EAR Ch 32

After he finished speaking, Jaemin seemed genuinely embarrassed. He couldn’t even meet Seungpyo’s eyes, groaning softly and hanging his head low.

Seungpyo didn’t answer right away, and the chatter-filled living room fell silent. The silence was broken by Seungpyo’s slightly bewildered question.

“Friends?”

“…”

Jaemin didn’t say anything. Not understanding, Seungpyo tilted his head.

Did he seriously want to become friends now, after everything? Did he really want to go back to the time when they were nothing, as if the kiss and everything else hadn’t happened? Was he serious when he said he wanted to reset their relationship, and not just trying to trick him?

“Why? It seems like we moved past being just friends even before the final exam bet.”

Feeling that he had misjudged the distance between them, Seungpyo muttered discontentedly, then closed his mouth as he remembered something he had forgotten. He quickly became awkward and hesitant. Leaning down next to Jaemin’s still bowed head, he asked,

“Is it because I told everyone we weren’t even friends? I explained why right after. You said you didn’t care.”

“It’s not related to that.”

“It is. You were upset.”

“I said it’s not.”

Jaemin lifted his head. Their eyes finally met.

“…Back then, I didn’t know you liked me, and I was the one who said we weren’t anything in the first place.”

“True. You said it first.”

Seungpyo chimed in as if he felt wronged, but Jaemin still seemed downcast. Just moments ago, they were embracing each other and enjoying the strange positions in the magazine.

He had only asked out of curiosity, and had no intention of dampening the mood. Seungpyo awkwardly scratched the back of his neck and rambled meaninglessly.

“Now we’re going out.”

Going out. It was an obvious statement, but saying it aloud made Seungpyo’s face flush slightly. He coughed briefly before continuing.

“We leveled up from friends, so don’t worry about what I said back then.”

“It’s not that.”

Sensing that Jaemin had something to say, Seungpyo closed his mouth. The incident where he haughtily declared in front of their classmates that he and Jaemin weren’t even friends was embarrassing for Seungpyo as well. He wanted to gloss over it, but Jaemin’s expression was quite serious. Eventually, Seungpyo sat up straight.

“What do you want to say?”

Even though he seemed to have something to say, Jaemin was too embarrassed to speak. Seungpyo had thought Jaemin was thick-skinned and shameless back then, when Jaemin had been caught with the magazine and hadn’t even flinched, even going so far as to threaten him. People have many sides you don’t see until you get close to them.

Thinking that way, Seungpyo felt like he somewhat understood what Ryu Jaemin wanted to say. He pulled Jaemin’s hand, who seemed inexplicably subdued. As he put his arm around Jaemin’s shoulders, Jaemin let out a small sigh and finally began to answer haltingly.

“I like kissing and… having sex, but…”

“Yeah.”

“Honestly, we haven’t really been close… ever.”

He wanted to deny it, but unlike his intentions, an immediate denial didn’t come out. Silence hung in the air, proving Jaemin’s words right.

Seungpyo only swallowed, continuing to listen. Jaemin hesitated as if choosing his words, then slowly and carefully continued.

“Do you remember the day we first played basketball for the bet, freshman year?”

“Of course. How could I forget that?”

“That was the first time I felt like we were kind of becoming friends…”

Jaemin trailed off, frowning slightly, then rubbed his face with both hands.

“This is embarrassing. It’s not like a truth or dare game on a school trip, what am I even doing?”

“So what, Ryu Jaemin. Keep talking.”

“I’m done. I just wanted to be closer to you. But like you said, we’re more than friends now, so we don’t have to be friends.”

It was a short story, but it took a long time to tell. After finishing, Jaemin’s face was even redder than before, as if he were exhausted.

“Look at me.”

Seungpyo cupped Jaemin’s cheeks and turned his face. Jaemin didn’t avoid him, but he couldn’t meet his eyes and looked to the side.

Seungpyo silently faced Jaemin. Even as he looked at the flustered Jaemin, the scene he had witnessed just moments before kept flashing before his eyes. The image of Ryu Jaemin lying beneath him, making those sounds, his expression crumbling as if he were about to cry.

He had seen similar expressions several times before, but seeing that face during actual sex felt incomparably different. In every moment he watched Jaemin’s subtly changing expressions as he moved, accompanied by different sounds, he felt keenly aware of the fact that their bodies were connected, becoming one.

