Only You (YeonGyu)

Chapter 7: Unexpected Invitation

Beomgyu stirred from his sleep with heavy eyelids, his vision still blurry and surrounded by darkness. The soft glow of moonlight streaming through the window confirmed that night had already fallen. Reaching over to the side of his bed, he grabbed his phone and checked the time—it was already past seven in the evening.

A single message from his mother lit up the screen:

Mom: Me and your father might be coming home late. We’ll just eat dinner together when we get back, so prepare something for yourself. By the way, did you do grocery shopping?

Relief washed over him. At least they weren’t home yet, and more importantly, he hadn’t done the shopping. There was still time. Despite the late hour, the grocery store would still be open, so he rushed to wash his face, change his clothes, and fix himself up before heading out.

The evening air was cool as he walked past the glowing streetlights. He tilted his head back, eyes scanning the night sky. Stars were scattered across the vast darkness—tiny, distant, unreachable. They twinkled so freely, clustered together like a family. A soft sigh escaped his lips.

Beomgyu had always found himself enchanted by the stars. To him, they looked happy—unbothered, close-knit, content. Unlike him. Unlike the quiet ache that pulsed in his chest every time he walked alone. He often wondered what it would be like to be among them. Would he feel less empty? Would he finally belong?

The breeze picked up, making him shiver slightly. He was too lost in his thoughts to notice the traffic signals changing, stepping off the curb at the perfect time only by chance. He crossed safely, his mind still drifting somewhere far above.

At the grocery store, Beomgyu moved robotically through the aisles, collecting the items from his mental list: condiments, snacks, dairy, frozen food, canned goods, bread, cereal, and drinks. He hadn’t yet decided what he’d eat for dinner—maybe something quick and ready-made. Cooking felt like too much effort tonight.

As he reached for another item, he overheard voices nearby—familiar ones. Turning his head slightly, his eyes widened when he saw Mister Choi Soobin and Mister Choi Yeonjun, both holding baskets filled with snacks and drinks. Soobin noticed him first.

“Oh, if it isn’t Mister Choi Beomgyu! It’s so nice to see you!” Soobin greeted him with his signature cheerful grin.

Beomgyu bowed respectfully, anxiety creeping into his chest. His heart began to pound from sheer social discomfort. It was hard enough for him to speak to strangers, let alone teachers.

“So this is Choi Beomgyu,” Soobin said as he nudged Yeonjun lightly. “He’s the one I was telling you about.”

Beomgyu glanced up briefly, giving Yeonjun a small bow. The Literature teacher responded with a gentle, heartwarming smile that made his cheeks warm and his ears turn red. There it was again—that inexplicable fluster that clung to him whenever Yeonjun was near.

“So you’re Choi Beomgyu,” Yeonjun said, his tone soft. “I’ve heard a lot about you from Mister Soobin. He says you’re brilliant. From the sound of it, your potential is quite something. I’m looking forward to seeing what you can do in my class.”

Before Beomgyu could respond, Soobin chimed in again. “Say, have you had dinner yet? Yeonjun hyung and I were planning to grab something after this. Would you like to join us?”

Beomgyu froze. Dinner with his teachers? Why? It felt far too generous. The invitation startled him, and as much as he appreciated the kindness, he didn’t feel comfortable accepting. He preferred solitude—always had. He didn’t want to ruin their evening with his presence.

He opened his mouth to decline, but Soobin beat him to it.

“I’ll take that as a yes. No ifs, no buts, Choi Beomgyu. It’s my treat, so don’t worry,” he said with a wink.

“B-But, Mister Choi… t-that’s too much. I-I really can’t accept—”

“Don’t think about it,” Soobin replied easily. “Let’s just finish up here, and then we’ll eat.”

With no more arguments left in him, Beomgyu quietly followed them to the counter. After paying for their items, the three stepped outside and began walking down the sidewalk.

To his surprise, Yeonjun walked beside him and started a conversation.

“You seem like the introverted type, huh?” Yeonjun remarked gently. “Don’t worry—especially about that guy,” he chuckled, motioning toward Soobin ahead of them. “He just gets overly friendly sometimes. That’s his way of trying to connect.”

Beomgyu only hummed in response, but Yeonjun smiled as if he understood perfectly. Oddly enough, his presence didn’t feel suffocating. In fact, it felt safe. Comforting. Beomgyu’s heart raced, but not out of fear—something else, something warm, something he couldn’t explain.

Once they arrived at a cozy restaurant, they found a table and placed their orders. Beomgyu tried handing money to Soobin, but his teacher waved it off with a laugh. Guilt twisted in his chest.

As they waited, Soobin attempted small talk. Beomgyu felt Yeonjun’s eyes on him the entire time, a presence that made him squirm in his seat.

“So,” Soobin began, “how’s life? Are you having fun like the other students?”

Beomgyu nodded shyly, glancing away.

“You don’t talk much, huh?” Soobin chuckled. “Well, it’s okay to be shy, but someday, you have to find the courage to fit in. Confidence is important in this world. Take it step by step—trust yourself. Be yourself and fly high.”

Yeonjun chimed in with a smile, “That’s good advice coming from Soobin. He probably found it on the internet.”

“Of course not!” Soobin defended, making both of them laugh.

Then Yeonjun turned his attention back to Beomgyu. His voice softened. “But Soobin’s right. Being shy is natural. Still, confidence matters. From what I’ve observed, you tend to keep to yourself. I respect that—really. But if you ever feel lonely, if things become difficult... just know you don’t have to carry it all alone.”

He paused, letting the words settle.

“As your teachers, we’re here. Not to push you, but to listen and guide. When you're ready, we’ll be here.”

Beomgyu sat in silence, stunned by Yeonjun’s words. Something stirred inside him. His anxiety—so loud just moments ago—was beginning to fade. A small smile found its way to his lips before he even realized it.

Their food arrived soon after, and Soobin clapped his hands together. “Okay, let’s dig in! Mmm, this smells amazing!”

As laughter echoed between the two teachers, Beomgyu looked down at his plate—heart still fluttering, head still buzzing. One question lingered in his mind, unanswered.

What is this feeling?