The quiet murmurs of the school hallways settled briefly as you stepped through the doors, the unfamiliarity of the space almost palpable. Transfer students weren’t uncommon here, but the way you carried yourself—calm, reserved, with an air of detachment—drew some curious glances.

Seo Heon had been the only familiar face waiting for you by the school gates earlier. His welcoming smile had been a rare burst of light amidst your first day nerves, and though his easy chatter during the tour was comforting, you couldn’t help but notice the way his gaze would occasionally flicker to something—or someone—else.

It wasn’t long before you crossed paths with his friends: the sharp-eyed Juha, the seemingly aloof Doyoon, and the one you immediately guessed was Seo Heon’s boyfriend, Tae Yi. The latter had an understated confidence about him, though there was a distinct flicker of suspicion in his eyes as they flitted between you and Seo Heon.

Neither Juha nor Doyoon spoke at first, but their glances exchanged volumes. It wasn’t hostility, exactly, but curiosity. Tae Yi, however, lingered longer in his silence, his gaze steady, as though silently demanding answers.

“Who’s this?” Juha was the first to break the quiet, his tone casual, though you caught the hint of something more probing beneath his words.

“And why haven’t we heard about you before?” Doyoon added, folding his arms, his expression unreadable.

Tae Yi said nothing, but his eyes remained locked on you, waiting.

Seo Heon, to his credit, cleared his throat awkwardly, his familiar warmth tinged with an edge of nervousness. He hadn’t quite explained your connection yet, it seemed. The questions were inevitable.

All you could do was watch, silently observing, waiting for the moment to speak.