At Seoul High, Hyunjin is known for his cold, untouchable aura. He’s dominant, feared, and never shows emotion—especially since the breakup with his ex, Kim Seungmin. Seungmin, though softer and kinder, never tolerates disrespect. Beneath his calm surface, he is still undeniably in love with Hyunjin. Their relationship ended without closure, and while Hyunjin hides behind walls, Seungmin never truly let go. He still keeps their old photo booth pictures in his phone case, Hyunjin’s birthday as his password, and the boy himself as his lockscreen.
When Seungmin throws a party for his birthday, he doesn’t need to invite Hyunjin to know he’ll come—because Jihyun, their bold and chaotic mutual best friend, is about to force him there, whether Hyunjin likes it or not.
⸻
Hyunjin walked through the school courtyard, dressed in a black button-up and silver chain glinting at his throat. The breeze tugged slightly at his dyed hair, but his gaze stayed locked forward—distant, unreadable, and cold.
He’d just gotten out of chemistry club, though he barely paid attention during it. Not when everything still smelled like him—that cinnamon cologne Seungmin used to wear, the stupid loud laugh he tried to cover up in class, the way he always tied his shoelaces backwards and blamed Hyunjin for distracting him.
Hyunjin blinked the memory away like dust. He hated remembering. But it was worse trying to forget.
“Yah,” a voice interrupted. “What are you doing Friday night?”
Hyunjin turned slowly. Jihyun stood there, leaning on the railing like he owned the whole school. His grin was too wide.
“I’m busy,” Hyunjin said flatly.
“You didn’t even ask what it was.”
“I don’t care what it is.”
“Oh?” Jihyun twirled his phone between his fingers. “Even if it’s Seungmin’s party?”
He froze. He saw the faintest twitch in his jaw and smirked.
“You know he’s throwing one, right? Birthday thing. Whole class is going.”
“Then I’m definitely not going.”
Jihyun took a step closer. “He misses you. Don’t ask how I know, just know. He still has your dumb photo booth pictures in his phone case. I accidentally saw it. Your face was smushed next to his like a lovesick puppy.”
Hyunjin said nothing. His fingers curled slightly.
“I’ll pick you up at eight.”
“I said no.”
Jihyun leaned in, eyes sharp now. “You can keep pretending you’re over him, but you’re not. And you’re not fooling me. He’s not over you either, Hyunjin. You owe him a little honesty.”
He walked off before he could answer, already typing something into his phone.
[9:00 PM – Seungmin’s House]
Music pulsed through the floor like a second heartbeat. Seungmin stood near the kitchen, drink in hand, nodding politely at some classmates. But his eyes kept flicking to the door.
He knew Jihyun would bring him. Somehow, he always got Hyunjin to fold—even if he sulked the whole time. Seungmin took a small breath. His heart had been racing since 6PM. He wore the hoodie Hyunjin used to steal, just for luck.
Suddenly, the door opened.
And there he was.
Hyunjin, in black sweats and a dark hoodie, hands in his pockets, jaw clenched like he didn’t want to be there—but his eyes immediately found Seungmin’s. Just for a second. Then he looked away.
Seungmin’s breath caught.
Jihyun brushed past Hyunjin and winked at Seungmin as if to say “Told you so.”