The sun shone brightly over St. Eden Academy as a new day began. The students bustled through the halls, unaware that today would bring a new face to their midst. Changbin, a transfer student, stepped out of the administrative office, a confident smile on his face as he took in his new surroundings.
Changbin had a magnetic presence, with his sharp features and warm brown eyes. As he navigated the hallways, he quickly found himself the subject of curious glances. His first class was with Jisung and Minho, a fact he was unaware of as he made his way to the classroom.
Upon entering, Changbin scanned the room and immediately noticed Minho, who was chatting animatedly with Jisung. Minho's eyes sparkled with enthusiasm as he recounted a story, his hands gesturing wildly. Jisung listened intently, a small, genuine smile on his lips, but his eyes held a hint of something deeper—an emotion that seemed to flicker and then retreat into guardedness whenever Minho's gaze met his own.
The unspoken tension between them was palpable, even to someone who had just arrived. Changbin's perceptive nature picked up on the subtle looks and quiet moments that spoke volumes. He noticed how Jisung's eyes lingered on Minho a fraction longer than necessary, the way Jisung's smile seemed both sincere and tinged with sadness, and how Minho's laughter sometimes elicited a fleeting look of longing from Jisung.
"Hi, I'm Changbin," he introduced himself to the class, his voice steady and friendly. He offered a bright smile, and with a nod from the teacher, he took an empty seat near Jisung and Minho.
During the lesson, Changbin observed the dynamics between the two. He noticed the slight blush that crept up Jisung's neck whenever Minho leaned in to whisper a comment. Minho, seemingly unaware of the effect he had on Jisung, continued to engage with him in a relaxed and familiar manner, their camaraderie evident. Changbin sensed there was more to their friendship than met the eye.
After class, as students began to file out, Changbin approached Jisung and Minho. "Hey, I'm Changbin. That was a pretty interesting class, huh?" he said, breaking the ice with a casual tone.
Minho, ever the extrovert, immediately responded. "Yeah, definitely! Nice to meet you, Changbin. I'm Minho, and this is Jisung," he said, gesturing to Jisung, who gave a shy nod.
"So, are you guys from around here?" Changbin asked, eager to keep the conversation going.
Jisung shook his head. "No, we both live on campus. It's pretty nice here, once you get used to it."
Minho chimed in, "Yeah, and we've got a great group of friends. You should join us for lunch. It's a good way to meet everyone."
Changbin's smile widened. "Sounds great, I'd love to. Thanks for the invite."
As they walked toward the cafeteria, the conversation flowed easily. Changbin's friendly demeanor quickly put Jisung and Minho at ease. He learned about their shared interests in literature and sports, their favorite classes, and even a bit about the school's social scene.
"So, what brought you to St. Eden?" Jisung asked, genuinely curious.
Changbin shrugged lightly. "My family moved to the area, and this school has a great reputation. Plus, I was looking for a fresh start."
"Well, you've definitely come to the right place," Minho said with a grin. "There's always something going on, and the people here are pretty awesome."
Jisung nodded in agreement, though his eyes remained thoughtful. "Yeah, it's a good place. Welcome to St. Eden, Changbin."
Changbin smiled, feeling the warmth of their acceptance. As they entered the cafeteria, he couldn't help but notice the way Jisung's gaze occasionally drifted toward Minho, filled with a quiet yearning. Changbin silently vowed to himself that he would help Jisung find the courage to voice his feelings, knowing that sometimes, all it took was a little encouragement to change everything.
