☆

— YEON SIEUN

You and Sieun hadn’t specifically wanted your relationship to be a secret. You just both knew the value of privacy, and let’s say that none of your friends really understood that concept just yet.

────✯────

“Mi-rae, I’m not sure this was a good idea—”

“Shh, they’ll hear you!”

The girl, named Mi-are, quickly pressed a finger to her friend So-hee’s lips, as the latter winced in pain at the uncomfortable position she was in. Mi-rae seemed unable to make fun of her anymore, her attention immediately returning to the scene before her—her best friend, you, and the boy you swore you didn’t see very often, standing in front of her high school and talking too quietly for her to hear—much to her dismay.

“Mi-rae,” So-hee’s small voice chimed in again, breathless. “You’re crushing my spleen—”

“You don’t even know where your spleen is.” Her friend retorted, without bothering to take her eyes off the two lovebirds you and Sieun made.

So-hee grunted but didn't waste time opening her mouth again, knowing it was pointless, and instead tried to find a more comfortable position. However, her movement was once again interrupted by her friend's sudden grip on her arm. 

"You're making too much noise," she scolded in a shriek-whisper. "They'll notice us if you keep going!"

"Who cares, we shouldn't even be spying on them, this is wrong," protested So-hee, frowning as she struggled against her friend.

Their little quarrel ended as quickly as it began though, when Mi-rae suddenly gasped, grabbing So-hee and pulling her close—pointing at something with her eyes wide as if a monster had just sprung from the bushes where they were hiding. So-hee turned her head and couldn't suppress a gasp of surprise at the sight before her.

You, their best friend, the one who swore to tell them everything, were kissing Sieun with a smile far too serene for it to be the first time. Your friends had to stifle their screams; they'd been right all along, so you really had been dating the bookworm all this time. Before So-hee could protest or stop her, Mi-rae leaped out of the bushes, startling both you and Sieun, and pointed an accusing finger at you. 

“I KNEW IT!” She shouted to no one in particular, clearly gloating over her discovery. “I CALLED IT FROM THE START, I KNEW YOU TWO WERE HIDING SOMETHING—”

The girl’s cries were cut short by her friend’s hand, which clamped over her mouth, transforming her joyful shouts into muffled sounds against So-hee’s palm. So-hee, though giving you a rueful look, seemed just as pleased with the situation she had stumbled upon.

“Sorry about that,” So-hee smiled, holding her friend firmly, who was struggling against her surprisingly strong grip. “You guys look cute together. Such a shame our best friend here didn’t think of telling us about you sooner though, Sieun. Well, we’re still happy for both of you.”

Mi-rae, finally freeing herself from her friend’s hand, added very seriously.

“We’ll kill you if you hurt her.”

“But we know you won’t.” So-hee added, a sweet smile playing on her lips as she tried to close her friend's mouth again.

“I’ll be watching you closely, bookworm.”

Mi-rae said again before being forcibly pulled away from your two confused, and yours somewhat amused, stares by So-hee, who was reprimanding her for her immature behavior and words—to which Mi-rae reacted as dramatically as possible. A silence fell between you and your boyfriend for a few seconds before Sieun finally spoke, deadpan, his gaze still fixed on the path your friends had taken.

“Your friends are weird.”

“They mean well.” You retorted, a smirk on your lips. “And they’re fun.”

Sieun rolled his eyes as if he thought otherwise and you just laughed.

“I’m kinda glad it came out though.”

Your laughter died down as you turned to your boyfriend, seeing a sincere glint in his eyes.

“I don’t like having to hide, especially with you.”

You smiled, meeting his gaze.

“Then, since my friends figured them out themselves, I guess yours are next hm?”

“Absolutely not.” Sieun instantly refused, giving you a glare as you burst out laughing, leaning in closer to press a gentle kiss to his cheek.

“Oh, Suho’s gonna be so insufferable once he finds out—”

“Don’t you dare.”

You smiled at your boyfriend and simply kissed him again—a real kiss this time, slow and tender. Your eyes met as you pulled apart, just inches apart.

“I love you, Sieun-a.”

And you knew he loved you too, just as much. 

— AHN SUHO

Bold of you to assume this man would ever accept the idea of hiding his relationship with you from anyone. But imagining he bent to your wish, because he just loves you that much.

────✯────

“I’m not in love with him.”

“Girl, please. We know.”

“I’m not!”

If there was one thing that was pointless, it was arguing with Mi-rae when she had a strong opinion on something. And the one that kept coming up in every conversation these past few days was your attraction to Ahn Suho—your ‘best friend’ who picked you up every day after school despite his incredibly busy schedule, always waiting for you at the school gates, leaning against his bike, a sly smile on his lips as if it were his default expression. You could protest all you wanted, swear that no, you weren’t in love with him—which was more than a lie considering you’d been devouring each other’s lips behind closed doors for over a month now—but Mi-rae wouldn’t budge. And even So-hee, supposedly the wise one of the trio, couldn’t find anything wrong with it. “You two are practically attached by the hip. I might not make a fuss about it like her, but I agree with Mi-rae”.

