Morning arrived sooner than expected.
Beomgyu found himself walking quietly through the streets, his thoughts already drifting elsewhere. The sun wasn't as bright as it had been in the past few weeks—a fact he silently appreciated. He never did like sunny days much.
His mind wandered to the events of the previous night. Everything still felt surreal. Dinner with Sir Yeonjun and Sir Soobin had completely dazed him. Although overwhelmed by their presence, he couldn't deny that a small part of him… enjoyed it. There was something oddly comforting in the way they treated him. Human. Normal.
What lingered in his mind most, though, was Sir Yeonjun. He remembered the older man's gaze, always so soft, always on him. It had made him nervous—shy, even—but never uncomfortable. In fact, it was the opposite. There was something inexplicable about Yeonjun. Something that lingered like a strange warmth beneath his skin. A tingling, fluttering sensation. Not unpleasant… just confusing.
What is this feeling?
He had no answer.
It disturbed him in the quietest ways. Not in fear, but in how it invaded his solitude. The feelings he had around Yeonjun—he couldn't describe them, couldn't label them. All he knew was that when the man crossed his mind, the world around him dimmed, and he found himself drifting into a softer, slower place.
He sighed deeply, frustrated with himself. Maybe it was all just nonsense. Maybe he was just tired, or maybe he was losing his grip on reality. Should he ignore it? Push it all away and pretend nothing was changing? That was the plan, after all—mind his own business and never get attached.
But as he reached the school gate, something shifted.
Huening Kai stood alone at a distance, his expression unreadable. Beomgyu hesitated. He could turn away. Go to class. Avoid another complication. But guilt crept in. Guilt from yesterday's cold rejection. Guilt from shutting people out who had never even tried to hurt him.
A voice echoed in his head—Sir Yeonjun's—"You can't hide forever…"
Beomgyu inhaled deeply, then called out softly, "Kai!"
Kai turned. His eyes met Beomgyu's for a second before he gave a faint nod and resumed walking. The coolness in his demeanor made the air between them feel heavier.
Awkward silence followed them all the way to their lockers. Beomgyu watched as Kai silently retrieved his notebooks, not once glancing his way.
He swallowed hard. "A-Are you okay?" he asked gently.
Kai gave only a noncommittal hum in response, closing his locker and heading to class. Beomgyu trailed after him. They sat near the window in their usual seats, still without a word exchanged.
The weight in Beomgyu's chest grew heavier. "A-Are you mad at me? L-Look, I… I'm not good with words. If this is about yesterday, I apologize. I-I'm sorry. I hope you understand."
At last, Kai turned to look at him, his eyes calm. Then, just as quickly, he looked away. Still silent.
Beomgyu's heart sank. He was used to people walking away, but this—this stung more than he expected. He began retreating into himself again, already ready to shut his emotions down, to return to solitude.
Until Kai laughed.
"Wahahahaha! That face! You looked like you were about to cry," he said, snickering. "I'm just messing with you, Beomgyu-sshi. I'm not mad at all!"
Beomgyu blinked in disbelief. "You… you're not?"
"Of course not! I just wanted to mess with you a little." Kai grinned, eyes twinkling. "But hey, I did get a little upset yesterday. I won't lie. Still, I understand. You're probably dealing with something heavy. I can tell you're not the most sociable guy—you like keeping to yourself. You've been hurt before, right?"
Beomgyu couldn't answer, but Kai didn't wait for him to.
"I just want you to know that… if you're looking for a friend, I can be one. You can talk to me whenever, and I'll listen. I won't judge, I promise. But I'm not going to force you either. You get to choose who enters your life. And if you're not ready, that's okay."
The sincerity in Kai's voice stunned him. Beomgyu didn't know how to respond. But Kai, ever full of energy, pressed on.
"If you're sad, I can help you smile again. If you need someone, I'll be there. That's what friends are for."
Beomgyu looked at him, hesitant. "Friends? B-But… are we really friends?"
Kai beamed. "Of course we are! We've already passed that level. Now all that's left is for you to act like one."
He cupped Beomgyu's cheeks gently, pressing his thumbs at the corners of his lips.
"Come on, smile. You look like an emo boy."
Beomgyu flushed instantly, his ears turning red as Kai pulled back with a laugh.
"There! See? You look even cuter when you smile. Try to stay positive."
Beomgyu sat there, stunned by the warmth radiating from Kai. It was so bright, so genuine, that it slowly began pushing away the darkness that had settled in him for years. For the first time in a long while, he considered it—the possibility of real friendship.
"I… uh… do you want to hang out after class?" he asked shyly.
Kai lit up. "Ooh, I like the sound of that! Yes! We've got so much to talk about!"
A small, timid smile tugged at Beomgyu's lips. Something inside him felt light. Free. It was like being a child again, full of hope. After so many years of solitude, he could finally admit—maybe he had found someone. A true friend. And while his trust wasn't yet fully formed, and his guard still stood strong, something told him that Kai was worth the risk.
He didn't trust easily—but maybe, just maybe, this time would be different.
As their teacher entered the room and began the lesson, Beomgyu turned his attention to the front, trying to focus. But one thought lingered in his mind, quietly tugging at him.
If Kai is really so kind and bright… why does he seem so alone?
He looked at Kai again, watching him hum quietly to himself, cheerful as ever. There were no other friends at his side. No one calling his name.
"Strange," Beomgyu murmured.
And with that quiet realization, a different kind of curiosity began to bloom.