entrance exams. They let me stay forever as long as I bought a drink every few hours.”
The inside was cozy: dark wooden tables, dim lighting, the soft hum of indie music playing somewhere in the background. A couple of students were curled up in corners with laptops and open notebooks, the smell of baked pastries and cinnamon lingering in the air.
They ordered drinks—iced caramel coffee for her, black coffee for him—and a shared slice of strawberry shortcake.
They sat by the window.
“You know,” Anton began as he placed the fork in her hand, “when I said I’d treat you to cake, I wasn’t joking.”
Y/n chuckled, stabbing into the soft sponge. “I assumed you were just using cake as a bribe so I’d agree to be your project partner.”
“That too,” he admitted with a sheepish grin.
Their conversation flowed easier than she expected. He told her more about his hometown, his old high school friends, and his dream of maybe studying abroad someday. She told him about her childhood with Eunseok—without lingering too long on anything that might make her chest feel tight again.
It was calm. Natural.
And when she laughed at something Anton said, really laughed he looked at her with a softness that made her pause. Just for a second.
“Is there something on my face?” she asked, wiping her mouth with a napkin, suddenly self-conscious.
Anton shook his head, smile lingering. “Nah. You just look happy.”
She blinked, caught off guard. “Oh.”
“I like seeing you that way,” he added, almost shyly, taking a sip of his coffee to hide the red in his ears.
Y/n didn’t know what to say to that. So she just quietly took another bite of cake, and let the moment pass without pushing it too far.
But the warmth in her cheeks stayed with her the whole walk back home.
"Hey, im so sorry im late baby. The boys got into an accident and i-" eunseok stops when he finds you laid across his mattress, his sweater and sweatpants wrapped around your figure loosely, but is held tightly as hug yourself and snore softly, your bed hair covering your eyes. He almost melts because of it. You looked so cute :(
And when you toss over, mumbling his name in your sleep he nearly loses it; rushing over to give you the cuddle you rightfully deserve, even if you were asleep. "Hmm? Baby?" You stir in your sleep, your eyes fluttering open when he shushes you, laying your head on his chest so he can engulf you, his chin resting on your head. And just like that youre out again, a small smile on your face as youre finally able to hug the guy you've missed the most.
Oh Y/n and Song Eunseok have been inseparable since they were toddlers, growing up side by side in neighboring houses, their bond strengthened by the close friendship of their mothers. From chasing away bugs to bandaging scraped knees to protecting her from other mean classmates. Eunseok has always been Y/n’s quiet guardian — the one who stood between her and the world when it felt too loud.
Everything is thrown into question when things slowly started to change. Less time spend together.
Is she finally realizing that maybe… her best friend was never just her best friend?
The evening air was cooler now, brushing against their cheeks as Anton and Y/n walked slowly side by side. The sun had almost disappeared completely, and a silvery hue covered the quiet neighborhood. The path home felt strangely short despite neither of them saying much because this time, their fingers were intertwined.
Y/n glanced down at their hands, her thumb gently brushing his as they walked. It felt strange and new but in the best way. Anton didn’t say anything about it either he just held on, his hand warm and grounding. Every now and then, he’d glance her way, lips curved slightly in that familiar crooked smile.
“Still not used to it,” Y/n mumbled after a beat, nodding to their hands. Anton raised a brow. “Used to what?”
“This.” She gave their hands a small shake. “Want me to let go?” he teased, already tightening his grip slightly.
“No,” she said too quickly, then covered her mouth in embarrassment. “I mean… no. I’m getting used to it.” They both laughed softly, the kind of laugh that floats easily between people when everything feels light and genuine.
Front Porch Fumble
When they reached Y/n’s front door, they stopped. Neither of them moved to speak at first. The porch light flicked on above them automatically, casting a golden glow that made everything feel like a scene straight from a drama too perfect to be real.
Anton turned to face her fully, hand still holding hers. “Thanks for hanging out today,” he said, a bit softer now. “It was… honestly one of my favorite days.” Y/n’s breath hitched, her heart drumming faster in her chest. She looked up at him and nodded. “Mine too.”
Then, slowly very slowly Anton began to lean in. His gaze flicked from her eyes to her lips, and Y/n felt heat bloom in her cheeks so fast she was surprised she didn’t steam. She felt frozen but also… expectant. This was it. This was—
Click.
The door creaked open sharply. Both of them flinched, jerking their heads toward the source. Standing there, arms crossed and unimpressed, was Sion. He blinked. “I heard footsteps. Was wondering why you both weren’t coming inside.” His gaze shifted down to their clasped hands, and his brows lifted ever-so-slightly. Y/n opened her mouth, then closed it. Sion said nothing more. Just gave them a long, knowing look like a protective younger sibling caught in the middle of a K-drama cliffhanger. Then, with the same deadpan energy, he turned and walked back into the house.
Y/n groaned, dragging her free hand across her face. “I’m going to smother him in his sleep.” Anton chuckled. “It’s fine. Honestly, I think he saved me from passing out from nerves.”
Y/n looked up at him again, eyes wide. “You were nervous?”
“Still am,” he admitted, smiling. “You make me nervous in the best way.” Before she could respond, Mr. Oh appeared at the door, wearing his usual gentle smile—but this time with a raised brow.
“Oh? Not inviting him inside?” her dad asked, amusement dancing in his voice.
Y/n blinked. “I—uh—”
His gaze slid to their hands, still linked. The corner of his mouth twitched into a smirk. “Looks like I should start preparing for a wedding,” he muttered under his breath as he opened the door wider.
“Dad!”
Anton choked on air, turning red. “Come in,” Mr. Oh said, clearly enjoying every second of their embarrassment. Y/n reluctantly tugged Anton’s hand, guiding him inside. “Ignore them. All of them.” Anton leaned in slightly and whispered with a grin, “So no first kiss on the porch tonight?” She groaned again, laughing despite herself. “Not unless you want Sion filming it from the bushes.”
—
The house smelled faintly of stir-fried vegetables and soy-glazed chicken, the remnants of dinner still lingering in the air. Laughter from earlier echoed softly in the back of Anton's mind as he sat with Y/n and her family, occasionally glancing her way as her dad made his usual string of witty comments.
Mrs. Oh had insisted Anton eat seconds, and though he was already full, he hadn’t dared say no. Mr. Oh had spent most of dinner teasing the two of them gently, of course asking things like, “So how long until we meet your parents, Anton?” and “You know, Y/n’s never let anyone else into her room this many times before.”
It was the kind of teasing that made Y/n groan and Anton laugh nervously, eyes flicking between her and her dad, unsure whether to grin or faint. After dinner, Mrs. Oh had started gathering plates while Anton helped carry things to the kitchen without needing to be asked. Sion, as usual, chimed in with commentary from the sidelines while sipping a juice box like a retired monarch.
Finally, when everything was cleaned up and the living room settled into the lull of a post-dinner haze, Y/n turned to Anton and tilted her head toward the stairs.
“Wanna go upstairs? I need to look over our presentation slides again before we meet with the teacher next week.”
Anton nodded immediately, though they both knew they wouldn’t really be looking at slides tonight.
As they began heading up, Sion called out from the couch, his voice laced with mischief. “Leave the door open!” Y/n paused on the stairwell and gave him a mock glare. “Don’t make me throw you out the window.” Mrs. Oh gently smacked the back of Sion’s head with a dish towel on her way to the kitchen. “Let them be, troublemaker.”
Anton chuckled under his breath, following Y/n up the stairs, his heart doing that stuttering beat it only seemed to do around her now.
In Y/n’s Room
Her bedroom was softly lit, with a warm toned lamp glowing beside the bed, and fairy lights draped along the window frame, giving the whole space a soft, dreamy quality. Anton stepped inside slowly, glancing around with more curiosity this time.
He’d been here before multiple times, thanks to their project—but this felt different now. It wasn’t just a study partner’s room anymore. It was hers. Y/n’s. And somehow, now that they were something more... he noticed everything differently. Plushies were arranged neatly on shelves, from small round ones to a few recognizable characters—most of which had clearly been there for years. A small row of scented candles lined her desk. Her favorite books were stacked on her nightstand, some dog-eared and well-loved.
But what caught his attention most were the photos on the wall. They weren’t flashy, but personal. Pictures of Y/n as a kid, some with Sion, many with Eunseok. One in particular had the three of them grinning at the beach, clearly from early teen years. Another was from a more recent school festival—Eunseok and Y/n holding cotton candy, laughing mid-conversation.
Anton stared quietly at them for a moment, his expression unreadable. Y/n noticed and sat down on her bed, patting the space beside her. “You can sit. I don’t bite.” He smiled and joined her, though his eyes flicked once more to the photos before returning to her face. “You guys look really close.”