It wasn’t that you were ashamed of Suho—it was impossible to be ashamed of him in any way—but you could more than do without the endless teasing you knew admitting your feelings for the guy would unleash on you. Mostly by Mi-rae—but definitely also by So-hee. And besides, as silly and weird as it seemed, you couldn’t help but like the secretive aspect of the relationship. Which was anything but the case for your boyfriend; but you’d managed to convince him so far.

When the last bell finally rang, you were heading towards the school exit when, as usual, your gaze caught the familiar shape of your boyfriend's, patiently waiting, leaning against his bike, smirking like he owned the place. The second your eyes met his, it was as if you could sense he was up to something. But of course, surrounded by your two friends who scrutinized your every move as soon as you entered a perimeter of at least a hundred meters around Suho, you showed nothing and simply smiled at your friend, as usual.

“Hey Suho.” You said, stopping a reasonable distance from him as he straightened up to face you and your friends.

“Hey.” He replied, a smile on his lips. “How are you guys doing?”

“Fine.” So-hee smiled.

“Suffering.” Mi-rae groaned.

Suho raised an eyebrow at that, smirking at your friend’s dramatics while you side-eyed her, silently ordering her to shut up—which she obviously did not.

“Oh? Why’s that?” Your boyfriend asked, smiling as if he already knew what it was—and had been waiting for this forever.

“I’m stuck watching the slowest slow-burn of the history of romance, that’s why.” Mi-rae dramatically sighed, crossing her arms over her chest as Suho’s grin only widened. You opened your mouth to intervene, ready to call out your best friend’s antics with an exasperated sigh, when Suho beat you to it.

“Oh yeah? I can help with that.”

And before you could protest, your boyfriend grabbed your arm, pulled you in, and kissed you like he’d been dying to do in front of your friends—deep, unapologetic, and so obviously in love. Your eyes widened, but before you could react, your boyfriend's lips left yours, and a triumphant cry escaped your best friend's throat, nearly bursting your eardrums.

While your friend was shouting herself hoarse with ‘I knew it!’ and ‘This is the best day of my life!’—cries that So-hee, though her sly smile betrayed her true feelings, quickly stifled—you glared at your boyfriend, who was smiling at you as if he were having the time of his life, and he probably was.

“Sorry, baby.” The boy grinned, wrapping an arm around you and pulling you to his side. “I've been wanting to do that for too long.”

You rolled your eyes and elbowed him in return, a blow to which he had the presence of mind to feign pain despite his broad smile. But despite your murderous glare, you couldn't stop the faint blush from creeping onto your cheeks. You might be teased by your friends for life, but you no longer had to hide from anyone.

And although you wouldn't admit it, being claimed this way by your boyfriend in front of your whole school wasn't unpleasant. 

— OH BEOMSEOK

I beg of you don’t ever ask this man to have a secret relationship, he will think you’re ashamed of him and not take it well.

────✯────

You weren't ashamed of your boyfriend, of course not.

You were simply... afraid. You didn't want your relationship to become a barrier between you and your friends, for them to neglect you, thinking you'd neglect them for your boyfriend. You knew it didn't make sense, but you couldn't help it. Your mind and your dark thoughts had always been stronger than your reason, even when they risked hurting the people you loved

 "Hey, wake up you sloth."

A tap on your head snapped you back to reality, blinking your thoughts away rapidly. Mi-rae was watching you, a smirk playing on her lips as if she were already preparing her next tease.

"Dreaming of your boyfriend, perhaps?"

She smirked widely.

"He's not my boyfriend…”

But even you didn't seem convinced as she spoke those words, your gaze lowered as you couldn't meet your best friend's.

"Mi-rae, stop teasing her." So-hee intervened, scolding Mi-rae gently yet sternly as she noticed your head bowed.

The latter remained silent, overwhelmed by the sudden tension between you while you drifted back into your thoughts. Although he said nothing, he didn't dare, you knew Beomseok was suffering from this whole ‘secret relationship’ situation. You hated it, but what else could you do?

When you left school with your friends, your thoughts were still on the same subject. And the more you thought about it, the more absurd it seemed. Yes, you were scared, but did that really justify hurting Beomseok and potentially your relationship itself? 

Lifting your head after Mi-rae's numerous elbows to your ribs—making you groan in pain—you saw your boyfriend standing a few feet before you. You frowned at the sight of him; it wasn't like him to come see you after class, but you quickly approached him without asking any questions.

"Hey!" Beomseok smiled at you softly, clearly trying to keep his distance as he caught sight of your friends walking beside you. Your heart sank a little more at the faint pain he hid in his eyes.

"Hey." You answered in return.

The four of you stood there in silence before So-hee cleared her throat and grabbed Mi-rae by the arms, pretending to have somewhere else to be to leave the two of you alone.

"Wait."

Your voice cut your friends off mid-sentence, stopping abruptly and turning back to you as you met their gazes, your lips pressed together, before turning to your boyfriend. With a movement you intended to be confident, but which was more nervous than anything else, you took his hand and turned to face your friends, chest puffed out.

