Beyond 21 Days | Changjin

Some weeks after

The next few weeks brought a return to normalcy for Hyunjin. The pace of university picked up, assignments and group projects took center stage, and the memory of Changbin's quirky attempts at wooing him began to fade into the background.

Yet, Hyunjin's friends couldn't help but notice subtle changes in his behavior. Felix, always one to pick up on nuances, caught Hyunjin's distant stares, particularly during lunch breaks in the cafeteria where Changbin used to pop up wearing some funny t-shirt or saying something.

Seungmin noticed that Hyunjin's phone, which used to be a buzzing hive of activity, now lay mostly untouched during their gatherings. There were no more interruptions from Changbin's enthusiastic messages, no more eye-rolling or shared laughter at his antics.

The friends didn't bring up Changbin's name again, respecting Hyunjin's apparent indifference. But they shared knowing glances and unspoken understanding that Hyunjin, whether he admitted it or not, was affected by Changbin's sudden disappearance from his life.

Hyunjin's life was far from dull; he was busy with his studies, his projects, and enjoying the vibrant university life. Yet, there was a monotony that had settled in, a lack of excitement, a void that he couldn't quite put a finger on.

These were silent days for Hyunjin, days filled with routine and an undefined longing. It was as though a lively tune had been playing in the background of his life, and suddenly, it had stopped, leaving him in a room too quiet for comfort. But he pressed on, convincing himself that the past was behind him, even as his heart quietly whispered that something was missing.

One afternoon, as Hyunjin was navigating his way through the university corridors, lost in thought and heading towards his next lecture. As he walked, he caught sight of something—or rather, someone—through the large window overlooking the courtyard. It was Changbin, seated on a bench, engaged in lively conversation with his friends.

Without really thinking about it, Hyunjin slowed his pace, then stopped altogether, drawn to the sight. He leaned against the window frame, hidden from Changbin's view, and observed him with a curiosity he hadn't expected to feel.

Changbin was laughing at something one of his friends had said, his eyes crinkling at the corners, and his whole face lighting up. His laughter seemed contagious, as everyone around him joined in, their faces mirroring his joy. Changbin's gestures were expressive and full of life; he was leaning forward, sharing a joke, high-fiving a friend.

Hyunjin felt a strange pull in his chest, a sensation he couldn't quite name. He was captivated, not just by Changbin's evident charm but by the authenticity that seemed to radiate from him. Here was the person behind the texts, the one who had persistently tried to reach out to him, tease him, make him laugh. The person who had worn funny t-shirts and sang songs to make an impression.

And now, watching Changbin in his element, Hyunjin realized that he had missed something. Missed the warmth in his messages, the genuine interest, the sincere effort. It had been easy to dismiss it all as a mere game or a challenge, but now, seeing Changbin in real life, it felt different.

There was a connection, a spark of something Hyunjin couldn't quite put his finger on. He felt drawn to Changbin, intrigued by his personality, and oddly enough, a sense of longing lingered in the back of his mind.

Hyunjin shook his head, trying to dispel these unexpected thoughts. What was he doing, standing here and watching Changbin like this? He didn't even know the guy, not really. All they had shared were some messages, jokes, and a couple of fleeting encounters.

And yet, he couldn't help but feel that there was more to it. An underlying connection that he had been too hesitant—or perhaps too stubborn—to acknowledge.

With a sigh, Hyunjin continued on his way, his mind still occupied with thoughts of Changbin. A small voice whispered that maybe he had been too quick to write him off. But another part of him resisted, unsure of what these new feelings meant and whether he was ready to explore them further.

Whatever it was, Hyunjin knew that something had shifted within him. A door had been opened, ever so slightly, and he couldn't help but wonder what lay on the other side.