“We are,” she replied softly, following his gaze. “Me, Eunseok, and Sion… we’ve always been like this small chaotic trio. He’s been around forever. I guess it shows.”
Anton nodded. “I get it. It’s hard to grow up with someone like that and not carry those years with you.” Y/n looked down at her hands, fiddling with the edge of her comforter. “Yeah… but things change too. People grow, feelings shift. You don’t always realize it until something… or someone makes you look at things differently.”
When she glanced back up, Anton was watching her, his eyes thoughtful, soft. “I didn’t mean to get between anything,” he said carefully.
“You didn’t,” Y/n said immediately. “You just… kind of showed up when I didn’t even realize I needed you to.” They sat in silence for a second, just staring at each other. And then, Anton smiled soft and wide and bumped her shoulder with his. “Well… I’ll take that as a compliment.”
“It is,” she said with a laugh. “Mostly.” Anton let out a quiet chuckle, then leaned back slightly on his hands. “I like your room,” he said. “It feels like you.” Y/n blinked. “What’s that supposed to mean?” “Comfortable. Bright. Slightly chaotic.” He grinned at the last part. She playfully shoved him, and he laughed again. From downstairs, a faint "You two still alive up there?" drifted up from Mr. Oh, making them both snort in amusement. “Still breathing!” Y/n called back before lowering her voice. “Barely.” Anton leaned over and whispered, “Worth the risk.”
—
The house had settled into a calm hush, the kind of quiet that only comes late at night when the world outside feels like it’s gone to sleep. The warm glow of the living room lamp washed over Y/n as she sat beside her mom on the couch, still feeling the lingering heat on her cheeks from being so close to Anton just moments before.
She could still hear the soft murmur of voices upstairs Sion teasing Anton probably, digging through his wardrobe to find something oversized that would serve as makeshift pajamas. The contrast between the muffled sounds and the cozy quiet downstairs made it all feel strangely domestic. Almost like this wasn’t a one-time sleepover, but something familiar… natural.
Mrs. Oh smiled knowingly as she glanced at her daughter.
“You like him,” she said simply. Y/n paused, then slowly turned her head, her lips tugging into a sheepish smile. “Was it that obvious?” Her mother chuckled gently, brushing a stray strand of hair behind Y/n’s ear. “You were glowing earlier, sweetheart. And when a girl glows like that, it’s never because of the stir-fried chicken.”
Y/n laughed quietly, leaning her head against her mom’s shoulder. “He’s… different. In a good way.”
Mrs. Oh tilted her head toward her, resting her cheek lightly on top of Y/n’s head. “He seems kind. Respectful. The way he looks at you? It’s like he’s trying to memorize every second.”
Y/n bit her lip, remembering the way Anton’s eyes had lingered on her earlier how attentive he was to everything she said, even the random tangents about dreams and favorite songs, like every word mattered.
“It’s still new,” she whispered, almost to herself.
Mrs. Oh nodded. “New doesn’t mean uncertain. Sometimes new just means exciting. I’m proud of you, you know.”
“For what?”
“For growing up… for letting someone in, when I know you’ve always been so careful with your heart.”
Y/n blinked slowly, the weight of her mother’s words sitting deeply in her chest. She hadn’t even realized just how true they were until now. Before she could say anything back, they heard footsteps on the stairs. Sion was first to appear, dramatically flopping onto the couch beside his mom with a yawn. Anton followed moments later, now dressed in an t-shirt with some outdated band logo and a pair of loose pajama pants that clearly belonged to Sion—based on how small they were on him.
Anton looked slightly awkward, rubbing the back of his neck with a crooked smile. “Thank you again, Mrs. Oh. For letting me stay.”
Mrs. Oh stood up, brushing her hands down her pajama slacks. “You’re always welcome, Anton. Now, get some rest, both of you. I’m heading to bed—and I expect this one,” she glanced at Sion, “to not sneak into the kitchen at midnight.”
“No promises,” Sion muttered, already half-asleep on the couch.
Y/n stood with Anton and led him down the hall toward the guestroom, the same space her uncle used to crash in whenever he visited. It was small but neat, the sheets freshly changed earlier that week. Anton stepped inside, glancing around. “Cozy.”
“Only the best for our accidental guest,” Y/n teased, crossing her arms as she leaned against the doorway. He turned to face her then, a gentle expression settling onto his face. “Thanks for tonight. For… everything.” Y/n smiled, the moment stretching between them.
For a second, she almost leaned in again, but stopped herself, aware of the creaky floorboards and her brother probably still very much awake down the hall. Instead, she gave him a small wave. “Goodnight, Anton.”
“Sweetdreams, Y/n.”
As she walked back toward her room, her heart pounded—not with nerves, but something quieter and warmer. Something steady. She closed her door and fell back onto her bed with a soft sigh, staring at the ceiling with a smile tugging at her lips. And somewhere down the hall, Anton lay in the guestroom staring at the ceiling too—thinking about the way her eyes lit up when she laughed, and wondering if this was what falling felt like.
—
The morning air was crisp, brushing lightly against Y/n’s cheeks as she and Anton stepped off the bus and into the school courtyard. Her fingers still tingled slightly from brushing against Anton’s when he casually handed her his scarf after noticing she was cold.
The moment didn’t last long, however, as the chorus of familiar voices greeted them from ahead. “Hiiii~ Anton.” Somi and Winter sang in unison, voices laced with teasing as they leaned toward each other, grinning wide. Y/n groaned playfully, nudging Winter with her shoulder as she rolled her eyes. “You guys are impossible.” Anton, ever the polite one, gave a little bow of his head. “Good morning. Nice to see you all.”
“Aw, he’s polite too,” Yunjin cooed under her breath, elbowing Somi who nearly doubled over in giggles. Y/n’s cheeks burned faintly as she watched Anton slip away toward his own group Seunghan and Sohee already waving him over near the east building steps. For a moment, she stared after him, her chest doing that unfamiliar little flutter again. It wasn’t just the way he walked beside her anymore, or the protective way he handled her bag, or even how natural he looked in her home the night before—it was how safe she felt. How easy it all was.
But as she turned back toward her girls, a faint gnawing question surfaced. One that tugged at her with quiet persistence.
“Hey,” Y/n started, brow furrowing slightly, “have you guys seen Eunseok? He didn’t show up this morning.”
Each of her friends looked around before shaking their heads.
“Nope, he’s usually attached to your hip by now,” Winter added, lightly biting into her croissant.
“I texted him,” Y/n mumbled. “No reply.”
Right then, the sound of someone rushing across the pavement made her head snap up. The courtyard was already clearing as students began heading inside, but one figure jogged toward the main gates—hair messy, backpack slung haphazardly over one shoulder, sneakers loosely tied. It was him.
Eunseok.
Their eyes locked for a second in the sea of movement. He gave her a short smile not the usual cocky grin or teasing smirk. Just a simple, closed lip smile before he veered off toward where Sungchan and Shotaro were waiting near the bench by the front building.
Y/n blinked, her lips parting slightly. Something felt… off. Not wrong exactly, just different.
“Come on,” Anton’s voice brought her back, his gentle hand reaching for her bag. She instinctively clutched it, raising a brow. “I can carry it.”
“I want to,” he replied with a soft grin, already slipping it off her shoulder despite her weak protest.
“Anton—”
“You carried it every day for how long? Let me do it for once,” he said, his voice low, eyes briefly catching hers. Y/n hesitated for half a second before relenting, a small smile forming as she bumped her shoulder lightly against his. “You’re such a softie.”
He didn’t deny it.
Meanwhile, from across the yard, Eunseok watched. Standing with his hands stuffed in his hoodie pockets, he leaned slightly against the bench as his eyes followed them—how easily they moved together now, laughing over something only they could hear.
“She looks cute.”
The words had left him before he even realized it, spoken low enough to be real but loud enough for his friends to catch.
Sungchan froze for a moment, exchanging a glance with Shotaro before his lips quirked. “You said it, not us,” he teased, clapping a hand on Eunseok’s shoulder. Eunseok groaned internally and turned to open his locker with just a bit more force than necessary. Shotaro tried to stifle his chuckle but failed. “Dude… you really just said that like you were in a drama.” “Shut up.”
“You like her,” Sungchan added, mock-gasping. “You like like her.”
“I never said that,” Eunseok muttered, avoiding their eyes.
“Yeah, but you didn’t not say it either,” Shotaro pointed out smugly.
Eunseok didn’t respond. Instead, he looked back over his shoulder once more, just in time to see Anton open the classroom door for Y/n, one hand still gripping the strap of her bag. She turned slightly, looking back with a smile as Anton said something that made her laugh—head tipping back, eyes crinkling, cheeks a soft pink.
Something tightened in Eunseok’s chest.