“I’ve been wanting to tell you… Beomseok is my boyfriend.”

You kept your eyes fixed on your friends' wide-eyed stares, unwilling to meet your boyfriend's surprised and confused gaze. You didn't really have a choice, though, when he tightened his grip on your hand—and when you finally turned your head, you met sparkling eyes and the brightest smile you'd ever seen on him.

Deaf to the shouts of joy and triumph from your friends—who’d just been proved to be right all along—, your world shrank to your boyfriend's radiant expression as he smiled at you as if you were the only thing deserving of it.

"Thank you." He mouthed, lacing his fingers with yours.

And you simply smiled back, pressing your lips to his—finally free of the weight of fear on your heart. 

— PARK HUMIN

I feel like he’d relatively accept the idea, then either completely forget about it within a day or simply couldn’t keep his hands off you for a second. His middle name is PDA, so I hope you didn’t actually expect him to keep this a secret.

────✯────

“That would fit you soo well!” Mi-rae smirked, pushing a shiny and hairy pink hat onto your head as you rolled your eyes.“See? Perfect!”

“Haha, very funny.” You retorted, placing the shiny hat back on its shelf. “We’re here to shop, not mock me all day long.”

You turned to So-hee, who was smiling at your banter, her hands instantly raising at your deadpan gaze.

“I’m not going to play mediator between the two of you every time.” She smirked as you rolled your eyes but couldn’t suppress a smile at the corners of your lips.

That same smile vanished quickly, however, at the sound of an exaggerated—and all too recognizable—hiccup of surprise not far behind you. Before you even turned around, you knew who it was; Baku, your boyfriend, having most likely already forgotten the conversation you’d had again the day before. “If you want to see me when I’m with my Mi-rae and So-hee, just pretend we’re friends, I don’t want them to tease me to death”. Your boyfriend had pouted at the news—pouted, this grown ass man—before forgetting about it the second your lips collided with his. But now, standing in this store, you knew it was over.

And you were immediately proven right when a weight slammed against you, strong arms wrapping around your waist as your boyfriend's familiar laughter echoed in your ears.

“What are you doing here, baby? I can’t believe it!”

You didn’t even need to turn around to picture the shocked and gleeful looks on your two friends’ faces as your so-called best friend called you ‘baby’.

“Baku.” You groaned. “We talked about this.”

As if suddenly remembering the past few weeks you spent carefully explaining to him what he could and couldn’t do with you in front of your friends, your boyfriend clapped his hand over his mouth, taking a step back, eyes wide.

“Shit! Was it—oh, I’m so sorry, bab—uh, friend. Comrade. Buddy.” 

You rolled your eyes as you heard Mi-rae's laughter behind you at your boyfriend's dramatic outburst.

"It's too late now, dumbass."

You sighed, though you weren't really mad at him. Baku's smile widened at those words, and he chuckled as he pulled you back into his arms, trapping you in yet another one of his breathtaking hugs. While So-hee and Mi-rae continued to giggle and smirk at the news, your boyfriend took advantage of the embrace to whisper in your ear.

"To be a hundred percent honest, I'm kinda glad I forgot.” His warm breath tickled the shell of your ear. “I don't want to hide you from people, you're my girlfriend."

You couldn't help but smirk at his words, smiling and returning his hug despite yourself.

"Of course you are."

And after a short silence, still enveloped in his warmth, you added quietly.

“I’m glad too.”

You could swear you’d never seen Baku smile like that.

— GO HYUNTAK

Genuinely offended if you ask him to keep a ‘friendly vibe’ with you in front of your friends, because just what the fuck do you mean?

────✯────

You still remembered the look on your boyfriend’s face when you asked him.

“What?”

You could have sworn his eyes were going to pop out of his head—and in any other situation, you surely would have laughed. But instead, you winced, as if bracing for something, and tried to explain yourself in a jumble of words and nervous hand gestures.

“It’d be just for a while, just enough time for me to tell them—”

“Why can’t you just tell them now?” Your boyfriend retorted, his brows furrowed and his voice tight. “You don’t want them to know you’re happy or what?”

You couldn't find a single thing to say to that. After that mini-argument, and a good fifteen minutes Gotak spent calming down in the bathroom, he came back out, exhaling softly as he approached you.

“Fine,” he said. “I’ll act as your friend, tell them as you wish. But I’m not waiting more than a week.”

You hurriedly nodded and wrapped your arms around him, kissing his cheek repeatedly before promising to break the news in no time. But here’s the thing: five days had passed, and your boyfriend was seriously starting to lose patience. Every time he saw you during that grace period, he’d ask if you’d finally told them. And every time, the answer was the same: “It’s not the right time just yet” ; “Soon, I promise”, and even—on one occasion—you dared to say, “I forgot”. That last one made him give you the silent treatment for the rest of the evening, accompanied by sarcastic remarks like, “Don’t worry about your boyfriend. Oh, you remember you have one, right?”. You knew it was mean, but you couldn't help finding the situation comically ridiculous.

