#hyunwook

The morning after the party, everything feels strangely distant like a dream that lingers just enough to blur the lines between reality and fantasy. The sunlight filters through your window, casting soft golden streaks across your room, but instead of warmth, you feel a quiet unease settling in your chest.

You replay the events of the night before—the laughter, the music, the teasing exchanges. And then, of course, the closet. Those seven minutes with Hyunwook had been charged with something you still couldn’t quite name. The way he touched you, the way his gaze held yours with that cool intensity, the way his teasing words sent shivers down your spine—it had all felt so real at the moment.

Before you can fully process your emotions, the door bursts open. Ji-eun storms in, her expression a mix of shock and frustration, her phone clutched tightly in her hand.

“Are you kidding me?” she blurts out, eyes wide with disbelief.

“I wake up, check my messages, and the entire dorm is buzzing about how you and Hyunwook—” She stops herself, shaking her head as if saying it out loud makes it even more impossible to believe.

“Did you—did you have sex with him?”

You quickly covered yourself with a blanket over your head. Jieun walked towards you, moving the blanket away, looking at you with a deadly serious expression on her face.

"Y/N… You have 10 seconds to tell me what you did-"

"Jieun It's nothing-

"9…"

"8.."

"Seriously Jieun!" you shout in desperation trying to grab onto her hands

"Y/N, I am counting-"

"Fine I'll tell you!" you gave up and took a deep breath

"Hyunwook and I were picked for this "7 minutes in heaven" game and things got…-" you slowly spoke looking up at Jieun

"Got what?" she asked

"Heated. We had sex."

"Oh my God nooooooo!" Jieun placed her hands on her head and laid back on her bed.

You remember how effortlessly he slipped back into his usual self after you both stepped out—laughing with his friends, moving through the party like nothing had happened. No lingering glances, no quiet acknowledgment of what had just transpired between you. Just Hyunwook, as untouchable as ever. And yet, there had been moments—fleeting, almost imperceptible where his eyes had found yours across the room. But they had held no answers, only more questions.

“I don’t know,” you admit, voice quieter now.

“It all happened so fast. One second we were teasing each other, and then—” You shake your head, unable to finish the thought. “I don’t know how to feel about it.”

Ji-eun exhales sharply, running a hand through her hair.

“I just—ugh, I can’t believe you did this,” she mutters, half annoyed, half exasperated.

“You know what he’s like. He doesn’t do feelings. And now everyone thinks you’re just another girl he’s played with.”

The corridors of your school buzz with whispers. Gossip about the Saturday party and that notorious "7 minutes in heaven" game between Hyunwook and you floats through every conversation. Yet, as you move through the halls, you remain untouched by the chatter. You walk with quiet confidence, your head held high, every step measured—as if nothing at all had happened.

Hyunwook's mind flickers back to the closet—the teasing, the touches, the way your lips had felt against his. A smirk tugs at the corner of his mouth. It had been… interesting.

Later, he meets up with Taewoo and Minho at their usual spot—a small café. The two are already deep in conversation when he slides into the seat across from them, his usual cool demeanor intact.

“Alright, Hyunwook,” Taewoo began with a sly smirk, leaning forward as if sharing an inside joke.

“The rumors are wild. Did it happen in that closet, or are we just imagining things?”

Hyunwook tilted his head slightly and allowed a confident, almost cocky smile to play on his lips. In the span of a heartbeat, he responded, “Yeah, I had sex with her. End of story.” His voice was even and cool, deliberately casual as if confirming a well-known fact that needed no further explanation.

Taewoo laughed softly, shaking his head.

“I knew you had that effect on her. You always get what you want.”

As the day progressed, a new kind of chaos emerged on school grounds. A group of boys from another class, driven by envy and reckless bravado, had escalated their verbal jabs into an all-out brawl. Hyunwook was once again at the center of it all.

