âžâž pairing: sunghoon x afab!reader (ft. heeseung)
âžâž synopsis: A party, a breakup, a rebound gone wrong - then Park Sunghoon offers you strawberry candy and a dance under fairy lights. Between Lee Heeseungâs sharp lies and Sunghoonâs quiet warmth, you learn what it means to be seen. Two lonely dancers, one chance at love - uncertain, tender, and maybe exactly what youâve been waiting for.
âžâž genre: love at first sight, love triangles, college au, fluff, romance, angst, ive liz (jiwon) is your bestie
âžâž warnings + disclaimer: breakups, betrayal/cheating, jealousy, heeseung is a bit asshole (sorry). purely fictional, not reflective of real idols, names used for storytelling only, no harm or disrespect intended!!!
âžâž a/n: this has literally been sleeping in my drafts for like a whole year đ i wrote it last year, kept second guessing it, and then just⊠forgot about it?! finally decided to post bc conan grayâs lonely dancers was living rent free in my head and honestly inspired this entire thing. my first time ever uploading a fic here on tumblr so pls!!! feedback + reblogs would mean the world to me!! hope u guys enjoy it as much as i enjoyed writing it â divider by @cafekitsune and @omi-resources
Jiwon adjusted the strap of her dress in the mirror, lips pursed in concentration. The citrusy scent of her perfume lingered in the room, mixing with the faint hum of traffic outside their dorm window. She glanced at Y/N, who was still fussing with her hair.
âSo, are you ready?â Jiwon asked, tilting her head as if to appraise Y/Nâs look.
Y/N twisted another loose strand into place, cheeks puffing out with nerves. âI was born to do this⊠I guess?â
Jiwon grinned, all confidence and spark. âTonight is gonna be so much fun!â The excitement in her voice made Y/N laugh despite herself. This was their first real university party, and the anticipation thrummed between them like static.
The car rattled lightly as it sped down the road, music leaking faintly from the houses they passed. Y/N kept picked at her sleeve, the cool night air brushing her heated cheeks through the cracked window.
âD-Do you think Sunghoon will be there?â She blurted, barely loud enough over the engineâs hum.
Jiwon raised an eyebrow, smirking. âThat Snow White guy?â
Y/Nâs blush deepened. âDonât be rude! He has a name.â
âMeh,â Jiwon said, pouting dramatically. âStill donât get the hype. His girlfriend even so mean that she acts like the witch from the movie.â
Y/N gasped, then dissolved into laughter. âOkay, thatâs rude⊠but also kind of true.â
They giggled until Jayâs house - the place where they held the party, also one of the student council member, came into view, pulsing with music.
The bass vibrated through the ground before they even reached the door. Inside, the air smelled of soda, chips, and a faint trace of alcohol. Students clustered in small groups, talking and laughing, though it was still early.
Suddenly, Jiwonâs phone buzzed, and she excused herself, leaving Y/N to wander toward the kitchen. The counter was lined with cups and bottles that gleamed under the harsh light. She reached for one, her fingers brushing the cool glass.
âHey, need help with that?â Y/N startled, turning to find Sunghoon leaning casually against the counter, a bottle of water in hand. His hair was slightly damp with sweat, his smile easy and unguarded.
âOh, hi! Um, no, Iâm good. Thanks,â she said quickly, brushing her hair behind her ear. Her heart raced louder than the music
âYou sure?â He twisted his own bottle open with a soft snap.
Y/N hesitated, then laughed lightly. âWell, waterâs always safe.â
âExactly.â He handed her one, their fingers brushing briefly. The chill of the condensation bit at her palm.
âSo,â he asked, tilting his head as he sipped, âhowâs university treating you so far?â
Y/N swallowed, cheeks warming again. The room suddenly felt too small. âItâs been⊠great.â
âThatâs good to hear.â His gaze lingered a beat too long before he smiled.
Just then, Jiwon appeared, phone still in hand. âSorry, got caught up on a call.â
âNo worries,â Sunghoon said smoothly. He glanced back at Y/N. âI should probably go find my girlfriend.â His smile softened before he disappeared into the crowd.
Y/Nâs own smile faltered. She followed Jiwon, but disappointment tugged at her chest. She had enjoyed those few moments, wished they couldâve stretched longer. Still, Sunghoon was taken, so she couldnât let her feelings get in the way of their friendship.
Hours blurred with laughter and dancing. The music pounded in her ears, but Y/N still found herself stealing glances across the room, searching for him.
âWhatâs on your mind?â Jiwon teased, ruffling the carefully styled waves of Y/Nâs hair.
Y/N sighed. âI donât knowâŠâ
âOh, you do know.â Jiwon arched a brow. âYouâve been staring at Sunghoon and his girlfriend all night. Your face says it all.â
Y/Nâs blush gave her away. Jiwon always saw straight through her.
âCome on,â Jiwon said, draping an arm around her shoulders. âDistract yourself. Look-â She nodded toward the corner. âThat guyâs been watching you for ages.â
Y/N followed her gaze and blinked. âIsnât that Lee Heeseung from our major?â
âMaybe,â Jiwon shrugged. âAll I know is, he canât stop staring at you this whole night.â
Y/N shifted uncomfortably. She had never noticed him before, but then again, she had been too occupied with Sunghoon to notice anyone else. âIâm not interested in anyone else,â she said firmly.
âWhat about me?â Jiwon teased.
âYouâre my best friend.â Y/N rolled her eyes and pushed her playfully. âThatâs different.â
Jiwon laughed, shaking her head.
The lights dimmed. A slow song hummed through the speakers, and couples drifted toward the dance floor. Y/N was about to retreat back to the table when a hand caught hers.
âHey, have you seen my girlfriend?â She froze. Sunghoon stood there, breathless, strands of hair sticking to his forehead.
âY-Your girlfriend?â Y/N asked, her chest tightening. âDid something happen?â
He gave a sheepish smile, scratching the back of his neck. âI just⊠wanted to dance with her, but I canât find her anywhere.â A blush rose on his cheeks.
Y/Nâs voice lowered, feeling mixed. âOh⊠I donât think I saw her.â
âAh. Okay.â He smiled gently, thanked her, and slipped back into the crowd.
For the rest of the night, Y/Nâs thoughts refused to settle. His smile, his voice, the way his eyes softened when he mentioned his girlfriend - all of it lingered, bittersweet. She knew her crush was hopeless, but her heart had already chosen him, thatâs why sheâs been admired him from afar.
It had been love at first sight - her quiet, aching love for Park Sunghoon.
It was on a blazing summer day - the kind that clung to your skin even in the shade, when Y/N first met him. It was her first day at university, and she had gotten lost trying to find the gymnasium. Her footsteps echoed on the empty pavement, nerves buzzing in her chest, when a tall boy appeared out of nowhere. His skin looked pale under the sunlight, his frame graceful, almost delicate.
âLooking for the gymnasium?â He asked, waving a hand in the direction behind him.
Y/N startled, nearly jumping. She blinked, then gave a quick nod.
âItâs over there. Just turn left, and youâll see it. Everyone else is already gathering, so you might want to hurry.â His smile curved easily across his lips, bright and warm, and it struck her instantly.
She mumbled a thank-you before rushing off, but that smile stayed with her. She didnât know it yet, but Park Sunghoon would soon become her classmate, and from that moment on, she couldnât help but notice him. The way he laughed with Jay and Jake and his group of friends; the way he listened kindly when others spoke;⊠He had this quiet radiance that seemed to light up any room, and Y/N found herself drawn to it again and again.
But she never had the courage to approach him, not after learning he already had a girlfriend. She refused to be the kind of girl who interfered in someone elseâs happiness. So, she admired him silently, stealing glances, tucking her feelings away.
Still, as days blurred into weeks, and weeks into months, her crush only deepened. Her heart would skip whenever he smiled her way, or when he asked her the smallest question in any lecture. She told herself it was just a harmless crush. She told herself to be content with friendship. And yet, every night, a quiet part of her still wished, hoped, that someday he might see her differently.
Later that night at Jayâs party, Y/N found herself lost in thought again, her chest tangled with feelings for him. That was when someone grabbed her arm and tugged her into the crowd.
Her heart leapt, expecting Sunghoon, but when she turned, annoyance flared instead.
âWhat is it this time?!â She snapped, her voice raised over the music.
âWoah, woah, calm down.â The boy holding her hand lifted his arms in surrender. He wasnât Sunghoon. Nor Jiwon. It was the guy sheâd spotted sitting quietly in the corner earlier - Lee Heeseung. His grin was mischievous, his eyes playful.
âLee Heeseung?!â Y/N blinked, confusion written across her face.
âYeah, itâs me.â His smile widened. âYou were hoping it was Sunghoon, right?â
Heat rushed to her cheeks. Why is everyone determined to embarrass me tonight?! She thought bitterly. She scowled, her forced smile slipping as she turned to leave.
