At the most elite university in South Korea—where legacy, power, and reputation rule—the most popular student isn’t a rich heir or a top athlete. It’s Hwang Hyunjin, a 20-year-old with silver eyes and a sharper tongue, known for his charm, style, and his tightly-knit group of six. But within that group is Jihyun, who brings someone new into the circle: his soft-spoken, breathtaking 18-year-old boyfriend, Kim Seungmin.

Hyunjin doesn’t think much of Seungmin at first—until subtle glances, quiet smiles, and flickers of sadness start to pull his attention. When Seungmin’s trust is shattered at a wild campus party, and Jihyun’s secrets are revealed through a kiss that wasn’t meant for Seungmin… it’s Hyunjin who makes a choice that changes everything. One kiss. One spark. One betrayal that burns the whole circle alive.

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The bass shook the floor like a heartbeat too big for the body it lived in. The rooftop of the off-campus frat house was crowded, glowing with lights that dripped red and blue. Students danced, laughed, took shots without asking names, and forgot tomorrow even existed.

Hyunjin stood by the glass balcony, one hand in his black slacks, the other holding a half-empty glass of something that tasted like liquid confidence. His rings caught the moonlight as he glanced back at the crowd—his people were here.

Chan, loud and a little too high. Yuna and Ryujin, locked in a half-drunken argument about music. Jihyun was nowhere in sight. Typical. And then… Seungmin.

Seungmin was leaning against the couch, small frame tucked into a hoodie too big, nervously holding a cup he hadn’t touched in ten minutes. His eyes flickered from the floor to the door to the people, as if trying to find someone safe.

Hyunjin didn’t know why he was staring.

He just was.

Until Yuna’s gasp cut through the music.

“Yo—what the hell.”

Everyone’s eyes turned.

There, by the hallway. Jihyun. But not with Seungmin. His lips were pressed against a girl’s. Deeply. Shamelessly. Her arms were around his neck like they belonged there.

Hyunjin felt his heart slam in his chest. Then he looked at Seungmin. His cup had fallen.

He didn’t move. He just stood there, lips parted, not in shock—but in a silence that screamed betrayal.

Hyunjin’s jaw clenched.

Yuna stepped forward. “Seungmin—” But Hyunjin already had.

He walked through the crowd like it owed him space, like it knew better than to get in his way.

He reached Seungmin, whose eyes were still fixed on the scene across the room. Still frozen.

“Look at me,” Hyunjin said quietly.

Seungmin didn’t. He looked like he was about to cry, or vomit, or both.

So Hyunjin touched his chin. Tilted it up.

And kissed him.

Softly. Slowly. On purpose.

The whole party stilled—like the world inhaled and forgot how to exhale.

When he pulled back, Seungmin’s eyes were wide.

“You’re not some experiment,” Hyunjin said low, close enough for only him to hear. “And you deserve better than a coward.”

Jihyun was yelling something in the background. But Hyunjin didn’t look back.

Because Seungmin was finally looking at him.