At first, he moved with his trademark cool detachment, dodging and parrying with calculated precision. Then, two of the aggressors closed in. One landed a vicious punch square on his face, snapping his head back and drawing blood from a split lip. A second punch struck his stomach, winding him momentarily as he doubled over in pain. The strikes were brutal enough to momentarily shake his unflappable aura. The crowd of students surged closer, each breath caught in their throats as they watched the unexpected vulnerability flicker in his eyes.

Then, as one of the aggressors surged forward with a swing aimed straight at Hyunwook’s face, something within you snapped. Without thinking, a surge of protectiveness drove you forward. In one swift motion, you stepped into the fray and pushed the attacking boy aside. The force of your intervention sent him stumbling backward, interrupting his momentum.

For a brief heartbeat, everything seemed to slow. The surrounding students, caught off guard by your unexpected move, fell silent in shock. Even the other fighters hesitated, eyes wide as they registered that you—a girl who had always maintained a composed distance—had just defied the expected roles.

Hyunwook’s eyes, still burning with the adrenaline of combat, locked onto yours. At that moment, his expression transformed from one of fierce concentration into stunned surprise. Before you could register a single thought, he barked out, his voice a mixture of reproach and worry.

“What are you doing? Get away from here!” His words cut sharply through the clamor, a clear admonition not only to protect him but to keep your distance.

For milliseconds, you saw a vulnerability in him that no one else had witnessed—confusion, gratitude, and perhaps a hint of worry flickering in his gaze. The world around you surged back into motion as Taewoo and Minho finally arrived on the scene, just as teachers burst onto the grounds to break up the fight.

After the chaos had finally calmed and the teachers had dispersed the remaining troublemakers, you found yourself lingering near the corridors when Hyunwook's eyes caught yours. His face was a complex mask of anger, lingering pain from the blows he’d endured, and something that you couldn’t quite deny was worry. Without a word, he strode straight toward you, his presence as overwhelming as ever. Before you could even react, he grabbed your wrist firmly and pulled you into an empty classroom down the hall.

Inside the sparse room, the tension was palpable. Hyunwook’s eyes, usually so cold and unreadable, burned with a mix of fury and concern. “What do you think you were doing?” he demanded, his voice low but sharp.

“You had no business barging into that fight.” His grip on your wrist was unyielding, a physical reminder that his world wasn’t meant for interference, even if your heart had urged you to protect him.

You tried to look up at him, searching his expression for an explanation, but he continued, his tone clipped.

“I don’t need you trying to save me,” he said, a note of genuine worry hidden beneath the harsh words.

“This is my mess to handle.” For a moment, his icy demeanor softened ever so slightly, as if he wished you hadn’t felt compelled to intervene.

After a long, charged pause, he let go of your wrist, stepping back and running a hand through his disheveled hair.

“Just… stay out of it from now on,” he said, his voice regaining its usual detached coolness, even as the worry lingered like an aftershock in his tone.

He turned around walking towards the door.

"Hyunwook-" you spoke up making him stop and turn around towards you.

"You don't- We didn't speak about-" you continued not knowing how to finish the sentence. It's been bugging you that he never even contacted you in any way, or even today, that he just was observing you, not talking to you in any way like nothing ever happened at that party.

Nothing but anger bubbled up in your body. The way he moves, acts, speaks, the choice of his words. Even though you could've expected him to answer this way, for a split moment you thought he wouldn't, that maybe somewhere in that "bad boy" aura is a soft Hyunwook.

"Y/N. We don't have to speak about it. It was just a game. Don't get all fired up.-" he almost laughed.

"But wait- Did you fall for me already?" he added with a smirk across his face.

"You know what. Forget it." you simply said walking past him like he wasn't even there.

After you stormed out, the classroom door slammed shut with a finality that echoed in Hyunwook’s ears. Left alone in the quiet space, his anger slowly ebbed into an unsettling silence. For a long moment, he just stared at the closed door, replaying every biting word and every frustrated glance you’d given him. Beneath his cold, hard exterior, an unfamiliar pang of regret stirred.

