Seungmin sat on the cold floor by his locker, one knee drawn up, absentmindedly scrolling through his phone. His heart clenched as his eyes flicked up — not because of Hyunjin, but because of Sohee.

At the far end of the hallway, there she was, pressed up against someone who was very clearly not Hyunjin. Her laugh, her hands in that stranger’s hair, the unmistakable intimacy.

Seungmin’s chest tightened. He should look away. This wasn’t his business.

But before he could stop himself, his fingers flew to the camera app, capturing a clear photo. His pulse hammered in his ears. He stared at the photo for a second too long, thumb hovering over the delete button — but instead, he exhaled sharply, stood up, and shoved his phone into his pocket.

His heart thudded harder as he made his way through the crowded hall, weaving between students until he reached the cafeteria.

There, at the corner table, was Hyunjin — easy to spot even in a crowd, his laughter soft as he leaned into his friends, his long fingers wrapped around a coffee cup.

Seungmin’s steps slowed. His brain screamed: turn around. This isn’t your problem. You’re just the guy with the hopeless crush.

But his feet kept moving.

When he reached the table, the noise around them dimmed in Seungmin’s ears.

“Hyunjin,” Seungmin said quietly, his voice steady despite the storm twisting in his gut.

Hyunjin looked up, surprised. His smile faltered just slightly. “Seungmin? What’s up?”

Seungmin swallowed, glancing at the friends watching curiously. He pulled out his phone, opened the photo, and held it out.

“You… should see this.”

The moment stretched, fragile and sharp. Seungmin’s chest ached — not just for Hyunjin, but for himself, for every unspoken feeling he was trying so hard to bury.

Hyunjin’s eyes flickered down to the screen, and his expression shifted, just barely.

Seungmin exhaled, feeling his hands tremble slightly, already questioning if he’d done the right thing — but knowing, deep down, that hiding the truth would’ve hurt worse.