↱PINK↲ ⇾seongjoong⇽

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𖡼𖤣𖥧𖡼𓋼𖤣𖥧𓋼𓍊

After their less than ideal meal, the two walked at a brisk pace around the Gidae University's huge campus.

Seonghwa took him on a personal tour of the campus, sharing stories that tour volunteers wouldn't dare tell new students.

They eventually walked off campus, slowing down to a comfortable gait.

"See that frat house over there?" Seonghwa pointed to a two story house with two columns. "They have the most wicked parties. I was never interested in joining a fraternity, but I do like to attend their Halloween parties since they're open for everyone. God, it's so awesome. Even students from neighboring universities come over for this party."

Hongjoong gave Seonghwa a curious look. "I never took you for a party-goer."

"Oh, I'm not. I only attend a party once a year. Because when I drink, I get absolutely shitfaced. Like, sloppy drunk. It's not even funny." Seonghwa replied. "I gotta have fun sometimes, right? You should come with me this year!"

"Nah." Hongjoong dismissed his suggestion. "I like to spend Halloween inside. I usually buy a PC horror game and play it in the dark."

"You sure do live life on the edge." Seonghwa teased.

The two walked in silence for a few minutes.

Seonghwa observed that Hongjoong was relaxed.

He looked better than he did before.

Seonghwa decided it would be a good time to see if if Hongjoong wanted to talk about why he stayed home for Chuseok.

"Hongjoong," Seonghwa started. "Yeosang overheard you arguing with someone a couple of days ago. Is that why you were upset earlier?"

Hongjoong went rigid. "He told you?"

"Well... he told San, who then told me. It's not because we're trying to pry into your life or anything. We're your friends, and we're worried. I'm worried." Seonghwa explained softly.

Hongjoong stopped walking. "Why? We've been friends for barely a month. Why are you so concerned about my life?"

His words stung a bit, but Seonghwa knew it was just a defense mechanism.

He would know.

He went through similar things.

The senior gently took Hongjoong's hand and led him to a bench on the sidewalk.

The two sat down, Seonghwa facing Hongjoong.

"You don't have to talk about it if you don't want to." Seonghwa said. "It's okay. But if you do want to talk, I'll always listen. I've spent years isolating myself, not wanting to talk to a soul. Opening up to someone is difficult. Some might feel like they're being weak. Others may not trust easily. I understand that feeling. But please believe me when I tell you that I would never betray your trust. There's something about you that draws me in, I can't explain it. I wanna help in any way I can. That is... if you want me to."