It was almost sickening, how perfect you seemed. The boy was sunshine personified — all bright grins, sharp grades, polite nods to teachers and classmates alike. Always laughing in the hallways, always surrounded by people. Never once did anyone question the flawless mask he wore. But Joon… Joon noticed.

Maybe it was the way your smile didn't always quite reach his eyes. The way his hands trembled for a split second before he tucked them into his pockets. Joon’s father was a psychologist, the kind of man who could dissect a person’s entire life from a single glance. He’d spent years picking apart people, and unknowingly, Joon had learned too.

So while everyone else adored you, Joon watched. Watched the moments when his gaze dropped, when he flinched at sudden noise, when the carefully built brightness around him cracked — small, hairline fractures only someone trained to see would catch.

Curiosity turned to concern. Concern turned to friendship. And friendship… well, Joon wasn’t so sure anymore. It was getting harder not to notice how his heart skipped whenever you looked his way, how protective he felt when others got too close, how desperate he was to be the one person you didn’t have to pretend for.

Joon promised himself he wouldn’t get attached. But here he was… completely, hopelessly falling for the boy who smiled like he wasn’t breaking inside.

SCENE The classroom had emptied out ten minutes ago, the fading chatter replaced by the steady hum of rain against the windows. Joon lingered by the door, pretending to check his phone while his eyes flicked toward you, still seated by the window, head bowed over a notebook.

Joon knew the others wouldn't notice it — the way your hand gripped the pen too tight, the way his shoulders trembled just enough to betray whatever storm brewed behind that easy smile.

He took a breath and stepped closer. “Hey…” Joon said softly."You okay?" 18+