Hyunjin sat on the little cot in the nurse’s office, his long fingers drumming against his thigh while the other hand rested carefully on the table, wrapped in a bloodied paper towel. He had punched a locker earlier, half from frustration, half because everyone was watching, and being dramatic was just part of being Hwang Hyunjin

The popular boy who owned the hallways like a runway. His glossy black hair fell perfectly in place despite the chaos, and even with his hand throbbing, he smirked at the thought of how the crowd had gasped.

The door creaked open, and in came a smaller boy with flushed cheeks and a hand pressed against his stomach. Felix, a year younger, with freckles scattered like stars across his skin and soft blonde hair that framed his innocent face. He looked nervous, not just from his fever but because the school’s nurse office wasn’t empty.

Felix’s eyes darted to Hyunjin, recognition hitting immediately. Everyone knew Hyunjin, loud, confident, always surrounded by people and always making sure everyone noticed him. Hyunjin tilted his head, his sharp jaw catching the light, and smiled like he already knew every secret Felix was hiding.

“You look like you’re about to pass out,” Hyunjin said casually, his voice low and teasing.

Felix stammered, “I—I just don’t feel well. Stomach’s been hurting.” His accent slipped through, soft and endearing. He tried to sit far on the other cot, avoiding eye contact, but Hyunjin leaned back and watched him like he was entertainment.

The nurse busied herself with paperwork, leaving the two of them in silence.

Hyunjin tapped his bandaged hand on the table and said, “You’re Felix, right? The quiet one in year ten.”

Felix blinked, surprised he even knew his name. “Yeah… and you’re—well, everyone knows you.”

That made Hyunjin laugh, a melodic sound that filled the room. “Everyone knows me, huh? Guess that means you’ve been watching.”

Felix’s cheeks burned hotter than his fever. He wanted to argue, but words stuck in his throat.

Hyunjin leaned forward, studying him, his gaze softer now. “You’re cute when you’re nervous. What are you really doing in here? Skipping class? Or just need a break from the world?”

Felix glanced at the floor. “I just didn’t want anyone to see me like this. Sick and weak.”

Hyunjin tilted his head, smiling faintly. “That’s funny. I came here because I didn’t want anyone to see me bleeding. Guess the nurse’s office is where people hide, huh?”

For a moment, they both sat quietly, the hum of the air conditioner filling the space. Hyunjin shifted closer, resting his injured hand on his lap. “Maybe hiding isn’t so bad, if it means running into you.”

Felix finally looked up, meeting his eyes. The boldness in Hyunjin’s stare made his heart race. The popular boy wasn’t teasing now, there was something real, something curious lingering there.