âWait.â Heeseung stepped in front of her, lowering himself slightly in a half-bow as he extended his hand. âCan I have this dance?â
Before Y/N could answer, the music cut abruptly. A wave of voices surged through the air, sharp and heated. The two of them turned toward the commotion.
It was unmistakable. Sunghoonâs voice.
âSunghoon, please, listen to me!â a girl cried desperately.
âNo, Minjeong! I canât take this anymore!â Sunghoonâs shout tore through the noise.
Y/N froze, her breath catching. The crowd shifted uneasily around them, whispers spilling in every direction. Her heart hammered painfully. She wanted to rush to him, to ask if he was okay, but she couldnât. It wasnât her place. These were his problems, his relationship.
She took a shaky step backward, ready to flee, but Heeseung touched her arm gently. âLet them be, Y/N,â he murmured, his eyes fixed on Sunghoon.
Her gaze flicked back to the couple. Minjeong clung to him, begging, her voice breaking. And Sunghoon - his shoulders trembled as though the weight of the world had been placed on them. The sight pierced Y/Nâs chest.
Just then, Jiwon appeared at her side, sighing as she glanced at the scene. âThere you are. Do you want to go home? This whole partyâs turning into a mess.â
Heeseung crossed his arms, his expression unreadable. âGuess the girlfriend made the wrong move.â
âIt is what it is,â Jiwon muttered.
âAnd she got caught,â Heeseung added.
Y/Nâs fists clenched. She couldnât listen anymore. Her emotions were a storm, and their careless whispers only added fuel. With sudden force, she grabbed Jiwonâs wrist and pulled her out of the room, away from the party, away from the noise.
âGirl, are you okay?â Jiwon asked once they were outside. At first, she seemed confused, but her eyes softened when she caught the turmoil on Y/Nâs face. âYou know this isnât on Sunghoon, right? Itâs Minjeongâs fault. Sunghoon would never hurt someone he loved.â
âOf course I know that!â Y/Nâs voice cracked, anger and sadness tangled together. âThatâs why Iâm mad. She hurt him.â
Jiwon exhaled, then wrapped her arms around Y/N, holding her tight. âCome on. Letâs call it a day.â
After all of that, the two of them slipped back to their dorm. The night air was cool now, carrying the faint hum of crickets. They changed into pajamas, crawled into bed, but sleep didnât come easily to Y/N.
She lay awake, staring at the ceiling. Her mind replayed Sunghoonâs voice, his face, the anguish in his tone. She was worried, deeply worried. Would he be okay tomorrow? Would he even show up to class?
She turned to her side, clutching her blanket. Her heart ached for him, and all she could do was hope.
The next morning, Y/Nâs heart sank the moment she stepped into the lecture hall. Sunghoonâs seat - the one she always found her eyes drifting to,was empty. Just as she had feared, he wasnât there.
Before she could slip out to look for him, Jiwon caught her wrist. âHey, where are you going? The lectureâs about to start.â
Y/N hesitated, her gaze still flicking to the door. The worry sat heavy in her chest, but she forced herself back into her seat. Her pen tapped uselessly against her notebook as the professorâs voice droned on. No matter how hard she tried, she couldnât focus.
Meanwhile, across campus, Sunghoon sat slouched in another lecture hall. His usually sharp eyes looked dim, shadows carved beneath them. When Jay approached, Sunghoon barely lifted his head.
âSunghoon,â Jay said softly, dropping into the seat beside him.
Sunghoon managed a weak smile. âHey, Jay.â
Jayâs brows furrowed. âIâm sorry about last night. I shouldâve⊠I donât know, done something. I was worried about you.â His hand patted Sunghoonâs shoulder with awkward sincerity.
âItâs not your fault,â Sunghoon replied, his voice low. âJust because it happened at your place doesnât mean youâre responsible for it.â He motioned for Jay to sit, then leaned back, letting out a long breath.
Jay folded his arms, concern etched across his face. âWhat happened with Minjeong?â
For a moment, Sunghoon said nothing. Then he spoke, his tone cracked but steady, explaining how heâd found out about her cheating, the hurt of betrayal still raw in his words. He told Jay how he had decided to end it because he couldnât live in a lie anymore.
Jay listened in silence, eyes soft with empathy. âIâm sorry you had to go through that,â he said finally.
Sunghoon gave a short laugh, though it was hollow. âIâll get my shit together. Donât worry.â
âBy skipping classes?â Jay quipped, a half-smile tugging at his lips.
Sunghoon smirked faintly for the first time that day. âA great way to heal your wound.â
The lecture ended. Y/N was dying to look for Sunghoon. But before she could search, a voice cut through the hallway.
âTrying to find someone?â Y/N turned, startled, to see Lee Heeseung leaning lazily against the wall, arms crossed. His smirk was infuriating.
âHave you seen Sunghoon anywhere?â she asked quickly.
Heeseung shrugged. âMeh. But how about you give him some space? The guy just went through a breakup.â His eyes glinted, teasing. âOr⊠you could spend that time with me instead.â
Her stomach twisted, annoyance flaring. âYou get out of my way!â
He rolled his eyes, chuckling. âFine. Donât blame me if you miss your chance.â With that, he sauntered off, leaving her fuming.
Eventually, Y/N found Sunghoon sitting alone on a bench under the late afternoon sky. His gaze was fixed upward, where the clouds drifted lazily past, but his expression was heavy, like the weight of the world pressed on his shoulders.
Y/Nâs footsteps slowed as she approached, her heart aching at the sight of him. She lowered herself onto the bench beside him.
âHey,â She said gently.
âHey.â His reply was soft, distant, and he didnât look at her.
âAre you⊠okay?â she asked, her voice hesitant.
Sunghoon let out a long sigh, his breath trembling. âI donât know. I just feel like Iâm not good enough for anyone.â
The words hit her like a punch to the chest. How could he, of all people, think that? In Y/Nâs eyes, Sunghoon was everything - kind, radiant, someone who made even the dullest days brighter. And yet here he was, broken.
She hesitated, then slowly placed her hand over his. His skin was cool, his fingers limp against hers. She looked at him, her eyes steady. âThatâs not true, Sunghoon. Youâre an incredible person. Anyone would be lucky to love you. Donât let one betrayal make you doubt yourself.â
For a moment, the sadness lingered in his gaze, but then he finally turned to meet her eyes. His lips curved into a faint smile, fragile but sincere. âThank you, Y/N. It⊠means a lot, hearing that from you.â
They sat in silence, watching the sky fade into hues of orange and gold. Neither of them spoke, but the quiet between them was comforting, a fragile peace in the middle of chaos.
When the sun finally dipped below the horizon, they rose and walked back toward campus, footsteps in sync.
âThank you for being here today,â Sunghoon said suddenly, glancing at her with a small, almost shy grin. âIt⊠kind of feels like magic.â He gave a short laugh, embarrassed at his own words.
Y/Nâs cheeks burned, her heart fluttering. âAnytime, Sunghoon. You can always count on me.â
They walked on, side by side, their shadows stretching long behind them.
Neither of them noticed the figure watching quietly from a distance, eyes fixed on them with unreadable intent.
âSoâŠâ Heeseungâs voice broke through Y/Nâs sleepy haze the next morning. She had barely settled into her seat when a cold bottle of strawberry milk landed on her desk. He leaned casually on the edge, grin cocky as ever. âIf you donât want to hang out with me, how about I help you out with Sunghoon instead?â
Y/N yawned so hard her jaw cracked, blinking at him like heâd grown two heads. âW-WhatâŠ?!â
âYeah, you heard me right.â Heeseungâs grin widened, his tone dripping with mischief. âSince youâve rejected me, and Iâm an angel, so I decided to become a cupid. My first target? You and Park Sunghoon.â
Y/N blinked twice, utterly thrown off. âYouâre joking.â
âDo I look like Iâm joking?â Heeseungâs brows arched dramatically as he plopped into the seat next to her. âGive me a week, and youâll be a lovey-dovey couple. Guaranteed. Angelâs honor.â He winked.
Y/N stared at the strawberry milk like it might hold the answers. Part of her wanted to laugh, part of her wanted to scream, and part of her⊠well, part of her was tempted. âWait, youâre serious?â
âOf course.â Heeseung leaned back, folding his arms behind his head. âI donât get called an angel for nothing, you know.â
Her lips pressed together. It was dangerous to trust him - this self-proclaimed cupid with a smirk that could melt steel, but the thought of Sunghoon, the chance of being closer to him, made her heart flutter.
âBut I donât want to force anything,â she muttered at last, voice small.
âUgh, never mind.â She tugged at her hair in frustration, then finally gave in and grabbed the strawberry milk. âFine. But only if you donât try to shove us together in some ridiculous way.â
âDeal.â Heeseung raised both hands in mock surrender, though the gleam in his eyes betrayed him. âYouâll see. Cupidâs got a plan.â He held out his fist, and Y/N hesitated before bumping hers against his. The pact was sealed.
