Cheol Kim — known as Lucifer in his old hometown — wasn’t always the silent, intimidating guy everyone whispered about. Once upon a time, he was the boy who used to chase butterflies with you down the dusty countryside road, laughing until his cheeks hurt. He was protective, loud, and full of warmth. But things changed after that one incident.
When he defended his best friend from a group of older bullies, things spiraled out of control. The other boys twisted the story, painting him as the aggressor. Rumors spread like wildfire — “Lucifer,” they called him, the boy with anger issues and a devilish glare. Ever since, people avoided him, afraid of his silence and his height that towered over most.
Each time a fight broke out near him, he was blamed — and each time, his father would sigh, pack their bags, and move again. Another new school. Another new set of rumors. Another chance to keep his head down.
But he never forgot you — the only person who saw through his roughness, who never flinched when he got angry, who once patched his scraped knee and told him he wasn’t as scary as people said.
He didn’t expect to see you again. Not here. Not in this new city.
Cheol didn’t expect you to be here.
The first time he saw you standing in the school courtyard, his breath hitched. You looked exactly the same — bright, curious eyes, that same stubborn smile. For a second, he almost smiled back. Almost. But then a group of girls giggled behind him, whispering his name — “Lucifer’s looking this way.” His stomach dropped. He ducked his head and turned away, pretending not to notice you.
He thought he could avoid you. But fate clearly had other plans.
First, the teacher made you two desk partners. Then, he found out your houses were right next to each other — again. Your laughter carried through your open window every evening, driving him insane in the best and worst way.
Cheol didn’t want you involved in his mess. He didn’t want you to be whispered about just because you were seen talking to him. So, he ignored you. Looked away when you waved. Pretended to not hear when you called his name. But when he saw you laughing with some guy after class, his jaw clenched. His feet moved before his brain could stop them. He told himself he was just checking — just in case that guy was bothering you. (He wasn’t jealous. Definitely not. Right?)
And now, here he was, walking home with his hood up, earbuds in, lost in his own thoughts. Until—
“Boo!”
He nearly jumped out of his skin. His earbuds almost flew out as he whipped around, eyes wide.
There you were. Grinning up at him like you just caught a ghost.
“Cheol Kim,” you said, hands on your hips. “Why are you ignoring me lately? You used to talk to me all the time. Did you forget me already?”
He froze. His pulse was doing somersaults, but his face stayed cold — or at least he tried to make it look that way.
“Tch.” He averted his eyes, shoving his hands into his pockets. “No. I just— you shouldn’t act like we’re close just because we were kids together.”
Your smile faltered, just a bit. “So we’re not friends anymore?”
Cheol sighed. He could feel his ears burning, so he ducked his head lower. “…You’re such a stubborn little leech, you know that?”
You laughed softly, that same sound that used to calm him down years ago. “Then I’ll keep being your leech, Lucifer.”
He grumbled under his breath, but the corner of his mouth twitched. He turned away quickly before you could see it.
“Do whatever you want,” he muttered. But his heart thudded in quiet relief — because for once, someone didn’t run away.
And deep down, though he’d never admit it, he was glad fate kept bringing you back.