The Rules of Love

Beginnings

 A sunny day at the high school courtyard. Students are milling around, some heading to class, others chatting in groups. Hanjin, a shy and introverted student, sits alone on a bench, reading a book. Dohoon, confident and full of energy, approaches him with a grin.

Dohoon: "Hey, Hanjin! What are you reading? Looks intense."

Hanjin: (looking up, slightly startled) "Oh, it's just a novel... nothing special."

Dohoon: (sitting down next to Hanjin) "Mind if I join you? The cafeteria's too noisy today."

Hanjin: (nodding shyly) "Sure."

They sit in comfortable silence for a moment. Dohoon glances at Hanjin's book, then at Hanjin himself, noticing how absorbed he is.

Dohoon: (curious) "You know, I've seen you around a lot, but we've never really talked. You always seem so... focused."

Hanjin: (smiling faintly) "I guess I just like getting lost in books. They're easier to understand than people sometimes."

Dohoon: (laughs) "True, but people can be pretty interesting too. I bet there's a lot more to you than just books."

Hanjin looks up at Dohoon, surprised by his interest. Dohoon's friendly smile puts him at ease, and for the first time, Hanjin feels like he's made a genuine connection at school.

The scene transitions smoothly to present day, several years later.

 A cozy café in the city. It's a quiet afternoon, and Hanjin and Dohoon are seated at a window table, enjoying their drinks. The atmosphere is warm and familiar, a reflection of the bond they've shared for years.

Dohoon: (teasingly) "So, Hanjin, still lost in those books? Or have you finally found something more exciting to do?"

Hanjin: (smiling) "Books are still my go-to, but I've been trying to sketch more lately. It helps clear my mind."

Dohoon: (nodding) "I remember your drawings from school. They were always so detailed. You should show me sometime."

Hanjin: (blushing slightly) "Maybe... if I get good enough."

They both laugh, the easy rapport between them evident. Dohoon leans back in his chair, looking out the window.

Dohoon: "You know, it's crazy how fast time flies. It feels like just yesterday we were in high school, trying to figure things out."

Hanjin: (softly) "Yeah... a lot has changed, but some things are still the same."

Dohoon turns back to Hanjin, catching the wistful tone in his voice.

Dohoon: (concerned) "You okay? You seem a bit... distant today."

Hanjin: (forcing a smile) "I'm fine, just thinking about the past. We've come a long way, haven't we?"

Dohoon: (grinning) "Yeah, we have. And I'm glad you're still here with me, Hanjin."

Hanjin's heart skips a beat at Dohoon's words, but he quickly brushes the feeling aside, not wanting to overthink it.

The scene transitions to later that evening.

Hanjin's bedroom. The room is dimly lit, with soft rain tapping against the window. Hanjin sits at his desk, staring at a blank sketchbook, lost in thought.

Hanjin's Internal Monologue: (softly) "Why do I feel this way? It's just Dohoon... we're best friends. But why does it hurt when I think about him? Why do I keep wanting more?"

He picks up his pencil, starting to sketch absentmindedly, his thoughts swirling around Dohoon. The lines on the paper form a vague outline of Dohoon's face, but Hanjin stops, realizing what he's drawing.

Hanjin: (whispers) "No... this can't be happening. I can't let it happen."

He closes the sketchbook, standing up and walking to the window. The rain mirrors his inner turmoil, a quiet yet powerful force.

Hanjin: (sighs) "I need to figure this out before it's too late. I can't lose him... but how do I deal with these feelings?"

End of Episode 1***