It had been another ordinary day at college.
Students filled the campus corridors with laughter and chatter while YN walked absent-mindedly, clutching her books to her chest. Her thoughts revolved around only one person — Park Suho.
She didn't notice the figure walking toward her until—
THUD.
Her books scattered across the floor as she lost balance and fell.
YN winced and looked up.
Her breath stopped.
It was Suho.
He stared down at her with cold, unreadable eyes, annoyance clearly written across his face.
Suho: "Gosh… don't you have anything better to do than bump into me? You always create problems."
His words hit harder than the fall itself.
Before she could even apologize, he walked past her carelessly — stepping on her notebooks and papers as if they meant nothing.
YN froze.
Her fingers trembled as she gathered her things.
YN (thinking):
He… insulted me…
Why doesn't he like me?
Did I really annoy him that much…?
Tears blurred her vision.
Unable to stay there any longer, she ran.
Rooftop
The cold wind brushed against her face as she sat alone, knees pulled to her chest, silently crying.
A few minutes later, hurried footsteps echoed behind her.
Kim Taehyung had been searching the entire campus for her.
The moment he saw her trembling figure, his playful expression disappeared completely.
Worry replaced it.
He slowly approached.
Taehyung: "YN… why are you crying?"
She didn't answer.
Her shoulders only shook harder.
His heart clenched painfully.
He crouched in front of her and gently lifted her chin, carefully wiping her tears with his thumb.
Taehyung (softly):
"Hey… whatever happened… I'm sorry. No one has the right to hurt you like this."
YN sniffled, struggling to speak.
YN: "W… why… doesn't S-Suho like m… me?"
For a second, Taehyung went completely still.
Something heavy settled in his chest.
I also wonder…
Why don't you like me?
Why is it never me… always him?
But he smiled anyway.
Because her happiness mattered more than his feelings.
Taehyung: "It's okay, YN. Maybe… someday he will."
YN wiped her tears and suddenly sat up, determination flashing in her eyes.
YN: "I… I want to learn makeup."
Taehyung blinked in surprise.
Taehyung: "Makeup? But you never liked it before."
YN: "But now I do."
He understood instantly.
She wanted to change herself… for Suho.
The realization hurt.
Still, he sighed dramatically.
Taehyung: "You're already beautiful the way you are."
YN (firmly): "No. I'll learn it."
Taehyung stared at her stubborn expression before giving up.
Taehyung: "Fine. If that's your choice… come to my house. I'll teach you."
Her eyes widened with excitement.
YN: "You know how?"
He grinned proudly.
Taehyung: "Of course. Future idol here. I need survival skills."
YN laughed for the first time that day.
YN: "Okay! I'll come!"
Taehyung crossed his arms dramatically.
Taehyung: "First go wash your face. You look miserable."
YN gasped.
YN: "You called me miserable, you ugly-faced idiot!"
Taehyung: "Ah… the wild cat is finally back."
Time Skip — Taehyung's House
His room was neat yet cozy, filled with music sheets, posters, and scattered practice equipment.
YN sat nervously in front of the mirror while Taehyung arranged makeup products.
Taehyung: "Okay, lesson one. Don't panic."
YN: "I'm not panicking!"
She was absolutely panicking.
He chuckled softly and stood behind her.
Step by step, he explained everything patiently — foundation, blush, eyeliner.
YN tried her best to follow.
YN: "We apply lipstick like this… right?"
Taehyung: "Wait—no."
He moved closer.
Too close.
He gently held her hand, guiding the movement.
Their reflections met in the mirror.
Her cheeks turned bright red.
YN's POV
Why am I nervous…?
I like Suho.
Yes… I like Suho.
Taehyung is just my friend.
I've liked Suho for three years.
I can't… like Taehyung.
Right…?
Taehyung: "There… done."
Only then did he realize how close they were.
He quickly stepped back, clearing his throat awkwardly.
Taehyung: "Uh… let's continue."
YN slowly looked at herself in the mirror.
She almost didn't recognize the girl staring back.
She looked… soft. Beautiful. Ethereal.
Meanwhile, Taehyung couldn't take his eyes off her.
She looked breathtaking.
YN (nervously): "Do I… look okay?"
Taehyung stepped forward and gently held her hands.
His voice softened.
Taehyung:
"You look amazing. But remember… you were beautiful even before this. True beauty comes from your heart."
YN looked down shyly, blushing deeply.
Taehyung suddenly grinned to lighten the mood.
Taehyung: "Stop being adorable or I might faint."
YN: "Shut up."
A small smile escaped her lips.
Taehyung:
"I can't help it when such a gorgeous lady is in front of me."
YN: "KIM TAEHYUNG!"
Taehyung: "You'll make my ears bleed someday."
He leaned closer teasingly.
Taehyung:
"You look like an angry wife jealous because her husband talked to another girl."
YN: "SHUT UP!"
Her shout echoed through the room while Taehyung burst into laughter.
But behind that laughter…
his heart quietly whispered—
Even if you change yourself for him…
I'll still be the one standing beside you.
Even if… it's never me.