Lines Crossed (SanSang)

15

Yeosang sank back into the couch, the noise of the party swirling around him like a dizzying haze. He glanced at Wooyoung, who was animatedly chatting with some friends, laughter ringing out clear and bright. The vibrant energy in the room was overwhelming, and Yeosang felt the weight of the night pressing down on him.

"Hey, Woo," he murmured, trying to keep his voice steady. "I'm not feeling well. I think I want to go home."

Wooyoung paused mid-laugh, turning to face him with concern etched on his features. "What? Come on, just stay a little longer! It's a party! You can't leave yet."

Yeosang forced a smile, though it felt heavy on his lips. "I'm Just a bit tired, you know? I can head back alone."

Wooyoung shook his head stubbornly. "No way. I'll come with you. I can't let you walk home by yourself."

"It's really okay," Yeosang insisted, his heart racing. He just wanted to retreat from the noise and the excitement. "I just need some fresh air."

"Just give it a few more minutes," Wooyoung replied, looking genuinely concerned. "If you still want to go, we can leave then."

Yeosang opened his mouth to protest again but stopped as he caught sight of San across the room. The atmosphere shifted in an instant, and Yeosang felt the breath catch in his throat. San was surrounded by a group of friends, laughter spilling from his lips as he leaned in closer to a girl. She had long hair that fell in soft waves over her shoulders, and her laughter rang out like music as she playfully nudged San.

Yeosang's heart sank, but he tried to push the feeling away. There was a light in San's eyes that he hadn't seen with him, and it made him feel oddly heavy inside. The way San smiled at the girl, leaning in just a little too close, made Yeosang's heart ache, but he couldn't show it.

"Look at him," Yeosang said quietly, trying to mask the sadness in his voice. "He looks... happy."

Wooyoung turned to see what Yeosang was looking at. "Yeah, he does," he replied, a hint of uncertainty in his tone. "But that's good, right?"

"Yeah, totally," Yeosang said quickly, forcing the words out. "Just... I guess I'm a little overwhelmed."

"Are you sure you don't want to stay?" Wooyoung asked, still eyeing San and the girl with curiosity. "I can go grab us some drinks, and you can relax for a bit."

Yeosang took a deep breath, trying to shake off the strange mix of feelings swirling in his chest. "No, really. I think I need to get some air. Just for a little while."

Wooyoung looked at him for a moment longer, clearly hesitant. "Okay, if you're sure. But you owe me a proper hangout soon."

Yeosang managed a small smile, grateful for Wooyoung's unwavering support. "Definitely. I promise."

As they stood up, Yeosang couldn't help but glance back at San one last time. San caught his eye, a smile breaking across his face that made Yeosang's heart flutter. But it was fleeting, overshadowed by the growing weight in his chest.

They navigated through the crowd, Yeosang keeping his gaze ahead, trying to appear nonchalant. As they reached the door, he heard laughter behind them, and he risked another glance back. San was still chatting with the girl, his expression warm and carefree, and Yeosang felt a bittersweet pang in his heart.

"Let's go," Wooyoung said, nudging Yeosang lightly. "We can grab some food on the way home."

"Sounds good," Yeosang replied, forcing his mind away from the scene behind him. He stepped out into the cool night air, feeling the weight of the night lift just slightly.

——————

The next day at college, Yeosang walked through the hallways feeling heavier than usual. The laughter and chatter of students buzzed around him, but he found it hard to focus. Wooyoung had stayed home sick, leaving Yeosang to navigate the day alone.

As he entered the classroom, he spotted San in the back, a small group of girls surrounding him. They laughed and tossed their hair, and San leaned back in his chair, a charming smile plastered across his face. It twisted something sharp inside Yeosang, a feeling he couldn't quite shake off.

Sitting down at the front, Yeosang tried to concentrate on the lecture, but all he could think about was the kiss they shared at the party. The warmth of San's lips lingered in his memory, but the way San had brushed it off as a mere game stung deeply. Watching him now, surrounded by the attention of the girls, only deepened that ache.

As the professor began the lesson, Yeosang stole glances at San. The way he effortlessly interacted with the girls made Yeosang's heart ache with jealousy and sadness. Was that what San wanted? To be surrounded by admirers while he felt invisible? The more he watched, the more he felt like a ghost, longing to be part of a world that didn't seem to include him.

Once class ended, Yeosang gathered his things, determined to avoid San for a little while longer. But as he stood to leave, he heard San calling out to him. "Hey, Yeosang!"

He turned reluctantly, forcing a smile. "Yeah?"

"Why did you guys leave the party early?" San asked, his voice light and curious as he approached. The group of girls trailed off, leaving the two of them in a bubble of their own. "I tried calling u and even texted but u didnt respond."

Yeosang shrugged, trying to sound casual. "I wasn't feeling great," he said, his heart racing. "Just needed some air."

San's brow furrowed slightly, concern flashing across his face. "I hope everything's okay. I didn't see you much after that."

"It was fine," Yeosang replied, perhaps a little too quickly. He felt a rush of embarrassment and anger at himself for how easily his tone came off. "Just, you know... a lot going on."

San studied him for a moment, and Yeosang felt the weight of that gaze. "You seemed a bit off. If you ever want to talk—"

"I don't need to talk," Yeosang cut in, trying to rein in his frustration. "I'm fine."

San looked taken aback, his expression shifting from concern to confusion. "Okay... if you say so," he said slowly. There was a hint of disappointment in his voice that made Yeosang's chest tighten. "Just know I'm here, you know?"

"Yeah, I know," Yeosang mumbled, the warmth of that sentiment feeling like a distant comfort now.

San nodded, but the atmosphere felt heavy between them. He opened his mouth to say something else, but just then, the girls returned, nudging him playfully as they talked about the next party. San's smile returned, bright and easy, but it felt like a dagger to Yeosang's heart.

"Hey, I'll catch you later, okay?" San said, his attention shifting back to the group.

"Sure," Yeosang replied, though the word felt hollow in his throat. He turned away, trying to shake off the emotions swirling inside him. As he stepped into the hallway, he felt a rush of air against his skin, but it did little to soothe the ache in his chest.

Why would San care- No why did Yeosang care? Why did he care so much that San thought the passionate kiss they shared was nothing, just a game.
Why did it feel more than that for Yeosang then? 'Cause hes into girls and im into him... thats the problem.' He thought sighing as he left class.