âBuuut-â Heeseung suddenly leaned closer, tapping his finger against her forehead. âWe need to exchange contacts.â
Her eyes widened. âW-What?â
âHow else am I supposed to send you updates about Sunghoon?â he said smoothly, his smirk returning.
Y/N groaned but reluctantly handed him her phone. By the time she got it back, Heeseung had not only added himself to her contacts but followed her on every social media account he could find.
Over the next few days, their âupdatesâ became an excuse to spend more time together. They met up under the pretense of talking about Sunghoon, but soon their conversations drifted.
At a café, Y/N found herself rambling about her favorite movies while Heeseung listened with surprising patience, occasionally leaning forward to ask questions. Somehow they even went to the arcade, and he dragged her into a racing game, only to sulk dramatically when she beat him by a landslide. She laughed until her sides hurt, and he claimed he let her win just to see her smile.
Each time, Y/N walked away with lighter shoulders, her heart warmed by the strange comfort Heeseung gave her. She reminded herself it was all for Sunghoon, but she couldnât deny that she was starting to enjoy these little escapes.
One evening, Y/Nâs phone buzzed as she lay sprawled across her bed. She snatched it up, expecting another one of Heeseungâs sarcastic âprogress reports.â
Her heart nearly stopped. It was Sunghoon.
Hey, donât know if youâre asleep. Just realized I havenât seen you around much lately.
Y/N shot upright, her pulse hammering in her ears. SUNGHOON TEXTED ME FIRST?! She scrambled for a reply, her thumbs fumbling across the keyboard.
Iâve just been busy with errands lately, thatâs all.
(Errands that involved way too much time with Lee Heeseung to âupdatesâ about him, but he didnât need to know that.)
Almost immediately, his reply lit up her screen.
Ahh, I seeăœ(ă»Ïă»)ïŸ Feels like somethingâs missing without you around haha.*
Sunghoon sent the message with a cute emoji. Her knees gave out, and she sank to the floor, clutching her phone like it was a lifeline. Does that mean he misses me? Heat rushed to her cheeks, her whole body tingling with giddy disbelief.
Another message followed.
Looking forward to talk to you again. Good night (~ïżŁ ïżŁ/)
Y/N pressed her phone to her chest, smiling so hard her cheeks hurt. Sleep didnât come easily that night, her mind replayed every word until dawn.
The next afternoon, she burst into the café where Heeseung was waiting, practically glowing.
âHE TEXTED ME LAST NIGHT!â She blurted, her voice so loud that a few students turned to stare.
Heeseung nearly choked on his drink. âWhat-?â
âHe texted me first!â Y/N spun in a little circle, her grin uncontainable. âThe conversation was so smooth! Smoother than your stupid hair! And he said he wants to talk with me again!â
Heeseung leaned back in his chair, smirk curling. Watching her beam like that made something strange tug at his chest, though he quickly covered it with a shrug. âTold you I was a real angel.â
She blushed when he reached over to pat her head, then swatted his hand away with a laugh.
âGlad to see things are moving,â he said, smirk sharpening again. âBecause, coincidence or not, Sunghoon told me he wants to meet you tomorrow afternoon.â
Y/N froze. âR-Really?â
Her eyes lit up like fireworks. âThen Iâm going home right now and sleep as soon as possible! Tomorrow has to come faster!â She waved goodbye in a blur and dashed out of the cafĂ©, her excitement trailing behind her like sparks.
Heeseung watched her go, his grin fading into something more complicated. Isnât she⊠too excited?, he thought, his chest tightening with something he didnât want to name. Hope she doesnât end up disappointed.
With a sigh, he stuffed his hands in his pockets and headed back toward the dorms, the ghost of a smile still lingering on his lips.
That night, Y/N lay in bed, staring at the ceiling with wide, shining eyes.
Tomorrow. Tomorrow she would finally spend time with Sunghoon. The boy she had fallen for since that summer day. Her dream, her impossible wish, felt so close now. She hugged her pillow tight, heart racing, unable to imagine sleep.
Tomorrow couldnât come soon enough.
The next day, Y/N woke up earlier than usual, her stomach fluttering with nerves. She spent extra time getting ready: Choosing her outfit carefully, fixing her hair twice, even applying a touch of lip gloss. When she checked the mirror, she caught herself smiling like a fool. Todayâs the day.
By the time she arrived at the designated meeting spot, her palms were sweaty, her heartbeat pounding in her chest. She stood there, shifting from foot to foot, scanning the crowd anxiously.
Then she saw him. Sunghoonâs tall frame came into view, his silhouette unmistakable. Relief washed over her, until her eyes shifted. He wasnât alone.
A girl walked beside him, laughing at something he said. Sunghoonâs face lit up in response, his smile bright and easy, the kind Y/N had fallen for long ago. The two of them strolled together like theyâd known each other forever, voices low, their shoulders brushing now and then.
Y/N froze in place, her excitement draining in an instant. Who⊠who is she?
Behind her, a voice sighed. âOh my goodnessâŠâ
She spun around to see Heeseung standing there, his hands shoved in his pockets, eyes narrowed at the sight. He shook his head slowly. âWhat is Park Sunghoon doing?â
Y/Nâs breath hitched, her chest tightening. âI-â
Heeseung tilted his head, voice laced with sarcasm. âHe called you out⊠just so you could watch him laugh with another girl? Are you really sure he wanted to meet you, Y/N?â
The words sank like stones in her stomach. Her vision blurred with the sting of tears, anger welling behind her eyes. She had been so blinded by her feelings, so sure this day would be special, that she never even considered Sunghoon might not see her the same way.
Heeseung stepped closer, laying a comforting hand on her shoulder. His touch was steady, grounding. âCome on,â he murmured softly. âLetâs go somewhere else. You donât need to watch this.â
Y/Nâs throat burned as she nodded, too choked up to speak. She let him guide her away, each step heavier than the last. Behind them, Sunghoonâs laughter echoed faintly, twisting the knife in her chest.
What was I thinking? she thought bitterly. That heâd choose me? That I had a chance?
She wanted to hate herself for being so foolish, but even more, she hated how much it hurt.
Later, in a small café away from the campus crowd, Heeseung slid a cup across the table toward her. The cold condensation dampened the napkin beneath it.
âChocomint smoothie,â he said lightly, sitting down across from her. âItâll help.â
Y/N stared at the cup, lips pressed tight. Embarrassment, heartbreak, and anger tangled in her chest until she couldnât find words. The humiliation of it all, the way she had built up this day in her head felt unbearable.
âHey.â Heeseung leaned forward, tilting his head until their eyes met. He gently lifted her chin with two fingers. âIt was only me who saw it. Not anyone else. You donât have to feel ashamed in front of me. I already know how you feel about him.â
Her cheeks warmed, eyes darting away.
âAnd itâs not your fault, okay?â he added, his voice softer now. âPark Sunghoon was the one in the wrong for making you believe you had a place in his world when maybe he didnât mean it.â
Y/Nâs lips parted before she could stop herself. âWhy are you being so nice to me?â
The question startled him. His eyes widened for a second, before he leaned back, exhaling a quiet laugh. âWhat?â
âYouâve helped me so much,â Y/N said quietly. âBut⊠for what? Why?â
For once, Heeseungâs smirk faltered. He looked at her, right in the eyes, and his usual mischief gave way to something raw and unguarded.
âItâs because I like you,â he said suddenly.
Y/Nâs heart stopped. Her breath caught, the words echoing in her head. âW-WhatâŠ?â
Heeseungâs lips curved into a small, almost nervous smile. âI like you. I have since the day we met.â His gaze held hers firmly, no trace of teasing this time.
Y/Nâs chest tightened, her thoughts scattering. Only hours ago, her heart had been crushed by Sunghoon, and now, here was Heeseung, laying his feelings bare.
âSo,â he said, voice steady, âwill you be my girlfriend? I promise, Iâll never let you feel humiliated the way Sunghoon did.â
Confusion swirled through her. She had been nursing her feelings for Sunghoon for so long, months of quiet glances, secret smiles, and daydreams of what could be. He had been her first crush, her first real spark of love. Every flutter in her chest, every skipped heartbeat, had been because of him. To let go of that felt impossible.
And yet⊠Heeseung was different. With him, she didnât have to pretend. He didnât make her heart race in nervous panic the way Sunghoon did. He made her laugh, he listened, he reminded her that she mattered. He had been there during the moments when she felt most invisible, most foolish.
Her mind tangled itself into knots. Is this what love is supposed to feel like? With Sunghoon, it was longing, aching, always reaching for something just out of grasp. With Heeseung, it was comfort, warmth, the feeling of being seen. One burned bright and distant, like a star she could never touch. The other was right here, steady and warm, offering his hand without hesitation.
