By The Window | YeonBin

nine

Yeonjun has been avoiding Soobin.

It's as clear as day that the quiet boy has tried his best to stay away from that ball of sunshine. Every time the bell rings at school, Yeonjun quickly bolts from class, even leaving Taehyun in confusion and in a constant state of worry.

Just like today.

As the bell rings, signaling the end of the period, Soobin rushes up to Yeonjun, a hopeful smile on his face. "Hey, Yeonjun! Do you want to grab lunch together?"

Yeonjun doesn't even look at Soobin, his gaze fixed on the exit as he pushes past him without a word. Soobin's smile falters, and he watches in confusion as Yeonjun quickly exits the classroom.

Soobin turns to Taehyun, who's been observing the exchange from a distance. "Do you know what's up with Yeonjun? He's been like this for a while now."

Taehyun shrugs, looking equally puzzled. "I don't know, man. He hasn't been talking to me either. It's like he's shut everyone out."

They both just stared at the class' entrance, where Yeonjun just vanished from their sight.

On the other hand, Yeonjun just heads for his usual retreat nowadays,

the rooftop.

Not the common one where students usually gather, but a secluded spot hidden behind piles of discarded furniture and forgotten school equipment.

That might sound unhygienic and just... crude. But, it wasn't too bad, not much dust and it's usually empty, away from the unwanted attention that Yeonjun hates.

As he climbs up the stairs, the familiar weight of his worries seems to lift just a little. He pushes aside a particularly large stack of old desks and opens the rusted door to his sanctuary.

But today, the space is already occupied.

Mingi.

His senior, lounges against the railing, surrounded by his friends. They're laughing and passing around a cigarette, the smoke curling into the air. Mingi looks up as the door creaks open, his eyes narrowing with curiosity.

"Well, well, if it isn't Yeonjun," Mingi says, a smirk playing on his lips. "I didn't expect to see anyone else up here. What's your name doing here?"

Yeonjun hesitates, his instincts telling him to turn and leave, but something about Mingi's carefree demeanor makes him linger. "Just needed a place to be alone," Yeonjun replies, reluctant to approach.

Mingi chuckles and gestures to a nearby spot. "You can hang out with us if you want. We don't bite. Well, Yunho might, but that's a different story."

The boy mentioned just mumbled 'what the fuck, dude' and slapped Mingi on the back of the head.

Yeonjun hesitates for a moment longer before sitting down, trying to ignore the uneasy feeling settling in his stomach.

Mingi and his friends make space for him, the conversation was nothing serious, nothing personal, which doesn't drive Yeonjun away.

As they converse, Mingi offers Yeonjun a cigarette, his casual demeanor masking the underlying challenge in his gaze.

"Smoke?" Mingi asks, holding out the cigarette.

"Uh..." Yeonjun was taken aback. "I don't—"

"Helps take the edge off. You look like you could use it."

Yeonjun hesitated but takes the cigarette regardless, his hands trembling slightly.

He's never smoked before, and as he takes his first drag, the smoke harshly scratches his throat, causing him to cough uncontrollably. He tries to regain his composure, but the coughing fit continues.

One of Mingi's friends, Seonghwa, notices Yeonjun's struggle and chuckles. "Hey, take it slow. Inhale gently and don't hold it in too long."

Yeonjun nods, trying to follow Seonghwa's advice. He takes another tentative drag, this time more controlled. The smoke still burns a bit, but it's more manageable. He glances over at Mingi, who watches with a knowing smile.

As the cigarette's effect begins to settle, Yeonjun feels a brief escape from the restless thoughts brewing in his mind, though he can't shake the feeling that he couldn't really pinpoint.

Whatever.

____________

a.n.

DON'T SMOKE KIDS (hypocritically coming from someone who does, occasionally)

I've been listening to ateez lately, their beats lowkey hits 😔🤚