#seventeenn

Hyungseo High School was buzzing with energy as you made your way through the crowded hallways. It was just another busy morning, but your heart was racing for a different reason. You'd had a crush on Kwon Soonyoung—Hoshi to everyone who knew him—for as long as you could remember. He was charming, energetic, and seemed to light up every room he entered. He was the guy everyone wanted to be around, and you were no exception.

You'd known him from a distance—he was part of the popular crowd, always at the center of attention. You'd shared a few classes with him, but it was hard to get close when everyone else was vying for his time. Still, you couldn't help but watch him from afar, admiring the way he made people laugh and how effortlessly he navigated high school life.

Today, however, you had a reason to be nervous. Your best friend had convinced you to take the first step and talk to him. "Just go up and say hi," she said as you both walked to class. "He's not as intimidating as he seems."

You weren't so sure about that, but you decided to give it a try. As you entered the classroom, you saw Hoshi sitting at his usual spot near the window, surrounded by his friends. He was animated, telling a story that had everyone laughing. You took a deep breath and walked over, hoping your nerves wouldn't get the best of you.

"Hey, Hoshi," you said, trying to sound casual.

He looked up, his eyes lighting up as he saw you. "Oh, hey! What's up?" His smile was infectious, and you felt a surge of confidence.

"I just wanted to say hi," you replied, feeling your cheeks flush. "I heard about the basketball game this Friday. Are you going?"

"Of course! Wouldn't miss it," he replied with enthusiasm. "Are you coming? It's gonna be awesome."

You nodded, feeling a mix of excitement and relief. "Yeah, I'll be there."

"Great! Hey, why don't you sit with us?" he suggested, gesturing to an empty seat. "It's always more fun with friends."

You hesitated, not expecting such a warm invitation, but his smile was so welcoming that you couldn't say no. You sat down, and Hoshi continued his story, including you in the conversation. It felt surreal to be sitting with him, like you were finally breaking through the barrier that separated the popular kids from everyone else.

Over the next few days, you found yourself spending more time with Hoshi and his friends. He'd wave to you in the hallway, invite you to join him for lunch, and even share his notes with you during class. It was like a dream come true, but you still felt a bit out of place among his crowd. Everyone else seemed so confident, so sure of themselves, while you were just trying to fit in.

One afternoon, Hoshi caught up with you in the hallway. "Hey, are you coming to the game tonight?" he asked, his eyes bright with excitement. "I was hoping you'd be there."

"Yeah, I'll be there," you replied, feeling a rush of warmth at the thought of spending more time with him.

"Awesome! Hey, maybe we can grab something to eat after? There's this great place that has the best burgers," he said, giving you a playful wink.

You agreed, your heart skipping a beat at the invitation. It felt like you were finally getting closer to him, like maybe he saw you as more than just another classmate.

That evening, the gym was packed for the basketball game. You found a seat in the stands, scanning the crowd for Hoshi. He was there, of course, leading the cheers and making everyone laugh. He spotted you and waved, his smile as bright as ever. It was impossible not to be drawn in by his energy.

After the game, Hoshi joined you outside the gym. "So, you ready for those burgers?" he asked, his eyes sparkling with mischief.

"Definitely," you replied, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness.

As you walked to the burger place, Hoshi talked about his day, his upcoming plans, and his latest pranks. He was so animated, so full of life, that it was hard not to get swept up in his enthusiasm. When you reached the restaurant, he ordered for both of you, claiming to know the best items on the menu.

While you ate, the conversation flowed easily. Hoshi was a natural storyteller, and he had you laughing with his tales of school adventures and mishaps. But he was also attentive, asking about your interests and genuinely listening to your responses. It felt like you were getting to know a different side of him, one that wasn't always in the spotlight.

As you walked back to school, Hoshi suddenly stopped and turned to you. "You know, I'm really glad we started talking," he said, his usual playfulness replaced with a hint of sincerity. "It's been fun getting to know you."

"Yeah, me too," you replied, feeling a surge of warmth. "I was kind of nervous at first, but you've been really cool.”

He smiled, that same bright smile that always made your heart skip a beat. "Hey, no need to be nervous. We're friends now, right?"

"Right," you said, smiling back.

Over the next few weeks, your friendship with Hoshi grew stronger. He'd invite you to join him and his friends for lunch, include you in group outings, and even text you random jokes just to make you laugh. It felt like you were finally part of his world, and you couldn't have been happier.

One day, as you both walked to class, Hoshi nudged you with his elbow. "Hey, I was thinking," he said, his voice playful. "We should go to the amusement park this weekend. I need someone to scream with me on the rollercoasters."

You laughed, feeling a burst of excitement. "Sounds like fun. I'm in."

"Great! It's a date," he replied with a wink, leaving you wondering if he meant it literally or figuratively. Either way, you couldn't wait for the weekend.

As you spent more time with Hoshi, you realized that your crush was turning into something deeper. He had a way of making you feel special, like you were the only person in the room even when surrounded by a crowd. He'd remember little things you'd mentioned and surprise you with small gifts or thoughtful gestures. It was clear that he cared about you, and it made your heart race every time you saw him.

One evening, as you both sat on the school's rooftop watching the sunset, Hoshi turned to you with a serious expression. "You know, I'm really glad we met," he said, his voice softer than usual. "You've been a great friend."

"You too," you replied, feeling the warmth of his words. "Thanks for always being there."

He smiled, his eyes reflecting the fading light of the sun. "Hey, that's what friends are for, right? But, you know, if you ever want to hang out more, I'm always up for it."

You felt a flutter in your stomach at his words. It was clear that he was hinting at something more, but you didn't want to rush things. You nodded, a smile playing at your lips. "Yeah, I'd like that."

From that moment on, your relationship with Hoshi became even closer. He'd invite you to join him for impromptu adventures, share his latest ideas for pranks, and even help you with school projects. It was a friendship that felt natural and exciting, and you couldn't help but wonder if there was something more on the horizon.

As high school continued, you and Hoshi grew closer, sharing moments that went beyond just friendship. Whether it was a shared joke, a late-night text conversation, or a simple walk through the school grounds, it was clear that your bond was special. Hoshi wasn't just the popular guy everyone admired—he was the one who made you feel seen and valued.