What Oh Seungpyo wanted to do right now was simple. He wanted to make his new boyfriend, who made his lower body heat up just by looking at him, lie down again. He wanted to pull up the T-shirt Jaemin was wearing up to his nape, pull down his slightly loose shorts, get close behind him, and smell the heat radiating from his body. Since it hadn’t been long since their first time, it would probably be easier to join together again since that place would be softer.

“Let’s go play games.”

However, completely different words came out of Seungpyo’s mouth. Jaemin’s eyes widened as if he had heard something unexpected.

“Games? Now?”

“You said you wanted to go to the arcade after the exams. You said you wanted to play that shooting game again.”

“…I’m fine with it, but what about you? You definitely wanted twelve hours…”

“We can do it again after we get back.”

Though he said that, he knew if they went out to the arcade now, two or three hours would disappear in the blink of an eye. The grumpy Seungpyo chuckled and continued.

“I’ll give you installments.”

“….”

“We can date and be friends, why not? From now on, if anyone asks me who my best friend is, I’ll say Ryu Jaemin. You do the same.”

“Your friends will be upset.”

“Too bad for them. They’ll make other friends eventually anyway.”

Jaemin smiled faintly. What more should he do? Restless, Seungpyo cupped Jaemin’s cheeks in his hands. As Jaemin sensed his intention to kiss and closed his eyes, Seungpyo leaned closer as expected.

• peck*

A sound was made. However, the soft sensation he expected to feel on his lips landed on his forehead instead. When Jaemin blinked, Seungpyo, feeling awkward, explained.

“A kiss on the forehead is a friendship kiss.”

“…Who says?”

“I saw it somewhere.”

It was a piece of knowledge he had acquired while diligently researching “how to kiss well” because he didn’t want to be revealed as a kissing virgin. It might be something he made up without any basis, but the truth didn’t really matter in this kind of situation. Jaemin’s smile, which had been somewhat buried in embarrassment, brightened.

“I saw it too.”

Not one to be outdone, Jaemin quickly brought his face close and pecked Seungpyo’s forehead. Seungpyo’s expression hardened.

“Don’t you do it.”

“Why?”

“If you do it too, we won’t be able to go outside.”

Seungpyo took Jaemin’s hand and placed it on his groin. After a moment of surprise, Jaemin smiled nonchalantly.

“I can play games later and continue what we were doing.”

“No. I made up my mind.”

He had a strong feeling that once they started messing around, they wouldn’t be going anywhere today, games or anything else. Oh Seungpyo sat up with the solemnity and resolve of someone making a life-or-death decision.

“Get ready. Get dressed.”

“Okay.”

Jaemin also got up from the sofa and hurriedly started to change his clothes. After tidying up the dining table and brushing their teeth, the two model students abandoned their small ambition for a long, languid day and went out for a typical high school outing.

“We can do it again when we get back.”

“Who said we’re not going to? You’re the one who said let’s go out.”

Before opening the front door, they didn’t forget to exchange a few more kisses, pretending to grumble.

The arcade was busier than usual because it was the weekend. Seungpyo asked Jaemin, who stopped near the entrance, seemingly overwhelmed.

“Do you want to go somewhere else if you don’t like it?”

“No.”

“Should I take off my clothes so you can cover your face?”

Seungpyo teasingly brought up the past. Last early spring, when Jaemin had visited an arcade for the first time in his life, he had been so anxious about being seen that he ended up wearing Seungpyo’s jacket over his head.

“No, it’s fine.”

It wasn’t something to be proud of, being so nervous as if coming to an arcade was some great act of rebellion. Jaemin replied curtly.

But this time, Seungpyo’s gaze was uneasy. It would have been better if he had fueled Jaemin’s worries about being seen and offered to cover his face. He regretted teasing him out of habit. Today was different from the first time they came to the arcade. Back then, they were both in drab school uniforms, but today Jaemin was dressed like a candy wrapper.

Should he really bring Ryu Jaemin, who looked like a popsicle, to a crowded place? His thinking had been short-sighted. He should have had Jaemin wear a hoodie or something at home. With looks that would rival any celebrity, he would surely attract everyone’s attention if he went in like this.

“Hey, wait a minute.”