He’d seen her smile a thousand times before. He’d made her laugh louder, smirk wider, eyes roll harder than anyone else could. But this time… This time she wasn’t smiling at him.
“Come on, lover boy,” Sungchan muttered. “Let’s get to class before you die from dramatic pining.”
“Bite me,” Eunseok grumbled, but he followed anyway hands shoved deeper in his pockets, the weight of something unspoken settling over him like fog.
—
The hallway was quiet, echoing faint footsteps and the occasional closing of classroom doors as students began drifting toward their next classes or the cafeteria. Y/n stepped out of the girls’ restroom, adjusting the strap of her backpack and smoothing down the front of her uniform. She had barely taken a step when she suddenly collided with someone rounding the corner.
A soft “oof” escaped her lips as she stumbled slightly back.
“Oh—Y/n!” came the familiar voice. She looked up, blinking as Eunseok stood there, hands raised in apology, his expression sheepish. “Crap, sorry. Didn’t see you.”
“It’s okay,” she murmured, brushing her hair behind her ear, a faint smile appearing before fading when she noticed the strange look in his eyes. There was an odd, tentative pause between them. Eunseok awkwardly scratched the back of his neck, avoiding her gaze at first. His voice dropped lower when he finally spoke. “Uhm… You and Anton…” he started, glancing to the side, “are you guys—?”
Y/n’s head snapped toward him, eyes wide for a second before she quickly dropped her gaze to the floor, nervously fidgeting with the hem of her sleeve. “K-kinda,” she admitted softly, almost as if confessing a secret. “Yes… but also not official. Yet.” Eunseok nodded slowly, forcing a small smile onto his face. It didn’t quite reach his eyes. There was a hollow tug in his chest, faint but unmistakable.
“Kinda saw it coming,” he said with a light chuckle, masking the strange tightness he felt under his ribs. “Just… don’t go replacing me with the ‘best friend’ title or anything.” That made Y/n look up, her eyes meeting his with a sincerity that caught him off guard.
“No one can replace you as my best friend, Seok,” she replied, her voice steady, firm—maybe even a little too firm. She reached out and hooked her arm around his, holding onto it tightly. Too tightly.
Eunseok stared at their joined arms for a beat. He could feel the warmth of her grip, how natural it still was to stand so close to her. How much it hadn’t changed. And how much it had. He quickly blinked the thought away, grinning like old times and reaching out with his free hand to ruffle her hair, playfully ruining the neat strands she had spent her break fixing.
“Hey!” she laughed, pulling away half-heartedly.
The bell rang overhead, cutting through the tension with its shrill sound. Eunseok, ever the laid-back one, slung his arm casually over her shoulders like he used to. For a moment, it was like nothing had changed two friends walking through the hall, side by side, stuck in their bubble of inside jokes and quiet familiarity.
“And it’s almost your birthday,” Eunseok said with a teasing smirk. “So… is there anything you want? Other than my amazing presence.”
Y/n snorted. “Actually, yeah. I want you to be more around. Like before.” Her tone grew more sincere as they turned down the staircase. “My mom even said she misses your presence in the mornings. It feels… weird without you around.” Eunseok’s smirk softened, falling away into something more thoughtful.
“Why were you late anyway?” she asked, nudging him lightly. “You’re never late. You’re usually the one waking me up.” He scratched the back of his head again, looking sheepish. “Uh… slept through my alarm. Been happening a lot.”
“Why?”
A pause. A too-long pause. Eunseok shoved his hands in his pockets and glanced down at the floor, kicking at an imaginary pebble on the stair.
“Haven’t been sleeping great the last few days,” he finally admitted. His voice was light—too light. Like he was trying to pass it off as no big deal. But Y/n looked at him longer than he expected, brows gently furrowed. Her lips parted slightly, ready to push further, ask more, dig into that quiet worry behind his eyes.
He beat her to it. “But hey,” he said quickly, grinning again to steer the conversation away, “maybe I just need you to come over and sing lullabies again. Worked in third grade.” Y/n rolled her eyes, though a chuckle escaped her. “You’re impossible.”
“Impossible but charming,” he added.
“And annoying.”
He feigned offense. “You wound me.”
As they stepped outside toward the lunch benches, the chatter of the schoolyard filled the air again. Students called to one another, the smell of kimbap and tteokbokki wafted from the cafeteria line, and somewhere in the distance, Somi was waving her arms wildly trying to get Y/n’s attention.
Y/n waved back, but her thoughts lingered on the boy next to her. On the way he looked tired behind the laughter. On the way his smiles didn’t shine as brightly as they used to.
She didn’t say anything more.
But she’d noticed. And deep down, Eunseok knew she had.
Y/n and Eunseok stepped out into the courtyard, sunlight casting long shadows as the midday warmth settled over campus. Their group of friends were already at their usual spot half-eaten lunch trays scattered on the table, laughter rising in bursts between bites.
Anton was seated on one side of the picnic bench, laughing at something Sohee had just said, while Somi and Sungchan were arguing dramatically over who could finish a spicy rice cake faster. The moment Anton saw Y/n approaching with Eunseok at her side, his expression subtly shifted—an easy smile forming on his lips, though his eyes flickered ever so briefly toward Eunseok.
Without saying a word, Anton slid his tray a few inches to the left, leaving a spot open beside him. Y/n caught the silent invitation. She hesitated just slightly, glancing at Eunseok beside her. He noticed. And he smiled, all soft and casual, even if his chest felt a little tight again.
“Go on,” he said with a small nudge, motioning toward Anton. “You’ll get cold rice if you don’t.” Y/n gave him a grateful glance before making her way over, taking the spot next to Anton. As she sat down, she felt the briefest brush of Anton’s fingers against hers under the table a touch so light it almost didn’t happen, but enough to make her heart skip in her chest.
Anton leaned in, voice low. “Hey. You good?”
She smiled, a little flustered but nodding. “Yeah. You?”
He nodded back. “Better now.”
But before Y/n could dwell on that any longer, Winter’s voice cut across the group with all the delicacy of a crashing cymbal. “Eunseok~” she sing-songed, chin in her hand as she turned to face him, “any updates about Chaeyoung and her confession?” Her voice was loaded with mischief, instantly causing heads to turn toward him.
Y/n froze, blinking at the sudden shift in conversation. She wasn’t the only one. “Haven’t seen her come near us lately,” Winter added thoughtfully, snatching a piece of dumpling off of Sungchan’s tray like it was the most normal thing in the world.
Sungchan gasped, scandalized. “Winter—! That was mine, I’ve been saving that bite!”
Winter ignored him entirely, chewing with satisfaction while Eunseok rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly.
“Chaeyoung?” Anton asked, brows slightly raised. His tone was light, but his eyes flicked toward Y/n in curiosity. “She’s the one who—?”
“Confessed to Eunseok like a while ago,” Yunjin supplied helpfully, eyes glinting with curiosity as she nudged her best friend in the side. Eunseok gave a sheepish shrug. “She… did. But I said I wasn’t really looking to date anyone right now.” That earned a few teasing “ooooohs” from the group, Somi even tossing a piece of seaweed paper at Eunseok’s head.
“What?” he protested. “I let her down easy! No ghosting or anything. I’m a gentleman.”
“Mm,” Winter hummed, unconvinced, but too focused on claiming more food to follow up. Y/n caught Anton’s gaze from the corner of her eye. He hadn’t said anything, just idly stirring his rice with chopsticks, lips pursed in faint thought. She could sense a question forming, maybe even the mildest hint of concern.
She reached under the table, brushing her pinky gently against his, her silent way of saying: Don’t overthink it. It’s not like that.
He responded with a barely-there smile, pinky hooking hers for a second before letting go. Sungchan, still mourning his stolen food, suddenly clapped a hand on the table. “Okay, but why is Chaeyoung avoiding us like we’re contagious?”
“Maybe she saw Anton and Y/n holding hands earlier” Shotaro chimed in, only half-joking.
The table exploded in noise. Yunjin gasped dramatically. “WHAT?! I knew it!” Winter let out a squeal. “Wait, you guys are officially official now?!” Y/n immediately flushed bright red. “No—we’re not—well, kind of, but not—” Anton, ever calm, just laughed, gently nudging her knee with his. “We’re taking things slow.”
That somehow made the squeals worse. Eunseok smiled, trying not to think too hard about how Y/n didn’t deny it. His fingers fidgeted with the cap of his water bottle. He told himself it was fine. He was fine. He had to be.
But across the table, Anton looked at him again. And this time, their eyes didn’t look away so quickly. There was something unspoken there—civil, polite, but undeniably aware. Like they both knew.
Something had shifted.
And it wasn’t just the weather.
—
The final bell rang with a shrill cry, echoing down the hallways as students flooded out of classrooms like a dam breaking. Laughter and chatter filled the air as bags were slung over shoulders, shoes squeaking against the linoleum floor.