In the days following your argument, Hyunwook transformed into a stranger you scarcely recognized. Once known for his teasing glances and effortless charm—even when wrapped in a cold demeanor—he retreated behind a wall of indifference. During lunch breaks and between classes, he could be seen surrounded by his loyal circle of boys. With Minho, Taewoo, and the others, he laughed loudly and joked as if nothing had ever happened.

"Hello everyone, I'm Park Jihoon. Nice to meet you." he nodded with slight nervousness in his voice. Everyone started to clap and greeted him. Park Jihoon sat down at a table next to you that was empty.

All of you sat in the classroom as the teacher walked in with a new transfer student. He walked slightly confidently, had dark brow hair that fell perfectly over his forehead, and had a sharp jawline you couldn't miss. The school uniform showed the lines of his body nicely. When he turned around to face the class, he had a slight smile on his face.

"Everyone! We have a new transfer student… Please introduce yourself." your teacher said.

After class that day, the atmosphere was relaxed as students began dispersing down the corridors. Hyunwook was leaning against a wall with Minho, Taewoo when he noticed Park Jihoon still lingering near the classroom door, chatting with a few classmates about the morning’s introduction.

Without much ceremony, Hyunwook walked over and greeted him with a simple nod.

“Hey, you’re Park Jihoon, right?” he said, extending a hand in a friendly, matter-of-fact manner. Jihoon accepted the handshake with an easy smile, responding, “Yeah, that’s me. Nice to meet you.”

At that moment, there was no grand declaration of destiny or a dazzling connection; it was just a natural, straightforward meeting. The boys around them, having caught wind of the new arrival, welcomed Jihoon with casual comments about the best spots to grab lunch or the quirks of the school. Soon enough, the conversation flowed effortlessly—from shared jokes about early morning classes to light banter about the best places to hang out.

Late that afternoon, the familiar haunt—a cozy corner by the student hangout spot where music pulsed softly, drinks clinked in idle celebration, and laughter mingled with low conversations—was already buzzing with its usual crowd. Hyunwook, Taewoo, Minho, and even the freshly arrived Park Jihoon were gathered there, immersed in effortless banter and easy camaraderie.

You arrived with Jieun at your side, the warmth of the gathering contrasting sharply with the chill you felt whenever you caught sight of Hyunwook. His silent, distant demeanor over the past few days had made every accidental close encounter feel nerve-wracking. Today, his aloof presence was unmistakable as he sat with his friends, his gaze intentionally avoiding yours. The weight of the unsaid hung heavily between you, a reminder of the recent argument.

Taewoo leaned over to Hyunwook and, with a playful smirk, murmured, “Hey, remember your bet? Don’t let it go unfinished.”

That small nudge seemed to spark something in Hyunwook. To shrug off the lingering regret and reclaim his usual game, he pushed aside the residue of his vulnerability. With a purposeful stride, Hyunwook left his group, his eyes locking onto yours. Determined to break the silence, he approached with a flirtatious lilt in his voice.

“Hey,” he said, his tone light yet edged with challenge

"Y/N, are you following me around or is this an actual fate for us to see each other at these places?” His attempt at casual charm was designed to pierce the cold distance he’d erected since the argument.

You met his approach with a guarded expression and a slight roll of your eyes, your irritation bubbling beneath the surface.

“I don’t have time for your games today, Hyunwook,” you replied, your voice steadier than you felt.

For a brief moment, the space between you vibrated with unresolved tension. Despite his calculated charm and flirtatious quip, his words failed to thaw the chill of your discontent. The game was back on—or so he hoped.

Later on, as you neared the bathroom door, you sensed a presence behind you. In the narrow hallway lit by harsh fluorescent lights, he swiftly closed the distance between you. Before you could simply vanish into the relative privacy of the room, Hyunwook stepped in front of you and, without a word, reached out to intercept your exit. His hand was firm on your wrist, and in one smooth, deliberate motion, he guided you against the cool wall. He placed each of his hands beside you, blocking your way of escape.

The silent tension between you was electric. His nearness was overwhelming: you could feel the heat radiating from him, igniting a desperate flicker of something both raw and familiar within you.