And just to tease him one last time, you decided to play a prank on your boyfriend. You were out with your friends, smiling and chatting away as usual, when you spotted your boyfriend down the street. It wasn't a coincidence—you’d asked him to meet you there—but he didn't know you wouldn't be alone. You turned to your friends and winked before calling out to him.

“Hey, Gotak!”

Your boyfriend turned toward you, his smile fading slightly when he saw your friends—not that he disliked them, but their presence meant he couldn't go out with you the way he wanted: holding your hand and kissing you whenever he pleased. Poor guy—trying so hard to please you. You felt a twinge of guilt but reassured yourself knowing his ordeal would soon be over.

“Hey.” Your boyfriend greeted you all, shoving his hands into his pockets as if physically restraining himself from touching you however he liked. “How are you guys doing?”

“Good.” Mi-rae smirked; she was clearly the most excited about this little prank of yours. “Happy to see my best friend’s buddy.”

Yeah, she wasn't exactly subtle—and she was totally up for stirring the pot. You could have sworn you saw your boyfriend’s jaw clench, but he maintained a fairly neutral expression and nodded without a word—probably because he would have said things he’d regret if he actually spoke.

“Yeah, it’s a pleasure.” So-hee chimed in, grinning too—though in a much less mischievous way.

You couldn't help but glance back and forth between your friends and your boyfriend, holding back a grin at the sight.

“Well, since we’re all here, we could hang out together, right?”

You smiled as your boyfriend’s head whipped towards you, eyes wide probably meaning something like ‘what the fuck are you doing?’—because he really didn’t want to hang out if he couldn’t even put his hand on your waist. You blatantly ignored him, turning to your friends who nodded in agreement, exchanging a smile.

“Should we go then?” You smirked, starting to walk away and grabbing Gotak’s arm before he could stop you.

You weren't expecting much, but the speed at which your boyfriend gave up seemed remarkable to you. After only a few steps accompanied by more sarcasm and ragebait from Mi-rae, Gotak frowned, grabbed your arm and pulled you in for a rough kiss that left both you and your friends speechless for about two seconds. Then your boyfriend pulled away, grinning triumphantly as if proud of himself, only for his smile to fade as he saw Mi-rae bursting out laughing.

“Told you!” She grinned widely towards So-hee who grumbled, searching her pockets. “Told you he’d kiss her!”

Your boyfriend's eyes only widened at the sight of the money So-hee gave to Mi-rae, beaming.

“Wait—you knew? You bet on us?” He exclaimed.

“Not really.” Mi-rae smirked. “We bet on how long it’d take for you to snap and kiss your girlfriend in front of us. For the rest, relationship and all, we been knew.” 

Gotak frowned in confusion before turning to you suddenly, giving you an accusatory look as you laughed.

“Sorry, I just wanted to mess with you.” You smiled, almost shyly in case he’d actually be upset.

“I should just dump you, you know?”

Gotak groaned in answer, gritting his teeth as your friends behind you were bickering—Mi-rae counting her earned money and So-hee regretting ever trying to win against her. You smiled at your boyfriend’s words, leaning in to kiss his cheeks.

“But you love me.”

And though he didn’t actually answer anything more than an unintelligible grumble, you knew he did. Still, you better treat him like royalty for a while—he did not like this prank.

— SEO JUNTAE

He’ll do it if it pleases you, with a smile on his face too, but really the idea doesn’t sit that right with him. He’s got that possessive side and he wants people to know you’re together—or he might believe you don’t actually want him (also his friends would be so protective of him and quick to advise him to get away from you).

────✯────

“What do you mean she doesn’t want her friends to know?”

Gotak’s frown made Juntae wince as he rushed to explain and defend you.

“She doesn’t mean it that way.” He retorted instantly, waving his hands in dismissal. “She just needs time to announce it—”

“And why’s that?” Gotak snapped, frowning. “Sounds weird to me.”

Juntae couldn’t find the words to convince him when Sieun, usually the quiet one when it came to relationships—or just talking in general—, spoke up.

“Maybe she doesn’t mean it that way.” He started calmly, his gaze piercing through Juntae’s. “But I do agree with Gotak. If she hides you away from the people she cares about, you should stop seeing her. You deserve better Juntae.”

The boy was quiet, his head going down a bit. He knew they were right, but he also believed you weren’t like that. You just wanted to announce it yourself, in whatever way that took time. You weren't using him or ashamed of him, he was sure of that. But it did make him think.

When you called out to him this evening on the street, where you had planned to go on a date together, Juntae swallowed his saliva and blew softly, as if to give himself courage. When you got to his level, you smiled and kissed him before ranting about your day. He listened to you, he always did. But when the discussion died down—when the night got quieter and only the sounds of distant cars remained—he finally found it in himself to speak up. And once he called out your name, there wasn't any backing down now anyway.

“I don’t want to be weird, or make you uncomfortable, but… The thing is, you’ve told me you wanted to keep our relationship a secret to your friends for a while. And I don’t mind, I swear I don’t, but my friends have been wondering.. so I did too.”