Y/n stood by her locker, shoving her books in absentmindedly, still thinking about lunch and the looks exchanged—not just the teasing ones from her friends, but the quiet, unreadable glance Anton and Eunseok had shared. She couldn't shake the feeling that something unsaid had lingered in the air long after the group had dispersed. Just as she was about to close her locker, a familiar voice chimed in beside her.
"Need a walk-home buddy?" Eunseok asked, a half-eaten choco pie in hand, his expression casual.
Y/n blinked, glancing around. “You’re not heading home with the guys today?” He shrugged, finishing the snack and crumpling the wrapper in one hand. “Sungchan’s got extra practice, and Shotaro ditched us for bubble tea with the photography club. I figured I’d crash your walk for old times’ sake.”
She smiled faintly, closing her locker with a click. “Sounds nostalgic.”
“Right? Just like the good ol’ days when I used to carry your bag and you used to pretend you weren’t waiting for me after class.”
“I did not!” she protested, nudging him in the arm as they began walking side-by-side toward the school gate.
“You so did,” he grinned. “You even used to pretend you were just ‘coincidentally’ always on your phone near the gate.”
Y/n rolled her eyes with a light laugh. “I don’t recall.”
“Liar,” he teased, bumping his shoulder against hers.
As they walked down the street together, the afternoon sun washed everything in a golden hue. The breeze was gentle, just enough to rustle the leaves overhead. They passed by the usual snack stalls and convenience stores—places they’d frequented together for years. There was a familiar rhythm to their walk, a comfort that didn’t require constant conversation.
“I know I’ve been kind of… absent lately,” Eunseok eventually said, his tone quieter now.
Y/n glanced at him. “You’ve been going through something?”
He hesitated, then sighed. “Maybe. I don’t know. I think I just feel... weird.”
“Weird how?”
Eunseok kept his eyes forward, his hands stuffed into his hoodie pockets. “I guess… watching everything change. You, me, us. Anton coming into the picture. I knew it would happen someday, you know? But it still caught me off guard.”
Y/n didn’t say anything right away. Her gaze dropped to the sidewalk as they walked.
“You’re still important to me, Seok. That doesn’t change,” she said softly. “Anton or no Anton.”
He smiled, though it was the kind that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “I know. I’m just still adjusting. It’s weird seeing you with someone and realizing I’m not the center of your world anymore.”
Her footsteps slowed just slightly, and he noticed.
“You’ll always be a huge part of my world,” she said honestly. “But I’m allowed to let it grow a little, right?”
That made him pause.
“You are,” he admitted. “And Anton’s not a bad guy, for the record. He really… likes you.”
Y/n felt a warmth spread in her chest and cheeks.
“I like him too,” she murmured. “You staying for dinner?” she asked glancing up at him, a little hopeful.
Eunseok shook his head. “Not tonight. But I’ll stop by tomorrow morning. I know your mom’s probably lowkey mad I haven’t had breakfast there all week.”
“She’s definitely going to lecture you,” Y/n smirked.
“I’d expect nothing less.”
They stopped at the end of the street. For a second, neither of them moved. Then Eunseok looked at her, something unreadable in his expression. “Hey, Y/n?”
“Hm?”
He hesitated for a breath. “Don’t fall for him too hard, okay?”
Her smile faltered, just for a second. “Why?”
“Because if he ever hurts you… I’ll never forgive him. Or myself.”
She didn’t know what to say to that. So instead, she stepped forward and wrapped her arms around him. Tightly.
Eunseok froze for a second, then slowly returned the hug. His chin rested against the side of her head, and neither of them said anything for a while. When they pulled apart, he gave her a small, lopsided grin. “Go inside before your mom thinks I’m confessing or something.”
Y/n laughed, shaking her head as she turned to head home.
But even as she walked away, she felt the weight of his words stay with her. So did he. And neither of them said what was really on their minds
Y/n stepped into the house, her bag dropping by the door with a soft thump. The house smelled faintly of sesame oil and something simmering on the stove—her mom must’ve started prepping dinner early. She could hear quiet music from the kitchen, the low hum of a pot boiling.
But Y/n wasn’t thinking about food.
Her mind was still tangled up in the walk she’d just shared with Eunseok. His words echoed faintly, like the last vibration of a guitar string.
“Don’t fall for him too hard…”
She sat on the edge of the couch and pulled her phone from her pocket, her fingers brushing across the screen absently. A notification caught her eye—Anton.
A message.
Anton:
“Hey… can I ask you something kind of serious?”
Her heart skipped once. She sat up straighter, thumb hovering for a moment before she typed back.
Y/n:
“Of course. What’s on your mind?”
He replied almost immediately.
Anton:
“It’s about Eunseok. I don’t want to sound jealous or anything. I trust you, really. But…”
She waited, staring at the three little dots indicating he was still typing.
Anton:
“It’s the way he looks at you sometimes. Like… there’s more there than just friendship.”
Y/n stared at the message, her chest tightening a little.
Anton followed up quickly:
Anton:
“I know you two are close. And I’ve never wanted to get in the way of that. I like how close you are. But sometimes it feels like… I’m stepping into something he’s been quietly guarding for a long time.”
She read the message once. Then again.
It wasn’t accusatory. It wasn’t dramatic or defensive. It was honest. Anton, sweet and perceptive, had seen something—and now it was her turn to respond.
Y/n:
“I get what you’re saying. And I won’t lie, I’ve wondered about it before too. There were moments where I felt… something more, from his side. But he’s never said anything. We’ve known each other for so long, sometimes it’s hard to tell if it’s love or habit.”
A few seconds passed before Anton replied.
Anton:
“That’s fair. I guess I just needed to know if you see him like that. Or if there’s a part of you that still holds space for that ‘what if.’”
She bit her lip, her thumb hesitating over the keyboard. She could feel the weight of the question—not just the words, but what they meant. Anton wasn’t trying to put her in a corner. He wasn’t being possessive. He just wanted to understand what he was walking into… and maybe if he was walking alone.
So she typed honestly.
Y/n:
“I care about him, so much. He’s been there for most of my life.. i really don't know..”
This time, Anton took longer to reply. Her heart beat faster as she stared at the screen. Then—
Anton:
“ I’ll be honest—I’ve never been the jealous type. But watching the two of you together… it makes me a little afraid. Because I know how easy it is to fall for someone who’s always been by your side.”
Y/n took a deep breath, holding her phone against her chest for a second.
Then she replied.
Y/n:
“Thank you for being honest with me. You have every right to feel how you feel..”
Anton’s final message came a moment later.
Anton:
“Okay. That’s all I wanted to ask. See you tomorrow, Y/n.💛”
Y/n set the phone down, staring at the ceiling for a moment.
A lot had changed in the past few weeks. But somehow, this felt like one of those silent turning points.
She knew things with Eunseok would never be simple—not when a history that deep existed.
—
The soft golden light of early morning filtered through the kitchen windows, casting long shadows across the tidy room. The scent of freshly brewed coffee mingled with the sweet aroma of toasted bread and scrambled eggs. Eunseok sat at the small wooden table, quietly spooning cereal, his gaze distant as if the morning quiet was helping him piece together thoughts that had been tangled for days. The clatter of dishes and the hum of the coffee maker were the only sounds aside from the gentle tapping of raindrops on the windowpane.
Y/n’s mother moved gracefully around the kitchen, her movements fluid and practiced. She glanced at her daughter every so often with a soft smile as Y/n bustled about, putting the finishing touches on her school bag and smoothing out the slight wrinkles in her blouse. The peaceful rhythm of their morning was suddenly interrupted by the sound of the doorbell. Sion quickly opened the front door and Anton stepped inside, holding a small bag of pastries, a tentative smile on his face. “Good morning,” he said, slightly sheepish, clearly unsure if his timing was ideal. “I hope I’m not intruding.”
Y/n’s mother turned from the stove, surprised but warm. “Anton, what a lovely surprise! Come in, come in,” she said, ushering him forward. “Breakfast is just about ready.” She quickly wiped her hands on her apron and offered him a seat at the table.
Anton nodded appreciatively and took his place across from Eunseok. The moment their eyes met, there was a subtle shift in the atmosphere. Eunseok’s expression hardened imperceptibly; the warmth between old friends flickered with a new tension. Anton, too, straightened in his seat, the friendly smile faltering just for a moment as if weighing something unspoken. The air between them became thick with things left unsaid—questions, memories, quiet rivalries. Y/n’s mother noticed the shift, though no words passed. She poured coffee into Anton’s cup with a gentle smile but found herself stealing glances at the two boys, sensing the fragile line they were walking.
Y/n entered the kitchen, rubbing sleep from her eyes, cheeks still flushed from just waking. “Anton! You’re here early!” she exclaimed with a genuine smile. “I wasn’t expecting you.”
