𝐃𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐌𝐒 & 𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐋𝐈𝐓𝐘 ᶻ 𝘇 𐰁 [ꜱᴇᴏᴋꜱᴏᴏ]

19: 𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯

⸻  ᶻ 𝘇 𐰁  ⸻

Joshua sat in the back row of their shared class, his gaze drifting repeatedly toward Seokmin. He tried to focus on the lecture, to drown out the thoughts that had been consuming him for weeks, but every time he glanced up, there Seokmin was, sitting stiffly a few rows ahead. Joshua couldn’t shake the feeling that something was seriously wrong between them—something that had been festering in the silence and distance Seokmin had imposed.

Seokmin could feel Joshua’s eyes on him, burning into the back of his head, making it impossible to concentrate. His heart pounded in his chest, each glance from Joshua sending waves of anxiety and guilt crashing through him. He knew Joshua wanted to talk—he could see it in the way his friend kept looking at him, his usually warm and inviting expression now tinged with something darker, something impatient and maybe even angry. But Seokmin wasn’t ready. He wasn’t ready to face the storm he knew was coming.

Unable to bear it any longer, Seokmin excused himself, mumbling something about needing to use the bathroom as he gathered his things and hurried out of the lecture hall. He could feel Joshua’s gaze follow him as he left, and it only made his heart race faster.

In the solitude of the bathroom, Seokmin stood over the sink, hands braced against the cool porcelain as he tried to steady his breathing. He turned on the tap, letting the cold water run over his hands, hoping it would help clear his mind, but it was no use. His thoughts were a tangled mess of fear and longing, and the image of Joshua’s piercing stare was seared into his mind.

He washed his hands, trying desperately to regain some composure, Seokmin caught a glimpse of movement in the mirror. He looked up, his breath hitching in his throat as he saw Joshua standing behind him, the door to the bathroom slowly closing behind him with a soft click. The usual warmth in Joshua’s eyes was absent, replaced by something darker, something that sent a shiver down Seokmin’s spine.

❝What, are you still going to ignore me?❞ Joshua’s voice was low, his usual sweetness replaced by an edge of irritation. It wasn’t a question; it was a challenge.

Seokmin’s heart leapt into his throat. He turned slowly, his back pressing against the sink as he tried to find his voice, but all that came out was a shaky stutter. ❝J-Joshua, I—❞

Joshua took a step forward, his movements slow and deliberate, closing the distance between them. Seokmin instinctively tried to move back, but the cold edge of the sink dug into his back, trapping him in place. Joshua loomed closer, his presence overwhelming, and Seokmin’s nerves were wound so tight he thought he might snap.

❝Are you going to ignore me?❞ Joshua repeated, his voice a soft but firm whisper as he reached out, his hand brushing against Seokmin’s cheek.

Seokmin shook his head frantically, his breath hitching as Joshua’s touch sent a jolt of electricity through him. ❝N-no…❞

Joshua’s eyes narrowed, his gaze piercing into Seokmin’s, searching for answers. ❝Then why have you been ignoring me?❞ he demanded, his tone leaving no room for evasion. ❝And why are you always with Chenle? Are you two dating or something?❞