People Watching ★ 𝐒𝐮𝐧𝐒𝐮𝐧

1: The meaning of love

Someday I'll be fallin' without caution
But for now I'm only people watchin'

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"What does being in love mean to you?" The professor's voice echoed across the lecture hall, instantly pulling Sunoo out of his daydream. He sat back in his seat, letting the question hang in the air, his cheek resting on his hand as he absently twirled a pen between his fingers. Love? To him, it was an enigma, something that demanded more than a casual answer.

For Sunoo, love wasn't just about fleeting emotions or surface-level infatuation. It was something deeper, a force that could change everything. Love could make the world feel lighter, the sky seem brighter, but it was also mysterious—something not easily captured in words. It was about understanding someone completely, being willing to put their needs before your own. Love was a balance of joy and vulnerability, excitement and fear. It was butterflies in your stomach one minute and a quiet, steady warmth the next.

Around him, students rustled papers and whispered, clearly struggling to come up with their own definitions. The room felt like it was holding its breath, waiting for someone to speak.

Jungwon, his best friend, nudged him with a teasing grin. "Hey, Sunoo, isn't this your area of expertise?" he whispered, his tone full of mischief.

Sunoo blinked, glancing over lazily. "Not feeling it," he muttered, still lost in thought.

Jungwon rolled his eyes, leaning in closer. "C'mon, love expert," he said sarcastically. "This should be a piece of cake for you, right?"

Sunoo let out a soft huff, lifting his head just enough to make brief eye contact before flopping back down dramatically. "So what if I'm here? Doesn't mean I have to answer every single question. Besides, I'm not getting paid for this."

"Kim Sunoo, you seem to have something to say," the professor called out, her sharp voice cutting through the room's chatter. Silence fell as every eye turned to him.

Sunoo shot upright, nearly tripping over his own feet as he stood. His mind raced. Great. Just perfect. But he wasn't the type to back down. He was Sunoo, after all—nothing could faze him.

Clearing his throat, he took a breath. "Well..." He hesitated for just a moment before his usual confidence kicked in. You got this, he told himself. He straightened his shoulders and flashed a serene smile. "In my opinion, everyone deserves a chance to find their soulmate—"

The professor shook her head disapprovingly. "That's not what I asked," she interrupted. "Please, try again."

Sunoo's confidence faltered for a second, a flicker of panic flashing in his eyes. This can't be it, he thought. I'm the love master. I can't let this be my downfall.

"Professor," he began again, his voice a little steadier. "Honestly, I can't know for sure what love means for everyone. Not everyone finds love in high school, and I haven't experienced it myself yet. So I can only speak from what I believe." He bowed his head respectfully before sitting down, leaving the room in stunned silence.

Despite never having felt it personally, Sunoo knew all about love. He understood the nuances, the complexities, the way it could change people's lives. It was his "secret business," as he liked to call it. Not that he wanted anyone to know, of course.

...Unless they figured it out.

"Wow," Jungwon whispered with a smirk. "That was seriously impressive, man. No wonder all the girls are crazy about you. You've got skills."

Sunoo flipped his imaginary hair, shrugging nonchalantly. "Well, when you've got charisma and talent like mine, making the impossible possible is just another day," he quipped, hiding the fact that his legs were trembling beneath the desk. He was totally calm. Mostly.

Jungwon eyed him for a moment, then flicked his forehead with a grin. "Dumb dumb," he teased. "I was joking. But seriously, why do so many girls like you? I'm over here, single and suffering!"

Sunoo winced, rubbing his forehead. "This is exactly what you deserve," he sighed. "I've asked you a million times if you want help finding love, but you always say no. And now look at you."

Jungwon threw his head back in mock disgust, his eyes crinkling with amusement. "I'd rather dig through trash than take love advice from my best friend," he retorted, gagging dramatically for effect.

Sunoo shot him an exasperated look, then glanced at the clock ticking away on the wall. Class was almost over—just two minutes left. His fingers tapped impatiently against the desk.

Two.

One.

The bell rang, and Jungwon immediately sprang to his feet, gathering his things in a rush. "Hey, you're on your own for lunch today. I've got volleyball practice," he called over his shoulder, already heading for the door.

Sunoo opened his mouth to protest, but Jungwon cut him off with a wave. "Talk later, Sun!" he said, disappearing into the hallway, surrounded by the usual group of students eager to escape.

Sunoo sighed, watching the door swing shut. "Guess it's lunch alone again," he muttered under his breath, slumping back in his seat.

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For the lazy, by yours truly ʚ(｡˃ ᵕ ˂ )ɞ

Chapter summary: During a class discussion on love, Sunoo, who is considered an expert on the topic even though never experiencing it, was reluctant to answer, but his best friend Jungwon urged him to do so. Class ends but sunoo has to eat alone!