Stopping Jaemin, who was about to enter the arcade, Seungpyo quickly unbuttoned his navy shirt. He unrolled his sleeves, which had been rolled up to his elbows, leaving only a short-sleeved T-shirt, and handed the removed shirt to Jaemin.

“Put this on.”

“Why? It’s fine.”

“The AC is strong in there, you’ll be cold if you go in like that.”

“What about you?”

“I don’t get cold easily.”

“I don’t either…”

Muttering as if he didn’t understand, Jaemin put on the shirt. His bright mint-colored clothes were hidden by the loose, dark navy shirt. Seungpyo was reasonably satisfied and stepped into the arcade. The noisy sounds were deafening.

“Someone’s already playing that.”

The shooting game they first played together was occupied. Seungpyo looked around the arcade and led Jaemin by the wrist.

“Let’s play something else first. It’ll be free eventually.”

“Hey, my hand…”

“It’s okay. No one cares.”

Seungpyo whispered in his ear.

“It’s normal for friends to hold hands like this without thinking anything of it. It’s weirder if you’re conscious of it.”

“What? Do you do this with other people?”

Jaemin was unexpectedly sharp, and added menacingly in a low voice,

“Don’t do it.”

“Oh, of course I only do it with my best friend. Like you.”

Jaemin softened slightly at his answer, but the suspicion didn’t seem to be completely cleared.

Come to think of it, despite being subdued lately because of his mistake, Ryu Jaemin was originally a fierce guy. He had a bad personality and was jealous to boot, what was he going to do? He was completely whipped. This was bad. While grumbling inwardly, Seungpyo grinned in satisfaction.

“There are definitely more people here on the weekends. Want to play this while we wait?”

The motion-based large machines like shooting and racing games were all occupied, so they had to wait. Seungpyo stopped in front of a fighting game machine where characters fought one-on-one. Since everything was new to Jaemin, he showed interest regardless of the type of game.

“That looks fun. But it looks difficult.”

“It’s hard if you don’t know how to use the techniques. But it’s fun even if you just button mash. I’ll teach you.”

“I’ll watch first, so you go first.”

Then, as if it were time to show off his skills, Seungpyo shrugged and sat down on the chair with a haughty expression, inserting coins into the slot.

Along with a message announcing the start of a new challenger’s game, a character selection screen with dozens of characters appeared on the screen. Jaemin’s eyes were spinning at the fast and flashy game screen.

“You pick two characters here.”

“Which character do you use?”

“My main is Hwoarang, and I rotate my sub… a lot of people avoid him because his combos are hard to pull off, but as a Korean, I have to use Hwoarang.”

With additional explanations that Jaemin couldn’t even half understand, the game began. Jaemin stared blankly at the screen. The refreshing hitting sounds and the flashing effects, the dazzling fight that couldn’t exist in reality, seemed to relieve stress just by watching it.

He didn’t know anything about the game, but he could feel that Oh Seungpyo was very good at it. Seungpyo’s hand movements were precise and efficient, and his opponent was continuously beaten by the character he controlled, eventually losing.

The person sitting at the opposite machine stood up abruptly and checked this side. It was funny how human psychology worked, even though it was just a game and knowing the opponent’s face wouldn’t change the outcome. When Seungpyo met his gaze, the person quickly sat back down.

“You try.”

Seungpyo gave up his seat. A new round began as soon as Jaemin awkwardly sat down. There was no way he could properly play a game he had never even seen before, but Jaemin imitated Seungpyo, moving the stick around and pressing buttons randomly. Of course, he couldn’t put on a flashy fight like Seungpyo, but he enjoyed the crisp feeling of the hits.

That’s when it happened. Seungpyo, who had been watching from behind for a while, suddenly leaned over Jaemin’s back. Seungpyo’s hand lightly overlapped the hands holding the stick and buttons, and his warm, firm chest touched the back of Jaemin’s head.

Jaemin’s heart pounded at the smooth, secret touch of body heat. He felt like he was floating in the air, although his body was sitting in front of the game machine.

Startled, Jaemin quickly looked around. Contrary to his worries, there were quite a few people around the machines, either watching or giving advice, clinging closely to each other. Among them, Seungpyo and Jaemin didn’t seem to stand out that much. Seungpyo was also moving Jaemin’s hand as if nothing was wrong.

“Like this, diagonally. See? He dodges it.”

“Yeah.”

“When there’s an opening, counterattack immediately.”

