Mixed Up | Yeonbin

10. cigarette

Soobin found himself in the familiar company of his friends, sitting beside each other in the cafeteria. Taehyun and Beomgyu were in their own world, exchanging playful banter while Hueningkai casually scrolled through his phone while talking to Soobin.

Soobin tried to focus on the conversation, but his mind kept drifting.

He glanced at the empty seat next to him. Yeonjun was late. Not unusual, but something about today felt different—unsettling even. Soobin brushed it off, telling himself he was just overthinking.

The sound of approaching footsteps made Soobin look up. Yeonjun walked in, but he wasn't alone.

Yuna was beside him, her arm casually clinging onto him as they made their way to the table. The sight of them together, so close, sent an unexpected jolt through Soobin.

"Hey, guys!" Yeonjun greeted them with a sheepish grin. "Sorry I'm late. I, uh, wanted to introduce someone."

Yuna smiled brightly at the group, her presence commanding attention. "Hi, everyone! I'm Yuna, Yeonjun's girlfriend."

There was a brief, awkward silence before everyone started congratulating Yeonjun. Taehyun offered a friendly smile, and Beomgyu gave a half hearted nod of approval.

Even Hueningkai managed a polite comment, though his gaze flickered between Soobin and Yeonjun, sensing something off.

Soobin forced a smile, his heart sinking as he tried to process what he just heard. Girlfriend.

The word felt heavy, almost foreign in relation to Yeonjun. He nodded along with the others, but his voice barely rose above a whisper. "Congratulations."

The rest of the meal passed in a blur for Soobin. He tried to engage in the conversation, but every time Yuna's laughter rang out or Yeonjun's hand brushed against hers, a dull ache settled in his chest.

He couldn't figure out why it bothered him so much—after all, it was just Yeonjun dating someone, right?

Yet, no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't shake the nagging feeling that something was wrong. Not with Yuna, necessarily—although there was something about her that felt... off.

But more so with him.

Why did this matter so much?

As the meal wound down and everyone began to gather their things, Hueningkai gave Soobin a concerned look. "You okay, man?"

Soobin nodded too quickly, avoiding eye contact. "Yeah, I'm fine. Don't worry about me."

Hueningkai didn't look convinced, but he didn't push it. Soobin was grateful for that. The last thing he wanted was to discuss the confusing swirl of emotions in his head.

When they finally parted ways, Soobin found himself walking aimlessly around campus, trying to clear his mind.

His feet carried him to a nearby convenience store, almost on autopilot. He grabbed a pack of cigarettes, the cold metal of the vending machine reminding him of when his older brother used to do the same.

Outside, the evening air was cool against his skin as he fumbled with the pack, finally lighting one up. The first drag hit his lungs like a punch, but it was a distraction—something to focus on other than confusing emotions inside him.

"Didn't think I'd find you here."

Soobin looked up, startled to see Hyunjin leaning against the wall, a cigarette already between his lips. The other boy smiled, exhaling a cloud of smoke.

"Guess we both needed a breather," Hyunjin said, his tone light but understanding.

Soobin nodded, not trusting his voice just yet. They smoked in silence for a while, the night settling in around them.

Huff...

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a.n.

I really, really, reallyyyy need one rn— I miss my vp 😭😭