The campus buzzed with activity, as usual, the halls filled with chatter and laughter. Jay walked briskly, camera slung around his neck, heart pounding harder than ever. He’d spent the last three months capturing moments on campus, but somehow, his camera always found its way back to Sunoo—the boy whose radiant smile could brighten even the gloomiest day.
Sunoo was a magnet, his beauty and kindness attracting admirers left and right. Jay couldn’t count how many times he’d seen people approach Sunoo with gifts, confessions, and notes, all of which he politely declined. It wasn’t that Sunoo was cold; he was too warm, too thoughtful, too careful with people’s feelings. That was part of why Jay fell for him.
But today was different. Jay had made up his mind. He couldn’t keep admiring Sunoo from behind the lens. He’d finally confess his feelings.
As Jay reached the courtyard, he saw Sunoo seated on a bench, sunlight cascading through the trees to frame him perfectly. Jay felt his breath catch—he was breathtaking.
"Sunoo!" Jay called, walking up to him.
Sunoo looked up and smiled, the kind that made Jay’s world stop. "Oh, hey, Jay! Done with your photo rounds?"
Jay chuckled nervously, scratching the back of his neck. "Yeah, kind of. Actually, I wanted to talk to you about something."
Sunoo tilted his head, curious. "Sure, what’s up?"
Jay took a deep breath. "I—uh—I’ve been meaning to say this for a while now. I like you, Sunoo. Not just as someone I admire, but as someone I… I want to be with."
Sunoo blinked, stunned for a moment, before his cheeks flushed a soft pink. "Jay…"
Jay panicked. "I know you’re probably tired of people confessing to you. I mean, look at you—you're amazing! But I couldn’t keep it in anymore. I just—"
"Jay, stop," Sunoo interrupted, a small smile tugging at his lips. "You didn’t let me respond."
Jay froze. "Right. Sorry. Go ahead."
Sunoo’s gaze softened. "I like you too, Jay. I’ve liked you for a while, actually."
Jay’s heart leapt, but before he could say anything, Sunoo continued, "I just… I didn’t think you’d feel the same way. You’re so talented and passionate. I’ve always admired you from afar."
"You what?" Jay stared, unable to believe his ears.
Sunoo laughed, the sound like music. "I like you, Jay. So, yes, my answer is yes."
Jay felt like he could fly. But then he remembered something. "Wait, there’s one more thing I need to confess."
Sunoo raised an eyebrow. "More?"
Jay sheepishly pulled out his phone and opened the campus photo blog he ran. "So, I may have posted a few photos of you… okay, maybe more than a few."
Sunoo scrolled through the blog, finding pictures of himself in various moments—laughing with friends, reading under a tree, gazing at the sky. They were candid, beautifully taken, and full of warmth.
"You did this?" Sunoo asked, looking up at Jay.
"I couldn’t help it," Jay admitted, rubbing his neck. "You’re constantly surrounded by admirers, and I wanted to… I don’t know, show people the real you—the Sunoo I see. Kind, genuine, and absolutely radiant."
Sunoo’s smile grew wider. "Jay, you’re incredible. These are beautiful. And honestly, I’m glad you did it. Maybe this will finally scare off some of the admirers."
