FLAMES - A KimChay AU

four

F.R.I.E.N.D.S

Chay’s POV

The next few days passed in a blur. The excitement of starting a new school began to settle into the routine of classes, assignments, and the occasional awkward run-in with new people. But despite it all, one thing seemed to stand out above the rest: Kim.

It was hard to shake the image of him from Chay’s mind. He hadn’t seen him since that brief moment in the hallway after lunch, but the memory lingered. The way their eyes had met, the fleeting moment of connection—it was like a spark, something Chay couldn't quite put his finger on.

And then there was the music. Chay had been thinking about that too. Kim was apparently talented, but in a quiet, unassuming way. His voice... people said it was incredible. But what was he really like? What did he think about? Why did I feel like did keep something only to himself?

Chay wasn’t sure, but he was starting to feel the pull to find out.

•••

It was another morning in the cafeteria when Chay found himself sitting with Sky and Rain again, though his mind was elsewhere. He glanced around the room, trying not to look too obvious, but his eyes kept wandering toward the far corner, where Kim usually sat.

"Stop looking so suspicious" Sky said, noticing Chay's distracted gaze. "You’re making it pretty obvious you’re waiting for someone."

Chay snapped his head back to Sky, a guilty flush creeping onto his cheeks. "I’m not waiting for anyone."

Sky grinned, unbothered by Chay’s denial. "Sure, sure. Anyway, you’re still thinking about Kim, huh?"

Rain, who had been quiet for most of the conversation, spoke up. "You’re still curious about him?"

Chay hesitated before nodding. "I guess. There’s just something about him. He seems... different, you know?"

"Yeah, I get it" Sky said with a knowing smile. "But I don’t think you’re gonna get close to him that easily"

Chay frowned, unsure of what Sky meant by that. "Why not?"

"I told you, Kim’s a mystery" Sky said, leaning in a bit. "He doesn’t hang out with anyone. He’s not the type to open up easily, even if he has friends like Phayu."

Chay’s curiosity deepened at the mention of Phayu. He hadn’t seen much of him, but it was clear that Phayu was someone people talked about a lot—especially Rain. “Phayu seems like a good guy" Chay said, trying to sound casual, but Rain’s sudden blush was hard to miss.

“Yeah” Rain mumbled, looking at his tray instead of Chay. “He is.”

Sky smirked. “Rain’s got it bad, huh?”

“Shut up, Sky” Rain muttered, his cheeks going redder.

Chay couldn’t help but chuckle at Rain’s reaction, but his mind was still on Kim. “So, what do you think Kim’s deal is? I mean, everyone says he’s talented, but it’s like no one really knows him."

Sky shrugged. “I don’t know. Some people think he’s just hiding from all the expectations his family has for him. You know, his brothers... they’re pretty big names. Kim’s not really into the spotlight, but people expect him to be just like them. I think that messes with his head sometimes.”

"Must be tough" Chay said softly. He couldn’t imagine what it would be like to live in someone else’s shadow, especially when everyone had high expectations for you. It sounded like a lot of pressure.