𝗛𝗢𝗪 𝗧𝗢 𝗠𝗔𝗞𝗘 𝗙𝗥𝗜𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗦 (𝟭-𝟲). ❥ cix.

5.02 ;; mentally unstable

I got off the bus and looked out at the camp. It was a camp, really. A large wooden building which was likely where we'd have our meals, a large clearing for tents, a row of cabins tucked between trees, and a few trails that led off into the mountains.

A home, for now.

I carried my duffle, albeit with difficulty, down to where a few others had already gathered. I was early, having taken the first bus that I could, so I just stood around and waited.

As the group grew bigger, it became clear that I stuck uot like a sore thumb. Everyone around me had friends to greet, and the people around me didn't look nearly as... lonely. Was everyone wondering who I was? Were they all wondering why I was alone? No wonder I was on my own, everyone was avoiding me.

When someone did finally find their way to me, I couldn't help but spare a glance. He had black hair, soft eyes, and plump lips. He chewed on his bottom one, actually, likely out of nervousness, and my eyes followed the motion until I put myself in check.

He likely felt my staring, because suddenly those soft eyes were meeting mine. I didn't know what to say, my mouth going dry, but I did my best. "Um, hi."

"Hi. I'm Kim Seunghun. It's my fourth year here."

It almost felt a bit rehearsed, the way he said it, but it felt good now that I could put a name to the face. A beautiful name for a beautiful face. "Lee Byounggon," I replied, a smile already burning onto my face.

Seunghun smiled back at me. It made me want to say more. "It's my first year here. And probably my last."

In theory, I'd be able to attend this class for another year, but that came out of nowhere. Still, it was almost easy to ignore what I had slipped out, because Seunghun's face didn't even falter.

"Your smile is really pretty," I said.

"Oh." Seunghun's face changed to a look of shock. "I was going to say the same thing."

Oh. That was new. I couldn't remember the last time that somebody had complimented me.

Seunghun looked away, only for a few moments, but his face completely changed. I was able to follow his gaze quickly (something I had learned after watching my parents destroy so many of my things) but even I was unable to follow how quickly his gaze shifted. Worry, yes, but something deeper.

The camp leader introduced himself as Lee Seojun, and he constantly stared at Seunghun. Seunghun looked uneasy each time they made eye contact, which was far too often, so I reached down to squeeze his hand a bit. Thoughts danced through my head of what everyone around us would think, but I pushed them aside.