Soul in the System: Chanjin

Cracks in the Facade

The following week brought new challenges for Chan as he settled deeper into his roles as both a football player and, to his classmates, Hyunjin's enigmatic boyfriend. Though his friendship with Hyunjin had deepened and his place on the football team solidified, the heightened attention continued to be both a source of curiosity and unease. Chan's unfamiliarity with social nuances and expectations was becoming apparent, and he found himself struggling to adapt as quickly as he wanted.

After lunch on Tuesday, as he and Hyunjin were walking down the hallway toward their next class, they encountered an unexpected interruption.

"Hey, Chan!" A voice called out, sharp and sweet, cutting through the chatter of students milling about. Chan and Hyunjin turned to see a girl from the cheer squad approaching, her eyes fixed on Chan with a playful intensity that was hard to ignore.

Her name was Hyejin, and she was one of the more popular members of the cheer team. Known for her confidence and her tendency to gravitate toward people who stood out, Hyejin was a magnetic presence in the school—and she rarely took "no" for an answer.

"Hey, Hyejin," Hyunjin said, a forced smile appearing on his face. His tone carried a note of caution, though Chan couldn't quite discern why.

Hyejin barely glanced at Hyunjin, her attention fully locked on Chan as she leaned closer. "Chan, I wanted to congratulate you on the game last week. You were amazing out there. It's like you've been playing for years."

"Thank you," Chan replied, his response measured as he tried to mirror Hyunjin's friendly but guarded stance. He felt Hyunjin's presence beside him, like an anchor, keeping him grounded.

Hyejin's eyes sparkled as she continued, seemingly oblivious to Hyunjin's slight scowl. "You know, it's rare to see someone make such an impression so quickly. I was thinking... maybe you and I could hang out sometime? Just us?"

Hyunjin's expression darkened, and he stepped forward, placing a possessive hand on Chan's shoulder. "Actually, Hyejin, Chan and I already have plans. Right, Chan?"

Chan nodded, instinctively backing Hyunjin's words. "Yes, that's correct. Hyunjin and I have... plans."

Hyejin's gaze flickered to Hyunjin, her smile unfaltering though her eyes held a hint of annoyance. "Well, it doesn't have to be today, does it? Maybe later this week? We could grab a coffee after school—my treat."

Hyunjin tightened his grip on Chan's shoulder, his eyes narrowing. "Hyejin, I'm sure you've heard the rumors, right? Chan's with me."

Hyejin laughed, a sound that was both light and edged. "Oh, come on, Hyunjin. Everyone knows how you are. Who's to say this 'boyfriend' thing is even real?"

Chan watched the exchange as tension settled thickly between them, a social current he was just beginning to recognize. He could see the defiance in Hyejin's gaze and the protectiveness in Hyunjin's stance. Even though this was supposed to be a "fake" relationship, Chan understood that Hyunjin's reaction wasn't entirely an act. There was something real, something genuine in the way Hyunjin was standing up for him, and Chan felt a strange surge of loyalty.

But Hyejin didn't seem to back down. Her smile widened as she leaned in closer to Chan, as if daring Hyunjin to stop her. "I just think it's a shame," she continued, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper, "that someone like you, Chan, would tie yourself down so quickly. You should get to know everyone—have a little fun."

Hyunjin's eyes flashed, and before Chan could respond, Hyunjin stepped between them, facing Hyejin squarely. "Hyejin," he said, his tone cold but controlled, "I don't know what you're trying to do, but Chan's with me. End of story."