game changer

part 10

you're sitting in the quiet corner of the library. it's midday and the library is somewhat busy. though, you're alone at your table. your mind is racing, thoughts swirling about how to move forward with your investigation.

you've made such a big deal out of this investigation, but now you want to stop because of a picture you found?

you've examined the picture more carefully whilst you're alone. it's not crumpled or scratched in anyway, which means heeseung cared about this picture, unlike everything else thrown away in the drawer you found it in.

suddenly, someone sits down in the chair in front of you.

your eyes widen when you realize who it is, which his dark black hair over his eyes and his pink lips pulled straight.

"uh, hi?"

"hey," sunghoon replies, his tone as cold and unreserved as ever. he leans back in the chair, crossing his arms over his chest like this is just another day.

you're confused, to say the least. the last time you saw him things didn't go as planned and he was exactly nice to you. so why's he here, in front of you in a crowded library.

you close your laptop slightly, your curiosity piqued.

"what are you doing here?" you ask, your voice coming out as reserved and cautious.

"can't i sit here?" sunghoon asks, his eyebrow quirking.

you cross your own arms across your chest, your defensive side coming out. you didn't care how hot or popular the man was in front of you; he was an asshole.

""well, after last time, i didn't think you'd want to,"

"what?" sunghoon's brows furrow, his expression hardening.

you roll your eyes, the frustration from your last encounter bubbling up. "you were so awful to me last time. why would you want to sit here like nothing happened?"

sunghoon's face changes. his shoulders slump slightly as he puts his head in his hands, not saying anything. the shift in his demeanor catches you off guard, and you're left staring at him, waiting for him to speak. but the silence stretches, growing more awkward by the second. you don't understand him.

finally, you groan, tired of the tension and the weird atmosphere. you start to pack up your things, ready to escape whatever this is. but before you can finish, sunghoon reaches out and gently grabs your arm, stopping you. you look up at him, and his usual cold, detached expression is replaced with something you've never seen from him before—desperation.

"what is it?" you ask, your voice softening despite your earlier frustration.

sunghoon takes a deep breath, his hand dropping to his lap. "i've been under a lot of stress. with school, with the team... and i know it's no excuse to be mean to you. i'm sorry."

his words hang in the air between you, sincere and a little vulnerable. you weren't expecting this at all, and it makes your heart soften toward him. you nod slowly, understanding that everyone has their breaking points.

"do you want to talk about it?" you ask gently, offering him a way to unload some of the weight he's carrying.

he shakes his head, a small, almost sad smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "no, it's fine. i just... i really am sorry. you don't deserve to be treated like that."

the sincerity in his voice and the look in his eyes make something inside you shift. the frustration and resentment you felt start to melt away.

"it's okay," you say quietly, offering him a small smile. "i understand how stressful it can be in your position."