He paused, thinking on how to explain what came next—preferably without mentioning anything about the manipulator allegations you earned from Gotak.

“Why do you want it to be a secret?" He finally managed. "From your friends at least, because you didn't mind me telling my friends. I don’t want to pressure you or anything, I’m just trying to understand—”

The boy you liked continued speaking, but your brain had already shut down a few sentences ago. He looked so cute, communicating his feelings with you while making sure that communication wouldn’t hurt you or lead to any misunderstanding. As Juntae seemed to get lost in his words, you gently placed your hand on his, cutting him off mid-rant.

“Juntae.” You spoke softly, smiling. “I’m sorry, I didn’t know that request would hurt you so much.”

You could see your boyfriend’s mouth open as he rushed to reassure you, but you cut him off. 

“To be honest, I’ve been a coward. I only wanted to hide this relationship from my friends to dodge their endless teasing, but I realized how stupid I am because this doesn’t matter. But you do.”

Your boyfriend was left speechless, looking at you with wide eyes that seemed teary but you pretended not to notice.

“You didn’t do anything wrong, I did. And I apologize.” You smiled reassuringly, your hand going to cup your boyfriend’s cheek before a small chuckle escaped you. “I’m also sort of glad to hear your friends were questionning me. They seem like great people who genuinely care. You deserve that.”

You caressed away the single tear that fell down your boyfriend's cheek with your thumb and he then nodded, sniffing once.

“Yeah.” He laughed with you. “They are. You should meet them.”

“They don’t hate me yet?” You grinned and Juntae chuckled again.

“They’ll love you. But I love you more.”

You smiled, your heart warming at his words before sharing a tender kiss—both of your minds at ease and your hearts in sync.

— NA BAEKJIN

Understands and will more or less agree with the idea of a secret relationship—as long as it doesn’t cross a line. He likes the idea that it might protect you from any danger tied to the Union, but oh the second someone is trying to flirt with you, there’s no hiding no more.

────✯────

“Hey!”

You turned around in the same movement as your two best friends and frowned at the sight of a boy. Not that the three of you hated men—you mostly didn’t—but seeing that grin on the guy’s face already hinted at the conversation to come.

“You.” The boy continued as he finally stopped in front of the three of you, his gaze fixed on yours. “You’re cute, can I have your number?”

You didn’t need to see it to imagine the huge eye roll Mi-rae must have made, but you couldn’t smile at the thought, too focused on politely turning the boy down.

“Sorry, I’m not interested.”

You said simply—because mentioning a boyfriend in front of your girl friends wasn’t an option just yet. You were about to turn away when the boy’s hand flew up to grab your wrist.

“Wait—”

He didn’t have time to continue before So-hee yanked your wrist from the man’s grasp, and Mi-rae physically pushed him away, frowning.

“Hey, she said no.” Your friend stated firmly, standing protectively between you and the boy.

He couldn’t help but smirk, which only fueled your anger, before he started again.

“Chill, I’m just asking, she didn’t even mention a boyfriend or something—”

Before one or two of your friends could go full beast on the dumbass, a second male voice chimed in, making you raise your eyebrows in surprise and recognition.

“She doesn’t need to.”

Baekjin stepped in, positioning himself between the man and Mi-rae—his voice calm but chilling.

“And you’re not ‘just talking’ if you touch her.”

The boy smirked again, trying to defuse the situation with a smile you desperately wanted to punch away—but your boyfriend got there first. His fist struck the boy’s face in one sharp, precise punch—with just enough force to knock him out.

Silence returned to the street, and Baekjin turned back to you and your friends, his gaze meeting yours. He took a step forward, but Mi-rae and So-hee positioned themselves in front of you, their brows furrowed and ready to fight despite your boyfriend’s display of strength. Baekjin stopped instantly, a flicker of surprise crossing his eyes before you finally regained your composure. 

“Wait, it’s fine—”

You stepped between your two friends to get closer to your boyfriend, turning around to face them.

“He’s my boyfriend.”

Mi-rae and So-hee frowned at the sentence, keeping quiet as Baekjin’s gaze fixed on you. They remained silent but didn’t move when you took his hand in yours.

There was no need for further words—the protectiveness with which Baekjin took the creep out was enough.

— GEUM SEONGJE

This is genuinely funny if you even think this man will want anything to do with you secretly. You’re his and he’s not letting you hide it from no one.

────✯────

“What is it?”

Your boyfriend stood in front of you, hands in his pockets, clearly annoyed you pulled him out of his game for that discussion. You fidgeted, trying to find the right words but eventually just blurted it out.

“You know my friends, Mi-rae and So-hee? I thought.. if you could.. not act as a boyfriend with me when they’re here…?”

There was silence. Firstly because Seongje needed time to get in his head what you’d just asked him, secondly because he just stared at you in pure disbelief once he did understand. Then, before you could explain yourself, he wheezed. Grinning with his teeth and looking down in laughter type of wheeze. You froze for a second before forcing a small chuckle with him, still a little perplexed.

