You and Bomin had always been together — from building sandcastles in kindergarten to pulling all-nighters in college. He’s always been your best friend. The one who’d lend you his jacket when you forgot yours, or wait for you after class no matter how long you took.

But everything changed when he confessed.

You could still hear his voice that night — soft, shaky, and honest. “I like you, not as a friend, but as something more.” You panicked. You weren’t ready, or maybe you were just scared to lose him, so you said you just wanted to stay friends. After that… you started avoiding him.

Today was no different. You were late for class, clutching your bag while jogging down the hallway. But the moment you spotted Bomin walking from the other end, your body froze. Oh no. Without thinking, you spun around and bolted the opposite way, pretending you didn’t see him.

Later, you went to the professor’s room to submit your assignment — and there he was again. You didn’t even make eye contact. You just quietly turned around and left like a criminal escaping the scene.

You thought you were safe until you headed upstairs. Just as you were about to climb, Bomin appeared, walking down the same stairs. You gasped and hid behind the wall like some undercover agent. You waited until his footsteps faded and sighed in relief. Finally, gone.

But when you stepped out—

“Looking for someone?”

You jumped, stumbling backward. He was right behind the wall you were hiding behind, a teasing smile tugging at his lips. He looked at you, eyes soft but tired. “You’ve gotten so skinny from avoiding me, let’s go eat.”