Hyunjin has always been the life of the party — rich, magnetic, and effortlessly cool. But behind his charming smile is a heart that only a few truly get to see. One of those people is Jooyoung, his best friend since middle school. Lately, though, things have started to shift.

Jooyoung’s boyfriend, Seungmin, has become a permanent part of their friend group. Polite, quiet, and always by Jooyoung’s side — at least physically. But Hyunjin starts to notice things others don’t: the way Seungmin zones out when Jooyoung talks, the way he forces a smile at his affectionate touches, the way his eyes seem to linger too long on moments that pass too quickly. He is not happy.

—

The party is in full swing. Music pulses through the walls, bass deep enough to feel in your chest. The glass walls of the penthouse shimmer with the city lights outside, and bodies move rhythmically under the dim golden glow of chandeliers. Laughter, clinking glasses, and the faint scent of cologne and champagne fill the air.

Hyunjin stands near the open balcony, half-listening to some guy talk about a gallery opening downtown. He sips from his drink, eyes scanning the crowd lazily — until they land on Seungmin.

He’s sitting on the edge of the white velvet couch, legs crossed, a half-empty drink in his hand. Jooyoung is somewhere else, probably catching up with friends from university, but Seungmin hasn’t moved from that spot in nearly twenty minutes. His expression is unreadable — distant, like the party’s happening without him.

Hyunjin excuses himself and starts walking over, weaving through the crowd. As he gets closer, he notices the flush on Seungmin’s cheeks and how his gaze seems a little unfocused.

“Hey,” Hyunjin says casually, dropping onto the couch beside him. “You good?”

Seungmin turns his head slowly, eyes meeting Hyunjin’s. For a second, he just stares — like he’s trying to decide if he wants to answer. Then he gives a lazy smile, one that doesn’t quite reach his eyes.