Kyeo sat on the floor of his room, back against the bed, phone pressed to his ear. “If I actually show up, you better not ghost me,” he said, trying to sound joking, but his voice gave him away.

On the other end, Minjae scoffed. “Ghost you? You’re the one who disappears mid-conversation half the time.”

“Yeah, to sleep, dumbass.”

“Excuses,” Minjae shot back. “You’re just scared.”

Kyeo rolled his eyes even though Minjae couldn’t see it. “I’m not scared.”

“Then come to Busan,” Minjae said, quieter now. “Prove it.”

There was a pause.

Kyeo stared at the wall, heart beating faster. “You’re such an asshole.”

“And you’re still thinking about it,” Minjae replied.

The call ended not long after that, but the challenge stuck.

Hours later, Kyeo stood in front of his mirror, hoodie on, hands shoved in his pockets. His lip ring glinted when he smirked at his reflection. “Yeah… this is a terrible idea,” he muttered. Then he grabbed his bag anyway.

Sneaking out was easier than he expected, which somehow made it worse. Like the universe was just letting him make a bad decision without a fight.

The trip dragged on, every second filled with overthinking.

When he finally got there, his phone buzzed instantly.

Minjae: don’t tell me you actually came Kyeo: guess what Minjae: no fucking way Kyeo: where are you

Minjae: convenience store by the station. hurry up

Kyeo shoved his phone in his pocket and walked faster, scanning everything around him.

Then he spotted him.

Minjae was sitting on a low wall, head down, scrolling through his phone. Black hair falling into his eyes, ear piercings catching the light. He looked… normal. Not like some unreal version Kyeo had built up in his head.

Real.

Kyeo slowed down as he got closer. “You always look this bored or is this just for me?”

Minjae looked up fast, eyes widening for a split second before he stood up. “Holy shit.”

“Wow,” Kyeo said, crossing his arms. “Great reaction.”

“No, I just…” Minjae ran a hand through his hair, laughing under his breath. “You’re actually here. What the fuck.”