In that suspended heartbeat, every guarded emotion waged war with an unbidden urge to feel him close again—to reconnect, to recapture what had once bound you. His usually impenetrable façade now seemed to crack, revealing a vulnerability that mirrored your own conflicted heart. The closeness was more than physical. Each of your shallow breaths bore the weight of past intimacies and a shared, unintentional longing pulsed in the space between you.

"Why do you act like this? It's like you're trying to escape me every time we are somewhere or you're just scared?" he said

"Or maybe I just don't like being trapped by you every time you decide to show up and pay attention to me," you replied back dryly.

Hyunwook chuckles softly, looking away for a second.

"Trapped, huh? Maybe you secretly enjoy it. You always act like you have better places to be."

A small, half-smile tugged at the corner of your lips even as you maintained your stubborn retort.

"Keep dreaming, Hyunwook. I’m not that easily swayed."

Hyunwook froze for a split second, a mix of surprised admiration and a quiet acknowledgment of your defiance. His eyes, usually so sharp and indifferent, softened briefly as if caught off guard by the sting and sincerity of your retort.

Then, with a deliberate exhale that seemed to dispel that moment of vulnerability, his features reset into the mask he was so accustomed to wearing. A half-smile played at the corner of his lips—a smile that held both teasing mischief and the bitter acknowledgment that you’d struck a nerve. His chin lifted slightly, and he met your gaze with a burning, determined glint as if silently daring you to push further.

In that lingering instant, his body language shifted—a subtle tightening of his posture suggesting that while he might have felt that brief stirring of something genuine, his pride and his game were paramount.

“Keep dreaming, huh?” he murmured in a low voice.

Locked in that charged moment, you and Hyunwook continued to stare at each other. The air between you pulsed with tension as if the corridor itself held its breath in anticipation. Just then, Jieun’s footsteps approached her eyes quickly flicking between the two of you. Sensing that the silent standoff had grown too intense, she stepped forward decisively.

"Alright, that's enough," Jieun chided in a firm tone

"Hyunwook, get back to your friends now."

Hyunwook had a smirk all over his face as he moved away from you.

"Y/N likes me you know… She can't stay away…" he winks before walking back to his group of friends.

Jieun and you came back to your table, sitting down and having a conversation. A few moments later walks up Jihoon with a small smile.

"Girls… How about we all go buy beer and all of us hang out together by the river?"

Taken by surprise, Jieun and you share eye contact. Jihoon waited patiently for the answer.

"I think he's hot…" Jieun leaned towards you. Whispering. Smiling, almost letting a laugh you nod your head answering. Even though Hyunwook will be there, you don't care, you just want to have fun.

"Let's goo!" Jihoon was happy, already tipsy from a few drinks. All of you were tipsy.

The air was refreshing, carrying the subtle scent of fresh grass and a hint of water as twilight deepened into the night. Above, a tapestry of stars began to emerge, each twinkle reflected in the gently rippling river below the bridge. The hum of distant traffic merged with the soft clinking of bottle caps as the group relaxed into easy conversation, laughter punctuating the cool night air. Every detail, from the comfortable murmur of voices to the shimmering glow cast by the city lights, felt like a slice of serenity after the day's earlier tensions.

As you found a spot against the soft grass, Jieun settled beside you and offered a gentle smile. While the playful banter of Hyunwook and his friends floated from across the group, you couldn’t help but feel the lingering nerve-wracking energy from your earlier encounters with him—a tension you sensed even amidst the relaxed atmosphere. But tonight, the view of the starlit sky, the sparkling river, and the quiet confidence in Hyunwook’s eyes across the way gave you a strange comfort. In the quiet spaces between the group's lively conversations and playful jokes, you found yourselves locked in a silent dialogue—a language spoken only through exchanged looks. Every glance carried layers of unspoken words, vulnerability, and a subtle, undeniable longing.

As conversations flowed and laughter filled the air, Hyunwook and his crew decided to switch things up with a little impromptu lesson on defense techniques.

