“Ya, Taesan, watch where you’re going,” Woonhak’s voice cut through the air, teasing but laced with a hint of annoyance as he saw the guy bump into Leehan.

“Taesan?” Leehan murmured, still dazed from the sudden collision. He blinked, his gaze lingering on the guy who had knocked him down. A rush of realization hit him all at once. The same guy—the one who had vanished after that day in the alley, the one who had stayed in his thoughts like a fleeting ghost—was standing right in front of him.

Taesan paused, meeting Leehan’s eyes for a split second before quickly looking away. His expression remained calm, but there was a subtle flicker of recognition. “Sorry,” he said, his voice steady but tinged with unease.

Leehan froze for a moment, still processing what had just happened. It was him. The guy from the alley... the one he hadn’t seen in forever.

“It’s okay,” Leehan finally said, his voice softer than before, almost distant. His heart raced as his mind tried to piece everything together. He had no idea that today would be the day.

Woonhak, noticing Leehan’s stunned expression, raised an eyebrow. “Hyung... you okay? You look pale. And surprised.”

Taesan, sensing the shift in the air, took a small step back, looking uncomfortable. “I... should go,” he muttered, almost inaudible, before quickly glancing at Leehan. Without another word, he turned and started walking away, his figure disappearing into the crowd.

Leehan stood frozen, watching him blend into the sea of students. The brief moment had slipped through his fingers, and he couldn’t shake the strange feeling that lingered in the air.

“Hyung?” Woonhak’s voice snapped him back to reality. “What’s going on with you?”

Leehan blinked, still lost in the whirlwind of thoughts swirling in his mind. His voice was soft when he finally spoke. “Woonhak... that guy... he’s the one I told you about a few days ago. The one I helped... the one who just disappeared.”

“Wait, what?” Woonhak’s eyes widened in disbelief. “You mean that guy? The one you couldn’t stop thinking about?”

Leehan nodded, still in disbelief himself. “Yeah... that’s him.” His voice was faint, like he was still grasping for clarity. “I didn’t even realize it until now. I thought it was just some weird coincidence... but he’s real.”

Woonhak stared at him for a moment, before shaking his head with a grin. “Hyung, you should’ve told me sooner. I would’ve connected the dots. You weren’t exactly being subtle about it!”

Leehan blinked, confusion creeping into his expression. “What do you mean?”

Woonhak rolled his eyes, but there was a playful smirk on his face. “You were practically obsessed with that guy. I didn’t know it was him, but I should’ve guessed.”

Leehan sighed, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly. “I didn’t mean to... I just couldn’t shake it. There was something about him. Something about the way he just... disappeared. It felt like there was more to it, and I wanted to know why.”

“Well,” Woonhak teased, “looks like you’re about to get some answers.”

“Huh?” Leehan glanced at him, a little lost.

Woonhak raised an eyebrow. “Don’t just stand there staring at him. Go talk to him. What are you waiting for?”

Leehan turned his gaze back to Taesan, who was now further ahead in the hallway. His heart thudded louder in his chest, uncertainty flooding in. But there was still that spark of curiosity, the need to understand. He had to know more.

'I guess I should,” he murmured quietly.
Woonhak smirked, clearly entertained.

“Don’t trip over your words. And if he runs again, I’m not bailing you out.”

Leehan gave him a playful but half-hearted glare, appreciating the sarcastic encouragement. With a deep breath, he began walking toward Taesan, his steps tentative but steady.

The hallway felt crowded, too loud. But his focus stayed on Taesan, who seemed to be trying to fade into the crowd. The tension in his posture was clear.

Leehan’s heart raced as he approached, but he couldn’t turn back now. The curiosity, the pull, was stronger than ever.

“Taesan,” Leehan called softly, his voice gentle but firm.

The sound of his name echoed, drawing Taesan’s attention. He froze, his body tense, his expression a mix of surprise and reluctance as he slowly turned around.

Leehan took a few more steps toward him, still breathless from the chase but determined. “Why do you keep running away?” he asked, the words coming out almost as a whisper.

Taesan met his gaze, pausing before speaking in a quiet, direct tone. “I... I don’t know. Why do you keep looking for me?”

Leehan blinked, feeling the weight of the question. His response came naturally, though his voice was soft and sincere.

“Because you’re... interesting. You keep appearing and disappearing like some kind of... mystery. I can’t help but want to figure it out.”

Taesan’s brow furrowed, a hint of confusion flashing in his eyes. “Interesting?” he asked quietly.

Leehan nodded gently. “Yeah. It’s like you’re... a walking puzzle. I don’t even know why, but I find it funny how you just show up, then vanish again. It makes me wonder what’s going on with you.”

Taesan shifted his weight, uncomfortable with the attention, his gaze dropping to the floor. “I’m not trying to be... a puzzle,” he muttered, barely audible.

Leehan smiled softly, his expression warm. “I get it. You’re not the type to talk about your feelings. That’s okay. I just... I can’t help but wonder.”

Taesan didn’t respond right away, giving only a brief, indifferent shrug. He glanced at Leehan again, his voice quieter this time. “You talk a lot.”

Leehan chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. “I know. I’m sorry. It’s just... if you’re gonna keep disappearing, I might as well try to figure you out.”

Taesan sighed quietly, his shoulders relaxing just a bit. Leehan noticed the subtle change but didn’t push him. For now, he was content with this small connection.

“Well, alright then,” Leehan said, his smile widening just slightly. “I guess I’ll keep looking for answers.”

Taesan shook his head, a hint of a smile tugging at his lips, his voice barely audible. “You’re weird.”

Leehan’s grin grew. “You say that like it’s a bad thing, but I’ll take it as a compliment.”

There was a pause, and Taesan, almost imperceptibly, relaxed a little more.

“I’m Kim Donghyun. Just call me Leehan, though. We never really... formally met.” Leehan muttered out, smiling at him softly

“Han Dongmin,” Taesan said, almost reluctantly. “You already know my nickname.”

Leehan tilted his head, his smile soft and warm. “Han Dongmin…” he murmured, the words gentle, like a quiet understanding.

“It’s nice to hear you say it.” His tone was light, with just a hint of warmth, but he didn’t push further.

Taesan didn’t respond, but his eyes softened—just a little. It was a brief moment, but it made Leehan’s chest feel lighter.

“Well, uh... I should go,” Taesan muttered, his voice uncertain, like he wasn’t sure how to handle the situation.

Leehan nodded gently, still smiling. “Yeah. I’ll let you go... for now.” He gave Taesan a playful salute. “But hey, don’t be a stranger.”

Taesan hesitated before offering a small, almost imperceptible nod. “Whatever.”

Leehan watched him walk away, his smile soft and lingering. He couldn’t help but feel a pull in his chest. Taesan’s indifference wasn’t a wall—it was a layer, something Leehan could peel back little by little. He could sense there was something more beneath the surface.

“Take care, Taesan,” Leehan called out, his voice still light and cheerful, though there was an edge of sincerity in it.

Taesan didn’t look back, but his steps seemed slower, more deliberate this time. Leehan’s grin faded as he watched him disappear into the crowd, but there was a spark in his chest. This was only the beginning.

“Well, this is interesting,” Leehan muttered to himself, feeling the weight of the moment settle in. Something told him that his search wasn’t over, and he was more than willing to keep chasing after it.

___

yay a long one 😋 ,, i think this'll be my last chapter for the day!