Love & War | heehoon

face it

The morning light filtered softly through the windows as Heeseung, Jungwon, and Sunoo shuffled around the dorm, gathering books, shoving notebooks into bags, and muttering about early classes.

Heeseung was still a little quiet, his thoughts lingering on Jay’s tense expression from earlier, but he pushed it aside, forcing a small smile as Sunoo handed him his jacket.

“Come on, slowpoke, we’re going to be late ”
Jungwon teased, nudging him with a grin as he adjusted the strap on his own bag.

“Alright, alright.”
Heeseung mumbled, chuckling as he joined his friends.

The three of them made their way down the hallway and out into the crisp morning air, their steps falling into an easy rhythm as they walked together.

The campus was beginning to wake, students trickling out of dorms, chatting quietly or sipping coffee as they made their way to early lectures.

Heeseung’s mind wandered as they walked, lulled by the familiar sounds around him, but his thoughts were abruptly interrupted when someone barreled right into him, a blur of dark hair and quick movement.

“Ah-”
Heeseung stumbled slightly, his hand instinctively going up to steady himself.

But before he could react, something was thrust into his hands.
A small bag, slightly crinkled as if hurriedly packed.

The stranger mumbled a quick, “Oops, my bad.”
And kept walking without looking back.

But as the three watched, the boy turned slightly over his shoulder, just enough for them to catch a familiar glint in his eyes.

It was Sunghoon, a mischievous smirk tugging at the corner of his lips as he gave a quick wink before disappearing into the crowd.

Heeseung blinked, holding the bag awkwardly as he watched Sunghoon’s retreating figure, a flicker of warmth blooming in his chest despite himself.

Jungwon and Sunoo shared a curious glance before turning their attention to the bag in Heeseung’s hands.

“Are you going to open it?” Sunoo asked, his voice laced with intrigue.

Heeseung hesitated, glancing at his friends before slowly untying the bag.

Inside, nestled among some crinkled napkins, was a can of his favorite soda, still cold to the touch, and a neatly wrapped sandwich.

He could tell it had been made with care, not hastily thrown together.

He couldn’t help the small, surprised smile that crept onto his face.

Jungwon peered over his shoulder, taking in the contents with a soft chuckle.

He nudged Sunoo, a smirk spreading across his face.
“Looks like he put some thought into this.”
He murmured.

Sunoo grinned, crossing his arms with a satisfied nod.

“Seems like Sunghoon isn’t such a playboy, huh?”
He said, glancing knowingly at Jungwon.
“Maybe Jay’s wrong. Maybe Sunghoon actually cares.”

Heeseung’s cheeks flushed slightly as he looked back down at the simple gift, warmth filling him at the unexpected gesture.

He felt a strange flutter in his chest, curiosity and something softer, something he hadn’t felt in a long time for someone else than Jay.

“Well..”
Jungwon added.
“He clearly went out of his way to make you smile.”

Heeseung just chuckled softly, looking down at the bag in his hands.