Her chest tightened. Part of her screamed that she was betraying her feelings for Sunghoon, that saying yes to Heeseung would mean giving up on the boy she had admired for so long. But another part of her whispered that maybe she deserved to be happy, that maybe she didnât have to wait for someone who might never choose her.
Her pulse quickened as Heeseungâs words lingered in the air: I like you.
And for the first time, she let herself imagine what it might be like to stop chasing, and instead⊠to be caught.
Her pulse raced as she took a deep breath. The words spilled out before she could overthink. âYes. Iâll be your girlfriend.â
Heeseungâs smile widened, relief flickering in his eyes as he reached across the table to take her hand. âThank you. I wonât let you down.â
For the first time of that day, Y/N smiled back. Warmth spread through her chest, numbing the ache left behind. Maybe this was the beginning of something new. Maybe, just maybe, things could change.
But little did Y/N knowâŠ
As they walked away from the cafĂ© together, Heeseungâs thoughts lingered on the scene from earlier. The girl with Sunghoon - he knew exactly who she was. Yeji. Sunghoonâs younger sister.
He had recognized her instantly, the resemblance too obvious to ignore. But when he saw the look in Y/Nâs eyes, the hope crumbling into heartbreak⊠he stayed silent.
If she knew the truth, she might run back to Sunghoon without hesitation. And Heeseung wasnât ready to let her go, not now, not when she was finally within reach.
So he swallowed the truth, kept his smile steady, and let her misunderstanding take root.
âY-You what?â Jiwonâs jaw practically hit the ground.
âIâm dating Heeseung,â Y/N said casually as she tucked her books into her bag, getting ready for their next class.
âLee Heeseung?!â Jiwonâs voice shot up an octave, drawing glances from a few nearby students.
âYeah. Whatâs the problem?â Y/N raised a brow, her tone cool.
Jiwon pressed a hand to her forehead and let out a long sigh. âListen, I get it, you want to move on from Sunghoon. But Heeseung?â She lowered her voice, concern flickering in her eyes. âThere are⊠rumors about him, Y/N. Weird ones. And not the good kind.â
Y/N rolled her eyes, shouldering her bag. âThose are just rumors. You know how cruel people can be.â
âBut Heeseung? Really?â Jiwon caught up with her as she strode toward the door.
Y/N stopped, turned, and looked her best friend straight in the eye. âYes, Jiwon. I like him. And Iâm going to date him.â Her voice was firm, her confidence unwavering. âI hope you can support me.â
Jiwonâs lips pressed into a thin line before she sighed again. âOf course Iâll support you,â she said, forcing a small smile. âI just⊠want you to be happy.â
Y/Nâs expression softened, and she squeezed her friendâs arm. âThank you.â
As they walked side by side, Jiwonâs thoughts were less certain than her smile. She knew Heeseungâs reputation wasnât spotless. But Y/N was no fool, she could make her own choices. All Jiwon could do now was hope that choice didnât come back to hurt her friend.
That afternoon, Sunghoon wandered the campus with an unusual heaviness in his chest. It had been days since he last had a proper conversation with Y/N. She had been there for him when no one else was, quietly offering comfort when he was at his lowest. He never even thanked her properly.
Lately, though, something unsettled him. The thought of her smile, her laughter, it lingered in his head longer than it should have. He had brushed it off as gratitude at first, but now he wasnât so sure. Deep down, a question gnawed at him: Was she becoming more than just a friend to me?
Lost in thought, he nearly collided with someone. âOh- Hi, Jiwon.â Sunghoon smiled politely. âHave you seen Y/N? I donât know why, but itâs been hard to reach her lately.â
Jiwon stopped in her tracks and gave him a sharp look, her patience snapping. âWow. So you really donât know anything.â
âWhat do you mean?â His smile faltered.
âMaybe itâs hard for you to contact her,â she said flatly, âbecause she has a boyfriend now.â
She smirked, pivoted on her heel, and walked away, leaving Sunghoon frozen where he stood.
The words hit him like a punch. A boyfriend? Y/N? His chest tightened painfully. When did this happen? The thought of her smiling at someone else, giving her time, her kindness, her warmth to someone who wasnât him, it clawed at him.
Jealousy burned hot in his stomach, but beneath it was regret. Bitter, suffocating regret. He should have told her sooner. Should have shown her how much she mattered to him before it was too late.
Without thinking, he broke into a run, his pulse hammering.
When he reached the lecture hall, Y/N was already packing her things. She turned at the sound of her name.
âSunghoon? What are you doing here?â Her brows lifted in surprise.
He stepped closer, still catching his breath. âI- I heard⊠from Jiwon. That you have a boyfriend.â The words scraped out rougher than he intended.
Y/N blinked before nodding with a small smile. âOh. That. Yes. I do.â
For a moment, silence stretched between them. Sunghoonâs throat tightened as he looked down at the floor. He forced a smile, though it felt like glass shattering inside him. âI see. Congratulations, then.â
Y/N tilted her head, concern flickering in her eyes. âSunghoon, are you okay?â
âYeah.â He looked up, forcing his voice steady. âI just wanted to congratulate you. Thatâs all.â
Her smile was gentle, but Sunghoon barely registered it.
As he walked away, a storm brewed inside him.
He was happy for her, at least, thatâs what he told himself. Y/N deserved someone who cared for her. Someone who would protect her, treasure her.
But underneath the congratulations, underneath the mask of composure, jealousy gnawed at him. Regret echoed in every step.
Why didnât I say something sooner? Why did I let her slip away?
For the first time, Sunghoon admitted to himself what he had been denying all along. He no longer saw Y/N as just a friend. Somewhere between her quiet support and her gentle smile, he had fallen for her.
And now⊠it might be too late.
For the first four months, things between Y/N and Heeseung were light and easy. He teased her endlessly, sent her late-night messages, showed up with her favorite food or gifts, and always found ways to make her laugh. He made her feel chosen, like she wasnât invisible anymore.
But slowly, so slowly she almost didnât notice at first - the warmth began to fade.
He didnât stop being her boyfriend outright, but the little things disappeared. The random texts turned into delayed replies; their playful coffee dates dwindled until they were gone altogether; when she spoke about her day, he nodded distractedly, eyes glued to his phone; when she reached for his hand, sometimes he pulled away, claiming he needed both hands to type or carry something.
At first, Y/N told herself it was just stress, that university and work was draining him. She reminded herself how attentive he had been the whole time, and convinced herself it was only temporary. But the distance grew, an invisible wall rising brick by brick between them.
When she finally tried to bring it up, her voice small, her hands twisting in her lap, Heeseung only sighed and said he was busy with work and studies. His words were always calm, but his tone made her feel as though her worries were childish.
And so she swallowed them, one after another, until insecurity filled her chest like water seeping into cracks.
One afternoon, Jiwon caught her staring out the window, lost in thought.
âHey,â she said gently. âI heard thereâs a party this weekend.â
âOh⊠really?â Y/Nâs response was half-hearted, her gaze still distant.
âCome on, letâs go together. Itâll be fun!â Jiwon nudged her.
Y/N hesitated. The thought of another party didnât excite her. But maybe, just maybe, it could be a chance to fix what was breaking. If I talk to him there⊠maybe we can go back to how things used to be.
Before she could even press send, her phone buzzed.
Hey, the student council is holding a party this weekend. Mind if I escort you?
Her heart leapt. It had been so long since Heeseung texted her first. For a moment, relief bubbled up inside her.
She smiled faintly at the screen, clinging to that small spark of hope that he still love her deeply.
The night of the party, nerves returned in full force. Y/N stood in front of the mirror, smoothing the fabric of her simple but elegant black dress. Her half-up hairstyle framed her face, and a light layer of makeup gave her confidence she desperately needed.
âGo talk to him properly tonight, okay?â Jiwon said, fussing over the last strands of her hair. âIâll be waiting for good news. And if he does anything wrong to you-â she drew her thumb across her neck, mock-threatening, âIâll find him myself.â
Y/N laughed nervously, though a chill slipped down her spine. âWeâll be fine, Jiwon. Donât worry about me. Iâll talk to him tonight.â
âGood. You look amazing, by the way. Heâd be an idiot not to notice.â
Y/N hugged her friend, grateful for her steady support.
At the party, the music was loud, the lights dim, and laughter echoed from every corner. Y/N tried to steady her breathing, telling herself this was her chance. But as the night wore on, her chest grew heavier.
Heeseung was there, yes. He had escorted her, yes. But did it feel like a date? No. He kept drifting away, sliding into conversations with other people, laughing with different groups of friends, his hand never reaching for hers. He didnât ask her to dance, didnât compliment her dress, didnât even check if she was having fun.
She might as well have been invisible.
