But i wasn't a liar ✔️[ENG ver]

Part 22

Part 22

The final bell had rung long ago, leaving the classroom empty except for Hyunjin. He took his time packing his books, the slow zip of his bag echoing in the silent room. When he finally stepped into the hallway, the fading afternoon light streamed through the windows, painting everything gold.

And there stood Leeknow, leaning casually against the lockers as if he'd been waiting forever.

"Oh finally!"

"Why are you still here?!" Hyunjin said, his voice sharper than intended, his grip tightening on his bag strap

Leeknow pushed off the lockers with a lazy grin. "Hmmm... You're a new person in Seoul. What would you think if we took a walk around Seoul?"

Hyunjin froze. The words were eerily familiar—Tommy had said the same thing before betraying him. His chest tightened at the memory, but when he met Leeknow's eyes, there was no mockery, only quiet anticipation.

"I guess it's not that hard to think of it this way!" Leeknow added when the silence stretched too long

Something in Leeknow's expression made Hyunjin's hesitation crumble.

"Okay!" Hyunjin said, the word tumbling out before he could second-guess himself.

For the first time in weeks, he felt it—a flicker of trust. Maybe tonight wouldn't be like last time. Maybe, just maybe, this would be different.

Leeknow's smile widened, bright enough to rival the sunset outside. "So let's go," he said, turning on his heel with an easy confidence that made Hyunjin follow without another thought.

Yuna tapped her foot impatiently beside the family car, her scowl deepening with each passing minute. When Hyunjin finally appeared—with Leeknow of all people—her temper snapped.

"I died here waiting for you so much! Why don't you come soon, stupid?" Yuna screamed, her voice shrill enough to startle nearby students.

Hyunjin winced. "Don't scream!"

Leeknow crossed his arms, raising an eyebrow. "I think you could be more respectful to your older brother."

"You again!" Yuna's eyes narrowed. "What are you doing with my brother? Two weeks ago, you two were fighting like Tom and Jerry!"

Leeknow shrugged "This is a normal thing to happen between friends."

The word friends hit Hyunjin like a shockwave. He stared at Leeknow, who just smiled back, unbothered.

"I'm not going... back with you," Hyunjin said slowly, steeling himself for Yuna's reaction. "You can go now, Yuna."

"Why?!"

"We walk together."

Yuna's gaze darted between them, suspicion flashing in her eyes. "And you believed him? Hey, you're not trying to kill him, right?"

Leeknow laughed. "Of course not. Go home, little girl."

Yuna huffed, shooting Leeknow a final glare before yanking the car door open. "How annoying you are," she muttered, disappearing inside with a dramatic slam.

Lia's gasp cut through the courtyard chatter. "Look at them!"

Yeji, barely paying attention, sighed. "Who do you mean?"

Lia jerked her chin toward the school gates. Yeji turned—and froze.

"I can't believe my eyes," Lia muttered. "Look at Leeknow with that sick boy!"