YN walked into the school building, her steps cautious but graceful, like she was floating through a sea of eyes. Whispers rose and fell behind her like gentle waves. Everyone seemed to notice her—some with awe, some with envy—but YN hardly cared. Or at least, she tried not to.
YN (thinking, shy, tugging at her sleeve nervously): Why are so many people staring? Did I… look okay this morning?
Kim Taehyung, leaning casually against the lockers, smirked faintly as he watched her. There was something mesmerizing about the way she carried herself, something delicate yet strong, like a candle flickering in the wind.
Taehyung (thinking, bitter smile tugging at his lips): She sees him… always him. Never me. She doesn't notice the little things I do, the way I worry… never me.
YN's gaze swept across the hall, and then froze. There he was—Suho—passing by with the air of someone untouchable. His eyes landed on hers, and for a fleeting moment, the world seemed to pause. YN's heart skipped a beat, and her stomach did somersaults she hadn't known were possible.
YN (blushing, whispering to herself): "Yah… I noticed his gaze."
Suho's ears turned slightly pink, and without another word, he darted down the hallway, leaving a trail of tension and a soft fragrance behind.
Taehyung's jaw clenched, his dark eyes narrowing. Outwardly, he looked unfazed, leaning lazily against the lockers with his arms crossed. But inside, his chest felt like it was being ripped apart.
Taehyung (thinking, quietly, bitterly): It's always him. ALWAYS him. Never me. No matter what I do… she'll never see me the way I see her.
YN, cheeks burning, continued walking toward her class, barely noticing the storm she'd just left behind.
Two weeks later, the school felt different to YN. She had grown more confident, her smile more genuine, her laughter brighter. Even small gestures—like passing notes or laughing at a joke—drew attention now. And Taehyung noticed. Always noticed.
Classroom chatter buzzed around her like a soft hum as she settled into her seat. Today, the teacher had left them a few minutes for a small game before the next class—Truth or Dare.
Classmate 1 (grinning mischievously, leaning forward): "YN, truth or dare?"
YN (hesitant, looking down at her hands, twirling a pencil): "Truth…"
Classmate 1 (teasing): "Is there someone you like? Come on… spill the beans!"
YN froze. Her mind flashed with a single name: Suho. Her heartbeat quickened, cheeks warming, and without thinking too much, she turned her gaze toward him and whispered:
YN: "Yes… I really like someone."
Silence fell for a heartbeat before the room erupted into whispers and giggles. Some classmates leaned in, eager to catch her expression.
Taehyung, sitting at his desk a few rows away, froze internally. Every muscle tensed, every thought spinning. A faint smile tugged at his lips, but it didn't reach his dark eyes.
Taehyung (thinking, storm brewing inside): Of course… it will always be him. NEVER ME. She'll never see me… never. But I… I can't stop feeling this. I can't stop noticing every little thing she does.
He clenched his fists lightly beneath the desk, forcing himself to look calm. He couldn't let her see how much it hurt, how badly he wanted to be the one she looked at. Not Suho. Not anyone else.
Meanwhile, Suho noticed the brief glance YN had cast toward Taehyung before resting on him. A pang of jealousy hit him square in the chest. His hands curled into fists, and his jaw tightened.
Suho (thinking, quietly furious): Why did she even look at him first? Who does she think she is? I need to fix this… now.
YN, oblivious to the tension swirling around her, focused on the game, a small blush coloring her cheeks. She didn't notice Taehyung's dark gaze following her every move, or Suho's racing heartbeat.
Taehyung (thinking, quietly, voice in his mind): I will never let him have her fully… not without a fight. But can I even fight for someone who doesn't see me that way?
He leaned back in his chair, masking his turmoil with a faint smirk, his mind spinning with ideas, plans, and silent confessions he would never voice out loud.
YN's heart fluttered unknowingly as she whispered her answer, and for Taehyung, that moment would linger forever. The look in her eyes, the soft warmth of her voice… it was enough to make him ache, even as the bitter truth settled in: never me.