Beyond 21 Days | Changjin

Day 20 part 2

Hyunjin had barely taken his seat at the table when the teasing began. Felix, with his trademark playful smirk, leaned across the table, "Man, did you see his t-shirt? That Hotel de Luna print was top-notch. Changbin's seriously upping his game! It's cool and creative. You're lucky to have an admirer like that."

Seungmin nodded in agreement. "Yeah, Hyunjin, most people just get anonymous love notes or chocolates. But a themed t-shirt? That's the next level."

"Although, you might not want to play hard to get for too long. I mean, who knows? He might just find another K-drama fan to share his love with," he added, teasingly.

Hyunjin rolled his eyes, his cheeks coloring slightly. "Guys, I'm not playing any games here," he replied, exasperated. "It's not like I'm deliberately making things difficult for him."

Felix raised an eyebrow, smirking. "So you do acknowledge that he's trying to get your attention."

Hyunjin sighed, feeling cornered. "I'm not blind. Yes, I see his efforts. But that doesn't mean I have to reciprocate just because he's being creative."

Jeongin laughed, "All we're saying is that you're in a K-drama of your own, and we're here for it! Got any popcorn, Seungmin?"

Seungmin chuckled, "Popcorn? This is better than any show. Real-life romance is so much more entertaining."

Hyunjin groaned, burying his face in his hands. "You guys are impossible."

The laughter and teasing had died down, replaced by an inquisitive silence as Jeongin leaned forward, resting his chin on his hands. "So, what did you guys actually talk about?"

Hyunjin fidgeted with his utensils, taking a moment before answering. "Changbin asked if I wanted to grab coffee with him after uni."

The table went noticeably quiet, the playful atmosphere from a moment ago turning somber. The clatter of a spoon against a dish sounded particularly loud in the lull.

Seungmin, looking concerned, broke the silence, "And? What did you say?"

Hyunjin took a deep breath, "I turned him down."

Jeongin frowned, exchanging a surprised glance with Felix. "Why? I mean, even if you don't see it as a date, it's just coffee. It could've been a chance to get to know him a bit."

Hyunjin sighed, feeling defensive. "Look, I just... I don't like him that way, okay? And I don't want to lead him on."

Seungmin raised an eyebrow, "Hyunjin, sometimes you're too cautious. It was just coffee. You could've set boundaries. But shutting him down entirely?"

Felix, ever the peacemaker, intervened seeing the mounting tension. "Okay, okay, let's all take a breather here. Hyunjin, if you genuinely don't want to get to know Changbin, then it's okay. We shouldn't push you. Your feelings are valid."

Hyunjin looked up gratefully at Felix, "Thank you."

Jeongin, although still a bit miffed, nodded in understanding. "Yeah, we shouldn't have pried. Sorry."

Hyunjin smiled weakly, "It's fine. You guys are just looking out for me. But trust me on this, okay? I know my feelings."

The quiet murmurs of the cafeteria surrounded the table, but for a moment, there was a weighted silence among Hyunjin's friends. The question seemed to hover in the air, a palpable presence that drew everyone's attention to Hyunjin.

Seungmin's gaze never wavered from Hyunjin's, genuine curiosity reflecting in his eyes. "And what are your feelings, Hyunjin? I mean, really? You always seem to dodge around it."

Hyunjin felt like a deer caught in headlights. It wasn't just a simple question, but a probe into the innermost workings of his heart. He took a deep breath, searching for the right words, "Honestly? I'm not sure. I don't dislike Changbin, but I also can't say I have a strong pull towards him. The attention he's giving me is... it's just nice. But it's like being thrown into a story where I'm not sure of my role."

Felix, always sensitive to the emotions of others, reached over to give Hyunjin's hand a reassuring squeeze. "It's okay to feel confused."

Jeongin chimed in, a soft understanding in his voice, "And you shouldn't feel pressured to figure it out overnight. Things take time."

Hyunjin nodded, appreciating their support, "It's just... everyone seems to be expecting something. Changbin with his permanent gestures, you guys with your constant teasing. It's a lot."

Seungmin sighed, "I think we might have unintentionally added to the pressure, and for that, I'm sorry. We just thought... you know, seeing you with someone who genuinely cares about you would be nice."

Hyunjin chuckled softly, "I know, and I appreciate it. It's just a lot to process."

Felix, grinning, leaned back, "Well, whenever you're ready to dive into the world of dating, we'll be right here, cheering you on. And if not, we're still here."

Hyunjin smiled, "Thanks, guys." The weight on his chest felt a little lighter, knowing he had his friends' understanding and support, no matter where his heart might lead him.