Y/N sat by herself for a while, her heart sinking lower with each passing minute. Finally, unable to take it, she slipped outside. The cool night air rushed against her skin, sharp and bracing, but it did little to numb the ache in her chest.
Footsteps approached, and she glanced sideways. A tall, pale figure dropped into the seat beside her.
âSunghoon?â she blinked, startled.
He offered her a gentle smile. âThought Iâd find you out here. Needed some air too?â
âYeahâŠâ She exhaled, hugging her arms around herself.
They began to talk, their words aimless but easy. Before long, she was laughing, genuine, unguarded laughter she hadnât felt in a long time.
âBy the way, you look pretty tonight,â Sunghoon said suddenly, his voice quieter than before. His eyes flicked toward her, then away again, almost shy.
Her cheeks warmed. âThank you.â
âHow could he ignore you,â Sunghoon murmured, âwhen youâre looking this stunning?â
Her breath caught. âY-You mean Heeseung? Heâs not ignoring me. Weâre just⊠having a fight, thatâs all. Iâll go back inside when the slow dance starts.â
âMake sure he invites you to dance,â Sunghoon replied, his jaw tightening slightly. There was a hint of something else in his tone - frustration, maybe even anger.
Or Iâll be the one who does, he thought.
Y/N forced a grin, trying to lighten the mood. âSure. Okay. Letâs head back inside.â
Together, they walked back into the glowing house, until Y/Nâs steps faltered, her eyes widening at the sight in front of her.
Inside the house, the laughter hit Y/N before the sight did. That loud, carefree laugh - it was Heeseungâs.
Her eyes followed the sound, and there he was, sprawled on the L-shaped sofa like he owned it. A bottle dangled lazily in his hand, his other arm draped over the shoulders of a girl pressed close to him.
The two of them were leaned in, their knees nearly touching, sharing some inside joke as if the rest of the room didnât exist.
âYou know what?â Heeseung chuckled, his words slurred just enough from the alcohol to sting sharper. âThat girlâs become so annoying. Spamming me with texts, stickers, all that clingy crap⊠I donât even want to respond anymore.â
Minjeong let out a laugh that scraped against Y/Nâs ears. âI know, right? You should just ignore her. Donât waste your time.â
âYeah,â Heeseung smirked, pouring another drink into Minjeongâs cup. âThatâs what Iâve been doing. Letâs see how long it takes before she breaks up with me herself.â He laughed again, loud and careless.
The words hit Y/N like a slap across the face. Her chest constricted, breath caught somewhere between anger and heartbreak. Heat burned her cheeks, but her whole body felt cold at the same time. That girl. Annoying. Waiting for me to end it myself.
She wanted to scream, to confront him, to ask him how he could so easily humiliate her, but her voice refused to come.
Sunghoon, standing just behind her, clenched his fists so tightly his knuckles whitened. He started forward, his eyes dark with anger. âI need to talk to him-â
âNo.â Y/N snapped, swatting his hand off her wrist before he could drag her into a fight. Her voice was low, trembling, but firm. âItâs fine. Iâm not in the mood to watch a scene. Donât make this bigger than it already is.â
She turned away without another glance, her vision blurry, her body stiff with the effort of holding herself together.
Sunghoon stayed frozen for a moment, torn between chasing after Heeseung and following Y/N. His gaze dropped to the floor. With a deep sigh, he went after her.
The night air outside felt sharp against Y/Nâs skin as she walked away from the party. She didnât know where Jiwon was, but she needed to leave, to escape before the tears fell.
Minutes later, she found herself in Sunghoonâs car, the passenger seat cold beneath her legs. Neither of them spoke. The silence filled every corner of the car, heavy and suffocating. Her fingers twisted in her lap. She couldnât look at him. Not now, not when her chest was raw and her pride was bleeding.
Finally, Sunghoon broke the silence, his voice soft, calling for her name. âY/N.â
She flinched slightly. âYeah?â Her gaze stayed glued to the road ahead.
âIâm sorry you had to see that,â he said, guilt thick in his tone.
Y/N sighed, pressing her nails into her palm. âItâs fine, Sunghoon. I donât want to talk about it.â Her throat ached, the tears threatening to spill, but she forced them down.
He glanced at her, his chest tightening at the way her voice cracked. âI didnât mean to upset you,â he murmured.
âItâs not your fault,â she said, forcing a smile that hurt to hold. âDonât worry about it.â
He wanted to say more, to tell her she deserved better, to remind her that she wasnât the âannoying girlâ Heeseung made her out to be. But the words stuck in his throat, heavy and unsaid. Instead, Sunghoon gripped the steering wheel a little tighter and exhaled slowly.
The car was quiet, save for the hum of the engine and the faint thump of bass still leaking from the party house they had left behind. Outside, the streets were lined with shadows, the glow of streetlights cutting through the dark like pale ribbons.
After a while, Sunghoon spoke again, his tone lighter, gentler. âYou know, you zoned out so hard back there I thought youâd forgotten I was sitting right next to you.â
Y/N turned her head, startled. âWhat? I wasnât zoning outâŠâ
âYou were,â he countered, a small grin tugging at his lips. âYou didnât even laugh at my joke about Jayâs playlist. That says a lot.â
She blinked, then let out the tiniest huff of laughter. âMaybe it just wasnât funny.â
âOuch.â He clutched his chest in mock offense. âAnd here I was, trying to be the comedian of the night.â
It wasnât much, but her lips curved into a faint smile. Sunghoon noticed, and a small knot in his chest loosened. So he kept talking, steering the conversation toward safer, softer places. He pointed out how the stars looked unusually clear tonight, teased her about the way she kept fidgeting with her hair, and told her about the ridiculous excuse Jay and Jake once used to skip class.
The air in the car shifted, bit by bit. It was still heavy, but no longer suffocating. Their words filled the silence like careful stitches mending a tear.
By the time he pulled up in front of her dorm, Y/N felt different, not whole, not healed, but lighter. The ache was still there, raw and sharp, but it wasnât crushing her anymore.
She unbuckled her seatbelt, then turned to him. The streetlight spilled through the windshield, painting his face in pale gold. His eyes werenât playful now, but steady, watching her with quiet concern.
âThanks for being with me tonight, Sunghoon,â she said softly. Her voice wavered, but her gaze didnât. âI⊠I really appreciate it.â
For a moment, he only looked at her, as though memorizing her expression. Then he smiled, warm and gentle, the kind of smile that always made her chest flutter. âAnytime, Y/N. You can always count on me.â
Her breath hitched. The words sank deep into her, melting against the ache in her heart. As she reached for the door handle, she realized she didnât want to leave, not yet. A part of her wanted to stay in that small cocoon of warmth, away from the world, where Sunghoonâs voice and presence were enough to quiet her storm.
But she forced herself to step out. The cool night air rushed against her, and she hugged her arms around herself. She waved faintly as he drove off, headlights disappearing into the distance.
Only when she entered the dorm did she finally press a hand against her chest, realizing how fast her heart was beating. It wasnât from the heartbreak anymore - it was from him.
That night, lying in bed, Y/N stared up at the ceiling, the room cloaked in darkness except for the faint glow of her phone charging on the desk. She looked aside, Jiwon was sleeping peacefully, but sleep wouldnât come to her, her mind was too loud, replaying everything like a non-stop film on repeat.
She saw Heeseung first. The image of him on that sofa burned into her memory: his arm casually draped over Minjeong, his laughter booming, his words sharp and careless. That girlâs so annoying. Letâs see how long it takes before she breaks up with me.
Every syllable echoed in her chest, each one a blade carving away at the affection she had once clung to. She thought about the way he used to text her first, how he used to make her feel special, and how quickly that tenderness had withered. Had she really been that blind? Or had she just refused to see it?
Then Minjeongâs smirk flashed before her eyes, mocking and smug, like she had been let in on a joke Y/N never wanted to exist. Y/Nâs stomach twisted, shame mixing with anger. How humiliating, to know she had been reduced to gossip, a punchline shared between two people who didnât care how much it might hurt her.
But after the bitterness, another voice emerged, quieter, steadier. Sunghoonâs.
Anytime, Y/N. You can always count on me.
His tone had been so gentle, his eyes so sincere. He didnât try to tell her how to feel or what to do; he just sat beside her, letting her sadness spill out without judgment. He had made her laugh again, even when she thought sheâd forgotten how.
The contrast between them made her chest ache. Heeseungâs neglect, his cruelty, his thoughtless words. Sunghoonâs patience, his warmth, his quiet way of making her feel like she wasnât alone.
And in that moment, Y/N finally admitted what she had been avoiding for a while: she couldnât keep holding onto someone who treated her like a burden.
Her pillow was damp by the time she turned over, clutching it close. She had poured so much of herself into this relationship, only to realize he had been slowly letting her slip away. No matter how much it hurt, she had to stop pretending it would get better.