Although Jaemin was sitting in front of the machine, it was effectively Seungpyo playing the game. The in-game character, who had been moving clumsily with awkward punches and kicks, quickly began to beat the opponent unilaterally with flashy techniques.

K.O.! A large letter appeared on the screen, and a groaning voice came from the other side of the machine. They looked at each other and giggled.

“That one’s free. Shall we move now?”

Having cleanly won, they moved to the freed-up machine. They played the shooting game Jaemin wanted to play, a drum rhythm game, and a car racing game.

After trying every game they could find an open spot for, and spending a considerable amount of time in the karaoke booth, they finally felt like taking a break and, like before, slipped into a karaoke room. As soon as they sat side-by-side on the narrow bench, Seungpyo hugged Jaemin tightly.

“You’re good at drums.”

“The fighting game was the hardest.”

“You have to practice that. No one’s good at it from the start. You did well for your first time.”

They chatted without any intention of singing, and Seungpyo picked up the microphone first.

“Want me to sing you a song?”

“No.”

“Why?”

“You’re tone-deaf.”

Jaemin laughed, teasing him openly. Being bad at singing and dancing was Oh Seungpyo’s only weakness. But today, he was just happy to be teased. Seungpyo handed over the microphone.

“Then you sing. You’re good at singing.”

“But I don’t know many karaoke songs yet… I’ll memorize some and sing for you later.”

“You really will?”

Seungpyo picked up the remote and randomly selected a song he didn’t know. Loud music filled the small booth. The song was just an excuse; they only looked at each other, then laughed softly and kissed.

It hadn’t been long since they left the house, but their touching lips felt even sweeter, as if they were savoring each other after a long time apart. This small, dark karaoke booth was where they first kissed.

In hindsight, that clumsy first kiss left Seungpyo with a bittersweet regret. Today’s sex hadn’t gone as smoothly as he’d hoped, but at least he’d prepared diligently. But the fact that he’d had his first kiss impulsively in a cramped arcade karaoke booth couldn’t be changed. The only consolation was that it was an unusual place.

It didn’t matter if it was clichéd. When he turned twenty, he would take Ryu Jaemin to the most expensive and best room in a fancy hotel. Ryu Jaemin was a much more refined, rich young master than him, so he might have already been to such hotels with his parents, but a trip for just the two of them was different from a family trip, so it didn’t matter.

As he anticipated learning more and more about the Ryu Jaemin before his eyes, Seungpyo finally fully understood Jaemin’s words about wanting to be friends. Suddenly, Seungpyo’s arms tightened around Jaemin. Jaemin, whose lips were bitten, moaned softly and submissively surrendered himself to Seungpyo.

After finally breaking the kiss, Seungpyo asked breathlessly,

“Do you feel like we’re friends now?”

“…Yeah, more than before.”

Jaemin smiled awkwardly, as he had when he first mentioned wanting to be friends.

Ryu Jaemin had wanted to know more about him.

The belatedly realized meaning of those words spread like spores in his chest, blooming small flowers once more. Seungpyo loosened his arms. He carefully embraced Jaemin as if handling a bouquet of wildflowers, and kissed him more gently than before. Jaemin’s lips trembled as he let out a sweet moan that seemed to melt away.

The fact that they were in a small, dark karaoke booth had long since been forgotten by both of them.

It was near lunchtime when they entered the arcade, but it was already dinnertime. It was only natural, since they had tried every game and spent quite a long time in the karaoke room.

Having concluded their outing with a long kiss, the two exited with a dreamy, languid air, unlike high school students who had just finished playing games. After walking a few steps, Seungpyo asked,

“What time do you have to be home?”

He had boasted about holding Jaemin for at least twelve hours, but that was only Oh Seungpyo’s wish. Jaemin would have a set curfew. Jaemin hesitated for a moment at the finally realistic question before answering.

“I have to be home by 7.”

“7? Not much time left. Guess you won’t even be able to eat dinner.”

“Yeah, my mom said I have to eat when I get home.”

“Hmm.”

Disappointing, but it was almost time to part ways. They were still high school students living at home, and couldn’t prioritize a friend’s plans over their parents’ instructions. Like their initial ambitious plan, having sex again after going home seemed impossible given the time constraints.