Anton returned her smile, though it was tinged with a quiet nervousness. “I thought I’d come by before school, say hi.”
Breakfast unfolded with polite conversation. Y/n’s mother asked about school and homework, while Y/n tried to maintain the easy banter she shared with both boys, though the subtle tension between Eunseok and Anton was like a low hum in the background—felt but unspoken. Eunseok’s gaze lingered on Y/n longer than usual, and Anton stole glances that were quick but full of meaning. Y/n sensed it all, a fluttering nervousness mixed with warmth.
Once breakfast was over, plates cleared, and backpacks slung over shoulders, the three friends stepped out the front door, locking it behind them. The neighborhood was waking up, birds chirping softly, and the cool morning air filled their lungs as they began walking toward the bus stop.
Y/n chatted animatedly, her voice bright and light, but she stumbled over her words now and then, her usual clumsiness showing through. The sidewalk was narrow and bordered by a low curb that separated it from the quiet street. As she rounded a corner, her foot caught on the uneven pavement edge.
Suddenly, a car came hurtling down the street, far faster than was safe for the residential area. Y/n’s balance faltered; she slipped dangerously close to the curb, the sudden motion startling her. Before Anton could react, Eunseok’s hand shot out, grasping her wrist firmly but gently, pulling her back from the edge with practiced ease.
“Careful!” Eunseok’s voice was low, edged with concern. His eyes searched hers, making sure she was steady.
Y/n’s cheeks flamed, both from embarrassment and the sudden rush of adrenaline. “Thanks… I’m such a klutz,” she muttered, brushing her hair behind her ear.
Anton caught up beside them, placing a steadying hand on Y/n’s back. “Are you okay?” His voice was warm and filled with relief.
“I’m fine,” Y/n assured, but her eyes kept darting between Eunseok and Anton. She noticed something different in the way Eunseok was looking at her, a quiet intensity that hadn’t been there before.
For a brief moment, the three of them stood in the stillness of the morning, the sounds of the neighborhood carrying faintly around them. The tension was palpable but softened by the warmth of their closeness. As the bus came into view, a yellow blur against the pavement, they moved forward together. Each lost in their own thoughts but sharing this moment—connected, complicated, and quietly charged beneath the surface of their usual routine.
The bus hummed quietly as it cruised through the neighborhood, the morning sunlight streaming through the windows and casting soft golden patches across the worn seats. Anton and Y/n sat side by side near the middle of the bus, their shoulders almost touching but both careful to keep a comfortable space between them. The usual chatter of students filled the air, but around them, an unspoken tension simmered.
Y/n’s fingers absentmindedly traced the faint redness on her wrist, where Eunseok had caught her just moments ago. The memory of his strong grip, steady and sure, lingered like a gentle spark beneath her skin. She glanced down again, as if trying to make sense of the confusing flutter in her chest.
Anton’s sharp eyes caught the movement. He noticed the slight crease in her brow and the way her fingers hovered protectively over that spot. Yet, he said nothing. Instead, he reached over just enough to lightly brush her hand with his thumb, a small gesture meant to comfort but also to quietly claim this space between them.
Y/n’s breath hitched for a moment before she relaxed, a shy smile tugging at her lips as she met Anton’s gaze. His eyes were steady and warm, full of something unspoken—a question? A promise? She wasn’t sure, but the look made her heart beat a little faster.
Behind them, Eunseok settled into his seat, his eyes occasionally flicking forward to watch Y/n and Anton. There was no anger in his gaze, only a quiet complexity. He bit his lower lip and shifted uncomfortably, the mix of protectiveness and something more tangled in his expression.
The bus lurched slightly over a bump in the road, and Y/n shifted closer to Anton without realizing it. Their hands brushed again, and this time, neither pulled away.
Outside the window, the familiar sights of their neighborhood passed by—the rows of trees, sleepy houses, and early risers on the sidewalks. But inside the bus, time seemed to slow just a little, as if this small bubble of proximity was all that mattered.
Anton’s voice finally broke the silence, low and gentle, “You okay?” he asked, nodding toward her wrist.
Y/n glanced down, then back up at him, her cheeks flushed. “Yeah… thanks to Eunseok.”
Anton smiled softly. “He’s got your back,” he said quietly, but there was something protective in his tone, too.
Y/n looked away shyly, then back again. “I guess I’m lucky to have both of you.”
Anton squeezed her hand once more before releasing it. “Yeah… you are.”
The bus slowed as it neared the school, the routine awakening of the day pressing back into their reality. Y/n took a deep breath, mentally preparing herself for the complex dance of friendship, feelings, and unspoken words that awaited once the doors opened.
—
A couple weeks later.
The usual school day had dragged on, heavy with a restless energy Y/n couldn’t shake. When her friends had casually asked if they could come over to her house after school, she hesitated for only a moment before agreeing. It felt like exactly what she needed—some distraction, some comfort.
Going home together, their lively chatter filled the air, but Y/n’s mind was elsewhere, swirling with confusion and quiet questions she wasn’t ready to answer.
Once inside, the familiar warmth of her home wrapped around her. Her mom looked up from preparing dinner, eyes lighting up with surprise and delight at seeing Y/n’s friends gathered in the living room. “Oh, what a lovely surprise! Come in, girls,” she greeted with her usual gentle smile.
Y/n introduced each of her friends, feeling a quiet pride as her mom welcomed them as if they were longtime family friends. The girls settled in, sinking into the couches and chairs, the soft clink of snack bowls and the hum of their laughter filling the room.
As the conversation meandered, Y/n’s heart grew heavier. The moment to speak up had arrived. She drew a shaky breath, her voice barely above a whisper.
“Can I be honest with you all?” she began, looking around at their expectant faces. “I really like Anton. I’ve liked him for a while now. But lately… I keep thinking about Eunseok. And it’s confusing because I thought those feelings were gone. But they’re still there. And I don’t understand why.”
Winter’s eyes softened, her voice tender. “That’s so hard, Y/n. When your heart feels pulled in two directions.”
Yunjin smirked, leaning forward with a teasing glint. “You’ve always had a thing for Eunseok, though. Everyone knows it. Even he probably feels the same, whether he wants to admit it or not.”
The others giggled, and Y/n’s cheeks flushed a deep shade of pink. She looked down, running her fingers nervously along the edge of her sleeve.
“I don’t know what to do,” she confessed. “I like Anton, I really do. But then there’s this… pull towards Eunseok. I don’t want to hurt anyone. Or myself.”
Her friends exchanged glances, sympathy and understanding in their eyes. “Sometimes, feelings don’t make sense right away,” Somi said softly. “Maybe you just need more time to figure things out.”
Unbeknownst to Y/n and the girls, her mom stood quietly in the doorway, absorbing every word. She smiled gently, knowing this was a crossroads for her daughter—a moment that would shape how she navigated her heart going forward.
When the girls eventually said their goodbyes and left, Y/n’s mom guided her into the kitchen, where the comforting aroma of cooking filled the space.
“Y/n,” she began softly, sitting beside her at the kitchen table, “I heard some of what you said earlier.” Y/n’s breath caught, cheeks heating again as she met her mom’s understanding gaze.
“You’re caught between two people,” her mom continued, her tone kind but firm. “And that’s a difficult place to be.”
Y/n nodded, her voice trembling. “I don’t know who I want. I feel like I’m being pulled both ways, and it’s tearing me up inside.”
Her mom reached out, brushing a stray strand of hair behind Y/n’s ear. “You know, love is messy and complicated. It’s okay to feel unsure. What matters is being honest—with yourself and with those around you.”
Y/n swallowed hard. “But what if I hurt one of them?”
Her mom’s eyes shone with warmth. “You won’t be the first or the last to hurt someone by being uncertain. But not being honest, not choosing—those can cause more pain in the long run.”
She squeezed Y/n’s hand gently. “You have to take the time you need, but promise me you’ll be brave enough to face the truth when it comes. Both for your sake and theirs.”
Tears pricked at Y/n’s eyes—not from sadness, but from relief. For the first time in weeks, she felt the tight knot in her chest loosen just a little.
“Thank you, Mom,” she whispered. “I’ll try. I really will.”
Her mom smiled, standing to finish dinner. “That’s all I can ask for.”
The house felt quieter after that, but Y/n’s mind buzzed with new determination. She knew the path ahead wouldn’t be simple or easy, but now she understood that clarity wasn’t just about choosing between two boys—it was about being true to herself. And maybe, just maybe, that was the first step toward finding peace.
—
Another week or two has passed.
The late afternoon sunlight filtered through the café window, casting a warm golden hue over the wooden table where Y/n sat, fingers nervously fidgeting with the hem of her sleeve. Anton was sitting across from her, his expression soft and curious. The hum of distant conversations and the clink of cutlery filled the space around them, but to Y/n, it all faded into the background. Her heart thudded loudly in her chest. “Anton…” she finally said, her voice quiet.
