[18+] ADULT'S PLAY | ʜɪᴘ ʜᴏᴘ ᴜɴɪᴛ

vii. (edited)

A piercing ring shatters the air, jolting Wonwoo from his relaxed posture. The intensity in his vanishes, replaced by a poker face. In a swift motion, he straightens his back, throws one final glance around the room, and exits without a word, the door clicking shut behind him like a punctuation mark.

Seungcheol's voice, laced with concern, fills the void left by Wonwoo's abrupt exit. "Here," he murmurs, his movements gentle as he drapes a blanket over my shoulders. He reaches for my arms, his touch careful as he guides me to my feet. Instinctively, I clutch the blanket tighter, my eyes lingering on the empty space where Wonwoo once stood.

Seungcheol's gaze meets mine, his brow furrowed. "Are you alright?" he asks, his voice soft but his eyes searching my face with a intensity that speaks volumes about his worry.

The question hangs in the air, a challenge to decipher the jumble of emotions swirling within me. I manage a slow nod, unable to voice the bewilderment and unease clawing at my throat.

Seungcheol releases a breath that sounds laden with unspoken thoughts. "Let's get this place cleaned up first," he suggests, his voice firm but kind. "Then I'll drive you home."

Halfway back to my dorm, I can't hold back my questions any longer.

"What was up with Wonwoo earlier?" I ask, glancing at Seungcheol beside me. "Actually, what were you planning? What were you hoping would happen?"

Seungcheol takes his time before answering, something unreadable flickering in his eyes. "I'm only saying this because I care for you, Sohye," he begins. I watch his profile intently, sensing the gravity of his words. "Wonwoo used to date this girl. It was super exclusive and all. The whole campus knew. Anyways, the girl died. Rumors started circulating that Wonwoo had something to do with her death. The campus was in an uproar that year. Wonwoo had to postpone his studies and left for the military. Only then did things quiet down."

I sit there, absorbing the weight of his revelation. "So, there are rumors about him being involved in someone's death?" My voice barely rises above a whisper.

Seungcheol nods solemnly. "Yeah, it's a sensitive topic around here. People don't bring it up often, but it's part of the reason why some think Wonwoo's not exactly the most approachable person."

My mind swirls with more questions and uncertainties. "Do you believe those rumors, though?"

Seungcheol sighs. "I don't know, Hye. It's a messy situation, and the truth can be elusive. But it's something you should be aware of."

"Then what about earlier?" I press. "Why did he react like that?"

"I can only guess one thing. He's attracted to you... in one way or another. He's not one who randomly offers an invitation to the club, Hye. I don't think I've ever heard of Wonwoo inviting anyone to the club before."

I blink, taken aback. "He's... attracted to me?"

"Like I said, Wonwoo's a peculiar guy," Seungcheol replies.

As the car pulls to a stop in front of my dorm, my mind is a storm of confusion and conflict. The revelations about Wonwoo, Seungcheol's intentions, and the undercurrent of tension between the two-it's all too much to process.

Seungcheol turns to me, flashing a reassuring smile. "Goodnight, Kim Sohye."

I manage a faint smile in return as I step out of the car. "Goodnight, oppa."

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SNU buzzes with its typical energy, especially with the cultural festival just a week away. Students from all departments are immersed in preparations, setting up booths, decorating, and adding to the general festivity.