Instead of wasting time traveling back and forth, they decided to spend their remaining time nearby. Luckily, there was one secluded window seat left in the crowded weekend cafe. Since they had to sit side by side, they lowered their voices and spoke almost in whispers.

“Where should we meet next time?”

“Is your brother going out again next week?”

“I don’t know yet. I don’t think he’ll be home much during the break.”

Seungpyo’s brother was a variable at his house, and Jaemin’s house, known for its strict family traditions, wasn’t an easy place to visit freely. They were lucky to have their first experience, but every first is just the beginning, so they were already worrying about the next time.

More importantly, summer vacation was fast approaching. During the break, their schedules would change, with some moving to different academies for special lectures. Their current routine of seeing each other every day at school and academy might be disrupted. If Jaemin skipped supplementary classes like he did last winter break, they might have to meet sporadically for over a month, like scheduled visits.

Seungpyo’s expression grew serious as he considered the possibility of facing this undesirable situation.

“Are you going to skip summer supplementary classes?”

“Huh? I don’t know yet. The school doesn’t like it when you skip supplementary classes, so I’ll probably attend them.”

“You skipped them at the end of winter break.”

“…Something came up at home back then.”

After a short reply, Jaemin sipped his iced Americano. Seungpyo also raised his cup.

“We should think about what to do during the break in advance.”

“Still, my mom seems to like you. She usually doesn’t allow me to go to a friend’s house or makes a fuss about it, but today she even gave me a gift to bring.”

Jaemin seemed excited, as if he was the one who received the compliment from his mother. Seungpyo scoffed and swaggered.

“I was very polite when I greeted her last time.”

“She said she likes your outgoing personality. My parents complain that I’m not sociable and arrogant.”

“She doesn’t know her son well. That’s Ryu Jaemin’s charm.”

Seungpyo whispered, grinning. Caught off guard by the sudden compliment, Jaemin opened and closed his mouth, speechless.

Seungpyo, however, didn’t wait for a reply and returned to the original topic. Despite his playful demeanor just moments ago, his expression became slightly dejected.

“But your mom doesn’t really know me yet. She might not like me once she gets to know me better.”

“Why? You’re good at studying, sports, popular with everyone… Even the teachers like you.”

“At first, most people do… but when they find out that my dad’s away at sea and I live alone with my brother, many people get apprehensive. In middle school, some parents were initially happy to hear I was at the top of my class, but later subtly told their kids not to hang out with me. I understand. They’re worried we might be getting into trouble behind their backs. And middle school was even younger than now. Many of my friends weren’t even allowed to use their phones freely.”

“It’s amazing that you get good grades and manage your life while living alone with your brother. Why do they jump to conclusions when they don’t even know you?”

As Jaemin raised his voice in indignation, the hesitant Seungpyo relaxed his face and smiled. He leaned towards Jaemin’s shoulder and chuckled.

“Seeing you getting angry defending me, you really are my boyfriend.”

“That’s right.”

Jaemin gulped down a few sips of coffee as if trying to calm down, then murmured in a subdued tone.

“Even with parents around, you can do all sorts of things you’re not supposed to. Adults just don’t know.”

“That’s true.”

Seungpyo’s tone became cheerful again. He brought his lips close to Jaemin’s ear and whispered,

“If your mom knew you were coming over to have sex with me, she would never have let you go.”

Seungpyo expected Jaemin to be embarrassed by his words, but he grinned instead. Seungpyo was momentarily stunned by Ryu Jaemin’s playful expression, which he rarely showed, and his gaze was drawn to Jaemin’s profile.

“Right. She was completely fooled by us today.”

Considering that, perhaps adults weren’t wrong to be suspicious of their time alone. Even as he thought that, Seungpyo couldn’t stop his heart from racing. He put his arm around Jaemin’s shoulder and leaned closer. His whispering voice began to carry a warmth.

“When are we doing it again?”

“I’ll have to think about it.”

“Did you like it too?”

A faint blush finally appeared on Jaemin’s face. But he didn’t avoid the question. He answered very carefully in a voice so low that only Seungpyo could hear.

“I liked it.”

“I saw while I was researching, they say sex gets better the more you do it.”

He could see Jaemin’s Adam’s apple bob slightly. It was a gratifying reaction that just the word “sex” made Jaemin’s mouth water. The days of questioning himself for thinking about kissing Ryu Jaemin every time he saw his face were now in the past. His lonely days as Pavlov’s dog were coming to an end.

