Lines Crossed (SanSang)

6

The classroom buzzed with low chatter as Yeosang and San slipped inside, finding their seats toward the middle. Yeosang still felt off balance, as though his thoughts were lagging behind everything that had just happened. He glanced at San, who seemed completely unfazed, already taking out his notebook and pen. Meanwhile, Yeosang couldn't stop replaying the last few minutes in his head.

*Cute when you're embarrassed.* San's words echoed, sending another rush of warmth to his cheeks. He shifted in his seat, trying to focus on the front of the room, where the professor was setting up for the lecture, but all he could think about was how casual San had been. He made it seem so easy, so normal. To Yeosang, it was anything but.

Wooyoung would probably laugh at him if he knew how flustered he'd gotten over something so small. He would tease him endlessly, telling him that he always overthinks things, especially when it comes to people. And maybe he was overthinking it, like he usually did.

But then, why did San's smile make his chest feel so tight?

The professor started speaking, his voice droning on about the course syllabus, but Yeosang's mind wandered again. He could still feel the ghost of San's hand on his, the warmth of it, the ease with which he had led him across campus. It had felt so natural to San, like he did that sort of thing all the time.

Yeosang, on the other hand, couldn't imagine ever reaching out to someone like that. He barely knew how to handle simple conversation with new people, let alone something as intimate as hand-holding. And now, sitting beside San, he wasn't sure if it was something he wanted to forget, or if it was something he wanted to experience again.

He risked another glance at San. He was focused on the lecture, tapping his pen absentmindedly against his notebook, completely relaxed. That easygoing nature was one of the first things Yeosang had noticed about him, and it was clear now that San was someone who didn't seem to worry about the little things. He just... went with the flow. It made Yeosang feel both envious and confused.

Before he could dwell on it any further, the class passed in a blur, and soon, students were packing up their things. Yeosang moved a little slower, still lost in his thoughts, when San turned to him with that same smile from earlier.

"You ready to head out?"

Yeosang blinked, snapping out of his daze. "Oh, uh, yeah. I'm ready."

They stood and filed out with the rest of the students, the hallway suddenly feeling much more crowded than it had earlier. Yeosang hugged his notebook to his chest, trying to avoid bumping into anyone. As they walked toward the exit, he felt a gentle nudge at his arm.

"So," San said, his tone light, "what do you usually do after classes? Any plans?"

Yeosang hesitated, unsure of what to say. He didn't want to admit that he typically avoided social situations and preferred to go back to his dorm, maybe read or catch up on his favorite shows. That seemed too boring, especially compared to Wooyoung, who always had something going on.

"Uh, not really," Yeosang mumbled. "I usually just... hang out, I guess."

San tilted his head, his expression thoughtful. "Huh. Well, if you're not busy, maybe we could grab something to eat? I'm starving."

Yeosang's heart skipped a beat. Was San asking him to hang out? Alone? Without Wooyoung? The thought made him more nervous than it should've, and he immediately started worrying about what he'd say, how he'd act. What if he said something weird? What if it got awkward?

Before he could respond, though, a familiar voice cut through the crowd.

"There you guys are!"

Yeosang turned to see Wooyoung weaving through the hallway, a bright smile on his face as he approached. A wave of relief washed over him at the sight of his friend, and he relaxed slightly, grateful for the distraction.

Wooyoung stopped in front of them, hands on his hips. "What's the plan? I finished my class early, and now I'm starving."

San grinned. "I was just asking Yeosang if he wanted to grab food. You in?"

"Of course I'm in," Wooyoung said immediately, slinging an arm around Yeosang's shoulders. "Come on, Yeosang, don't look so stressed. It's just food."

Yeosang managed a small smile, feeling a little silly for overthinking things again. With Wooyoung there, it felt easier to just go along with the plan. "Alright," he said quietly. "Let's go."

They made their way out of the building, the late afternoon sun casting a golden hue over the campus. Wooyoung kept up his usual lively chatter, telling them about something ridiculous that had happened in his class, while San occasionally chimed in with a comment or a laugh. Yeosang listened quietly, content to let the two of them talk as they headed toward a nearby café.

As they walked, San fell into step beside Yeosang, his shoulder brushing against his. "You don't mind if I tag along with you guys, right?" San asked, his voice soft enough that only Yeosang could hear.

Yeosang glanced at him, surprised by the question. "Of course not," he said quickly. "I mean, Wooyoung and I... we don't mind."

San smiled again, and Yeosang's chest tightened for reasons he still didn't fully understand. "Good," San said. "I'm glad."

They reached the café, a small place with cozy booths and the smell of freshly brewed coffee wafting from inside. The three of them grabbed a table near the back, and soon enough, they were eating and laughing, Wooyoung leading most of the conversation as usual.

Yeosang still felt a little out of place, unsure of where he fit in this new dynamic between the three of them. But every time he glanced at San, he found the other boy watching him with that same soft expression, as if he was waiting for Yeosang to join in, to say something.

And maybe, for once, Yeosang wanted to.