Seokmin's lively energy contrasts with Vernon's laid-back attitude, but when Vernon helps Seokmin with a difficult situation, Seokmin realizes there's more to Vernon than meets the eye, and their bond deepens.
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Seokmin loved how laughter came to him as naturally as breathing.
He was the kind of person who brought life into any room, his energy as contagious as a spark in dry leaves.
His friends often teased him for being too cheerful, but Seokmin just brushed it off.
Why wouldn't he enjoy life?
It was easy, light, and filled with people he cared about, what was there to be gloomy about?
He wore his heart on his sleeve and his grin like armor.
Then there was Vernon.
If Seokmin was sunlight, Vernon was the cool shade under a sprawling tree.
He was thoughtful, steady, rarely breaking into more than a faint smile unless something really caught him off guard.
Where Seokmin's laugh rang out, Vernon's chuckle was low and brief, like he was sharing a secret only he understood.
They worked together in the same creative team, and while Seokmin could never really pin down Vernon's vibe, he found himself drawn to the quiet guy who seemed so comfortable in his own skin.
One Friday, after a long week of intense brainstorming, the two found themselves among the last to leave the office.
Seokmin was usually the first out the door, ready to dive into his weekend, but tonight he lingered, a heavy weight on his mind.
He hadn't spoken much about it to anyone, but he was dealing with a project that had hit a wall, one he was leading.
Normally, he'd have asked for help without a second thought, but this time felt different.
It was his first major responsibility, and he was terrified of failing.
As he sat at his desk, staring blankly at his screen, he sensed someone approach.
He looked up to see Vernon hovering nearby, hands tucked into his hoodie pockets, watching him with an expression that was hard to read.
They hadn't really spoken one-on-one outside of group meetings, so Seokmin half-expected him to just grab his bag and leave.
But to his surprise, Vernon didn't move.
"You're still here?"
Vernon asked, his voice soft.
Seokmin rubbed the back of his neck, trying to hide the frustration etched on his face.
"Yeah, just stuck, I guess."
Vernon's gaze shifted to the screen, his face thoughtful.
