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24: proximity

A few weeks have passed by. It was already almost the end of July. The school corridors were buzzing as usual, students rushing from one class to another. Hoseok leaned against a locker, chatting with Jin and Namjoon about their upcoming chemistry test, while the rest of the group stood nearby.

That's when Han Jin-hoo appeared at the end of the hallway. He was the one Hoseok had saved from getting bullied a month ago. He looked a little nervous, clutching something in his hand. His steps faltered when he saw the entire group together, but after a moment of hesitation, he walked up to them.

( I briefly mentioned him in chapter 19 )

"Um, Hoseok-sunbae?" Jin-hoo said softly, his voice almost drowned by the hallway chatter.

Hoseok turned, his lips instantly stretching out into a grin. "Hey, Jin-hoo! What's up?"

Jin-hoo's cheeks flushed slightly. "I... I wanted to invite you and your friends to my birthday party tomorrow. It's at my house. Nothing big, just a small gathering. I-I'd really like it if you all came."

He handed Hoseok a neatly designed invitation card, his eyes flickering nervously toward the rest of the group.

Namjoon nudged Hoseok with a smirk. "Looks like you're popular with the juniors, huh?"

Hoseok waved him off playfully. "Don't tease the kid." He turned back to Jin-hoo, his voice soft. "Thanks for the invite. We'll be there, right, guys?"

The group exchanged glances and nodded. "Of course," Jin said with a grin. "You are turning 18, aren't you?"

Jin-hoo smiled shyly, bowing slightly. "Thank you and yes, I'll be 18. It starts at 6 PM. I'll see you all there." And with that, he hurried away before anyone could say more, making the rest of the boys chuckle at his shy behavior.

The Next Day, the group arrived at Jin-hoo's modest but cozy home right on time. The decorations were simple-streamers, fairy lights, and a banner that read, Happy Birthday, Jin-hoo!

Jin-hoo greeted them at the door, dressed neatly, his nervousness from yesterday replaced by a shy smile. "Thank you for coming!"

"Of course," Hoseok said, patting his shoulder warmly. "Happy birthday, Jin-hoo!"

The rest of the group chimed in with their wishes, though Hoseok's gaze stayed longer than necessary on the boy and so did Jin-hoo's, before he was dragged inside by the other boy's.

Jin-hoo's house wasn't packed-just a handful of his close friends, making the atmosphere comfortable and intimate. They chatted, ate snacks, and after the cake was cut, everyone gathered in the living room.

As the party wound down, the group noticed Jin-hoo sticking close to Hoseok. His glances were becoming harder to miss, and Hoseok seemed equally drawn to the junior. Jin-hoo finally pulled Hoseok aside, his voice trembling.

"Sunbae," he began, staring at his shoes. "I... I think we're..." He glanced up nervously, as if confirming his thoughts.

Hoseok's breath hitched as the realization hit him too. "You're my mate." His voice was barely a whisper, but the words hung heavily between them. Jin-hoo nodded, his cheeks flushed as he dared to meet Hoseok's gaze.

Hoseok couldn't help the small, disbelieving laugh that escaped him. "I never imagined..." His words trailed off, and he reached out to gently squeeze Jin-hoo's hand. "Happy birthday, Jin-hoo. Guess fate decided to give you a special gift, huh?" he teased, to make the boy a little less nervous.

Jin-hoo's smile was small but radiant. "The best one." he whispered.

The rest of the boys were delighted at the news, teasing and congratulating the both of them.