WILD HEART | SEOJUN X SUHO | TRUE BEAUTY

CH1

The air in the school was thick with a subtle tension, almost imperceptible to most of the students bustling between classes. For Han SeoJun, that atmosphere was perfect. He walked with the confidence that characterised him, his face displaying the usual look of nonchalance that masked a calculated interest. For the past few days, he had noticed something curious: Lee SuHo seemed to be paying more attention to Lim JuKyung than usual. This was not something SeoJun overlooked. He knew how to read people, and although SuHo tried to hide it, there was no way to conceal those slight changes in his demeanor.

In his mind, SeoJun began to devise a plan. It wasn't so much about JuKyung, though he found her likable. It was about SuHo. There was a certain satisfaction in irritating his old friend that was difficult to explain. It was a kind of game, a way to get back at everything that had happened between them in the past. And if that meant getting closer to JuKyung, he would do it without hesitation.

In one of the school hallways, JuKyung was trying to reach for a book on the top shelf. It was one of those moments SeoJun couldn't let pass. He crept up quietly from behind and, with a sideways grin, took the book before she could grab it.

"¿Need a hand with that?" he asked in a smooth voice, tinged with the teasing tone he usually employed. JuKyung turned around in surprise, blinking a couple of times before managing a nervous smile. She hadn't expected SeoJun, one of the most popular and rebellious students in school, to offer his help.

"Ah... thanks," she murmured, reaching out to take the book. SeoJun held it for a moment longer than necessary before handing it over, his eyes glinting with a hint of amusement.

"Blimey, I thought you'd at least thank me a bit more enthusiastically," he joked, raising an eyebrow, clearly enjoying the little exchange. JuKyung laughed, though somewhat awkwardly. She knew of SeoJun's reputation, and while she didn't know him well, she found him a bit intimidating. However, she couldn't deny there was something about his demeanor that piqued her curiosity.

A few metres away, Lee SuHo observed everything from a distance. He was leaning against the wall, seemingly engrossed in his phone, but occasionally glancing up at SeoJun and JuKyung. Something inside him began to stir uncomfortably. He knew SeoJun was unpredictable, and while he wasn't surprised to see him interacting with JuKyung, what he couldn't comprehend was why it bothered him so much.

From the moment he had begun to notice JuKyung, a part of SuHo had been drawn to her sincerity and vulnerability. She wasn't like the other girls who only focused on superficial appearances. Yet now, with SeoJun involved, SuHo found himself ensnared in a web of emotions he didn't know how to process.

The rest of the day passed with a palpable discomfort. SeoJun seized every opportunity to approach JuKyung, making comments that made her laugh nervously while SuHo continued to watch from the shadows. To anyone unfamiliar with the history between the two boys, it might have seemed like mere coincidence, but both SeoJun and SuHo knew better.

At lunchtime, the tension reached a new height. JuKyung sat at one of the cafeteria tables, seeking a moment of peace to enjoy her meal. She had barely started eating when SeoJun suddenly appeared, sitting down across from her without asking. His carefree smile showed no malicious intent, but SuHo, sitting a few tables away, knew there was something more behind that demeanor.

SeoJun studied JuKyung for a moment before speaking.

"¿Don't you get tired of being alone?" he asked with feigned innocence, his eyes locked on her. JuKyung looked up, startled, unsure how to respond.

"I'm not alone," she finally said, pointing to her tray of food, as if that was enough company. SeoJun let out a small laugh before leaning in a bit closer.