SECRET EMBRACE | Jeonghan X Joshua | JiHan

TEN

After leaving the lecture hall, Joshua found Vernon leaning casually against the wall outside the lecture hall, scrolling through his phone. When Vernon saw Joshua approaching, he pocketed the device and raised an eyebrow.

"Finally. Took you long enough," Vernon said, his voice light but teasing. Man was fine.

Joshua adjusted his backpack. "Lecture ran a bit late" he replied, though it wasn't entirely true. He'd left early to avoid another run-in with Jeonghan. Joshua did not want to interact with Jeonghan further.

Vernon fell into step beside him as they headed toward the cafeteria. "So, I've been meaning to ask" Vernon began, glancing sideways at Joshua. "How are you holding up with... everything?"

Joshua frowned. "Everything?"

Vernon gave him a look. "You know what I mean. Yesterday.. basketball court incident. The whole campus is still buzzing about it."

Joshua let out a sigh, running a hand through his hair. "I'm fine. It's not like I asked for any of it to happen."

Vernon stopped walking, forcing Joshua to pause too. "You're fine?" he repeated, his tone skeptical. "Dude, half the people are either talking about how you 'stood up to Jeonghan' or criticizing you for daring to throw the ball at him. You're the center of attention right now whether you like it or not. and... I can see that" Vernon eyed through the area looking at students, who were passing by while murmuring about joshua and jeonghan.

Joshua avoided Vernon's gaze, his voice quiet. "I just want it all to blow over."

Vernon sighed but didn't push further. "Alright. Let's grab lunch before you start stressing yourself out."

----

The cafeteria was bustling with students, the air filled with chatter and the clinking of cutlery. Joshua and Vernon made their way to the counter, opting for simple sandwiches and iced coffees. After scanning the crowded room, they found an empty table near the windows and settled down. They did not want any more attention. They'd already had enough on their plate.

Joshua took a bite of his sandwich, trying to tune out the occasional glances and whispers that seemed to follow him wherever he went. Vernon noticed and leaned forward, lowering his voice. "You're doing it again."

"Doing what?" Joshua asked.

"Shrinking into yourself. People are going to talk, no matter what. Don't give them the satisfaction of knowing it's getting to you."

Joshua sighed. "Easier said than done."

Vernon was about to reply when the atmosphere in the cafeteria shifted. The already lively room seemed to buzz with a new energy, and Joshua didn't need to turn around to know why. He knew who had come.

Jeonghan and his friends had arrived.

----

Jeonghan, with Seungcheol, Mingyu, Minghao, and Seungkwan entered the cafeteria with their usual confidence, their presence commanding attention as they strolled in. Students greeted them, some with shy waves, others with enthusiastic smiles. Jeonghan, as always, looked unbothered, his sharp gaze sweeping the room until it landed on Joshua.

"Well, well," Jeonghan said, his lips curving into a smirk. "Look who's here."

Vernon tensed beside Joshua, who kept his focus on his sandwich.

"Just ignore them" Vernon muttered under his breath.

But Jeonghan and his friends weren't the type to be ignored. They approached Joshua's table, their trays in hand, and casually sat down at the adjacent table, close enough to be a deliberate move.