She had to let Heeseung go.
The next day, her phone rang. His name flashed on the screen: Heeseung.
She almost ignored it, almost let it ring out. But something inside her pushed her to answer. Maybe she needed closure.
âY/N, I didnât see you anywhere last night. I was looking for you,â he said quickly, as if rehearsed.
Her grip tightened on the phone. âItâs fine, Heeseung. You donât have to lie to me, I saw you with Minjeong. Thatâs why I left.â Her voice was flat, but inside she was shaking.
âOhâŠâ His voice faltered because now he knew that heâs been caught, but then quickly recovering. âPlease, let me explain.â
Y/N hesitated, but she decided to give him a chance. âMake it quick,â she said coldly.
âI know I messed up,â Heeseungâs voice came rushed at first, then slowed, unsteady. âI shouldnât have said those things about you⊠especially to Minjeong. It was stupid, thoughtless, and I regret it. Every word.â
Y/N sat frozen on the edge of her bed, her phone pressed to her ear, her chest tightening. His words tumbled over her, but they didnât soothe the wound. They only pressed deeper into it. Her throat burned as she forced out, âBut why, Heeseung? Why did you say it in the first placce?â Her voice cracked, tears finally spilling down her cheeks. âWhy humiliate me like that? Was I really just⊠a joke to you?â
There was a pause on the other end, heavy with static and guilt.
âIâm sorry,â Heeseung admitted at last, his voice low, strained. âI was angry. Frustrated. And I took it out on you when I never should have. I-â his breath hitched faintly â-I canât take it back, but I swear I didnât mean it the way it sounded. Iâm sorry, Y/N. I really am.â
She closed her eyes, letting the tears fall freely now. His regret was real,she could hear it in the tremor of his voice, but it didnât erase the memory of him laughing with Minjeong, dismissing her like she was nothing. His apology couldnât stitch back the pieces of her heart he had so carelessly broken.
Her heart ached so deeply it felt hollow, but her mind was clear in a way it hadnât been for weeks. âIâve thought this through, Heeseung,â she whispered, her voice trembling. âI canât do this anymore.â
For a long moment, silence stretched. Then, so quiet she almost missed it, Heeseung spoke. âIf thatâs your decision⊠is there anything I can do to make it right? Please, Y/N. Anything?â
Her lips parted, but no words came. If she spoke again, her resolve would crumble, and she couldnât afford that. So she pressed the call ended button before her voice betrayed her.
The silence in her room afterward was deafening. She let the phone slip from her hand and buried her face into her palms. The sobs tore out of her chest uncontrollably.
For all his faults, Heeseung had still been hers once - the boy who made her laugh, who brought her strawberry milk, who she believed cared for her. Walking away from that, even when she knew it was the right choice, felt like ripping out a piece of herself.
Heartbreak wasnât clean. It was messy, raw, jagged. And in that moment, Y/N finally understood it in full.
The next morning, Y/N dragged herself into class, hidden beneath a hoodie and a mask. She wanted to disappear. But of course, fate had other plans.
âY/N?â Sunghoonâs voice.
She froze. He had slipped into the seat beside her, concern etched across his face.
âYou donât look okay,â he said softly.
âIâm fine,â she muttered, eyes fixed forward. If she looked at him, sheâd shatter.
âNo, youâre not.â His voice was firm, but gentle. âWhat happened after I dropped you off? Did Heeseung⊠do something?â
Her lips trembled, but she stayed silent.
âPlease,â Sunghoon urged, leaning closer. His eyes were filled with sincerity, worry written across his features. âYou can talk to me. About anything. I want to help.â
Her walls broke. The tears she had fought so hard to hold back spilled, her shoulders trembling. And once she started, she couldnât stop.
She told him everything, about the laughter, the words, the betrayal, the phone call that confirmed everything she feared. Her voice cracked, her hands shook, but Sunghoon didnât interrupt. He just listened, every word soaking into him, his gaze steady and warm.
When she finished, she sat there, exhausted, hollow.
Without a word, Sunghoon pulled her into his arms. His embrace was steady, gentle, strong enough to hold her together when she felt like falling apart.
âYou didnât deserve any of that,â he whispered against her hair. âNot a single part of it.â
Y/N closed her eyes, leaning into him. For the first time in weeks, she felt safe.
Her heart fluttered painfully, but beneath the ache was something else, a warmth she couldnât ignore.
Maybe, just maybe, her heart was finding its way back to him.
Jiwon slipped into the lecture hall late, her bag swinging against her hip. She scanned the room quickly, ready to slip into the first empty seat she saw, until her eyes caught Y/N.
Y/N was sitting with Sunghoon, their chairs so close their shoulders almost brushed. Jiwon froze for a beat, taking in the sight. Y/Nâs head was tilted slightly toward him, her expression softer than it had been in weeks. For once, there wasnât that heavy, clouded look in her eyes.
Jiwonâs lips pressed together. She thought about walking over, thought about teasing Y/N the way she normally would, but something stopped her. Instead, she let out a tiny smile and quietly found another seat. Maybe, she thought, Y/N needed this moment.
Later that afternoon, the two of them strolled down the street, the sounds of campus life were all around them. Jiwon pressed a cold cup of ice cream into Y/Nâs hand.
âSorry for not keeping an eye out for you last night,â she said as they walked. âHeard from Jay that you left the party with Sunghoon.â
Y/N didnât answer, just scooped a spoonful of ice cream and let the sweetness melt on her tongue.
Jiwon studied her closely. âDid you⊠end things with Heeseung properly?â
âI hope so.â Y/N shrugged, eyes fixed on her cup. âI already told him. Hope that he knows it and wonât disturb me anymore.â
âI donât know about that.â Jiwon sighed, brushing her hair back from her face. She slowed her steps, turning so she could look at Y/N more directly.
Y/N kept her gaze down, pretending to focus on her ice cream. She didnât want to talk about Heeseung - not now, not anymore. She was too tired, too drained by his coldness and cruelty.
But Jiwonâs concern lingered, heavy in the air. âHey,â she said softly, her usual sharp tone gone. âYou know Iâm not judging you, right? I just⊠I hate seeing you like this. Youâre not yourself lately.â
Y/N blinked, finally glancing at her.
âIâve been your best friend long enough to know when somethingâs eating you alive,â Jiwon continued, her voice steadier now. âAnd Heeseung⊠he wasnât worth what you gave him. You deserve someone who doesnât make you question yourself every single day.â
Y/Nâs throat tightened. She looked away again quickly, afraid that if she held Jiwonâs gaze too long, the tears would come back.
Jiwon sighed, nudging her shoulder lightly. âIâm not saying you need to move on right away. Just⊠promise me you wonât go through this alone. Iâve got you, no matter what. Okay?â
The corners of Y/Nâs lips curved into the smallest smile. She didnât say much, words felt too heavy, but the warmth in her chest told her Jiwonâs words had landed.
And in that small, quiet moment, with melting ice cream in their hands and the weight of unspoken worry between them. It was the kind of quiet that didnât need filling. A steady presence, a shoulder brushing close when the world felt too heavy.
The semester was drawing to a close, and with it came the buzz of prom. Spring had settled softly over campus, the kind of spring that was warm but still forgiving, sunlight filtered through fresh green leaves, the air cool enough to breathe easily. Excitement rippled everywhere. In the halls, whispers about outfits, about who would go with whom, colored every conversation. For some, it was a chance to confess long-held crushes; for others, just one last glittering memory before summer pulled them apart.
The student council worked tirelessly on decorations, string lights already being tested in the gymnasium. Professors rushed through final assignments, reminding everyone that classes didnât end just because the prom was near. It felt like the whole school was holding its breath, waiting for one night to sparkle.
In the middle of a lecture, Jiwon leaned across her desk and nudged Y/N with her pen.
âSo⊠do you have any plans for prom night?â she whispered, mischief in her eyes.
âPlans?â Y/N muttered back, her voice flat. âI donât have a partner anymore, remember? What do you want me to do- dance on my own?â She tried to laugh, though it came out small and self-deprecating.
âOh, Iâm sorry,â Jiwon said quickly, her cheeks heating with guilt.
Y/N shook her head, forcing a smile. âDonât worry about it. Really.â
Still, Jiwon twirled her pen between her fingers, unwilling to drop it. âCome to think of it, Heeseung never really asked you to dance, did he?â
Y/N let out a dry chuckle. âOnce. Back when we were just friends. Back when I still had that giant crush on Sunghoon.â
Jiwonâs eyes widened. âSpeaking of⊠why donât you ask him out?â
Y/N nearly choked on air. Her face flushed scarlet. âW-What? No way⊠Weâre just friends.â
Are you sure youâre just friends? Jiwon thought but kept the question to herself. Instead, she patted Y/Nâs shoulder gently. âItâs up to you. I just donât want you to be alone that night. Youâll look stunning- I already know it.â
Y/N tried to brush it off and shot back, âWhat about you? Youâre always glued to me, maybe you should find yourself a date.â
âOh, I already have.â Jiwonâs grin spread wide.