He looked up from his cup, smile still calm and patient. “Yeah?”
She hesitated, eyes dropping to the table. “There’s something I need to tell you. And I don’t really know how to say it without it sounding… awful.”
Anton leaned forward, his eyes gentle now. “Just say it, Y/n. Whatever it is, I’ll be okay.” That only made it harder. Her throat tightened.
“I… I’ve really loved getting to know you these past weeks,” she started slowly, each word weighed with honesty. “You’re patient. Kind. Funny in your own subtle way. And I’ve genuinely liked you, Anton.”
He smiled, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “But?”
Y/n’s voice cracked. “But there’s someone else I can’t stop thinking about. Someone I’ve known for years and thought—really thought—I’d moved on from. But I haven’t. And I’m so confused and torn, because I wanted to give us a real chance… I meant to. But it’s not fair to you if I keep pretending I’m not holding back.”
Anton sat there in silence for a moment, letting her words settle. Y/n could barely bring herself to look at him, already feeling her eyes sting with tears.
“I’m so sorry,” she whispered, her voice trembling. “You didn’t do anything wrong. I did. And now I’m hurting you and I hate myself for it.”
Anton finally reached out, placing a warm hand over hers. It startled her. She looked up, and to her surprise, his expression wasn’t angry or disappointed—it was… understanding. Almost bittersweet.
“Y/n,” he said softly, “you’re not a bad person. You were honest with me. And I think I always kind of… knew.”
Y/n blinked, stunned. “Knew what?”
He chuckled, gently squeezing her hand. “That there was someone else. You talked about Eunseok a lot, you know. Even when you didn’t realize it. The way you’d light up when you told stories about him. The way your eyes searched for him sometimes, even when we were together.”
Tears started to spill down her cheeks before she could stop them. “I’m so sorry, Anton.”
He reached over, wiping one of the tears with his thumb, his smile sad but sincere. “Don’t be. You can’t force love. And I’d rather you be honest with me than try to fake something that could never be fully real.”
Y/n broke into a sob, burying her face in her hands. “I really didn’t want to hurt you…”
“I know,” he whispered. “But you have to follow your heart. Even if it’s not with me.”
Later that night, after hours of sitting in her room trying to process everything, Y/n found herself walking out into the quiet evening air. The breeze was crisp, the stars barely visible behind soft clouds. Her chest still ached from crying, but there was something she needed to do—something she couldn’t leave unsaid any longer.
She typed a message to Eunseok:
Can you meet me at the park near our place? Just for a bit.
His reply came less than a minute later:
Be there in 10.
The park was quiet under the faint glow of the streetlamps. A soft breeze drifted through the trees, rustling the leaves above. Y/n stood near the swings, hugging her arms as she waited. The cold nipped gently at her skin, but it was nothing compared to the ache in her chest.
When she heard approaching footsteps, she turned her head. Eunseok’s familiar figure emerged from the shadows of the trail, hands in his jacket pockets, brow slightly furrowed. He looked around for a second before his eyes met hers and immediately, his expression shifted.
She looked like she had cried. Her eyes were red-rimmed, and her cheeks were still damp in spots, though she tried to hide it behind a small smile. “Y/n…” he said softly, slowing his steps. “You okay?”
She nodded wordlessly, but even he could see the lie in her silence. “I broke things off with Anton,” she whispered finally, her voice barely carried by the wind.
Eunseok’s expression didn’t change immediately—maybe he had already expected it—but he took a few steps closer. “You did?”
“Mm,” she hummed. “Today.”
He noticed it then—another tear had escaped the corner of her eye, trailing silently down her cheek.
Without saying anything, Eunseok slowly crouched down in front of her to be at eye level. His hand reached out instinctively, brushing that tear away with the gentlest touch, his thumb lingering just long enough to feel the heat in her skin.
His voice was soft. “Why?”
Y/n stared at him, lips trembling. “Why did you end it?”
She let out a shaky breath, then without thinking—her fists balled up, and she began hitting his chest lightly. Not enough to hurt. Just enough to make him feel her frustration.
“You’re so stupid,” she muttered through clenched teeth, hitting him again. “So unbelievably stupid, Eunseok.”
“Y/n—?”
“Do you really not get it?” she cried, her voice rising just slightly. “I couldn’t keep going with Anton because it wasn’t fair to him! Because I kept thinking about you!”
He stared, caught off guard, frozen in place.
Y/n hiccuped through her tears, still half-heartedly pushing her fists against his chest. “I hated thinking about you and Chaeyoung… I was jealous, and it made me feel so awful because Anton’s such a good person. But every time I saw you with someone else, I just… I hated it. I hated that it wasn’t me. And that’s not fair to anyone, especially not to you.” Another tear slipped down as her voice cracked again. “You’re so stupid…”
Eunseok’s chest rose and fell in silence. The wind stirred the hem of her jacket, and the streetlamp buzzed faintly above—but none of that mattered. Not now. Realization dawned slowly in his eyes. And it hit him harder than he expected.
All those moments.
All those little things.
The way she smiled around him. The way her eyes always found his across a room. The familiar comfort she carried, not just as a childhood friend—but something else. Something much deeper.
And now, she was standing here, unraveling in front of him—not because she was confused, but because she had finally figured it out. Without another word, Eunseok reached forward and pulled her into his arms. Y/n melted into the hug instantly, burying her face into his shoulder, hands clinging to the fabric of his coat. She was still crying, still overwhelmed, but she didn’t pull away.
He held her tightly, like he’d been waiting to do this for far too long.
“I’m sorry,” he whispered into her hair. “I didn’t know. I should have… I should’ve seen it. I think some part of me always felt it too. I just didn’t want to ruin what we had.”
Her hands fisted tighter into his coat. “Idiot.” He smiled softly against her temple. “Yeah. I know.”
The wind swirled around them, but they stayed in place—wrapped up in a hug that held years of hidden feelings, tangled memories, and a quiet confession that finally broke through.
No more pretending. No more dancing around it. Just Y/n and Eunseok. And something that had been there all along
The park had grown even quieter. The nearby streetlamp cast a soft amber glow over the bench where Y/n and Eunseok now sat, her body curled into his side, her head resting on his chest.
Eunseok held her like she was something fragile, arms wrapped around her like a silent promise. His chin rested lightly atop her head, and though she was still sniffing, the sobs had slowed. Her tears, however, hadn’t stopped completely. They fell in silent trails along her cheeks, soaking into the front of his jacket as her breathing tried to steady itself.
The warmth of his body, the steady rhythm of his heartbeat beneath her ear—it helped. Just enough to make her feel like the world wasn’t crashing down anymore. And then, almost too softly to catch, her voice came—muffled slightly against him: “I like you so much…”
Eunseok blinked, his breath caught in his throat. He looked down at her, his hand brushing gently against her back. The corners of his lips curved into a quiet, gentle smile. A real one. No teasing, no holding back. Just pure emotion—warm and sincere.
“I know,” he said softly, barely above a whisper. “I really like you too.”
They sat like that a while longer, letting the weight of those words settle between them, letting the years of unspoken affection, jealousy, confusion, and longing unravel quietly in the stillness of the night. Eventually, the time forced them to part. The temperature was dropping, and the hour was growing late.
Eunseok stood first and offered his hand, which Y/n took with a lingering grip. She didn’t want to let go, not yet. Not after how raw and real everything had just become. They walked in silence toward her house, his hand never leaving hers. Just before they reached her doorstep, Eunseok slowed to a stop.
Y/n turned to him, eyes soft, cheeks still damp from earlier. Without needing to say anything, he leaned forward and placed a delicate kiss on her temple. His lips lingered for a moment—just long enough to make her eyes flutter shut and her heart squeeze.
As he pulled back, she didn’t move. Her hand stayed in his, fingers curled gently, hesitant. He noticed it, of course. That little pause. That tiny flicker of her not wanting to let go just yet.
“I don’t want to let go,” she murmured, her voice laced with something quiet and aching. “But I know I have to…”
Eunseok didn’t reply. Instead, he reached out and wiped away the last tear that clung to her cheek with the pad of his thumb.
“You’ll be okay,” he said gently. “We’ll be okay.”
She nodded slowly, eyes never leaving his. And with a heavy breath, she stepped back toward the door. Only once she disappeared safely inside did he finally turn and walk away—his own heart now thudding harder than it had all night.
But instead of heading straight to his house, Eunseok walked past it. Past the familiar streets of their neighborhood. Hands in his pockets, eyes clouded with something thoughtful—something unresolved.
He pulled out his phone, thumb hovering for just a second over Anton’s name in his messages before he typed:
"Hey. Can we meet? I think we need to talk."