Even sitting next to each other was making them increasingly nervous, even without kissing, let alone sex. They both fell silent without a word, and their fingertips began to brush against each other. They occasionally glanced around, checking the atmosphere, but no one seemed free enough to pay attention to two boys quietly playing in a corner.

Just the touch of their fingertips sent shivers down their spines like a kiss. They had been drinking their coffees out of thirst, and now only ice remained, so only a gurgling sound came up even when they sucked on the straw. Seungpyo fell silent, biting his lip, preoccupied with the thought that Jaemin looked increasingly seductive.

Then Jaemin’s phone vibrated. Seungpyo, snapping back to reality, checked his watch. It was well past 6 o’clock. After checking the message, Jaemin whispered,

“Next time, tell me when your house is empty and I’ll make an excuse to visit.”

Seungpyo nodded. He wanted to whine and tell Jaemin not to go, but he forced himself to be patient at Jaemin’s words promising a next time.

“Let’s go now. My mom said not to be late.”

“Yeah, okay.”

By the time they left the cafe, the sun, which had been high in the sky, had descended considerably, casting a gentle evening light. Seungpyo, walking alongside Jaemin towards the bus stop, said,

“I’ll walk you home.”

“Why bother? You’ll have to come back alone anyway.”

“Because I want to be with you longer.”

Jaemin didn’t object any further. They ended up taking the bus together, but it was difficult to have a proper conversation due to the crowd.

They just stood side-by-side, looking out the window together. They watched the passing scenery, chuckling and exchanging a few words when they saw a big dog on a walk or a funny shop sign.

Arriving at Jaemin’s apartment complex entrance, Jaemin and Seungpyo finally said their short goodbyes. They desperately didn’t want to part, but since it was a public place with many people coming and going, they couldn’t even kiss. They fiddled with each other’s hands for a moment before slowly saying goodbye.

“See you on Monday.”

“Yeah, go on in.”

Jaemin turned around, walked a few steps, then turned back and waved. Seungpyo waved back enthusiastically. They would see each other at school in just a day, but he felt strangely disappointed, perhaps because there were so many things left undone.

Back home, Seungpyo put the unused scented candle in his nightstand drawer. He knew his brother would tease him if he saw it. He planned to take it out the next time Ryu Jaemin came over.

As he flopped onto his bed, the image of Ryu Jaemin panting on it just a few hours ago was stuck in his mind. The blanket seemed to retain Jaemin’s scent. Seungpyo rolled around hugging the blanket, then grabbed his phone.

I wish Sunday didn’t exist so I can go to school faster

He sent the message, unable to contain his longing, but Jaemin didn’t reply immediately. He wasn’t disappointed, as he had been told repeatedly that Jaemin couldn’t check his phone often at home.

He had thought Ryu Jaemin was cute when he was pretending to like him, but now that Jaemin had truly opened his heart to him, he was incomparably cuter.

Ryu Jaemin was over 180 centimeters tall and had a solid build. Not only that, he was someone with extraordinary mental fortitude, posting suggestive pictures on social media without hesitation and dealing with perverts who threw all sorts of lewd comments his way.

But now, Seungpyo’s mind was filled with images of Jaemin hesitantly looking at him, wanting to be forgiven, and whimpering with a distressed expression. He couldn’t help but feel like Jaemin would melt like ice cream if he were to carelessly touch him. Anyone who could see inside Seungpyo’s head right now would be appalled, saying Ryu Jaemin wasn’t like that, but what could he do about his feelings?

…He really wanted to make him melt and lick him up.

He had thought that once they confessed their feelings and started dating, there would be no more hardships, but he was mistaken. Not being able to see each other freely when they wanted, not being able to do what they wanted as much as they wanted, seemed even more difficult.

The classroom on Monday was as chaotic as ever, filled with noise and horseplay. However, Seungpyo couldn’t properly hear the noise made by others.

As soon as he entered the classroom, Seungpyo threw down his bag and went over to Jaemin’s seat. Jaemin had arrived earlier than Seungpyo and, as always, was preparing for class at his desk.

It wasn’t planned, but he had a feeling as soon as he woke up this morning. That Ryu Jaemin would be at school earlier than anyone else, waiting for him. He also wanted to come early and see Ryu Jaemin before the other students arrived, but he had tossed and turned all night, only falling asleep at dawn, and ended up oversleeping.

