Sunhigh Academy was known for its talented students, but even among a sea of prodigies, Jeongin stood out like a ray of sunshine on a cloudy day. Bang Jeongin was the cherished only son of the Bang family, the beloved “school princess” whose charm was irresistible. His soft voice could silence any room, his ballet grace was hypnotic, and he had a tenderness about him that melted hearts—especially his love for puppies, which became his most endearing trait.
But for all the admiration and love showered on him, Jeongin remained humble and kind. He never let his popularity cloud his warmth, and it was this gentleness that had people falling for him in droves—including the inseparable Hwang twins, Hyunjin and Sam. As much as the twins loved each other, a rift had begun to grow between them, a silent rivalry fueled by their shared feelings for Jeongin. They were polar opposites: Hyunjin, bold and artistic with an air of mystery, and Sam, playful, cheerful, and effortlessly charming. And, to the frustration of each, Jeongin had managed to capture both of their hearts.
It all started one afternoon in early spring when Sam invited Jeongin to join him at a puppy café. Sam knew Jeongin’s weakness for adorable animals, and sure enough, Jeongin’s face lit up as soon as they entered. Sam watched him, completely captivated, as Jeongin cooed over a little golden retriever puppy. “Sam, look at this one!” Jeongin’s voice was soft with awe as he gently cradled the puppy in his arms. Sam couldn’t help but smile as Jeongin’s eyes sparkled, his entire face lighting up in pure joy.
But as they were about to order some pastries, Hyunjin appeared at their table, much to Sam’s dismay. He had tracked them down after overhearing Sam’s plan. “Didn’t think you’d mind if I joined,” Hyunjin said, a challenging look in his eyes, as he slid into the booth beside Jeongin. Sam rolled his eyes but bit back a retort, not wanting to cause a scene. Jeongin, blissfully unaware of the brewing tension, just looked between the two of them and smiled, oblivious to the silent competition unfolding before him.
As time passed, the twins’ rivalry only intensified. Hyunjin would casually “bump” into Jeongin in the library, offering to help him with his studies, his gaze lingering a little too long as Jeongin focused on the pages. Other times, Sam would ask Jeongin to join him for lunch, sneakily picking out Jeongin’s favorite dishes and watching him with a fond smile as Jeongin ate with delighted abandon. Each twin was determined to outshine the other, and Jeongin, with his sweet, innocent nature, had no idea.
One autumn evening, when the leaves had turned golden and the air was crisp, Hyunjin and Sam found themselves walking home with Jeongin after a late school event. As they strolled through the park, Hyunjin, usually the quieter one, cleared his throat, summoning the courage to finally confront his brother about their shared feelings. “Sam, we can’t keep pretending like this,” he said, his voice barely a whisper. “Jeongin deserves more than us fighting over him.”
Jeongin, who had been gazing at the night sky, turned to face the twins, his brow furrowing. “Wait… what’s this about?” he asked, his tone soft yet curious. Sam glanced at Hyunjin, who gave him a slight nod, and with a deep breath, Sam finally blurted out, “Jeongin… we both really, really like you.” There was a moment of silence as Jeongin’s face turned a deep shade of pink. The confession hung in the air, both twins watching him with nervous anticipation.
After what felt like an eternity, Jeongin looked down, his cheeks flushed. “I… I like both of you, too,” he admitted, his voice barely a whisper. “I’ve been so happy spending time with you both… but I didn’t want to choose between you. I thought I’d have to, and it felt impossible.”
Hyunjin reached out, his hand trembling slightly as he took Jeongin’s in his own. “Then… don’t choose,” he said, his voice gentle. Sam stepped closer, taking Jeongin’s other hand, his gaze warm and full of affection. “We’re okay with that,” he said softly. “As long as we’re both here with you.”
From that night on, Jeongin walked the hallways with his two “princes” by his side. Each day became a journey of small, tender moments and shy glances. Hyunjin would bring him flowers he sketched in art class, and Jeongin would tuck them into his pocket with a smile. Sam would invite him out for ice cream, making sure to catch the way Jeongin’s eyes lit up at every spoonful. In return, Jeongin would leave sweet notes in their lockers, tiny reminders of his affection for both of them.
There were countless evenings spent at the puppy café, where Jeongin’s laughter would fill the room as he played with the puppies, both twins by his side, watching with unspoken joy. Hyunjin, who usually hid his emotions, found himself grinning more often, his hand gently brushing Jeongin’s in quiet moments. Sam, ever the playful one, would hold Jeongin close, always finding an excuse to steal a hug or wrap an arm around him.
One rainy afternoon, the three of them sat in the art room, where Hyunjin was working on a painting. Jeongin’s head rested on Hyunjin’s shoulder as he watched him mix colors, mesmerized by the way Hyunjin’s fingers moved gracefully across the canvas. Sam, sitting nearby, watched them both with a soft smile. He reached out, brushing a stray curl from Jeongin’s forehead, earning a shy smile from Jeongin that made his heart swell.
As the months passed, Jeongin’s love for both twins only deepened. His heart was full, balanced by Hyunjin’s quiet strength and Sam’s joyful spirit. And though others at Sunhigh often whispered about the “school princess” and his two knights, Jeongin paid them no mind. He was happy, surrounded by the love he had never thought possible.
In the gentle silence of a late autumn afternoon, Jeongin looked at Hyunjin and Sam, his heart full of gratitude. He hadn’t chosen between them, and yet, in their own ways, they had both chosen him. As he wrapped his arms around both of them, he knew he had found something rare and beautiful—two hearts that beat alongside his own, in perfect harmony.
