𝐃𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐌𝐒 & 𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐋𝐈𝐓𝐘 ᶻ 𝘇 𐰁 [ꜱᴇᴏᴋꜱᴏᴏ]

12: 𝘗𝘢𝘳𝘬 𝘑𝘪𝘴𝘶𝘯𝘨

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Seokmin and Chenle sat side by side in the library at one of the long wooden tables. Stacks of books and papers surrounded them, the remnants of their research for a group assignment. The library was relatively empty, save for a few students scattered across the room, immersed in their own studies. Sunlight filtered through the large windows, giving a warm, golden glow over the scene.

Seokmin was flipping through a textbook, highlighting important sections when Chenle, who had been unusually quiet for the past few minutes, suddenly broke the silence.

❝So,❞ Chenle began, his tone casual yet laced with curiosity, ❝are you and that Joshua guy dating?❞

Seokmin's hand froze mid-highlight, and he turned to look at Chenle, his brow furrowed in confusion. ❝What do you mean?❞ he asked, his voice tinged with surprise. ❝Why would you think that?❞

Chenle leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms as he regarded Seokmin with a knowing expression. ❝I saw the way he looked at you earlier today,❞ Chenle explained, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. ❝It was like he was going to cut my head off if I tried to get any closer to you.❞

Seokmin blinked in surprise, the image of Joshua glaring at Chenle flashing through his mind. He had noticed Joshua acting a bit strange earlier, but he hadn't thought much of it. Now, hearing Chenle's dramatic retelling, he couldn't help but laugh. The idea of Joshua being jealous-or protective, as Chenle seemed to suggest-was almost absurd to him.

❝What are you talking about?❞ Seokmin chuckled, shaking his head. ❝Joshua and I aren't dating. We're just friends. Really good friends, but that's all.❞

Chenle wasn't convinced. He raised an eyebrow, still skeptical, but eventually shrugged. ❝If you say so,❞ he said, though there was a teasing lilt to his voice. ❝But I'm telling you, that guy has a serious case of heart eyes for you.❞

Seokmin laughed again, waving off the suggestion. ❝I think you're imagining things, Chenle. Joshua's just... Joshua. He's always been like that.❞

Chenle tilted his head, considering Seokmin's words, but he still looked unconvinced. ❝Well, if you say so,❞ he finally relented, his curiosity momentarily satisfied. Then, a mischievous grin spread across his face as he leaned closer to Seokmin. ❝What about you, though? Are you dating anyone?❞

The question caught Seokmin off guard, but he quickly shook his head. ❝Nope. I'm as single as they come,❞ he replied, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. ❝Why do you ask?❞

Chenle's eyes gleamed with excitement, his grin growing wider. ❝Because I am!❞ he exclaimed, barely able to contain his enthusiasm. ❝And I want to show you my boyfriend!❞

Before Seokmin could respond, Chenle was already pulling out his phone, swiping through his gallery with a kind of urgency that made Seokmin chuckle. Finally, Chenle found the picture he was looking for and practically shoved the phone in Seokmin's face.

❝His name is Park Jisung,❞ Chenle announced proudly, his voice filled with affection. ❝He goes to another university here in Korea. Isn't he adorable?❞

Seokmin took the phone from Chenle, examining the picture closely. It was a candid shot of a tall, slightly lanky boy with soft features and a shy smile. Jisung looked like the kind of person who was gentle and kind, the kind of person who would suit someone as bright and bubbly as Chenle perfectly.

❝He's cute,❞ Seokmin said, handing the phone back to Chenle with a genuine smile. ❝You two look great together.❞

Chenle beamed, his excitement palpable. ❝Thanks! We've been together for a while now, and I'm meeting him after classes today.❞ His eyes sparkled with happiness, and he began to sway in his seat, unable to contain his joy.

Seokmin couldn't help but smile at Chenle's infectious enthusiasm. It was clear how much Chenle adored his boyfriend, and seeing him so happy warmed Seokmin's heart. ❝That's awesome,❞ Seokmin said sincerely. ❝I'd love to meet him someday. Maybe we could all hang out or something.❞

Chenle's eyes widened in excitement, and he nodded frantically. ❝Yes! That would be so much fun! Jisung would love to meet you, and I'm sure you guys would get along great.❞

Seokmin chuckled at Chenle's enthusiasm, imagining the three of them hanging out together. It was easy to picture-Jisung seemed like the type of person who would fit in well with their group, and Seokmin was always happy to make new friends.

❝I'm looking forward to it,❞ Seokmin said, his smile genuine. ❝Just let me know when, and I'll be there.❞

Chenle continued to chatter excitedly about Jisung, his energy never waning. When they returned to their work, Seokmin found himself feeling lighter, more at ease than he had in days. It was nice to see someone so happy, so in love, and it reminded him that there was more to life than the confusing feelings swirling around Joshua.

⸻ ᶻ 𝘇 𐰁
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[Unedited]