crybaby || noren.

𝐨𝐧𝐞.

Every freshman starts the same way: waking up early to get ready, double-checking all the documents needed for registration. Nerves are expected, and Renjun was no exception.

His mother was astonished to see him up earlier than usual, looking clean and neat. Renjun took a deep breath before sipping the coffee he had made, hoping it wouldn't taste too bad on this new and momentous day of becoming a university student.

"Renjun, honey, don't be scared! You should be happy that you're going to meet new friends." New friends? The idea didn't sit well with Renjun, who had never had friends in high school except for his cousin, Haechan.

It wasn't that he didn't want to make friends; it was that no one wanted to befriend him. Since he was a kid, so-called friends had always made fun of him for being weak and a crybaby. It wasn't his choice to be sensitive.

Renjun put his cup down on the table and stared at the clock. It was already 9 a.m. "Oh shit... I'm going to be late." He quickly grabbed his bag and was about to step out of the house when his mom pulled him in for a hug, giving him a warm smile.

"You'll do fine. Don't be so nervous," she said. Renjun just nodded before walking out of the house with a heavy heart.

"It's okay, Renjun. You're okay," he whispered to himself.

Finally, he reached the campus, where many people were also making their way inside. The air was buzzing with excitement and chatter, a sea of new faces and possibilities. Before he could reach the gate, someone suddenly grabbed his bag. It was his cousin. "Good morning, Renjunnie! Are you excited for today?" Renjun nearly had a heart attack.

"If I die right here, I'll haunt you forever," Renjun glared at him before pushing him away.

"Aww, don't be like that. I'm sorry," Haechan pouted. Renjun was ready to lash out at his cousin but paused when a tall figure walked in front of him. Their eyes met briefly, and Renjun quickly looked away, feeling his cheeks burn. Haechan noticed his cousin's face turning red. "Are you sick?"

"What?!"

"I'm asking you, are you sick?"

"N-no..."

"Hmm... okay. Anyway, it's almost 10, Renjun. You don't want to miss the important part, do you?" Haechan grabbed Renjun's arm and began to walk toward the hall where registration would be held.

As they walked through the campus, Renjun couldn't help but feel a mix of anxiety and excitement. The buildings towered over them, promising countless adventures and challenges ahead. The scent of freshly cut grass and the distant hum of a lawnmower added to the sense of new beginnings.

Entering the registration hall, Renjun was met with a cacophony of voices and the rustling of papers. Students moved from table to table, collecting forms and information packets. Renjun took a deep breath, steadying himself.

"Welcome to university life," Haechan said with a grin. "It's going to be an unforgettable journey."

Renjun nodded, a small smile forming on his lips. Despite the nerves and uncertainty, there was a flicker of hope. This was his chance to start anew, to find his place, and maybe, just maybe, make a friend or two along the way.

❀

"Wow... that was a long queue," Haechan said, finally finishing the registration. Both of them had their dorm keys now. "I'm so sad, Renjun," Haechan pouted.

"And why is that?"

"WE ARE NOT ROOMMATES, RENJUN!" Haechan shouted, causing Renjun to immediately cover his cousin's mouth and scold him for being loud.

"Gosh... you're so annoying." Haechan only replied with a laugh. "Mine is in block 2, level 2... you?"

"Block 2, level 4," Haechan replied.

"Well, luckily, you and I are in the same block, so be grateful for that," Renjun said. After their small chit-chat in the hall, they started to bring their stuff to the dorm. The block was crowded with students lugging their belongings, some even carrying teddy bears. "I guess some people can't sleep without their plushies," Renjun mumbled to himself. He only had one big suitcase and a backpack, while his cousin had two pieces of luggage. "What the hell did you put inside your luggage?"

"Sex toys?"

"WHAT THE FUCK?" Renjun shouted this time, causing Haechan to laugh at his shocked reaction.

"Of course not! Do you think I am a sex addict?" Haechan said, still laughing. Renjun, embarrassed by his outburst, slapped his cousin's arm, earning a painful groan from him.

"If you do that again, Haechan, I swear I will cut ties with you." Renjun gave him a death stare before walking to the elevator. Haechan smiled and caught up with Renjun, who had almost entered the elevator.

Once Renjun reached his level, he bid a fond farewell to his cousin and proceeded to find his room. He looked around for room number 23. "23... 23... ah, here." He stood in front of the door, and before he could unlock it, someone approached him, startling him. He turned around and was met by a tall and handsome male student, which made Renjun's heart skip a beat.

"Huang Renjun?" the male asked.

"Y-yes... I'm Huang Renjun."

"I was told that you would be my roommate. My name is Jeno, Lee Jeno." Renjun nodded, his face softening as he looked at the person in front of him. It was his first time meeting someone who sounded so angelic. Renjun couldn't break his gaze from the taller student, who noticed how Renjun's face was slowly turning red. Jeno leaned forward slightly, causing Renjun's eyes to widen. "Renjun, you're blocking my way to unlock the door."

Renjun realized how close they were and panicked, stepping back only to trip over his own feet. Just like in a drama, he expected someone to catch him, but unfortunately, he fell to the ground while Jeno watched. Renjun didn't expect this to happen, and it was even more embarrassing because it happened in front of his new roommate.

What would Jeno think of him now? A weirdo? Renjun had hoped to make a good impression, but luck was not on his side today.