Another school day arrived, and for Kai, that meant another chance to spend time with Beomgyu, catch glimpses of Sir Soobin, and—if the stars aligned—absorb some class knowledge, though only if the topic caught his interest. He wasn't exactly the studious type, after all.
Things were going... decent, at least. Except for one glaring issue: Beomgyu had been completely silent since the morning. The moment he arrived, he looked like a ghost of himself—absent, withdrawn, and visibly distressed. During Math class, he didn't even pretend to pay attention to Mrs. Yang. His gaze was fixed somewhere far off, eyes glazed, body unmoving. It was unsettling.
Now, by their lockers between periods, Kai had had enough of the quiet.
"Hey," Kai started, closing his locker and facing Beomgyu directly. "Look, I know something's bothering you. You've been so quiet for hours. I just want to know if everything's okay. You can talk to me, you know? I hate seeing you carry all this weight by yourself."
He hesitated before adding, "And I was kind of upset you didn't text me back yesterday…"
Beomgyu sighed, slamming his locker shut. His eyes finally met Kai's, and the sadness there was unmistakable. The corners glistened with unshed tears.
"I... I'm sorry, Kai," he said softly. "I'm just not feeling okay."
Before Beomgyu could say another word, Kai gently pulled him into a hug. He rubbed his back in slow, comforting circles, sensing the deep heaviness inside his friend. And the moment he tightened his hold, Beomgyu broke. His shoulders trembled as quiet sobs escaped him.
"Shhh... I don't know what you're going through, but I'm here," Kai whispered. "I'll be your healer when you're down, and I'll try to make you happy when you're sad. So tell me, what's wrong? Is it your parents?"
Beomgyu clung to him, voice shaking.
"I-I just can't take it anymore. They make me feel worthless. Like I don't deserve to be happy."
Kai's heart shattered. What kind of parents did that to their own child?
He pulled back slightly, placing both hands on Beomgyu's cheeks.
"Beomgyu," he said gently, "I know we haven't known each other long, but I need you to hear this: You deserve to live your life the way you want. Your choices determine your future, your happiness. Have you tried talking to them about how you feel? Maybe they'd understand."
"And if you're scared… that's okay. But one day, you'll need to stand up for yourself. This is your life—not theirs."
Beomgyu looked at him, eyes still glassy, as if weighing those words.
Before either could speak again, a presence stepped beside them. Sir Yeonjun had arrived—his expression unreadable, but his concern was evident.
"Beomgyu?" he said softly.
Beomgyu immediately composed himself, quickly wiping his face and bowing slightly.
"H-Hello, sir."
There was a strange silence between them—a stare that seemed to stretch time. Kai noticed it, brows furrowing. What was that?
He cleared his throat, snapping both of them out of the moment.
"I, uh… Beomgyu, I was hoping to speak with you. After class. Are you free?"
Beomgyu blinked in confusion. "I-I think so. Is there a problem, Sir?"
"No problem. I just need to talk to you about something. I'll see you later, okay?"
Sir Yeonjun offered a small, caring smile before walking off. Once he was gone, Kai turned to Beomgyu with suspicion.
"Well, you were just crying, and now you look like you got struck by Cupid's arrow. Want to explain what that was all about?"
Beomgyu looked flustered, clearly unsettled. "I-I don't know, Kai. I really don't. What does he want to talk about?"
As they returned to class, Kai hoped his advice had helped. Beomgyu seemed lighter now, steadier. But he couldn't ignore the way Yeonjun had looked at him—with deep worry, and something more. Kai smiled to himself.
Maybe… just maybe… a flower was about to bloom.
+×+
The comfort of Kai's embrace lingered long after the moment had passed. It was warm, grounding—exactly what Beomgyu needed. For years, he'd believed no one would ever reach out to him. That he was doomed to loneliness. But Kai… Kai came into his life like a light that refused to dim.
