Winter Falls || Lee Know ✓

🎓: This Is A Circus

~🎬~

Author pov:

The bustling hallway was alive with chatter and laughter as students moved between classes, the excitement of a new day palpable in the air. Seungmin leaned casually against a locker, doodling on the edge of his notebook while waiting for his friends.

"Hey, old man!" he called out when he spotted Chan striding down the corridor, his usual composed demeanor only slightly ruffled by Seungmin's teasing. "Running late again? Need a cane to get here?"

Chan shot him a mock glare, a smile breaking through. "Very funny, Seungmin. Remember I'm just A Year older than you."

"Old man." Seungmin repeated, grinning wider as he caught the attention of their friends.

Changbin, along with Yeonjun and Soobin, rounded the corner, their conversation punctuated by laughter. "What's all the fuss about?" Changbin asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Seungmin's just being a Menace, as usual," Chan replied, rolling his eyes.

"Someone has to keep the energy up around here!" Seungmin declared, puffing out his chest dramatically. "And let's face it, you all need it!"

Beomgyu appeared from around the corner, his hair tousled and a sleepy look still in his eyes. "What's this? Chan getting roasted again?" he teased, joining the group.

"Always," Seungmin replied, smirking. "It's my favorite thing to pass the time."

"Just be glad you're not in my class," Taehyun chimed in as he strolled by, a playful grin on his face. "You'd be hearing my expert insults every day."

"Bring it on, Taehyun," Seungmin challenged, pretending to crack his knuckles. "I'm ready for anything."

"Yeah, right," Taehyun laughed, shaking his head as he continued down the hall.

The sound of a bell echoed, signaling the start of their classes. Kai bounced over, joining the group with a bright smile. "Did I hear insults? Count me in!" he announced, clearly enjoying the friendly banter—Poor kid, seungmin taught him well. *Sigh*

"Just Seungmin being annoying." Changbin replied, rolling his eyes but smiling nonetheless.

"Some things never change," Kai said with a chuckle. "And here I thought I'd have a peaceful morning."

As the teacher's voice boomed through the intercom, calling students to their respective classrooms, Yeonjun and Soobin approached, slightly out of breath. "Sorry we're late!" Soobin said, running a hand through his hair. "Yeonjun was hogging the bathroom mirror."

Yeonjun shot him an indignant look. "Excuse me? I needed to look presentable!"

"Sure." Seungmin interjected, eliciting a chorus of laughter from their friends.

"Enough of that, let's just get through the day," Chan suggested, glancing toward their classrooms as the final bell rang.

With a shared sense of camaraderie, the group began to disperse, each heading to their respective classes, ready to take on whatever the day had in store.

As the final bell rang, signaling the end of classes, Seungmin quickly gathered his things, tossing them haphazardly into his backpack. The excitement of freedom was palpable, and he couldn't wait to get home and unwind.

"Hey, are you coming to hang out later?" Beomgyu asked, falling into step beside him as they walked down the hallway.

"Nah, I think I'll just head home. I'm kind of tired," Seungmin replied, running a hand through his hair. "Besides, I need to check on Suhyun. I heard she wasn't feeling well."

"Ah, right. Your cousin," Beomgyu said, nodding. "How's she doing?"

"Yeah, I think so. Mom is taking care of her," Seungmin reassured, trying to brush off any worries. "But I want to make sure she's alright."

As they stepped out of the school building, Seungmin noticed the familiar sights of their neighborhood—the sound of laughter from kids playing, the faint smell of food from nearby vendors, and the warm afternoon sun casting a golden hue over everything.

"Catch you later, then!" Beomgyu called as he waved goodbye and headed off in the opposite direction.

Seungmin walked the short distance to his house, a comfortable two-story home that felt like a haven after a long day at school. He pushed open the door, greeted by the familiar scent of home-cooked meals wafting from the kitchen.

"Mom!" he called, dropping his backpack near the door. "I'm home!"

His aunt emerged from the kitchen, wiping her hands on a dish towel. "Ah, Seungmin! How was school?"

"It was alright," he replied, giving her a quick smile. "Um, How is Suhyun?"

Aunt Jieun's expression softened. "She's been resting. A bit tired, but I think she'll be okay. I just want to make sure she doesn't overdo it."

"Good idea," Seungmin said, moving toward the stairs. "I'll check on her now."

He climbed the steps, his mind swirling with thoughts of Suhyun. He knew how much she struggled with the loss of her parents, and he wanted to be there for her, even if it was just to hang out and distract her.

Reaching her room, he knocked lightly on the door. "Hey, Cupcake it's me!"

"Come in!" her voice came from inside, slightly muffled.

Seungmin opened the door, finding her sitting on her bed hugging her knees, looking a little pale but still managing a smile. "Hey, how are you feeling?"

"Better, I think," she said, though her voice lacked its usual energy. "Just tired, I guess."

"Understandable after what happened last night," he replied, sitting on the edge of her bed. "I was worried about you."

"Thanks for checking on me, Minnie" she said, her eyes softening.

"Of course! You're my Sister; it's my job," he said, smirking. "Plus, who else is going to keep you company when you're sick?"

Suhyun chuckled lightly, a sound that seemed to brighten the room. "I'm glad you came. I could use some company."

"Good! I'll stick around for a bit. We can watch something or just talk," he offered, pulling out his phone. "But first, I need to get something from downstairs. You want a snack?"

"Sure! I'd love some chips." she replied, her face lighting up just a bit.

"Chips it is! Be right back!" Seungmin said, darting out of her room and down the stairs, feeling a little more at ease knowing he was there for her.

~🎬~

Gonna update late sometimes or will update
many chapters at once ;)

Last chapter's answer:
A Blackboard

Today's riddle:
What gets bigger, the more taken
From?