The demands of school had become relentless, leaving little room for anything else. Seniors, in particular, bore the brunt of it, their tired eyes and haggard expressions silently pleading for a break. For some, the solace of having their soulmates nearby offered a reprieve from the madness—a quiet place to rest in a storm of deadlines.
The seasons blurred as winter crept closer. Only a few weeks stood between them and the holiday break, yet the to-do lists seemed endless. The Sports Fest was on the horizon, coinciding with Valentine's Day, but even the excitement of a university-wide celebration couldn't shake the weight of unfinished lessons and looming tasks. For the seniors, it felt less like they were completing their requirements and more like their requirements were completing them.
"Love, the guys are planning a bar night," Donghyuck said casually as he walked Gayoon to her building after lunch. His voice carried a mixture of excitement and hesitation. "Mark's got stuff to rant about, and Jeno's been begging for a drink for weeks. You're welcome to join us if you want."
Gayoon gave him a tired smile, her exhaustion evident in her half-lidded eyes. "As tempting as that sounds, I think I need to catch up on sleep."
Donghyuck stopped walking and turned to her, his concern clear. "Are you okay? Maybe you should skip the rest of your classes and rest."
"Silly." She chuckled and squeezed his hand reassuringly. "We only have three lessons left until winter break. I can push through. Besides, I don't want to fall behind this late in the semester."
"Your face says otherwise," he teased gently, brushing a strand of hair from her cheek.
Gayoon sighed. "I'm starting to think I picked the wrong course."
"Nonsense." Donghyuck kissed the back of her hand. "You're doing amazing. But if you need a break, you know where to find me."
"Sure," she said, smirking. "Says the guy who ignores me during study breaks."
"Hey, my course is trying to kill me too!"
"Then survive for me, soulmate."
Her laugh was soft but contagious, and Donghyuck leaned in to steal a quick kiss before they parted ways for their afternoon classes.
By dismissal, Donghyuck, Mark, and Jeno looked like they had been through a war. Of the three, Jeno seemed the most triumphant, grinning from ear to ear.
"Are you sure you're not coming?" Mark asked Gayoon. "Renjun's in, and we all know he makes the best drinking buddy."
Gayoon shook her head. "I'm good. You boys go have your fun. Jaemin's skipping too, right?"
"Yeah, night shift," Jeno confirmed before leaning in conspiratorially. "Last chance, Gayoon. We're happy to tie Hyuck to a chair if you think he'll misbehave."
Gayoon laughed, her eyes darting to Donghyuck, who looked mock-offended. "If he gets out of line, you have my blessing to knock some sense into him."
"Hey!" Donghyuck protested.
Mark and Jeno exchanged knowing looks before giving her quick goodbyes and dragging Donghyuck aside for what they jokingly referred to as a "pre-bar pep talk."
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TANTIANA UNIVERSITY | SCARLET LIGHTS
Fanfiction❝And I can see the sirens on his eyes, the poison on his lips, the burns of his touches, and yet I embraced him like a saint, ignoring how his fire is engulfing me❞ ▂ ❗️ reader discretion is advised includes strong language and mature context COMPLE...