Y/N blinked. âYou do?â
âJay asked me this morning,â Jiwon admitted, eyes sparkling. âI said yes, of course. Canât wait.â
The lecture ended soon after. Jiwon hurried off to meet Jay, leaving Y/N to walk back alone, her thoughts spinning. Prom. The word made her stomach twist. She tried not to think about Heeseung and all the bitterness he left behind, but it kept crept in anyway.
She stopped at the sound of hurried footsteps behind her. Turning, she saw Sunghoon jogging up, slightly out of breath, strands of hair falling into his eyes.
âYeah,â he said, catching his breath with a small laugh. âI saw you in lecture but didnât get the chance to talk.â
âOh⊠I didnât notice,â she admitted, smiling faintly.
âI was in the back.â He pointed behind him, then rubbed his neck awkwardly. âAnyway⊠are you busy now?â
âNot really. Just heading back to the dorm.â
âMind if I walk with you?â His smile was shy, almost boyish.
Y/Nâs chest warmed. âI could use some company.â
They fell into step, their pace unhurried. For a while, the only sounds were their footsteps and the whisper of a breeze drifting between budding trees. Sunghoon seemed restless, searching for words, glancing at her then back at the pavement.
âSoâŠâ he started, his voice hesitant. âEveryoneâs buzzing about prom, right?â
Y/N smiled. âWe can tell. What about you?â She asked.
âM-Me?!â He looked startled, his ears turning pink. âWell⊠I donât have a partner. Honestly, I was thinking about not going at all.â
Walking beside him, Y/N noticed just how tall he was, how his shoulders curved inward like he was trying to make himself smaller. His eyes stayed down, his ears flushed red. It was strangely endearing.
âThereâs nothing to be embarrassed about,â she teased lightly. âI donât have a partner either. But I still think Iâll go.â
Something in his shoulders relaxed. âThen what will we be? Lonely dancers?â He chuckled.
A soft breeze shifted between them, ruffling Y/Nâs hair. When Sunghoon glanced over, their eyes met, and suddenly he couldnât look away. The way her short hair framed her face, the curve of her smile, it hit him all at once. His chest tightened.
âNo,â Y/N replied, smiling at him. âNot only you get to be lonely. We can be lonely together.â
They both laughed, the sound ringing easy in the cool spring air. The awkwardness between them melted, replaced with a surprising comfort.
As they walked, the conversation drifted as easily as the spring breeze around them. It started small, the safe kind of small talk: Classes, professors, the ridiculous amount of assignments dumped on them right before finals. But slowly, like a thread unraveling, it stretched into something deeper.
âFavorite song right now?â Sunghoon asked, kicking at a stray pebble on the path.
Y/N thought for a second, her lips pursed in mock seriousness. âHmm⊠probably that ballad everyoneâs tired of hearing already. But I still listen to it every night.â
âReally?!â He laughed, eyes widening. âI thought I was the only one keeping it on repeat. Everyone else says itâs too dramatic.â
âToo dramatic?â Y/N scoffed. âThatâs the point. It makes you feel like youâre the main character in a movie.â
Their laughter spilled into the air, soft and unguarded.
From there, they moved to movies. Y/N confessed she could watch the same old animated films, the kind with talking animals and happy songs from times to times without getting bored. Sunghoon admitted, half-embarrassed, that he could watch the same cheesy rom-com a hundred times and still tear up at the ending.
âI knew you had a soft side,â Y/N teased, her eyes glinting with mischief.
Sunghoonâs ears burned red. âDonât tell anyone. Iâve got an image to keep, you know.â
Their steps fell into rhythm as they teased and laughed, the street around them growing quieter, only the faint rustle of spring leaves filling the spaces between their words. It felt⊠easy. Like this was something they had done a hundred times before, not something new.
The conversation wandered further, into childhood memories and silly dreams.
âWhen I was ten,â Sunghoon confessed, staring up at the dusky sky, âI swore I was going to be a professional ice skater. Iâd practice every morning, even when Iâm sick.â
âAnd now?â Y/N tilted her head, curious.
He shrugged, smiling sheepishly. âThings just happen, you know.â
Y/N burst into laughter, the sound ringing out like bells, and Sunghoon felt a warmth spread through his chest at the sight of her.
She shared one too, how she once dreamed of becoming an artist. âI used to draw all the time when I was younger,â she admitted, a sheepish smile tugging at her lips. âBut honestly, half of my âmasterpiecesâ looked like stick figures with extra arms. I think I traumatized my family by forcing them to hang my drawings on the fridge.â She covered her face with her hand, groaning at the memory.
âIâd still frame them,â Sunghoon said suddenly, his tone soft but certain. He glanced away quickly, as if embarrassed by his own words. âEven the ones with⊠extra arms.â
Y/N peeked at him from behind her hand, her cheeks heating. The warmth in his voice made her chest flutter, and she couldnât help but laugh.
The world around them seemed to fade as they kept walking. Street lamps hummed faintly above, casting pools of golden light that stretched their shadows long across the sidewalk. Every now and then, their hands would swing just close enough that the air between them felt charged.
Sunghoon found himself stealing glances, at the curve of her smile when she spoke, at the way her eyes lit up when she laughed. Heâd never realized how natural it felt to be next to her, how much he wanted this walk to stretch on forever.
And Y/N⊠she felt it too. With each joke, each quiet confession, the loneliness that had clung to her for weeks seemed to lift. Her chest felt lighter, her steps steadier. She hadnât expected to feel this comfortable with him, hadnât expected her heart to race at such ordinary moments, his laugh, the way he shoved his hands into his pockets, the shy curve of his lips whenever their eyes met.
The conversation never ran out. It just flowed. Songs, movies, dreams, silly stories, and with every shared laugh, the path back to her dorm seemed shorter and shorter, as if the night itself wanted to steal time away from them.
For both of them, it was just a walk home. Simple. Ordinary. And yet, it carried the quiet magic of something beginning, something neither dared name just yet, but both could feel in the warmth blooming between them.
When they reached the steps, Sunghoon suddenly stopped. His face was serious now, and Y/Nâs pulse jumped.
âY/N, I⊠I have something to tell you.â His voice was unsteady, and the way his eyes darted away only made her more nervous.
What is he going to say? Her heart raced.
But after a long pause, he only reached into his pocket, pressed a strawberry candy into her hand, and smiled with his eyes. âSo⊠Iâll see you at prom? You convinced me to become a lonely dancer.â He chuckled softly.
Relief rushed through her, and she laughed, clutching the candy tightly. âS-See you.â
She waved quickly, then darted inside before her nerves could betray her.
Behind the closed door, she leaned back against the wood, her cheeks flushed, her heartbeat wild. She stared down at the candy in her palm, a simple sweet that suddenly felt like a promise.
She had dreamed of moments like this since her first day at university, but now that it was real, nervous excitement tangled inside her. She wanted it to be perfect, the dress, the night, the dance.
Outside, Sunghoon lingered on the sidewalk for a moment longer. Watching her disappear, he smiled faintly, but the warmth in his chest was tangled with guilt. He had wanted to say more, to confess what had been growing quietly inside him, but fear held him back.
Selfish, he thought. I just donât want to lose her and this comfort that weâre having⊠that even if it means staying silent.
He sighed, turning to walk away, the night air brushing cool against his heated skin. Somewhere deep down, he hoped, when the music played and the lights dimmed, heâd finally find the courage.
As prom night crept closer, Y/N felt like her heart had become a restless bird, fluttering against the bars of her chest. Every night she lay awake, staring at the ceiling of her dorm room, the shadows of tree branches swaying outside her window. No matter how she tossed and turned, her mind dragged her back to that walk with Sunghoon.
The way his laughter had rung out, low and warm, wrapping around her like sunlight after rain.
The way his hand had brushed hers ever so slightly, leaving her skin tingling long after.
The strawberry candy he had pressed into her palm - such a small thing, and yet she had kept it tucked in the drawer of her desk as if it were a secret treasure.
Every detail replayed endlessly, and each time, her chest tightened.
Her heart thudded whenever she remembered his smile, not the polite one he showed to his classmates, but the soft, almost shy curve of his lips when his eyes had met hers. She could still see it clearly, like an imprint burned into her memory.
And yet, alongside the flutter of excitement, fear lingered like a shadow she couldnât shake.
What if Iâve misread everything? What if he was just being nice? What if he doesnât feel the same at all?
The thoughts twisted in circles, leaving her exhausted. She feared ruining the fragile balance they had built - their friendship, their comfort with each other. Losing that felt unbearable. So she held her hopes close, whispering them only into her pillow at night, where no one else could hear.
