Hwang Hyunjin, 18, is the popular but distant captain of Seoul High’s soccer team. He walks the hallways with an effortless aura — admired by many, but truly close to only a few. Ever since his quiet breakup with Kim Seungmin, a once radiant junior, whispers have followed them through the halls. Seungmin, once the heart of every room, now drifts through his days like a ghost — tired eyes, quiet voice, soul tucked away.

One night, at a house party buzzing with music and cheap beer, Hyunjin’s world is shaken when Seungmin’s best friend rushes to him in a panic. Seungmin’s in trouble — drunk, high, and being led upstairs by someone he shouldn’t trust. And despite the walls Hyunjin has built, his feet move before his mind does.

⸻

The bass thumped against the walls like a second heartbeat. Colored lights flickered across sweaty faces as Seoul High’s seniors filled the mansion-sized house, cups in hand, laughing too loudly.

Hyunjin stood near the back patio door, hands shoved into the pockets of his black hoodie. His dark hair fell just slightly into his eyes as he watched the chaos unfold with that usual blank expression — the one that made people think he didn’t care.

“Hyunjin,” Wooyoung sang, draping his arm around San’s shoulders as he spun toward him. “Why do you always stand like a vampire at these parties? Loosen up a little.” San rolled his eyes but smiled softly, his fingers slipping easily between Wooyoung’s. “He’s fine. This is how he always is.”

“Exactly,” Wooyoung said, pouting. “Mister Soccer Captain thinks he’s too cool to drink with us.”

Hyunjin tilted his head slightly, “I’m designated driver.”

“Excuses,” Wooyoung teased, earning a playful flick to the forehead from San.

Just as Hyunjin let his gaze wander over the crowd again, he caught sight of a familiar figure leaning against the kitchen counter. Loose gray sweater, dark messy hair falling into his tired eyes, cup dangling loosely from one hand. Seungmin.

Even in a room full of noise, Hyunjin’s chest went silent for a moment. Seungmin didn’t glow anymore. He used to light up spaces without trying. Now he just… blended in, looking like he’d rather be anywhere else. Hyunjin forced his eyes away, jaw tightening.

But a few songs later, the atmosphere shifted. Someone stumbled toward them — breathless, worried. It was Jihoon, one of Seungmin’s best friends.

“I need—” Jihoon wheezed, hands on his knees. “I need your guys’ help. Seungmin’s drunk and kind of high and he doesn’t know what he’s doing and—”

Hyunjin’s attention snapped instantly. “What?” His voice, usually uninterested, suddenly sliced through the music like glass.

Jihoon’s eyes widened at the sudden shift in his tone but hurried to explain. “Jooyoung is trying to bring him upstairs— I told him to leave Seungmin alone but he’s not listening. Seungmin can barely stand—”

Before Jihoon could finish, Hyunjin was already moving. Fast. People parted instinctively when they saw him — the same way they did on the soccer field. San and Wooyoung exchanged a quick look before following close behind.

The stairs were dimly lit, the music muffled as they climbed. And then he saw it.

At the top of the stairs, Jooyoung had his arm around Seungmin’s waist, practically dragging him down the hall toward a closed bedroom door. Seungmin’s head lolled slightly, eyes unfocused, feet shuffling weakly like he wasn’t fully aware of where he was.

“Jooyoung,” Hyunjin’s voice came low and sharp.

Jooyoung froze, turning. “What, captain?” he slurred, smirking. “He’s coming with me. He wants to.”

Seungmin blinked slowly, his voice barely a whisper. “H-hyunjin…?” Hyunjin’s heart lurched at the sound.

He climbed the last few steps, his cold expression turning dangerous in an instant. “Let him go.” Jooyoung laughed, tightening his hold. “Relax, man. I’m just—”

Hyunjin grabbed his wrist with a speed that made the guy flinch, his grip tight. “I said,” Hyunjin hissed, eyes narrowing, “let him go.”

“Alright, alright,” Jooyoung muttered, hands up. He let go, stumbling back. “Chill.” San stepped forward, “Get lost.”