𝐒𝐇𝐀𝐃𝐎𝐖𝐒 𝐎𝐅 𝐒𝐔𝐍𝐒𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐄 || 𝑺𝑬𝑶𝑲𝑺𝑶𝑶

chp1

Flashback

Seokmin had always been the kind of person who carried the weight of the world lightly, as though the sun itself had chosen him to channel its warmth. He smiled at everyone he passed, offered soft nods to acquaintances, and waved enthusiastically at friends. His kindness was never transactional-it came from a place so genuine that even the most indifferent people found themselves drawn to him.

That morning, he was no different. He stepped into the lecture hall, his bag slung over one shoulder, his steps light, and his face glowing with the cheerfulness that seemed second nature to him.

"seokseok!" Soonyoung's voice rang out from a window seat. "Over here!"

Seokmin's smile grew wider as he weaved through the crowded room. Soonyoung was already leaning halfway out of his chair, waving animatedly, while Seungkwan sat beside him, looking mildly exasperated.

"You'll give the guy a heart attack one of these days," Seungkwan muttered as Seokmin sat down, but there was fondness in his tone.

"Maybe if he stopped walking around like he's on a magazine cover," Soonyoung teased, his grin mischievous.

Seokmin laughed, nudging him playfully. "I don't know what you're talking about. I just walk normally."

"You float," Seungkwan deadpanned.

"You know, some people say I glow," Seokmin added with mock seriousness, tilting his head as if deep in thought.

Soonyoung snorted. "Oh, we know. It's sickening. And I'm pretty sure it has less to do with you and more to do with him."

Seokmin blinked, his cheeks flushing instantly. "Him who?" he asked, feigning ignorance, but the sheepish grin tugging at his lips betrayed him.

"Oh, come on," Seungkwan said, rolling his eyes. "Joshua Hong. Your boyfriend. The guy you're hopelessly whipped for."

"I'm not-" Seokmin began, but Soonyoung cut him off.

"You so are! Look at you. Just saying his name makes you blush like a middle schooler."

Seokmin tried to stifle his grin, but it was futile. "I'm not blushing," he muttered, even as his friends cackled at his expense.

"Sure, sunshine," Seungkwan teased, leaning back in his chair. "But really, you two are disgustingly perfect. It's almost unfair. The way he looks at you? Half the school's jealous, and the other half's still in denial that you're taken."

Seokmin ducked his head, his smile softening. He wasn't oblivious to how people saw them. Joshua and Seokmin. The golden couple. They had a kind of love people wrote songs about-steady, full of quiet moments and gentle care. Joshua was thoughtful, attentive, and patient in a way that made Seokmin feel seen, cherished. Loved.

It was nice. Constant.

"I guess I'm lucky," Seokmin said after a pause, his voice quieter.

Seungkwan reached over and gave his shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "And you deserve it."

After the lecture, Seokmin checked his phone and saw a text from Joshua.

Shua-hyung: Meet me at the cafeteria?
4:47PM

He smiled instinctively, typing a quick reply before heading out. The campus felt particularly alive that day, students scattered across the lawn, laughter and chatter filling the air. Seokmin greeted a few people on his way to the cafeteria, his lighthearted energy infectious as always.