ATEEZ imagines

S.M.G | Wait for Me

-

The university campus was alive with the vibrant energy of students, their laughter and chatter echoing through the wide courtyards and crowded hallways. Among them was Lee Y/N, a bright and ambitious student, with a zest for life that was infectious to those around her. She had always been the kind of person who drew people in with her warm smile and easygoing nature.

It was in one of her first-year classes that she met Song Mingi, a tall, slightly awkward, yet undeniably charming guy with a deep voice that resonated through the lecture hall whenever he spoke. They both enrolled in a popular elective, a psychology class that promised to be both interesting and insightful. Y/N sat a few rows from the front, attentively taking notes, while Mingi usually sat closer to the back, his long legs stretched out as he tried to blend in with the background.

It wasn't until a group project brought them together that Y/N and Mingi really got to know each other. The project required them to analyze a psychological case study, and as fate would have it, Y/N and Mingi were assigned to the same group.

On the first day of the group meeting, Mingi approached Y/N with his usual relaxed demeanor. "Hey, looks like we're stuck together for this project," he said, flashing her a wide grin.

Y/N looked up from her notebook, slightly surprised at how approachable he seemed. "Yeah, it should be fun. I've heard this professor grades group projects pretty harshly, so we'll have to make sure we're on top of things."

"Don't worry," Mingi replied, his voice tinged with a playful tone, "I'm an expert at last-minute cramming."

Y/N laughed, thinking he was joking. "You better not be serious. I'm not planning to fail this class."

Their group meetings became more frequent, and before long, Mingi and Y/N found themselves spending more time together outside of their project. They discovered a shared love for music, often talking about their favorite bands and exchanging song recommendations. Mingi would sometimes hum tunes in between their study sessions, earning a few playful swats from Y/N, who pretended to be annoyed but secretly enjoyed his company.

One day, as they were working on their project in the library, Mingi leaned in closer to Y/N, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "You know, Y/N, I think I've discovered something incredible."

"What's that?" Y/N asked, not looking up from her notes.

"How is it that someone as smart and pretty as you is still single?" Mingi said, his tone half-joking, half-serious.

Y/N burst out laughing, shaking her head. "Mingi, you're too much. You sound like my mom!"

Mingi smiled, though a small part of him wished she hadn't brushed off his comment so quickly. "I'm serious, though. If I were someone else, I'd be asking you out in a heartbeat."

Y/N chuckled, still not taking his words to heart. "Well, I'm glad you're not someone else then. We make a good team."

As the weeks went by, Mingi's subtle flirtations became a regular part of their interactions, though Y/N never once took them seriously. She had always seen Mingi as a fun older brother, someone she could joke around with and confide in. To her, he was just Mingi—her goofy, tall friend who could make her laugh even on the most stressful days.

But to Mingi, Y/N was more than just a friend. His feelings for her grew stronger with each passing day, though he never had the courage to tell her directly. Instead, he settled for their easygoing friendship, content to be close to her in whatever way he could.

The end of the semester came faster than they anticipated, and soon, the group project was submitted, and final exams loomed on the horizon. Despite the pressure of exams, Y/N and Mingi made a pact to continue hanging out, promising that their friendship wouldn't fade just because the semester was ending.