"Alright, Jihoon, time to learn the basics," Taewoo declared with a mischievous grin. Hyunwook and Minho joined in, playfully corralling the new transfer into a small circle away from the more raucous part of the group. With genuine ease, they demonstrated simple stances and blocking maneuvers: Hyunwook showed how to angle a block against an incoming punch, while Minho added his own humorous twist by exaggerating a clumsy counter, earning a roar of laughter from everyone nearby. Jihoon, for his part, mimicked the moves with a mix of concentration and amusement, his initial hesitation giving way to growing confidence under their teasing guidance.

Sitting a little apart from Jieun, you couldn’t help but smile at the unexpected spectacle unfolding before you. It was the first time you truly enjoyed watching this side of Hyunwook and his friends—a slice of life so unguarded and genuine that it made the earlier tension feel like a distant memory. Between playful jabs and good-natured corrections like, "Come on, not like that!" and "Watch the angle, Jihoon!", the group shared a series of jokes that turned every misstep into a shared moment of joy. Even Hyunwook’s usual cool detachment was softened by the humor of the night, and his eyes twinkled with genuine amusement every time Jihoon overdid a move or when Taewoo cracked another witty remark.

"Look, I need to talk to you about what happened in the classroom the other day. I… I was such an ass honestly, and I've been carrying so much regret about it."

Later that evening by the river, under a blanket of stars twinkling softly above, the atmosphere had settled into a gentle calm. Jieun was standing at the river's edge, her eyes fixed on the rippling water as she talked quietly with Jihoon. Their conversation drifted effortlessly—a mix of light teasing and thoughtful musings about everything from favorite songs to hidden dreams—while the group’s earlier exuberance mellowed into a comfortable hum of laughter in the background.

With a half-empty bottle of beer resting in your hand, you were still sitting down in the same place as all of you arrived. The gentle murmur of the water and the distant city lights provided a soothing counterpoint to the lingering tension of the earlier day. Yet, your thoughts were swirling. Hyunwook appeared from the shifting shadows of the gathering. Without any grand announcement, he took a step toward you and slowly sat down beside you. There was a quiet earnestness in his eyes—a softness that contrasted with his usual guarded demeanor.

As you sat quietly, your eyes met his, and for a moment, the unsaid words of days past seemed to hover between you. With a deep, steadying breath, Hyunwook broke the silence. His voice usually edged with playful defiance, now carried a sincere softness.

His eyes searched yours, pleading for understanding even as his pride fought to keep him strong. There was a tremor of sincerity, a crack in that wall he always wore so well. You could almost see the conflict in his gaze—the battle between vulnerability and his need to stay untouchable.

"I appreciate that, but it's hard to tell if this is just the alcohol talking or if it's the real you trying to say something." you quietly said

Hyunwook's lips parted in a half-smile, tinged with both remorse and resolve.

For a long moment, the only sound was the soft lapping of the river against the shore, punctuating your shared solitude. The sincerity in his tone, and the warmth in his eyes, made your heart flutter with a mix of hope and uncertainty.

"I wish it were just the alcohol. I’m not just saying this because I'm buzzed, or trying to smooth things over."

“You know, sometimes it’s in these still moments that everything seems a little clearer.” His words were simple yet carried an unexpected warmth, inviting you into a conversation that felt more genuine than any playful banter earlier that night. As you listened, you couldn’t help but notice how comfortably sincere his voice became, a stark contrast to the sharp edges of previous encounters.

Hyunwook suddenly announced to the group, with a trace of resolution in his voice, "I'll walk Y/N home." His words brought a ripple of murmurs and knowing grins among the boys, while you—half-drunk and brimming with a mix of mischief and vulnerability—found yourself the center of their attention. You were practically tumbling with every step, and Hyunwook made sure to steady you at every turn—grabbing your hand when you wavered, guiding you by the waist to prevent another near-fall.

"Why are you looking at me that way?"

"One more beer, Hyunwook!" you begged, he obliged with a patient smile and a resigned nod, stopping by a nearby corner store for just that extra bottle.

