SKINNY || HYUNHO

VI

The next morning, Hyunjin woke up feeling the weight of guilt from his sharp words to Minho the previous day. The fatigue still clung to him, and every muscle in his body ached from the relentless workout he had pushed himself through. But there was something more pressing on his mind than his physical exhaustion.

As he walked to school, he rehearsed his apology in his head. He needed to make things right with Minho. He couldn't bear the thought of Minho thinking he didn't appreciate his concern. The day dragged on, each class blurring into the next as Hyunjin's mind was elsewhere.

At lunch, he found Minho in his usual spot. This time, Hyunjin approached cautiously, feeling the weight of his own nervousness. Minho looked up and smiled when he saw him, but there was a hint of wariness in his eyes.

"Hey, Hyunjin," Minho said, his voice gentle.

"Hi, Minho," Hyunjin replied, sitting down beside him. He took a deep breath, his heart pounding in his chest. "I'm... I'm really sorry about yesterday. I didn't mean to snap at you. I just... I had a lot on my mind."

Minho's expression softened, and he nodded. "It's okay, Hyunjin. I was just worried about you. You don't have to apologize."

Hyunjin felt a surge of relief, though the guilt still lingered. "I just didn't want you to think I don't appreciate your concern. It means a lot to me."

Minho smiled, the warmth returning to his eyes. "I'm glad to hear that."

Hyunjin nodded, feeling a weight lift off his shoulders. They settled into an easy conversation, Minho's presence calming the storm of Hyunjin's thoughts. For a moment, everything felt right.

But the moment was interrupted when Jisung approached. His usual cheerful demeanor was on full display as he greeted Minho with a wide smile.

"Hey, Minho!" Jisung said, his voice bright. "Mind if I join you?"

"Of course not," Minho replied, scooting over to make room.

Jisung sat down, immediately launching into an animated discussion about a new video game. Hyunjin tried to join in, but Jisung's energy was overwhelming, and he found himself retreating into the background.

As Minho and Jisung laughed and talked, Hyunjin felt the familiar pang of loneliness and rejection. He watched the two of them, their easy camaraderie only highlighting his own sense of inadequacy. The warmth he had felt just moments ago was replaced by a cold, hollow feeling.

Hyunjin felt himself shrinking into the background, his presence seemingly forgotten. He watched as Minho and Jisung laughed and joked, a tight knot forming in his stomach. The warmth he had felt just moments ago was replaced by a cold, hollow feeling.

He tried to join the conversation a few times, but Jisung's energy was overwhelming, and he barely acknowledged Hyunjin's attempts. Each time Jisung brushed him off, Hyunjin's self-esteem took another hit. He felt invisible, like he didn't matter.

As the lunch period drew to a close, Hyunjin excused himself quietly, feeling the familiar sting of rejection. He walked away, his head down, the voices of Minho and Jisung fading into the background. The tight knot in his stomach twisted painfully, the feeling of worthlessness settling in.

Back in the classroom, Hyunjin struggled to focus. His thoughts were a whirlwind of self-doubt and despair. He replayed the lunch conversation in his head, each moment of being ignored amplifying his insecurities.

Why would Minho want to be friends with him when he could have someone like Jisung? Someone who was charming, energetic, and effortlessly likable. The answer seemed clear: he didn't.