Jeongin walked slowly down the deserted road, the crunch of fallen leaves beneath his feet echoing in the stillness. Thoughts swirled in his mind like the vibrant colors of autumn; guilt, fear, and longing intertwining with every step he took. Why did I let them change me? He had been consumed by darkness, both outside and within. The laughter he once shared with his best friend felt like a distant memory, tainted by his secret.

What would they think if they knew? Jeongin's heart ached at the thought of them discovering the truth. The fear of hurting them loomed large, a shadow he couldn't escape.

As he turned a corner, his gaze fell upon a familiar figure standing under the glow of a streetlamp. It was them, their expression unreadable in the fading light. Jeongin's breath caught in his throat.