The message sent with a soft whoosh.
And he kept walking. Not to run from anything. But to finally face something he knew had to be said.
—
Anton’s house was dimly lit when Eunseok arrived. The porch light was on, casting a gentle yellow hue across the steps as Eunseok approached. His hands were shoved deep into his hoodie pocket, not from the cold, but to keep them from shaking.
He didn’t know exactly how this conversation would go. But he knew it had to happen. He rang the doorbell once. A few seconds later, Anton opened the door. He looked… normal. Comfortable, even. Sweatpants, loose t-shirt, and a slightly tired expression that lifted only a little when he saw who it was.
“Hey,” Anton greeted casually, stepping aside to let him in without needing to ask why he was here.
Eunseok gave him a small nod, stepping past the threshold.
They made their way to the living room. It was quiet, apart from the faint hum of music playing in the background from Anton’s phone, sitting face-down on the coffee table. Anton plopped onto the couch, motioning to the spot next to him.
“Sit. You want water or something?”
“I’m good,” Eunseok replied, taking the offered seat. He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees, staring ahead at nothing in particular. For a few moments, neither of them spoke. Then Eunseok broke the silence. “She told me tonight.”
Anton didn’t flinch. He looked down, nodding once, slowly.
“Yeah,” he murmured. “I figured she would.”
Eunseok glanced sideways at him. “You okay?”
Anton chuckled under his breath—not bitterly, not angrily. Just… a little worn out. “Honestly? Yeah,” he answered, leaning back against the couch cushions. “I’m not gonna lie, it stung. But… it wasn’t exactly a shock.”
Eunseok sat up straighter, his voice quieter now. “I didn’t mean for any of this to happen, Anton. I didn’t even realize—”
“That you liked her?” Anton finished for him, giving him a sideways look. Eunseok hesitated. Then he nodded. “Yeah. Not like that. Not until… I thought I was losing her.”
Anton looked up at the ceiling for a moment, his expression unreadable. “She really tried, you know,” he said after a long pause. “To feel the same way I did. But I could always tell… there was a part of her that wasn’t mine. Not fully.”
Eunseok’s chest tightened.
“I thought I had time to get used to it,” Anton continued, his voice steady. “But today, when she told me the truth, it actually felt… good. That she was honest with me. That she trusted me with it.”
“I’m sorry, Anton,” Eunseok said sincerely. “You didn’t deserve that.”
Anton finally looked at him directly. “I’d be lying if I said I didn’t see it coming,” he admitted. “Every time she talked about you, every little thing… I saw it. I think you did too. You were just too close to realize it.”
Eunseok swallowed, something like guilt swirling low in his stomach. “I never wanted to hurt you.”
“I know,” Anton said. “That’s why I’m not mad.”
The silence between them this time was less heavy. Less uncertain. There was something like understanding sitting in the middle of the room now. Maybe not quite peace, but mutual clarity. Then Anton cracked a small smile. “Just promise me one thing.”
“Anything,” Eunseok said quietly.
“Don’t screw it up. She deserves someone who sees her, really sees her—and knows what they have.”
Eunseok’s eyes dropped to the floor. “I know. I will.”
Anton nodded, slow and firm. “I believe you.”
They sat in silence again for a few minutes, this time more comfortable. Eventually, Eunseok stood up. “Thanks for this,” he said, his voice low but genuine. “For not… shutting me out.”
Anton gave a soft smile. “You’re a good guy, Eunseok. And… she’s always looked at you like you were her whole world. I was just lucky to be a part of it for a little while.”
That hit Eunseok deeper than he expected. He nodded once, almost like a bow of respect, before quietly heading toward the door. As it closed behind him, Anton let out a long, steady breath and leaned back into the couch. Some heartbreaks weren’t loud. Some didn’t come with yelling or regret.
Some just… ended with acceptance.
—
The soft morning light slipped through the curtains, casting a pale glow across Y/n’s room. She was awake before her alarm, as usual, but today there was a quiet heaviness in her chest that made it impossible to stay still under the covers.
She sighed and swung her legs over the side of the bed, rubbing at the sleep still lingering in her eyes. Slowly, she made her way downstairs, careful not to wake anyone else.
In the kitchen, her mom was already bustling about, preparing breakfast with practiced ease. The aroma of coffee and toasted bread filled the room, warm and comforting. Y/n hesitated in the doorway for a moment before clearing her throat softly.
“Mom?”
Her mom turned with a gentle smile, wiping her hands on a dish towel. “Good morning, sweetheart. You’re up early.”
Y/n nodded, biting her lip. “Can we talk? Like… really talk?”
Her mom’s expression softened, and she motioned to the chair at the small kitchen table. “Of course, honey. Sit down.”
Y/n took a seat, folding her hands in her lap as if to steady herself. “Last night,” she began, voice barely above a whisper, “I talked to Eunseok. I told him everything—about Anton, about how I’m feeling… and how it just wasn’t right with Anton, not because he’s not amazing, but because my heart... it’s with Eunseok.”
Her mom listened quietly, nodding encouragingly. “It was hard,” Y/n admitted, “telling Anton. He was so understanding, even though I know it must have hurt him. I cried a lot. But I needed to be honest—with myself, with him.” She paused, eyes drifting to the table as a fresh wave of emotion threatened to break free. Her mom reached out and gently squeezed her hand.
“You did the right thing, Y/n. Honesty is never easy, but it’s the only way to truly respect yourself and everyone involved.”
Her mom gave a small, understanding smile. “Love is complicated, darling. Sometimes it’s messy and confusing. What matters is that you’re true to your feelings, and that you communicate openly. You owe that to yourself and to them.”
Y/n nodded slowly, feeling a sense of relief wash over her for the first time in days. “Do you think Eunseok feels the same way?” her mom asked gently.
Y/n bit her lip again but nodded. “He does. Last night, when I told him, he… he wiped my tears and hugged me.”
Her mom’s eyes shimmered with pride and something like quiet hope. “Then maybe,” she said softly, “this is the beginning of something real for you. Just take it one step at a time, okay?”
Y/n smiled, the weight on her shoulders feeling a little lighter. “Okay, Mom. Thank you.”
They sat together in peaceful silence for a moment, the morning light growing brighter through the window — as if the day itself was offering a new beginning.
The late morning sun streamed gently through the living room windows, casting a warm glow over the soft couch where Y/n sat curled up with the remote in her hand. A lighthearted drama played on the TV, filling the quiet space with muffled voices and music. Her eyes weren’t fully on the screen, though; they wandered occasionally to the window, watching the branches sway in the breeze.
The familiar sound of the front door opening and closing drew her attention, and Eunseok stepped inside as usual. He smiled softly when he saw Y/n, settling beside her on the couch without hesitation.
“Hey,” he greeted, his voice calm and steady.
“Hey,” she replied, turning her head toward him with a small smile.
From the kitchen, Y/n’s mom called out, “I’m heading out for groceries, Sion—grab your shoes!” She appeared by the doorway, guiding a sleepy Sion toward the front door. “I’ll be back by late afternoon. You two behave, alright?” Y/n waved while Eunseok gave a small nod, and soon the door clicked shut behind them, leaving the house peaceful and quiet once more.
Y/n sank deeper into the couch cushions, the silence wrapping around them comfortably. Eunseok’s gaze softened as he turned to face her.
“I talked with Anton last night,” he said quietly.
Y/n nodded, her fingers nervously twisting a corner of the blanket draped over her legs. “I got a text from him this morning too… He wants us to still be close—good friends. He said things don’t have to be awkward.”
Eunseok smiled faintly, relief flickering in his eyes. “Yeah, I felt the same. I think he really wants us all to be okay.”
The room settled into a comfortable stillness, punctuated only by the TV’s soundtrack. The scene shifted suddenly to something a little more intense—a romantic moment between the two lead characters. The soft sighs and whispered confessions from the screen filled the quiet room.
Eunseok cleared his throat, looking away with a slight cough as the scene grew more heated. Y/n’s cheeks flamed bright red, her eyes darting to Eunseok’s profile. She found herself imagining what it would be like if the scene wasn’t just fiction — if their closeness was as electric as what was playing on the screen. Her heart beat a little faster. Their eyes met, and the blush deepened on both their faces.
For a moment, neither spoke — caught in the shared warmth and sudden fluster. Then, quietly, they both chuckled, breaking the tension.
Eunseok reached over, his hand brushing gently against Y/n’s. Without hesitation, he leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to her cheek.
Y/n’s breath hitched slightly, the sensation lingering like a warm promise.
“Guess that scene was a little too real for us,” Eunseok joked softly, his voice low and tender.
Y/n smiled, her fingers curling around his hand. “Yeah… maybe we should change the channel.”
