𝐒𝐇𝐀𝐃𝐎𝐖𝐒 𝐎𝐅 𝐒𝐔𝐍𝐒𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐄 || 𝑺𝑬𝑶𝑲𝑺𝑶𝑶

chp2

The morning air was crisp as Joshua strolled across campus, weaving through the sea of students making their way to classes. His phone buzzed in his hand as he sent a quick message to Seokmin.

You:Where are you? Lecture’s about to start
8:56AM

Sliding the phone back into his pocket, Joshua adjusted his bag on his shoulder and looked around. The campus felt alive with energy, laughter bubbling in scattered groups and the smell of coffee wafting from the nearby café. He greeted a few familiar faces but didn’t stop to chat, his mind already anticipating Seokmin’s usual, cheerful response.

When the phone buzzed again, Joshua checked the screen immediately. A small furrow formed between his brows as he read Seokmin’s reply.

Minnie: Skipping lectures, hyung, I am feeling under the weather
9:01AM

Something about the text felt... off. The words seemed jumbled, as if Seokmin had meant to say something else but thought better of it halfway through typing. Skipping lectures wasn’t unusual if Seokmin wasn’t feeling well, but hyung? It wasn’t like him to leave out Shua hyung, the endearment that had become a staple in their relationship. Joshua hesitated for a moment, thumb hovering over the screen.

Is he really okay?

The thought barely settled in his mind before a notification popped up.

Hannie: Waiting for you by the lecture room
9:04AM

A small smile tugged at the corner of his lips, and he put the phone away without a second thought, his earlier concern for Seokmin slipping into the background. He quickened his pace, eager to meet Jeonghan.

When Joshua reached the lecture building, Jeonghan was already waiting outside, leaning casually against the wall. His light blond hair caught the sunlight, making him look almost ethereal. Jeonghan waved lazily as Joshua approached.

“There you are,” Jeonghan said with a grin. “Thought you’d decided to ditch me.”

Joshua chuckled, running a hand through his dark hair. “Sorry, got held up. I was texting Seokmin.”

Jeonghan tilted his head, his playful smile fading slightly. “Where’s your boyfriend? Isn’t he coming?”

“He’s skipping today,” Joshua replied with a shrug. “Said he’s feeling under the weather.”

Jeonghan’s expression shifted, his brows knitting together. “Is he sick? Shouldn’t you check on him?”

Joshua waved off the suggestion as they headed toward the lecture hall. “If it was anything serious, he would’ve told me. If he wanted me to come over, he’d have asked.”

Jeonghan didn’t say anything for a moment, his lips pressing into a thin line as he walked beside Joshua. It wasn’t his place to press further, though something about Joshua’s nonchalance left a sour taste in his mouth. Finally, he let out a soft sigh and changed the subject.

“Do you remember the time we got caught sneaking into the neighborhood pool when we were kids?” Jeonghan asked, his tone lighter now, steering the conversation away.

Joshua’s face lit up with laughter, the sound genuine as the memory came flooding back. “God, yes! You ran so fast you forgot your flip-flops!”

“Hey, I was saving us!” Jeonghan protested, his grin returning.

“Saving us? You mean saving yourself. You left me there!” Joshua shot back, his tone teasing.

Jeonghan smirked, shoving his hands into his pockets. “I was helping—you were the one who told the guard we were looking for your lost goldfish.”