As you continued the unsteady walk home, Hyunwook remained a steadfast presence: his arm often found your elbow, his grip firm yet gentle when the pavement threatened your balance. Amid the lantern-lit street, your conversation was punctuated by his occasional jokes and your sporadic babbles, until a sudden, unexpected quiet fell over the two of you.

Without warning, you stopped walking and fixed your gaze on him. The playful banter gave way to a heavy, lingering stare, and for a few charged seconds, you simply looked at him. Finally, Hyunwook broke the silence, his voice low with concern mixed with curiosity,

Your eyes shimmered with both vulnerability and unspoken questions as you replied, almost in a whisper,

"Why- Why are we like this, the way… The way sometimes I feel like there is something in you, something soft, then sometimes it feels like you pay attention to me—then, suddenly, you don't."

"By giving you my attention, you would start to like me. I am not someone you should like or have feelings for. I will hurt you in the end."

The question hung in the cool night air. Hyunwook paused, taking a slow, measured breath as he glanced around, unsure if he wanted to unravel all the tangled feelings woven between you. But you pressed on, your voice trembling with need for an answer.

After another heavy pause, he finally admitted in a quiet, earnest tone,

At that moment, as his words settled between you, Hyunwook felt the weight of his old bet with Taewoo—the foolish game of playing hard to get—crumble. He would rather pay them lunch for 7 days straight than hurt you.

And so, as you both stood beneath the gentle glow of streetlights with the murmuring city around you, the intoxication of the beer and the raw honesty of your conversation blurred together. It was a moment where the usual games and carefully maintained defenses fell away, leaving only a fragile truth: that sometimes, even the most stubborn hearts can change, finding solace in tender care and unspoken understanding.

"Why are you moving away?"

Compelled by a mix of genuine longing and the boldness that only alcohol could lend, you stepped closer. So drawn were you to him that you nearly closed the space in an instant. Noticing your intent, Hyunwook instinctively took a small step back—as though he knew exactly what you were trying to do.

Undeterred, you advanced again, your voice soft yet edged with a question as you asked,

For a long heartbeat, his eyes held yours steady. As you leaned in, your hand reached out tentatively, brushing against his cheek—a silent plea for reassurance. In response, Hyunwook, with deliberate slowness, took hold of your wrist and gently removed your hand from his face, murmuring a quiet yet firm "No."

Your eyes widened in both surprise and yearning. With the alcohol still coursing through your veins, you mustered a shaky laugh as you protested,

"Hyunwook—you're not usually like this. Why are you pushing me away?"

His gaze flickered with a mixture of reluctance and responsibility as he replied,

"You're drunk and we need to go."

With that, he guided you away from that charged spot, and the two of you started walking under the soft glow of streetlights. But your heart wasn’t ready to let the moment fade. Suddenly, you halted in your tracks and, turning to face him again, asked with a tremble in your voice,

"Why are you always so close and now you're—distant? How is it that all of a sudden you're acting this way? It doesn't make sense."

Hyunwook stopped, frustration mingling with an unspoken tenderness as he simply looked at you, his eyes heavy with the weight of all the words unspoken. After a lingering pause—one that allowed the cool night air to fill the space between you—your gaze hardened into determination. Stepping closer once more, you declared confidently, locking eyes with him,

"You know what, Hyunwook… You do you, I will do me and do what I want."

A small smile tugged at the corners of his mouth as, for an instant, his guarded defiance gave way to something warmer. His curiosity broke through his restraint as he gently asked,

"What will you do?"

"You really are something, huh?" he said

Before he could brace himself for another retreat, you closed the distance entirely. Leaning in, you pressed your lips to his in a kiss that started soft and exploratory, then deepened with the full force of all those pent-up feelings. In that instant—amid the soft hum of the night and the steady beat of your racing hearts—Hyunwook felt something shift inside him. A guarded part of him, long maintained by the games and the unspoken bet, crumbled just a little as genuine emotion began to seep through.