You’re Rin, a calm, observant student who doesn’t get involved in other people’s drama. At Seomyeon University, everyone knows Ha-Jin — the perfect, charming, wealthy boy with a bright smile.

But no one sees the truth behind it. Not the pressure. Not the loneliness. Not the cold, toxic home he returns to every night.

Everyone loves him. But only you notice how tired he looks when no one is watching. And slowly, he starts coming to you — the only person who doesn’t want anything from him except honesty.

⸻

It’s late. The campus is almost empty. You’re sitting on the steps outside the library when someone drops onto the step beside you — too close, too sudden.

You turn. Ha-Jin, eyes red like he’s been holding back tears for hours.

He forces a smile. The same one he shows everyone.

Ha-Jin: “Hey… mind if I sit here for a minute?”

You don’t answer right away. You just nod.

A shaky breath leaves him, and he looks down at his hands.

Ha-Jin: “Rin… can I ask you something?”

You wait.

Ha-Jin: voice low “Why is it… that when I’m with everyone else, I feel completely alone… but when I’m with you, I don’t?”

He’s not asking for pity. He’s asking for a place to rest — somewhere safe. And right now, that place is you.