“Ryu Jaemin, let’s talk for a second.”

At Seungpyo’s words, some of the noisy students stopped talking and looked at them. The eyes of the friends who always gathered at Seungpyo’s desk to chat also widened.

Jaemin also looked up at Seungpyo with a momentarily flustered expression, but he soon nodded and got up from his seat. Somewhat worried gazes followed the two unofficial rivals as they left the classroom without another word.

“Hey, Oh Seungpyo.”

A student hesitated, then called out to Seungpyo. Seungpyo turned around and gave a warning.

“We have something to talk about. Don’t follow us.”

At the cold reply, dismissing any third party, the student who had spoken up couldn’t press further. As the two exited through the back door, the chatter resumed, and the huddled students crunched on snacks, each adding their own comments.

“Shouldn’t we follow them?”

“They used to at least care about what others thought, but now they’re being openly hostile as soon as they get to school.”

“I hope they don’t actually fight. They’re both really concerned about their school records.”

“Right. The first semester is almost over, so they must have something to resolve.”

Among their close friends, everyone knew that Seungpyo had been grinding his teeth at Jaemin, feeling inferior, since their freshman year. Quite a few students were present when Seungpyo had coldly said they weren’t close, not even friends.

Although they didn’t know the exact details since the proud Oh Seungpyo wouldn’t talk, everyone knew that a rather hostile atmosphere had risen and fallen between the two throughout the semester.

It’s finally happening. The students emptied their snack bags with solemn expressions. They wanted to secretly follow them and see what they were talking about, whether they were fighting or not, but if Seungpyo caught them, the arrow aimed at Ryu Jaemin might turn towards them, so they decided not to take that risk.

Unaware of the gossip among the remaining students, the two, as expected, sneaked into the resource room and, as soon as the door closed, began their own world. Seungpyo abruptly held out something he brought.

“A 2-day anniversary gift.”

“What? Who celebrates 2 days?”

“Oh Seungpyo.”

What Seungpyo offered Jaemin was a coffee-flavored milk. It wasn’t from the school store, but a familiar brand sold in convenience stores and supermarkets. Jaemin accepted it with a smile.

“Did you buy this on your way here?”

“Yeah, I thought of you. You said you drink chocolate milk when you want coffee but can’t? Drink it later when you get sleepy in class.”

After finishing his sentence, Seungpyo awkwardly smiled and approached Jaemin. * peck* Their lips touched briefly. They hugged, nibbling on each other’s lips, and sat down on a chair in the corner of the resource room.

The morning greeting kiss lasted quite a while, but they couldn’t kiss to their hearts’ content. Time was limited before class started, and they had a lot to talk about.

“I have good news. My brother’s getting a part-time job during the break.”

“A part-time job? What kind?”

“He originally wanted to work at an amusement park. If you get in, you have to live in the dormitory, so it’s a jackpot if you get accepted. But my dad said no. He said it wouldn’t be good for me to be alone during the break, even so.”

Seungpyo sighed, seeming both happy and disappointed.

“It would be awesome if my brother went to the dormitory… because of my dad.”

“He’s worried about you.”

“I know. But I guess he’s going to get a part-time job anyway. Then the house will be empty a lot, right? Let’s hang out at my place often, matching our schedules. Even if we can’t spend the whole day together like Saturday, we can still stop by for a bit after academy or school.”

Let’s hang out at my place often. It sounded innocent on the surface, but they both knew exactly what it meant. Mischievous glances were exchanged along with giggles.

When they returned to the classroom, gazes from the other students were directed at them from all directions. In the atmosphere where everyone was curious but hesitant to ask, one of Seungpyo’s close friends got up and approached them.

“Are you guys okay? Nothing happened, right?”

Seungpyo nodded and answered cheerfully, without hesitation.

“Yeah, we’re going to be friends from now on.”

“That’s good. What’s the point of being constantly at odds? I’m glad.”

The approaching friend smiled sincerely and patted Seungpyo’s shoulder. The students who had been subtly glancing at them looked away as if they hadn’t been interested. The classroom atmosphere returned to normal as everyone resumed their conversations and jokes. Seungpyo and Jaemin exchanged glances and smiled secretly.

It was the first time they were looking forward to summer vacation this much.