Second Chance [SEOKSOO]

01: Once close, Now apart

Lee Seokmin.

Seokmin, DK, Dokyeom. These are all the names he goes by. To many, he's a source of comfort-a person they can rely on in difficult times.

That's just how Seokmin is. Always cheerful and radiating positivity. Even though he was born into wealth, he never flaunts it. Instead, he carries himself with a quiet kindness, always considerate of others.

"Seokmin, wake up. It's almost time for school," Mrs. Lee, his mother, enters his room with a gentle smile, drawing open the curtains. Sunlight spills across Seokmin's face.

"Mom, five more minutes," he groans, pulling the blanket over his head.

With a soft laugh, Mrs. Lee sits at the edge of the bed, gently pulling the covers down. Her hand strokes his hair. "Come on, you've got school, darling. You can sleep all you want when you get home later."

Seokmin pouts but gives in, rubbing the sleep from his eyes as he slowly sits up. His drowsiness melts away as he turns to his mother, a warm smile appearing.

"Morning, Mom."

"Morning, Seokmin," Mrs. Lee replies, her voice filled with affection. "Now, go get ready. I'll have the chef prepare your breakfast."

Seokmin nods, watching as she heads for the door, gently closing it behind her.

Seokmin lets out a small sigh as he slides out of bed, stretching his arms above his head. The room around him is spacious, with neatly arranged books and a few awards displayed on the shelves-a testament to both his hard work and the privilege he never takes for granted. He quickly makes his way to the bathroom to freshen up, splashing water on his face in hopes of shaking off the last remnants of sleep.

As he gets dressed, his mind wanders. School wasn't just a place for learning, at least not for him. It was where his friends were, the people he cared about. His cheerful attitude had earned him many friends, and though most people saw him as the class clown, always laughing and joking, there were times when Seokmin felt the weight of expectations. But he never let it show.

When he finishes dressing, he steps out of his room, the smell of freshly cooked food drifting from the kitchen. He smiles to himself-his family's chef always knows how to make the perfect breakfast. As he walks down the grand hallway, he spots his father in the dining room, already seated at the table with a newspaper in hand.

"Morning, Dad," Seokmin greets him warmly as he takes a seat across from him.

"Good morning, son," Mr. Lee responds with a nod, glancing briefly over the top of his paper. "Ready for another day of school?"

Seokmin nods, though part of him knows that today, like most days, would be filled with more than just lessons. His thoughts briefly flicker to Hong Joshua, his father's business partner's son. Ever since Joshua started attending the same school, things have been...complicated.

As if reading his mind, Mrs. Lee re-enters the room, carrying a tray of food. "Eat up, Seokmin," she says with a warm smile as she sets down his plate. "You'll need your energy for the day."

Seokmin thanks her and digs in, his usual bright smile never faltering, though a small knot of tension twists in his stomach at the thought of facing Joshua once again.

It's not like Joshua bullies him or deliberately tries to hurt him. But it's been thirteen days since Joshua started attending the same school, and everything has felt... wrong. When Seokmin's father told him to look out for Joshua, he had agreed without hesitation. How could he not? They've known each other for years. But that first meeting at school shatters every expectation Seokmin had.