when opposites fall.

relationship in progress

riwoo and woonhak's relationship, though kept in whispers and hidden glances, blossomed with small, intimate gestures. under the lunch table, their hands would slowly find each other, fingers lacing together in a silent exchange that spoke volumes. 

even surrounded by friends, they couldn't resist stolen glances, gentle nudges, or a smile shared between them. it was their quiet, unspoken language that they both cherished, a warmth that was always there.

on days when riwoo felt drained, he'd lean his head onto woonhak's shoulder, his energy softening as woonhak instinctively adjusted his position to let riwoo rest more comfortably. those around them would assume riwoo was just tired, but for them, it was something so much more—a small moment that brought them closer without a single word needed.

their weekends were spent sneaking out for low-key dates, always careful yet savoring every moment. they'd find cozy corners in cafés or quiet spots by the river, places where they could be themselves. 

sometimes they'd take soft pictures, catching half of a smile or a shadowed glimpse of each other, sharing these moments in subtle hints on social media. the "soft launches" were thrilling; tiny, coded messages only they fully understood, slipping under everyone else's radar.

as woonhak's birthday grew closer, he began to notice riwoo pulling away, just slightly. riwoo became a little quieter, a bit more elusive. woonhak found himself wondering if riwoo was distracted or if something was wrong, the feeling of loneliness creeping in without riwoo there by his side in the same way.

what woonhak didn't know was that riwoo was carefully planning a birthday surprise, coordinating details with their friends and putting together something he hoped would be unforgettable. he wanted every part of it to be perfect, and he was willing to keep things secret to make it special.

but on the morning of his birthday, when no text or call from riwoo arrived, woonhak couldn't help the sinking feeling in his chest. by the time he returned to his dorm that evening, there was a dull ache in his heart, convinced that maybe riwoo had forgotten. he sat in silence, trying to shake off the sadness.

and then, just when he thought the day was over, a soft knock sounded at his door. he opened it to find riwoo standing there, a small smile on his face, holding a cake and his favorite drink. behind him, their friends appeared one by one, carrying balloons and gifts, laughing as they filed into his room to start the surprise party riwoo had worked so hard on.

woonhak couldn't believe it. the overwhelming joy and relief filled him as riwoo whispered,