“What’s so funny..?”

“You.” Your boyfriend answered after he calmed down. “You’re very funny. That was a joke right? Hilarious.”

You stood before him, silent.

“It wasn’t?” Your boyfriend continued, shrugging. “Well then, you have your answer.”

“..uh?” You tried again—maybe you had misunderstood.

“It’s a no.” Seongje repeated, putting an end to all your doubts.

You opened your mouth but no words came out for several seconds. You wanted to protest but what to say? Your boyfriend was more than stubborn.

“Would you consider—”

“Hey.” Seongje cuts you off, taking a step closer to you. “Am I not your boyfriend? Are you ashamed of me?”

You quickly shook your head. No, of course you weren't.

“No, I—”

“Then are you planning on cheating on me?”

You frowned.

“What? No! I wouldn’t even—”

“Fine.” Your boyfriend cuts you off one last time. “No need for secrecy with anyone then right?”

You wanted to protest, but the words died in your mouth, and you simply nodded, defeated. Seongje grinned at that and gave you a quick kiss before walking back to his game. And if it wasn't obvious enough, the second you came home from school with your friends, Seongje made sure to call out to you and shamelessly pulled you into a deep and possessive kiss, just in case.

Don't worry though, after convincing Mi-rae and So-hee that he didn't mean you any harm and that you were certainly safer being his girlfriend than before, you'll get your share of teasing too. 

— YEON SIEUN

What he likes the most about these kind of things is that they only happen once a year,

Lowkey planned on staying home all evening to avoid people but you (and Suho) dragged him out,

Will follow you everywhere,

Doesn't like crowds so will ask you to watch the firworks from afar (or he somehow finds a perfect hidden spot away from people and it's one of the most romantic moment you guys share),

Won't stay up all night because it'd mess his schedule entirely (unless you beg real bad),

Definetly had a great time, though he won't say/show it explicitly (but his gentle hold on your hand on the way home says everything),

— AHN SUHO

Surprinsingly doesn't care this much,

Once he realizes it's just another reason to hang out with you and his friends (and not work) he's all in though,

Wants to stay up all night walking around in the streets holding your hand (because Sieun is not staying all night with y'all),

Would attend every firework if he could, I feel like he just thinks it's so beautiful,

Will still spend the whole time watching you instead, smirking when you catch him and using a (totally not prepared) pick-up line like "you shine brighter than any fireworks could" or "I'd rather watch you all night",

He actually means it but he's being such a dork about him you kiss him to shut him up (he does not shut up),

— OH BEOMSEOK

Usually wouldn't have gone, but the second he saw your big grin he followed right after you, smiling himself,

Pays for everything, you have the best snacks to eat while watching the show and enjoy every second of it,

He so desperately want this moment to be perfect (like every moment he spends with you) because he never feels enough/like he does enough so he will answer to your every wishes (do NOT take advantage of it),

I feel like he wouldn't like watching the parade, like the whole army pulling up really isn't his thing (I have a feeling it'd stress him out more than anything),

Overall loves to hang out with you so he ends up enjoying the day like he enjoys every second he gets to spend with you,

— PARK HUMIN

Golden retriever, what else do you want me to say,

He's dragging you everywhere every second and he's not stopping so I hope you're used to walk—he'll carry you if your legs hurt too much but then will spend the whole week teasing you about it (we're talking about Baku-insufferable-level-teasing) and calling himself your knight in shining armor so it's at your ow risks,

I feel like he'd scream whenever there's fireworks, like really loud (claims he can scream louder than the explosive sounds of the fireworks and proceeds to demonstrate when literally no one asked (and you begged him not to)),

People are scared and avoiding the two of you,,

Extremely proud of himself if he makes you laugh though and will keep going just to see your bright smile,

Probably buys you flowers or the most ridiculous present at some point and hands it to you like it's an engagement ring, asking you solemnly to spend the evening by your side as if that wasn't part of the plans already (and screams a bit more when you obviously accepts),

— GO HYUNTAK

Agrees instantly but would rather die than have Baku join y'all,

He went last year with him, ran away after the first scream, neevr wanted to go again,

It's really just for your big grin and pretty eyes he's coming along,

Would watch the parade and scoff like 'this is all bullshit btw' and absolutely never repeat it again (he's scared of just who might hear but plays it off),

Wants to spend a good time with you (as always), so he'll eventually buy you that stupid keychain you want (but after a lot of bickering and kisses for payment),

Ends the night with you in his arms, sprawled on the grass, looking up at the fireworks with the dumbest grin ever (he's got actual stars in his eyes at the sight),

— SEO JUNTAE

Soo excited but then wonders if he's supposed to wear a suit or be casual,

Probably one of the only that'll actually enjoy the party,

He loves the sight of people having fun, being happy around him—especially when you're one of them,

He won't feel so good in crowds, his past of bullying still has him feeling vulnerable at times, but he'll simply tighten his hold on your hand and give you the brightest, most sincere smile when you gently walk him away from people,

