The school hallway buzzed with noise as students walked past in groups, laughing and talking. Lockers slammed shut, footsteps echoed across the floor, and sunlight streamed through the tall windows.
Kim YN walked confidently down the hallway, her bag resting on her shoulder. Her hair swayed slightly as she walked, and many students glanced at her with curiosity.
A few steps behind her walked Kim Taehyung, his hands casually in his pockets. His expression looked relaxed, almost carefree… but his eyes were quiet and thoughtful.
He was watching her.
Watching the way she laughed with classmates.
Watching the way she looked around, searching for someone.
Watching the way her eyes lit up whenever a certain person appeared.
Taehyung sighed softly to himself.
It was always him… wasn't it?
Suddenly, someone stepped directly in front of YN, blocking her path.
She looked up in surprise.
It was Park Suho.
His expression was calm, but his eyes held a nervous tension as they focused on her face.
Suho swallowed slightly.
Suho (nervous):
"YN… I wanted to ask you something."
YN blinked, a little surprised by his sudden appearance.
YN (shy):
"Yes?"
Suho took a deep breath as if gathering all his courage. His fingers tightened slightly around something hidden behind his back.
For a moment, the noisy hallway seemed to fade away.
Suho stepped a little closer.
Suho:
"YN… I know I've been ignorant toward you."
He looked down briefly before meeting her eyes again.
Suho:
"I ignored you for a long time because I wasn't sure about my feelings. I kept pretending I didn't notice you… but I did."
He slowly brought his hand forward.
In it was a red rose.
Suho (softly):
"But now I know."
He looked directly into her eyes.
Suho:
"I like you, Kim YN."
His voice grew steadier.
Suho:
"Will you be my girlfriend?"
YN froze.
Her heart began beating wildly in her chest.
Wow…
This is really happening.
For years she had liked him. She had imagined this moment so many times. The confession… the rose… the answer she would give.
Yet strangely…
Her chest felt tight.
Why am I not feeling completely happy?
Her fingers trembled slightly.
Why does this feel… strange?
Her thoughts drifted unconsciously to someone else.
A boy who annoyed her every day.
A boy who teased her constantly.
A boy who always appeared whenever she cried.
Kim Taehyung.
YN quickly pushed the thought away.
No… don't think about that.
She forced a smile and nodded.
YN:
"Yes."
Suho's face brightened instantly.
Without thinking, he stepped forward and hugged her tightly.
YN stiffened slightly in surprise.
She hadn't expected the sudden closeness.
Her hands awkwardly hovered in the air before she slowly patted his back.
Behind them, Kim Taehyung watched silently.
His expression was calm.
A faint smile rested on his lips.
But his eyes…
His eyes looked distant.
Suho noticed Taehyung standing behind YN. His gaze darkened slightly.
He slowly pulled away from YN.
Suho:
"OK, YN. Let's go to class."
YN nodded happily and followed him down the hallway.
She didn't look back.
She didn't notice the boy standing behind her.
She had completely forgotten about him.
Taehyung stood there quietly for a moment.
The hallway slowly emptied.
He rubbed the back of his neck and let out a small laugh.
Taehyung (muttering softly):
"Well… I knew this was coming."
He looked down at the floor for a moment before walking away.
Across the hallway, two pairs of eyes had witnessed everything.
Lee Tina stood near the lockers, her expression dark.
She had always liked Suho.
And seeing him give the rose to someone else made her chest burn with jealousy.
Several Weeks Later
Time passed quickly.
Weeks turned into a blur of classes, laughter, and quiet emotions.
YN spent most of her time with Suho now.
They ate lunch together.
Walked to class together.
Studied together.
Everyone in school already knew they were a couple.
And yet…
Sometimes when YN sat beside him, she felt something strange.
A small emptiness she couldn't explain.
But when she spent time with Kim Taehyung…
Everything felt natural.
Comfortable.
Complete.
One afternoon, YN and Taehyung sat together on a bench outside the school building.
Taehyung stretched lazily.
Taehyung (teasing):
"Yah, YN… after so long I'm finally hanging out with you."
He glanced at her dramatically.
Taehyung:
"Or are you always with him now?"
YN rolled her eyes.
YN:
"Yeah, yeah… whatever."
She kicked his shoe lightly.
YN:
"By the way… do you like someone?"
Taehyung paused.
For a moment, the playful expression on his face softened.
Taehyung (smiling faintly):
"Yeah… I really love her."
YN felt something tug lightly in her chest.
Jealousy?
She quickly shook the thought away.
YN:
"Who? Is she beautiful?"
Taehyung chuckled.
Taehyung:
"Yah, Miss Hot Head… slow down."
YN leaned closer impatiently.
YN:
"Tell me."
Taehyung looked ahead quietly.
Taehyung (sad smile):
"She is beautiful…"
His voice softened.
Taehyung:
"But I'm thinking of moving on."
YN frowned.
YN:
"Why? Why haven't you confessed?"
Taehyung slowly turned his head and looked directly at her.
For a brief second, something deep flashed in his eyes.
Taehyung:
"No."
He smiled faintly.
Taehyung:
"She already has a boyfriend."
YN blinked.
Then she laughed.
YN (teasing):
"Then just… steal her."
Taehyung raised an eyebrow.
Taehyung:
"Should I?"
YN shrugged.
YN (softly):
"You know… maybe she likes you."
She thought about her own story.
YN:
"Because I always thought Suho hated me… but it turns out he liked me too."
Taehyung looked down, hiding the emotions flickering across his face.
Taehyung:
"Hmm… well… I'm sure she doesn't."
He stood up and stretched.
Taehyung:
"Let's eat now."
He glanced at her playfully.
Taehyung:
"Your boyfriend must be waiting."
YN threw a small leaf at him.
YN:
"Shut up."
Taehyung laughed.
But as he turned away, his smile slowly faded.
Of course she doesn't know.
She never will.