What Y/N didnât know was that Sunghoon, too, was caught in a storm of nerves.
He had been sneaking into the practice room after hours, music pulsing low through the speakers, teaching himself steps he was terrified of messing up. Not because he wanted to impress everyone else at prom, but because of her. He wanted to be ready if she said yes when he asked her to dance.
In lectures, his attention drifted, not to the professorâs words, but to the way Y/N tucked her hair behind her ear, the way she scribbled notes furiously, the way her lips pursed when she concentrated. Even the most ordinary moments became extraordinary when she was in them.
Tell her that she was the reason he woke up with something to look forward to.
That she wasnât just another classmate, not just a friend - she was the one who had slipped quietly into the center of his world without even knowing it.
But every time he opened his mouth, fear clamped it shut.
What if I ruin everything? What if she pulls away? What if she stops smiling at me like that?
The thought of losing what they already had was enough to keep the words caged in his chest. So he swallowed them down, carrying them silently, hoping that somehow, some way, prom night would give him the courage he had been missing.
The ballroom glowed under strands of fairy lights draped from the ceiling, chandeliers shimmering like fallen stars. Music floated in waves, sometimes fast, sometimes soft, always filling the air with a promise that tonight could be unforgettable. Students milled around in their best outfits, laughter echoing against the polished walls.
Y/N stood in front of her mirror one last time before leaving. The dress she chose shimmered faintly when she moved, simple but elegant. Her hair had been styled into soft waves, and a touch of makeup made her features glow. She looked beautiful, but inside her chest, nerves tangled tightly.
At the entrance, she spotted him instantly. Park Sunghoon.
He stood tall beneath the soft glow of the chandeliers, the black suit tailored perfectly to his frame, the crisp white shirt bright against the dark fabric. His hair was swept neatly, but a few strands had fallen loose across his forehead in a way that looked effortlessly handsome, like he hadnât even tried. For a moment, Y/Nâs breath caught, it wasnât just the clothes or the setting.
It was him. The way his presence seemed to anchor the entire room.
But what unraveled her most was his smile. Warm, steady, and just for her. It reached his eyes, softening them, making them shine brighter than the glittering lights above. When he extended his arm toward her, the world around them dimmed, as though the night itself was pausing to wait for her answer. And when she slid her hand into his, something inside her chest settled. Steadier. Safer. For tonight, at least, she wasnât alone.
Together, they stepped into the venue.
The ballroom was alive with chatter and music, the air buzzing with youthful excitement. Strings of fairy lights draped across the ceiling cast everything in a golden glow.
By the dessert table stood Jiwon and Jay, unmistakable even in the crowd. Jiwon, radiant in a flowing dark blue dress, leaned slightly toward Jay as he whispered something in her ear. Her laughter burst out, bright and free, and Jayâs grin widened in response. His hand hovered near hers, not quite touching, but close enough that it was clear they were both aware of the space between them, and how small it was. When Jiwonâs gaze flicked up and found Y/Nâs, she raised her brows and shot her a mischievous thumbs-up, eyes sparkling with playful approval. Y/Nâs cheeks burned, her lips twitching into a flustered smile.
The night blurred with the rhythm of conversation, laughter echoing like bells, and fleeting touches that lingered longer than they should have. Y/N found herself caught up in the magic of it. The music, the sparkling lights, the feeling of Sunghoonâs steady presence beside her.
And then, the spell faltered.
A weight pressed against her skin, not physical, but sharp, like a shadow falling where there shouldnât be one. She looked across the room, her chest tightening when her gaze locked with his.
He stood half-hidden in the corner, his figure leaning lazily against the wall as though he had no care in the world. But his eyes betrayed him. Fixed on her, unblinking, unyielding. The intensity of it was suffocating, like he was trying to peel back every layer she had rebuilt since him. His stare didnât hold warmth, or regret, or even curiosity. It was colder, unreadable, and it made her stomach knot in discomfort.
Y/Nâs fingers twitched where they rested on Sunghoonâs arm. For the first time that evening, the warmth she had felt began to slip away, replaced by a creeping unease.
Sunghoon noticed the stiffness in her shoulders, the way her smile faltered. Without hesitation, he leaned close and whispered, his breath brushing against her ear:
âI know why you feel like this. But tonight⊠you have me.â
Her cheeks burned, but her heart steadied.
The music slowed. A romantic song filled the air, the kind of melody that made the world soften around it. Sunghoon bowed, extending his hand. âSo⊠can I have this dance?â
Her lips curved upward despite her nerves. âYou may.â
They moved to the floor, his hand warm against hers, his other settling gently at her waist. Her own hand rested lightly on his shoulder, and together they swayed in time with the music.
It was her first proper dance. The moment felt surreal, lights glittering above, the world fading at the edges until it was just the two of them, breathing the same rhythm.
âFunny, isnât it?â Sunghoon murmured after a while, his head tilted closer to hers.
âWhat is?â Y/N frowned slightly.
âHow your lover left you, and mine was kissing someone else behind my back. And now here we are, two lonely dancers, dancing together.â
The words might have been bitter, but his tone was soft, laced with something tender.
Y/Nâs throat tightened. She wanted to say something, but the weight of his gaze stole her words.
Out of the corner of his eye, Sunghoon saw Heeseung still watching, sharp and unrelenting. A smirk tugged at his lips. He leaned in, spinning Y/N gracefully, then catching her hand again.
âForget him,â Sunghoon whispered.
âHuh?â Y/N blinked, startled.
âHe doesnât know anything about love.â His voice dropped lower, his eyes locked on hers. âYou deserve so much more.â
Y/Nâs laugh burst out, soft and bright. âChill. I already deleted him from my mind.â
âThatâs right,â Sunghoon said, his smile softening. His gaze lingered on her face, his words gentle but certain. âTonight⊠youâre mine.â
Her face burned hot, but she didnât look away. She couldnât. Something in his voice. The firmness, the quiet protectiveness laced beneath it - struck her deeper than any sweet word ever could. It made her chest ache, but in the gentlest, most intoxicating way, like a string being pulled taut between them.
Around them, the ballroom shimmered under a canopy of soft golden lights. The song that had carried them through their slow steps was fading now, its last notes dissolving into the hum of voices and the clinking of glasses at the edges of the hall. Other couples loosened their holds, breaking apart with laughter and whispers, but Y/N and Sunghoon remained rooted in place, hands joined, as if the world beyond them had blurred into nothing.
His fingers tightened around hers, warm and steady, as though letting go meant risking something irreplaceable. His breath ghosted against her temple as he leaned closer, his words barely louder than the hush of the dying music.
âY/N,â he whispered, his voice trembling, caught between fear and hope. âCan I⊠can I be your boyfriend? I want to be the one to cherish you.â
The words fell fragile into the space between them, yet they rang louder than anything else she had ever heard.
Her breath caught, her entire body going still. It felt as though the chandeliers had frozen mid-glitter, the air itself holding its breath. She had dreamed of this. Late at night, staring at her ceiling, hugging her pillow as if it could carry her secrets - but never once had she believed she would hear those words from him.
Her eyes stung, the edges blurring with unshed tears. Not of sadness. Not anymore. This was something purer, sharper, relief so powerful it made her chest ache.
She swallowed, her voice trembling when it finally found its way out. âIâd love to, Sunghoon.â Her lips curved, though her eyes brimmed with tears. âIâve always liked you. I just⊠never had the courage to tell you.â
The moment broke over them like light spilling into a darkened room. His breath hitched, his gaze softening in wonder, as though her words were the most precious gift he had ever been given.
For a second, he froze, stunned. Then his lips curved into the brightest smile sheâd ever seen. He pulled her into his arms, holding her as if she were something fragile, precious.
âI promise Iâll make you happy,â he whispered against her hair. âI promise I wonât let you go.â
A soft kiss pressed to her forehead, lingering, sealing his words. Y/N closed her eyes, hugging him tighter, her heart soaring.
Later, they drifted out into the cool night, the echoes of music fading behind them. The moon hung low and luminous, casting its silver veil across the quiet streets. Their shadows stretched side by side, sometimes brushing, sometimes overlapping, as though even the light wanted to bind them together.
They walked slowly, not out of weariness, but because neither wanted the night to end. The silence between them was tender, a silence heavy not with absence but with everything unspoken: Promises, hopes, the fragile beginning of something beautiful. Each step carried a rhythm, their movements unconsciously aligned, like the remnants of their dance still lingered in their bodies.
They had stepped into the evening as two solitary souls, uncertain and hesitant. But somewhere between the laughter, the music, and the courage to finally speak their hearts, the loneliness had dissolved.
No longer just lonely dancers, they had found something greater. A love delicate as moonlight, new as spring, and yet so achingly real.
THAT'S ALL AODWOIHEFOIAWHEDI !! please leave feedbacks and reblogging is very much appreciated âĄ
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