Eats snacks, lautghs with you, flinches at the first explosion of fireworks but then he's in pure awe, eyes wide as he won't look away for a second,

Has one of the best nights in a long time, holding your hand and holing you close to him the whole time as the two of you enjoy a rare moment of peace,

— NA BAEKJIN

Of course he doesn't wanna go at first,

He's too busy with the Union, it's stupid anyway, he doesn't care about that sort of things—he gave you all the excuses in the world,

And of course, as the loving and caring partner you are, you brought him there anyway,

He'll sigh, follows you through the streets but he loks more like an hawk watching over you than someone actuiakly here to enjoy the show,

His face remains neutral, almost cold, and he does seem to hate every second he spends there,

Eventually asks you to leave, but you convince him to stay for the fireworks. He sighs, then bend to your wish,

Later apologize for his behavior—it's not that he doesn't like hanging ouy with you, but he doesn't like crowds because they make him feel unsafe at times, especially if he loses your sight for over a second,

— GEUM SEONGJE

This man doesn't care like please,

Bro beats people on a daily basis and you expect him to like something as dumb an trivial as fireworks and parades? He's way too cool for that,

After trying to convince you of that for about forty minutes, you manage to drag him out wihile he pretend he doesn't want to—but follows anyway,

He'll go wherever you go, sighing and occasionnaly complaining with a whined 'when are we going home?' because he likes being a pain in the ass apparently (he wants to play games too),

Still watches the fireworks from the corner of his eyes even if he swears he doesn't,

At the end of the day he's whining and being dramatic to annoy you but he didn't actually dislike the evening—especially because he got to hold your hand the whole time,

— YEON SIEUN

— AHN SUHO

— OH BEOMSEOK

— PARK HUMIN

— GO HYUNTAK

— SEO JUNTAE

— NA BAEKJIN

— GEUM SEONGJE

— YEON SIEUN

— AHN SUHO

— OH BEOMSEOK

— PARK HUMIN

— GO HYUNTAK

— SEO JUNTAE

— NA BAEKJIN

— GEUM SEONGJE

You could feel your skin prickle at the all-too-familiar laughter echoing off the walls of the narrow alley.

“Nice spill!” The voice mocked, far too close for comfort.

You tried to get up, but a powerful blow to your left rib made you groan and fall back to the ground, the pain seeming to worsen with every breath. You kept your eyes fixed on the ground as the boy crouched beside you. Before you could say a word, a hand violently grabbed your hair, making you groan in pain as it forced your chin upward.

Through your squinting eyes, you recognized the boy in front of you without hesitation. Do-hyun, your tormentor, the one who had been enjoying following you, scaring you, and harassing you for the past few days. He had never actually hit you before.

You gritted your teeth as the teenager sneered, grabbing your chin between his fingers and contorting your face with a mocking smile.

“You’re not as pretty as I imagined. Thought Baekjin would have higher standards. But oh well, you might just be a goddess in bed, huh?”

You physically recoiled at the words. You preferred it when he just hit you.

“Hey, Do-Hyun. What do we do with her? Should we beat her up or what?”

Out of the corner of your eye, you spotted your tormentor’s three lackeys, seemingly eager to rearrange your face. 

“Wait a second.”

Do-hyun smiled, his gaze never leaving yours.

“How about we call Baekjin first, uh, princess? Tell him how much fun we have together.”

You couldn’t protest that the boy suddenly released his grip on your hair, knocking you back to the floor, and got up to grab the phone his minion was holding out to him. As he dialed your boyfriend’s number, he looked at you, smiling as he placed his foot on your back—pressing just hard enough to pin you in place. You didn’t even try to free yourself, too busy trying to control your labored breathing. After a few seconds, the phone must have been taken off the hook because your assailant’s face suddenly lit up.

“Hey, Baekjin! Long time no see, uh?”

You frowned at Do-hyun’s beaming tone. You had no doubt he was having a great time, but his choice of words implied he knew your boyfriend? Personally?

The thought only made you feel worse—you'd meticulously hidden the ordeal Do-hyun had been putting you through for the past few days from your boyfriend. Not that you didn't trust him, far from it, but you thought you could handle it yourself—or at least that he'd get tired of it. You didn't want to seem like a burden to your boyfriend, but now that's exactly what you felt like.

You were jolted from your thoughts by a sharp blow to your left hand, making you cry out in pain as Do-hyun's laughter echoed over your lamentations, his foot remaining firmly planted on your hand as if to crush every last knuckle.

“Hear that? Your bitch is hurting. Might wanna come and get her, no?”

You wanted to swallow them back, but you couldn't stop the tears that overflowed onto your cheeks in pain and humiliation. Do-hyun hung up before finally releasing the pressure on your now bluish and aching hand. As if to twist the knife in the wound, Do-hyun knelt down beside you again and let out a sneer.

“How does it feel to be this weak, uh? Can’t even fight for yourself—I truly wonder what Baekjin does with someone like you.”

