Second Chance [SEOKSOO]

02: Unfamiliar Feelings

Seokmin hadn’t expected to see anyone beside Joshua. But as he watches from a distance, he notices someone familiar standing by his side—a face that catches him off guard yet feels strangely fitting. It looks like Joshua’s friend transferred here too, maybe so that Joshua wouldn’t have to take on the new school alone.

Honestly, whatever the reason, Seokmin is glad. He can’t help feeling relieved that Joshua has someone with him, someone to make this whole new-world-of-high-school thing a little less intimidating. Even if he can’t be the one to stand by Joshua’s side anymore, it’s a comfort to know that Joshua isn’t facing it on his own.

That friend of his—Yoon Jeonghan—isn’t a total stranger to Seokmin. He’s seen Jeonghan at a few gatherings before, exchanged polite nods, heard more stories than he can count. And sure, a lot of what he’s heard hasn’t been exactly glowing, but that hardly matters. Seokmin knows Jeonghan isn’t all bad. Whatever people say, he’s still there for Joshua, a friend who sticks around, and that’s what counts.

Seokmin leans against his locker, watching as Joshua and Jeonghan walk down the hallway together. There’s something about the way they move—like they’re in their own little world, speaking in low voices, barely paying attention to anyone else. Joshua’s still wearing that distant expression, but with Jeonghan by his side, he looks a little more relaxed. Less guarded.

A part of Seokmin feels a slight pang. It’s not exactly jealousy—it’s more a longing for the ease they used to have. Back then, it was him who would joke with Joshua, laugh with him, help him feel at ease. But now, that role belongs to Jeonghan.

He catches himself sighing, shaking his head as if to clear his thoughts. It’s silly, he tells himself. He should just be happy that Joshua has someone, anyone, he can count on. And maybe that’s enough.

"Seokmin!"

The sudden voice breaks his train of thought, and he turns to see a few of his friends heading his way, waving him over. He plasters on his usual bright smile, masking the hint of sadness he knows is still there.

"Hey, guys!" he greets, pulling himself away from the locker. He falls into step with them, laughing along with their jokes, letting their familiar voices fill the empty space left by his thoughts of Joshua.

As they walk down the hallway, Seokmin can't resist glancing back just once, catching a glimpse of Joshua and Jeonghan at the far end of the corridor, heads close together in what looked like an intense conversation.

Seungkwan notices and nudges him. "What are you looking at?"

Snapping out of it, Seokmin turns his attention back to Seungkwan and Hoshi, shrugging as he forces a casual smile. "Nothing important."

Seungkwan gives him a skeptical look but decides not to press. His attention soon drifts elsewhere, honing in on Chwe Vernon, who is trying to go about his day in peace—until Seungkwan corners him, determined to find out every last detail of his schedule.

Hoshi laughs loudly, watching Seungkwan interrogate Vernon like a hopeless lover eager for any scrap of information. Seokmin can’t help but join in, his own laughter bubbling up as he watches Seungkwan’s flustered expression.

"Seungkwan, at this rate, you're going to scare him off," Hoshi teases, wiping a tear from the corner of his eye.

Seungkwan huffs, crossing his arms. "I’m just being friendly! Right, Vernon?"

Vernon, caught in the middle, gives a small, bewildered nod, looking between them as if trying to figure out how he ended up in this situation.

Amidst the laughter, Seokmin glances over at Joshua, just briefly, to see if he’s noticed him.