↱PINK↲ ⇾seongjoong⇽

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𖡼𖤣𖥧𖡼𓋼𖤣𖥧𓋼𓍊

Yunho was mildly surprised to see San as he skated towards University Hall.

They grey-haired man was sitting on the bench near the entrance, his feet resting on his own skateboard.

"San?" Yunho stepped off his penny board and sauntered over to him. "What's up? Are you waiting for Yeosangie?"

San tried his hardest not to blush at the knowing tone in his voice.

Even Yunho had noticed how much time he had been spending with Yeosang.

"Um, no." San coughed, restoring his indifferent demeanor. "I'm waiting for Hongjoong. We're supposed to go over to the Raven Claw together to do some sound checks."

Yunho's face brightened. "Yeah, I heard about that! Yeosang wouldn't shut up about amateur night and Hongjoong's very own set. I plan on going, actually! Mingi and Wooyoung said they would go to cheer them on, too!"

San smiled fondly. "That's great. I know they'll appreciate the support."

Yunho tapped his chin thoughtfully. "Hongjoongie's been working very hard. He came back to the dorms late the other day. I didn't hear any snoring, so I didn't wear my earplugs to bed that night. But at around six am, his snores woke me up. I asked Yeosang about it later on, and he said Hongjoong was at the club the entire time. He looked kinda upset, though. He must've been worried. I saw Hongjoong that morning, and I saw some red marks on his neck before he covered it up with a scarf. I wonder what happened to him."

San stiffened.

Yeosang didn't tell him about this.

And if his general suspicion was right, the alleged red marks on Hongjoong's neck were hickeys.

It wasn't difficult to put two and two together and figure out what Hongjoong had been up to.

And whatever he did, he didn't do it with Seonghwa, since he was in the apartment all night.

Damn it all.

San seethed.

I know they're not legit dating, but this is bullshit.

Is Hongjoong actually stupid?

Yunho tilted his head innocently, confused at San's sudden change in countenance. "San?"

"Hey, guys!"

Yunho spun around to see Hongjoong walking over to them.

San did his best not to scowl at the black scarf Hongjoong had wrapped snugly around his neck.

Hongjoong looked exhausted.

He looked sullen, his eyes lifeless.

San could tell that he had put makeup underneath his eyes, no doubt to hide dark circles.

"Hi Hongjoong!" Yunho waved. "Are you feeling better? I saw the marks on your-"

San leaped and silenced Yunho by covering his mouth.

This dude had no common sense sometimes.

He was too naive for his own good.

"You're late. Are you ready to go?" San asked Hongjoong with as much irritation as he could muster.

"Yeah." Hongjoong nodded.

San released Yunho and gently pushed him towards the dorms. "See ya later, Yunho."

Yunho pouted as San and Hongjoong left, wondering what the big deal was.

But then, something registered in his mind.

Hongjoong started acting strange after his date night with Seonghwa...

It all started to make sense to him as he headed inside the dorms.

Meanwhile, San watched Hongjoong like a hawk during the sound check.

Hongjoong seemed absentminded, his thoughts wandering to other things.

San had to snap his fingers to get the ravenette's attention several times.

It was starting to grate on San's conscience.

He was caught between wanting to strangle Hongjoong and wanting to ease whatever was on his mind.

"It's kinda hot in here." San said, testing Hongjoong. "Don't you wanna take your scarf off?"

Hongjoong laughed nervously, but San knew he was panicking on the inside. "No, I'm fine, San. But thanks."

After Hongjoong did a run through of his performance, he received a text on his phone.

San observed Hongjoong closely as he checked it.

A shadow crossed Hongjoong's face, and he licked his lips as he texted the person back.

"Was it Seonghwa?" San inquired as Hongjoong packed up his stuff.

"No. A friend. She needs help with something." Hongjoong replied.

"She?" San murmured, but Hongjoong didn't hear him.

"Do you mind telling Yeosang not to wait up for me? I'll be late coming back." Hongjoong continued.

"...sure." San narrowed his eyes as Hongjoong jogged out of the basement and up the stairs, never looking back.

San clicked his tongue.

He wasn't conflicted on what he wanted to do to Hongjoong anymore.

He wanted to strangle the life out of him.