They laughed together, the room feeling lighter, their bond stronger than ever — two hearts quietly weaving together in the comforting space of home.
Y/n quickly grabbed the remote and switched the channel, flicking through until a light, cheerful variety show appeared on the screen. The colorful set and lively chatter created a playful atmosphere, far from the intense scene that had left them both flustered moments ago.
She turned her face toward Eunseok with a small smile, ready to ask if this was better, but before the words could leave her lips, she felt his warmth draw closer. Time seemed to slow as Eunseok gently pressed his lips against hers.
The kiss was soft, tentative at first, like a whispered question — delicate and full of unspoken feelings. Y/n’s eyes fluttered shut, her heart pounding in her chest as her hand instinctively found his.
The noise from the TV faded into the background as the world narrowed to just the two of them, the couch beneath them, and the quiet intimacy they shared.
When they finally pulled apart, Eunseok rested his forehead lightly against hers, both of them breathing a little faster, cheeks flushed.
“Better channel?” Y/n whispered, her voice barely audible.
Eunseok smiled, his eyes sparkling with warmth and something deeper. “Definitely better.”
They settled back into the couch, hands intertwined, feeling more connected than ever — the kind of moment where words weren’t needed, only the comfort of being close.
—
The soft light settled on Y/n and Eunseok, who were nestled closely on the couch, shoulders touching, breaths slowing in the calm after weeks of confusion and uncertainty. Outside, the quiet murmur of the neighborhood—birds chirping, distant laughter of children—added a serene soundtrack to the moment.
Y/n leaned her head on Eunseok’s shoulder, her fingers absently tracing small, lazy circles on his arm. The weight of everything that had happened in the last few weeks—the tangled feelings, the painful truths, the awkward moments—felt lighter somehow, as if the air between them had finally settled.
“It’s been… a crazy few weeks,” she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper, the corners of her lips curling up in a gentle smile.
Eunseok nodded, his gaze drifting toward the window for a moment before returning to her. “Yeah,” he agreed. “But I’m really glad it all happened. I mean, even the hard parts. Because without it, we wouldn’t be here right now as boyfriend and girlfriend.”
Y/n looked up, meeting his eyes. There was something quiet and sincere in his expression that made her heart flutter. “Me too,” she said, squeezing his hand. “Before, I was so confused. About what I wanted, who I was supposed to be with. But now… with you, everything feels more clear.”
He smiled softly, brushing a stray lock of hair away from her face, his fingers lingering just a moment longer than necessary. “I want us to be real. Honest, no pretending or hiding anymore. Just us.”
Y/n’s chest warmed with affection. She felt safe here, like she could finally breathe without the weight of expectations pressing down on her. “I think this is just the beginning,” she whispered, eyes bright with hope. “Of something good. Something worth fighting for.”
They sat together in comfortable silence, each savoring the peaceful moment—the kind of quiet that only comes when two people have been through storms and come out the other side stronger. After a pause, Eunseok’s voice broke the stillness, soft but certain. “Whatever happens next, I want you to know I’m here. For you. For us. No matter what.” Y/n smiled, resting her head back on his shoulder. “Together,” she echoed.
He tightened his hold on her hand, as if sealing a silent promise.
The sun began to dip lower, spilling streaks of pink and orange across the sky. The world outside faded into a gentle twilight, but inside the room, their shared warmth filled every corner.
For the first time in a long while, Y/n felt completely at peace. Not because everything was perfect, but because she had found someone who saw her, understood her, and wanted to walk forward with her.
And that was enough.
Epilogue: A New Beginning
The soft chime of the café door announced their arrival as Y/n and Eunseok stepped inside, brushing off the gentle spring breeze. The familiar scent of freshly brewed coffee and warm pastries wrapped around them like a comforting hug.
They found their usual corner by the window, sunlight streaming in and casting golden patches across the table. Y/n smiled, pulling her light cardigan tighter around her as Eunseok settled opposite her, already pulling out two steaming cups of coffee.
“Remember when we used to hang out at your place after school? Just figuring everything out?” Eunseok said with a playful grin.
Y/n laughed, a soft, genuine sound. “Feels like a lifetime ago. And yet, I wouldn’t change a thing.”
Eunseok reached across the table, his fingers brushing hers. “Neither would I.”
She looked up at him, her eyes shining with warmth. “So, what do you think the future holds for us?”
He gave a thoughtful pause before replying, “I think it holds a lot of ‘us’ moments. More laughter, more challenges, but always together.”
Y/n’s heart fluttered. “Together sounds perfect.”
The bell over the door jingled as another customer entered, but their world seemed to shrink to just the two of them.
Eunseok smiled softly. “You know, I’m still kind of surprised how everything turned out. From best friends to… well, this.”
Y/n squeezed his hand gently. “Sometimes the best things come when you least expect them.”
He nodded, eyes never leaving hers. “I’m glad I found you.”
She leaned across the table, closing the small distance between them for a tender kiss—light, sweet, and full of promise. As they pulled away, both knew this was just the start of something beautiful—something real, something theirs. Outside, the world moved on, but inside that little café, time seemed to pause—holding space for two hearts finally beating in sync.
Your playful banter was common in your shared household, spending most of your time together doing what other people considered boring: playing the Nintendo or crying over a movie for the nth time. It was boring, sure, but it was peaceful doing nothing with the other. Your friend that you're glad that you've moved in with. You probably wouldnt be doing nothing without your companion.
You lick your lips in anticipation, leaning off the couch and towards the tv as you do your best to beat eunseok in the game. A sidekick.. block.. special move.. andd.. YOU'VE WON!! You fall back onto the couch with a wide smile on your face, your hands in the air as you celebrate your victory, turning to look at eunseok with a smug smirk when you find that he was already looking at you.
Truth be told, while you were busy staring at the tv, he was too busy staring at you, loving the way your eyes sparkled whenever you accomplished something. Have I told you lately that im greatful you're here? He constantly wonders to himself as a smile travels its way to his lips effortlessly.
"No?" Your head tilts in confusion, snapping eunseok out of his trance. Did he just say that out loud? "You did." Your giggle sounds like music to his red ears, his head falling in embarrassment as his fingers play with your nails.
"It's true?" He looks up to shyly admit his feelings, his shoulders shrugging as it sounds like his confession was moreso a question. "I don't mind losing to you." There it is again, his lips lifting when you laugh at his words, stars in your eyes that puts a love sick smile to his face, unconsciously leaning towards you.
His big hand cups your relatively small cheek, the pad on his thumb rubbing against your soft skin as he leans himself closer, his eyes slowly closing. He's slowly closing the distance too, his lips puckered to finally meet yours, something hes been wanting to do for a while.
But wait, he didnt ask first! His eyes shoot open and he freezes in his place but its too late; you were leaning too, leaning up to reach his soft, pink lips. His breath hitches feeling your touch, his hands traveling to your waist to bring you closer, a sigh leaving his lips when you play with his hair, trapping his lip between your teeth to give it a soft bite, making him want you more.
He leans you down so hes almost hovering over you, but his eyes widen again when you suddenly fall off of the couch, since you were positioned in the wrong angle. "Sorry!" His voice was a little raspy from your kisses, rubbing the back of his neck nervously as he avoids your eyes, his ears turning into a deeper shade of red.
But when you laugh that precious laugh of yours, a smile forms onto his face once again, helping you off of the heap of the floor, but instead you pull him down, making him land right beside your body. You share a laugh again, leaning against your arm as eunseok tucks a strand of hair behind your ear. Moments like these, doing nothing with the other, were the moments you wanted to treasure for the rest of your life. And eunseok couldnt help but to agree.
The calming sound of the rain pours down your window when you feel weight pushed onto you, a new warmth of the cold night as the figures arms wrap around your waist, a head resting in your neck.
He, your bestfriend, lets out a satisfied hum when you rub his head, his eyes only opening when you try to shift yourself up. "Where are you going?" His gentle voice sends shivers down your spine, your head turning to find his body prompted on his arm, his big eyes looking into yours.
"Water, eunseok." You say, not wanting to ruin this peaceful moment. Its only then do you notice how you havent moved at all, your eyes locked with the boy that seemed to be inching closer to your figure, his hand crawling up your waist and to your jaw.
You watch his eyes flutter, staring at you longingly like hes been wanting to do this forever, his gaze dropping to your parted lips. And without a second thought he leans in, his fingers rubbing your jaw while the other cups your cheek, pushing you back against your bed.
He doesnt think, just crawls on top of your body and hovers over you, coaxing a gasp from your lips when he finally captures them, claiming them his. His hand thats on your jaw moves up to cup your other cheek, your hand coming to grasp the hem of his shirt as you become intoxicated with his scent, his touch.
The way he sighs, the way he touches you, looks at you.. its all different. He finally achieved his dreams, he finally has you wrapped around his finger.
