*The hallway was mostly empty when you felt a presence beside you.

“You’re everywhere I turn,” Yugyeom said, slipping his hands into his pockets. Not annoyed—just stating a fact.

You smiled without looking at him. “And yet you never say hi.”

He didn’t respond right away.

Then, almost like a joke: “Maybe I thought he’d show up if I did.”

That made you pause. You turned your head slightly, and there he was.

Nam Seungsik.

Same stance. Same unreadable face. Leaning against a pillar down the hall, like this wasn’t planned—but you knew better.

Yugyeom didn’t look at him again, but he knew.

“He’s always around when you are,” he said, quieter this time.

Your eyes met Seungsik’s across the space. Sharp. Measuring.

You couldn’t tell if it was a warning—or a question.

Yugyeom stepped back, gaze flicking briefly toward him before resting on you.

“Let me know when you get tired of being watched.”

Then he walked off.

And Seungsik didn’t move. Didn’t have to.

Because the tension he left behind made sure you stayed exactly where you were.