AP CH 1 (First Snow)

Perhaps, it was because something felt different this time. The bad mood was a clear sign of it.

Seon-woo absentmindedly fidgeted with his lips as he looked at the two people sitting across from him. As he turned his head, he caught Lee-won noticed his gesture and clicked his tongue quietly, as if in exasperation.

“There you go again. Your lips are going to get chapped, you know.”

If the table wasn’t in the way, Lee-won looked like he might’ve reached over to pull Seon-woo’s hand away himself to stop him. As he extended his hand, Hee-jun’s gaze followed his fingertips. Sensing the look, Seon-woo subtly leaned back so that it wouldn’t be noticeable and then changed the subject.

“Hee-jun. You mentioned you go to Hanguk University^[1], right? Which department are you in? I can’t believe this is the first time I’m seeing such a striking face like yours.”

Raising his thick eyebrows and speaking playfully, Seon-woo’s tone made Hee-jun blush as he waved his hands in embarrassment.

“It feels weird hearing that from you, hyung. You’re way better looking than I am….. And please, feel free to speak comfortably. You’re Lee-won hyung’s closest friend , so we might see each other often.”

“Should I? Alright then.”

“Oh, by the way, I’m in the Fine Arts department. It’s pretty far from the Business building, so that’s probably why we haven’t run into each other.”

“Ah, the Fine Arts department. That really suits you.”

“Is that a compliment?”

Of course. Seon-woo nodded, smiling at Hee-jun, whose cheeks had turned red with shyness. Contrary to the smile on his lips, Seon-woo’s gaze slowly scanned Hee-jun’s face, his eyes darker and more brooding.

“Anyway, I decided to join the ski club this time, following Lee-won hyung.”

“Schuphur?”

“Yes. I’ve never skied before, so I’m a bit worried. I heard everyone goes to the ski resort in the winter? I was actually pushing for an overseas trip, but hyung…”

As Seon-woo and Hee-jun laughed and chatted, Lee-won tapped the table lightly, drawing their attention to him. Feigning a hint of disappointment, Lee-won dragged out his words.

“You two are getting along too well. I’m starting to feel jealous.”

“Ah, hyung. It’s not like that.”

“I’m just kidding. It’s good if you two get along. After all, you guys are my best friend and the person I love most.”

With that, Lee-won wrapped his arm around Hee-jun’s shoulders and tilted his head affectionately. Hee-jun flinched in embarrassment, telling him to stop saying such embarrassing things.

Best friend… Seon-woo quietly repeated the words, forcing a smile on his lips.

After that, the conversation soon drifted to trivial topics—how the two of them met, stories about the ski camp planned for winter break, and more.

Though he felt uncomfortable inside, Seon-woo kept up the act—masked his discomfort behind a friendly smile and blended in with the group, he eventually reached his limit. The moment he felt he’d spent enough time socializing, he grabbed his wallet and stood up.

“Where are you going?”

As Lee-won moved to stand up as well, Seon-woo pressed down on his shoulder and waved the cigarette he held in his hand.

“I’m just stepping out for a bit.”

Contrary to his claim that he’d only be gone for a moment, Seon-woo didn’t head toward the nearby smoking room but out of the hotel altogether. As he recalled Hee-jun’s bright, smiling face, his brows furrowed. He pulled out a cigarette, mumbling to himself.

“See each other often.… my foot.”

He hadn’t even taken a few steps when his phone buzzed in his pocket. He already had a good guess who it was. Seeing the name on the screen, a faint smile crossed his lips and he answered the call. The voice on the other end was quick to scold him.

— Nam Seon-woo, you’ve gone outside, haven’t you? You’re not in the smoking room.

“It’s Friday night. It’s time to give you two some space. Hee-jun’s probably left alone now, so you should go back inside.”

— But you didn’t have to leave so soon. If Hee-jun knows you’re gone, he’ll be disappointed.

“I just thought….”

— He kept talking about you even after you left. I’m glad I introduced you two today. Hee-jun is usually a bit shy in front of other alphas, but with you…….

Lee-won’s chatter about Hee-jun flowed on and on, and Seon-woo silently listened, staring up at the sky. It was so dark, not even a single satellite could be seen, hidden behind layers of clouds.

When had he become so indifferent to hearing about the person his crush loved? There was a time when it used to hurt so much. The pain, that tight squeeze in his chest, the gut-wrenching ache that twisted his insides—he was used to it now. It all felt as familiar as breathing.

Time really does heal all wounds. With that thought, he slowly exhaled a cloud of smoke.

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