Admiring From Afar || SoonHoon AU

25

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the next day, hoshi and woozi arrived at the lecture hall early, determined to secure their respective seats.

to their surprise, mingyu was absent for once, leaving a vacant seat next to hoshi. woozi's seatmate was also missing, so he took the opportunity to sit next to hoshi.

as the lecture began, woozi found himself struggling with a particularly challenging problem on the board. frowning in frustration, he glanced over at hoshi, who was diligently taking notes and solving the problem with ease.

"hoshi," woozi whispered, trying to get his attention.

hoshi turned to him with a smile. "hey, what's up?"

"im stuck on this problem. can you help me?" woozi asked sheepishly.

"of course, i got you," hoshi replied, leaning over to take a look at the problem. he quickly explained the concept to woozi in a way that made it easier to understand.

woozi's yes widened in realization. "oh, i see now! thank you, hoshi. you're a lifesaver," he said gratefully.

hoshi grinned. "no problem, woozi. we're in this together, right?"

as the lecture continued, hoshi and woozi engaged in a quiet exchange of notes and whispered comments, deepening their bond as classmates and best friends. and maybe, boyfriends in secret.

after the lecture ended, hoshi and woozi headed to the campus park for their lunch break. the sun was shining brightly, casting a warm glow over the grassy expanse.

they found a quiet spot under a large oak tree and settled down on the grass, unpacking their lunches.

as they chatted and laughed together, enjoying each other's company, a familiar voice called out from behind them. "well, well, well, what do we have here?"

hoshi turned around to see ji-ae standing there with a friendly smile on his face. woozi looked up in surprise, his expression turning slightly wary.

the aura around hoshi suddenly turned dark, and dull. it was obvious to woozi that hoshi badly disliked the other.

"ji-ae! what are you doing here?" woozi asked, trying to sound casual.

ji-ae sauntered over and sat down next to them, nodding towards woozi. "hey, zingie. mind if i join you guys?"

woozi hesitated for a moment before nodding politely. "sure, ji-ae. take a seat."

as they settled in, hoshi couldn't help but feel a pang of disappointment as ji-ae and woozi started chatting animatedly about music and their favorite bands.

he tried to join in the conversation, but it seemed like he was being left out.

feeling a bit dejected, hoshi focused on his food, tuning out the lively discussion happening beside him.

he couldn't help but wonder why ji-ae seemed to connect so easily with woozi while he felt like an outsider in their conversation.

just then, ji-ae turned to hoshi with a smile. "hey, hoshi. have you listened to the new album by TOMORROW X TOGETHER we were talking about last time?"

hoshi blinked in surprise before nodding slowly. "our sophomores, TXT? yeah i have," he replied quietly.

ji-ae's smile widened. "i knew you'd like it. we should listen to it together sometime," he suggested.

"sure." hoshi said, fake laughing feeling very unemtertained.

as they finished their lunch and packed up their belongings, ji-ae turned to hoshi with a grin. "hey, hosh. do you want to come hang out with us later? we're planning to go to the music room and jam for a bit."

hoshi holds in his sigh, feeling eager to decline the invitation. but, woozi would be there. so what's the point? "sure, i'd love to join you guys," he replied with no enthusiasm.

woozi glanced over at him with a smile. "that sounds like fun. let's do it," he agreed.

as they made their way towards the music room, hoshi couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement building within him.

not because of ji-ae, obviously.

as they entered the music room and set up their instruments, ji-ae started strumming a familiar tune on his guitar.

hoshi joined in on the drums, while woozi added his melodic touch on the keyboard.

the music filled the room, creating a harmonious blend of sounds that resonated with each of them. they played together effortlessly, lost in the joy of creating music as a team.

after they finished playing, they sat back and caught their breath, smiling at each other in shared satisfaction.

hoshi somehow felt a sense of camaraderie and connection with ji-ae and woozi that he hadn't experienced before.

why was he feeling this way, anyways?

as they packed up their instruments and prepared to leave the music room, ji-ae turned to hoshi with a smile. "thanks for joining us today, hoshi. It was really fun playing music together."

hoshi slightly grinned back at him. "no problem, ji-ae. i had a great time too. we should do this again sometime." he says while knowing deep down he only enjoyed woozi's instrument playing, and would never want to be involved in a hang out with ji-ae again.

woozi nodded in agreement. "definitely. it was a blast hanging out with you guys."

as they walked out of the music room together, hoshi felt a sense of contentment wash over him. he had found unexpected friendship in ji-ae, and he knew that their bond would only grow stronger with time.

which was something he wished would not happen.

and as they made plans for their next jam session and laughed together at inside jokes, hoshi realized that sometimes the worst friendships are the ones that come when you least expect them.

with a fake smile on his face and coldness in his heart, hoshi knew that he had found a new target.

as they walked off into the sunset and parting ways, the future seemed less brighter and more saddening than ever before for hoshi.

he chuckles, knowing ji-ae's intentions. "i will make your life a living hell, kim ji-ae."

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