Before him, Beomgyu had nearly lost faith in people. His grandmother's death had shattered his world, and his parents had only tightened their grip, making his existence feel like a performance in a prison. He had been becoming cold, detached, angry at the world. A misanthrope in the making.
But then there was Kai.
It didn't make sense—how quickly they'd bonded, how safe Kai made him feel. But it was real. Beomgyu could sense it. And though part of him wanted to stay guarded, the other part—the one desperate for affection—was starting to cling to Kai's warmth.
Was that dangerous? Maybe. But it felt too good to let go.
Then, there was the matter of Sir Yeonjun.
The request for a private conversation still had Beomgyu rattled. Was it something serious? Was he in trouble? Why had Yeonjun looked at him like that?
Kai wasn't helping either.
"Looks like someone's excited to talk to Mr. Hottie," Kai teased with a grin.
Beomgyu scowled, eyes glued to his textbook. "I'm not excited. I just want to know what he wants."
"Oh really? We'll find out in 3… 2… 1…"
The bell rang.
+×+
As the class wrapped up, students filed out. Kai and Beomgyu moved through the crowded halls, Kai teasing relentlessly while Beomgyu tried not to panic.
But a sudden collision interrupted them. Kai had bumped into someone—a short, sharp-eyed student who looked like he stepped out of a gangster movie.
"Oh no! I'm so sorry!" Kai panicked, quickly kneeling to wipe the dirt from the guy's shoe with his handkerchief.
The boy didn't speak at first—he just stared menacingly, letting Kai clean his shoe without saying a word.
"I-I didn't mean to!" Kai chuckled nervously. "Really, I'm sorry."
"Next time, watch where you're going," the guy muttered coldly before walking away.
"Well, that was rude," Kai pouted. "Shortie's a real meanie."
"Don't mind him," Beomgyu murmured. "Maybe he's just having a hard time… like me."
Kai giggled.
As they approached Sir Yeonjun's office, they saw him exiting with Sir Soobin and a group of students clinging to their arms, giggling and flirting.
Yeonjun spotted Beomgyu and motioned for him to come closer.
"Come on, Sir Yeonjun! Just one dinner! My treat!" a student pleaded, clinging to his arm.
"I appreciate it," Yeonjun said kindly, "but I have an appointment. Maybe next time."
As the students left with a chorus of squeals, some glared daggers at Beomgyu. He ignored them.
"Hey, Beomgyu," Yeonjun said, smiling, "I was wondering if we could talk privately. I know a nice place. Maybe we could grab dinner too?"
Beomgyu froze. His brain stopped working. "I-I… S-Sir…"
"Yes, of course!" Kai chimed in cheerfully. "Beomgyu's totally free, Sir! You can take him anywhere you want."
Beomgyu shot Kai a death glare. Kai just winked, clearly enjoying himself.
Sir Yeonjun chuckled, gesturing for Beomgyu to follow him. He waved goodbye to Soobin and Kai, looking far too pleased.
Beomgyu's nerves spiked as he trailed after him. He looked back at Kai and mouthed: You're dead.
Kai only mouthed back: Go get your man.
+×+
Kai watched them go, a mischievous smile tugging at his lips. Of course Beomgyu was freaking out—he basically threw him into Sir Yeonjun's arms. But still, it was worth it. They looked cute together.
He was sure Beomgyu would thank him later… after the panic wore off.
"You know," came a voice beside him, "I'm glad Beomgyu found someone. He really needs a friend."
It was Soobin. And the moment Kai turned to look at him, his heart exploded.
Soobin's soft voice, the gentle concern in his eyes, the kindness in his expression—it was too much. Too perfect. Kai's heart practically melted on the spot.
He stared, lovesick and in awe. How could someone be this cute?
The words slipped out before he could think.
"Uh… Sir, would you… like to have dinner with me? I mean, if you're not busy, but it's totally fine if you are—"
"Sure," Soobin replied, smiling. "I'm kind of hungry anyway."
Kai lit up like a firework, butterflies filling his stomach. This was really happening.
He was about to have dinner with Sir Soobin.