Falling for Your Lies(sope)

Arrival.

Authors pov

The bus finally rolled to a stop outside New Hive International School, and Hoseok’s jaw nearly dropped. The campus was enormous, and every inch of it seemed pristine, like something from a magazine. The fountain at the center sparkled in the sun, manicured gardens stretched wide, and students drifted by in sharp outfits that practically screamed “luxury.” Hoseok tugged his worn jacket closer, feeling a slight pang of self-consciousness, but he squared his shoulders. He had worked hard to be here, and he wasn’t going to let a little difference in style make him feel any less.

After finding his way to the registration office and picking up his ID and dorm key, he finally settled into his new room. It was modest, with a single bed, a small desk, and a window that looked out over part of the campus, but to Hoseok, it was perfect.

He reached for his phone, dialing his father. After a few rings, his father’s familiar, warm voice crackled through. “Hoseok, my boy! How’s Seoul?”

“It’s incredible, Dad!” Hoseok replied, feeling excitement bubbling up. “Everything’s… huge. And clean. And there’s just so much here. I think it’s going to be good for us.”

He could practically feel his dad’s pride through the phone. “That’s wonderful, son. Just remember to stay focused, stay humble, and… save money, okay?”

Hoseok laughed. “Of course, Dad. I’m going to study hard and work even harder. I promise. And one day, I’ll bring you to Seoul. We’ll get you to the best doctors here, and I’ll take care of everything.”

His dad’s voice softened. “I know you will, son. I know.”

Hoseok was about to say goodbye when he heard another voice chime in. “Hey, superstar! Don’t I get a hello?”

Hoseok grinned. “Somi! How’s Daegu treating you?”

“Oh, you know, small-town fabulous as usual,” she said with a laugh, her tone teasing. “But forget that, let’s talk about Seoul! Are there cute boys? Find me a rich one, would you?”

Hoseok stifled a laugh, glancing around his empty dorm room as if someone could hear. “Somi, come on, I just got here!”

“I’m serious! My standards aren’t even that high. Just rich, handsome, and maybe a little tall. It’s not like I’m asking for the world,” she said, dramatically.

His dad’s voice came back on the line, clearly amused. “Somi, stop pestering the poor boy. He’s got enough to think about without adding your matchmaking to the list.”

“Oh, hush, Mr. Jung,” she shot back, playfully. “I’m just helping him find true love. Besides, I bet you anything there’s someone cute in his class.”

Hoseok rolled his eyes, unable to keep from smiling. Somi knew he was gay, but his father was still oblivious. Somi took full advantage of this, sometimes just to get Hoseok flustered.

“You know, Hoseok, just give one of those boys my number. Tell them I’m a catch,” Somi added, her voice dripping with sass. “Preferably one with good manners. A decent smile wouldn’t hurt either.”

“Somi, I’m pretty sure you don’t need me to play Cupid for you,” Hoseok shot back, laughing. “And anyway, I’m here to study, not hunt for dates.”

“Honey, life is about balance! Books and boys. You can have both,” she replied with a mischievous tone. “Plus, you can at least window-shop, can’t you?”

Hoseok’s dad chuckled in the background. “Well, whatever makes you happy, son. And remember, I want you to focus on those studies. No getting distracted by all this… ‘window-shopping.’”

Hoseok stifled a laugh, keeping the real reason for his grin hidden. “Of course, Dad,” he said, putting on his most serious voice. “My eyes are on the prize. Studies first, right?”

Somi snorted. “Sure, sure. Just don’t forget to tell me about the cute boys later.”

---

The next day, Hoseok joined orientation, feeling the excitement from students filling the large auditorium. Professors gave speeches about the school’s values and what was expected from them, the spotlight briefly falling on standout students from the last semester. Min Yoongi’s name came up, murmurs rippling through the room, and Hoseok couldn’t help but notice the boy a few rows in front of him. Yoongi didn’t seem to care at all about the attention; his gaze was distant, almost disinterested.

Hoseok made a mental note to stay focused and keep working hard, hoping that someday he, too, could be as respected here.

After orientation, he returned to his dorm, calling Somi to share every detail. The day had been full, the campus huge, and he still had so much to explore. But he was ready to make his mark, just like he’d promised.