A Part of your Constellation - Straykids x Reader

Lingering Stars

*not Proofread*

The classroom buzzed quietly with the sound of pens scratching against paper, the only sounds breaking the calm anticipation as students focused on their final exam of the semester. Aera walked steadily through the rows, keeping her movements light, eyes darting between the students to ensure no one felt tempted to stray from the task at hand. For the first time in a long while, her mind felt at ease, settled in the usual rhythm of her work.

It was a welcome calm after the past few weeks. Since that night, Aera had gradually carved out a healthier routine, thanks largely to Hwan's gentle but persistent reminders to take care of herself. Though she'd initially poured herself into work as a way to cope, she had since found a better balance, resting more and taking moments for herself when she needed them. She didn't realize how much she'd needed that until Hwan started quietly holding her accountable. His friendship had been a steady comfort, a stabilizing force when her thoughts tried to wander toward places she'd rather not go.

Her thoughts drifted to these small moments of quiet friendship when a soft knock at the door startled her from her reverie. She turned to see Hwan himself, standing in the doorway with a warm smile that spoke of both familiarity and, oddly, a hint of anticipation.

"Aera," he said, keeping his voice low so as not to disturb the students. "There's someone outside who's hoping to speak with you."

Aera raised her eyebrows, surprised. It was rare for anyone to seek her out during exam hours, and even more unusual for Hwan to come get her. Her curiosity flickered to life as she glanced back at her students, reluctant to leave in the middle of the session. She paused, then gestured toward the room.

"Would you mind keeping an eye on them while I'm away?" she asked, her tone light, though she was clearly puzzled. "Just in case anyone tries to get clever with their answers while I'm gone."

Hwan chuckled, stepping further into the room with a slight nod. "Of course," he replied, his expression reassuring. "I'll keep things in order here. Take your time."

Aera offered him a grateful smile, a little relieved that Hwan was so quick to step in. She gave the students a final glance, letting her gaze linger for a moment on the sea of bent heads, before quietly slipping out of the classroom.

The hallway stretched out before her, cool and quiet compared to the energy in the classroom. She matched her pace to the calm of the corridor, but with each step, her curiosity grew. Who could possibly be waiting for her?

As Aera stepped into the staff room, a hush seemed to settle over the room, and her steps slowed, her eyes locking on her desk. There, seated with casual confidence, was Lee Minho, one of the soulmates she'd spent so much effort avoiding. Her breath caught; she hadn't expected him—hadn't expected any of them—to be here. They had made it clear, after all, that they were happier without her. Yet here he was, with a presence so grounded and assured it filled the room.

And then, without warning, the faint, familiar sting of her soulmark came alive across her wrist. Her constellation, usually so faded she barely noticed it anymore, pulsed gently beneath her skin. Her fingers twitched at her side, and a soft gasp escaped her lips, the glow pulling her focus downward, anchoring her to the undeniable warmth radiating from her soulmark. She'd almost forgotten how it felt—that bittersweet ache, that reminder of the bond they all shared yet had refused. She took in a sharp breath, steadying herself as she lifted her gaze back to him.

The faint sound must have drawn his attention, Minho turned, his movements fluid, precise, and as his eyes landed on her, a faint smirk lifted the corner of his mouth, though his gaze held a quiet, almost piercing intensity. His expression was unreadable, guarded, but the way he looked at her, head tilted slightly, made it feel like he saw right through the calm she worked so hard to maintain.