Everything felt lighter after their trip. The weekend had been filled with fun and laughter, a break from the constant pressure of school and everything else. Leehan had enjoyed himself, his friends had a great time, and for those few days, everything seemed easier. But, despite the joy, something was still off when they returned to their normal routine.

Leehan tried to convince himself it wasn't a big deal. He told himself that things would eventually go back to normal—that the distance between him and Taesan wasn't worth overthinking. He'd had a few moments during the trip where they laughed together, talked, and it felt like maybe, just maybe, things were going to work themselves out. But as soon as they got back, he noticed the same lingering tension again.

Taesan wasn't making it easy for him either. He tried to reach out once or twice, but Leehan was always a step removed, distracted by his friends or lost in his thoughts. It wasn't that he didn't care, but there was still that gnawing feeling inside of him, telling him to keep his distance.

TAESAN'S POV:

Each day that passed seemed to get heavier. Taesan tried to focus on his routine, but it was hard to concentrate when the same nagging feeling wouldn't let go. Something was off, and he couldn't shake it. Leehan had been distant lately, more distant than usual. When their paths crossed, it felt like Leehan barely noticed him—if he did, it was as if there was an invisible wall between them.

Taesan couldn't help but replay the moments in his head, trying to make sense of what had changed. They used to share small conversations, casual exchanges that kept their connection alive. But now, even those felt strained. It was like the space between them had suddenly become impossible to cross.

He wanted to understand what had happened. Had he said something wrong? Done something to make Leehan pull away? But every time he tried to make contact, Leehan stepped back, as if he were purposely keeping his distance. The uncertainty gnawed at him, and Taesan couldn't help but feel more frustrated with each passing day.

It was frustrating. Taesan couldn't help but feel a little hurt, too. He thought things were fine between them—at least, that's how it felt before all this distance crept in. Was it something he had said? Did he do something wrong?

One afternoon, Taesan walked beside Woonhak, trying to push his worries aside. Woonhak, being friends with both him and Leehan, seemed like the perfect person to ask.

"Hey, Woonhak," Taesan started, his voice low. "Has Leehan seemed a little... distant to you lately? He's been acting different."

Woonhak glanced at him and raised an eyebrow. "Distant? I don't know, Hyung. He seems fine to me. Maybe he's just been busy with stuff."

Taesan frowned, not fully convinced. "But it's not just that. He's been avoiding me. Literally walking past me without saying anything. It's like he doesn't even notice me."

Woonhak let out a small laugh, shrugging casually. "I don't think he's avoiding you, Hyung. He's just... in his own head, probably. He can be a little out of touch with what's going on around him when he's caught up in something."

Taesan pressed on, his frustration creeping in. "But it's more than that. He's not even trying to talk. It's like he's... shutting me out. Did I do something?"

Woonhak's smile faded, and he looked at Taesan more seriously now. "I don't think it's anything you did, Taesan hyung. Leehan's not really the type to hold a grudge. If he's distant, it's probably something personal he's dealing with. He's just not great at opening up about it."

Taesan's jaw tightened, a mix of confusion and irritation settling in. "It's hard to believe it's nothing," he said, voice tinged with frustration. "He's never acted like this before. We're not super close, but I don't understand why he feels the need to push me away."

He sighed, shoulders slumping slightly. "I don't know what to do anymore. It feels like he's shutting me out, and I can't figure out why."

Woonhak clapped him on the back, his tone warm but firm. "The best thing you can do is give him that space, Hyung. If he wants to talk, he'll come to you when he's ready. Forcing him to open up won't help."

Taesan nodded slowly, though doubt still lingered. He looked ahead, where Leehan was talking with his friends, his smile there but somehow distant. It wasn't the same as before.

Taesan felt a knot form in his stomach, but all he could do now was wait. And hope.

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FINISHED UPDATINGGG! I def liked this ver than before. Im glad i tried this new pov thingy, it helped me experiment more in writing 😚

stay tuned for more chapters (I'll possibly post more later!)