You bit your lip to keep from trembling as Do-hyun ran his fingers through your hair in a gesture that was almost comforting if it weren't coming from your attacker himself.

“Don’t worry, your boyfriend will be here soon. Don’t know if he’ll manage to save you, though.” 

***

The fight hadn't been long.

The second Do-hyun had decided to target you; he'd already signed his own death warrant. By the time Baekjin arrived, you had a few more bruises and blood on your body—your breathing was weak and labored.

You didn't know exactly what had happened, too injured to see anything through your blurred vision, but the sounds had been necessary. Yet another inappropriate remark from Do-hyun, blows exchanged, a dull thud, then a blood-curdling silence. You hadn't seen Do-hyun's body, but you had no doubt about the morbid state your boyfriend had left him in. Arms had wrapped around you, a cautious and almost gentle movement in contrast to the violence they had committed just moments before. The second your boyfriend's scent filled your nostrils, your mind drifted into darkness—knowing it was now safe.

You woke up some time later, you couldn't say exactly how long. Your body ached and felt numb, but you forced yourself to sit up on the mattress and open your eyes. Scanning your surroundings, it didn't take you long to recognize Baekjin's office in the Union's hideout; you were sitting on the black leather sofa. Turning your head, you could see medication and bandages on the coffee table beside you. Before you could do anything else, the door opened, revealing your boyfriend. 

Baekjin stood frozen in the doorway for a moment, as if making sure you were truly there, sitting on the sofa before him. Once convinced you were real, he closed the door behind him and calmly approached, sitting on the chair he had previously placed beside you.

“You shouldn’t be sitting up.” His voice was calm, almost cold, sending a slight shiver down your spine. “Lay back down.”

You obeyed without protest, wincing in pain with every movement. Your boyfriend picked up the medical tape and continued bandaging the wounds on your arms, his movements clinical and precise.

You remained silent for a moment, not daring to speak. After a few minutes of heavy silence, you finally decided to ask the question that had been weighing on your mind since you woke up.

“Did you kill him?”

Baekjin didn’t answer. You took that as an answer in itself and didn’t press the issue. Silence settled between you again—a silence that felt almost alien compared to the warmth you had once shared. It was as if your boyfriend had drifted away, even while sitting right next to you. Unable to bear it any longer, you spoke up again. 

“Are you okay?”

Still no answer. You didn’t know whether to press him or take it as a message to shut up. Your stubbornness won out over reason.

“If you’re mad, you can say so, you don’t have to keep silent—”

“Shut up, will you?”

Your eyes widened and moved to meet his, but he refused to take his gaze off your wounds, his expression impassive.

“I don’t feel like talking right now.”

Baekjin added, clearly wanting to end the conversation. But you weren’t finished.

“No.” You stated firmly, frowning and suddenly sitting up again to force him to look at you. “I won’t shut up, and you will talk to me. What is it? What’s wrong with you—”

“What’s wrong with me?” 

You froze, your gaze meeting his. Hard, cold, filled with anger. Suddenly, compared to all the other times you fought, you couldn’t tell if he felt something else beneath the surface. You couldn't respond before he continued in a cold, venomous tone.

“My girlfriend was beaten to a pulp, by no one else but my former friend, and you're asking what's wrong with me? I should ask what's wrong with you for not telling me sooner what was happening.”

You remained silent for a moment. Former friend? Do-hyun had once been… Baekjin's friend? You ignored that for the moment, feeling obligated to defend yourself under your boyfriend's accusing gaze. 

“I… I didn't want to worry you or be a burden, I thought I could handle him myself—”

“Well, clearly you couldn't.”

His words hurt more than the blows Do-hyun had inflicted on you a few hours earlier. Tears welled up in your eyes again, but you refused to show them. Baekjin sighed and looked away, as if to calm himself before speaking again, his tone measured and calm, although the anger had not entirely left him. 

“I always worry about you. You shouldn’t care about being a burden to me, yet you do, and look where it takes you. I could have lost you today, do you realize that?”

Baekjin paused, but you couldn’t find anything to say, instead lowering your gaze and biting your lower lip to hold back the tears.

“We’re in a relationship, we should be able to tell each other things. I tell you about the Union, even when it gets ugly, and I expect you to do the same. Even more so if it puts you in danger. Trust goes both ways, do you understand?”

You didn’t reply, and your boyfriend sighed again before gently taking your chin and lifting your gaze until it met his. There was a silence in which you stared at each other, your eyes filled with tears and his with weariness. You no longer saw love light up his eyes as he watched you like it always used to. Your heart broke before he even spoke. His fingers released your chin, his arm returning to rest on his knee.

“I think we need to stop. This isn’t going anywhere if we can’t trust each other.”

You stared at him in silence, at the boy you had fallen in love with despite the blood on his knuckles and the coldness in his eyes. A year into their relationship, he was still the same, yet so different. You didn’t reply, simply looked at him one last time before getting up and leaving without looking back. Baekjin remained seated in his chair for a long time, staring at the empty space your departure had left. He had fought, had killed for you. And perhaps that had been the final straw.

His last fight.