Secrets and Lies || Hoonki/Nikihoon

Chapter 18: Out of Class

"I'm home!" Ni-ki called out, slipping off his shoes at the entrance.

Konan, who was sitting cross-legged by the small table, perked up immediately. She grinned widely, setting her chopsticks down. "Hey, you're back! How was school?"

Ni-ki hesitated for a second before forcing a small smile. "It was... fine." He walked over, dropping his bag beside the couch.

Konan raised an eyebrow, clearly not convinced. "Just 'fine'? That sounds suspicious." She nudged her plate aside, fully turning to face him. "Come on, spill~ Anything interesting happen?"

Ni-ki pressed his lips together, debating what to say. His mind flashed back to lunch - One moment, he was struggling to breathe, his chest tight, his vision blurring. The next... Sunghoon was there. Park Sunghoon. Of all people. Holding onto him. Talking to him. Calming him down.

He shook his head quickly. "Nothing much," he muttered, grabbing a bottle of water from the fridge.

Konan hummed, watching him carefully. "You sure? You look kinda... weird."

He scoffed lightly, taking a sip of water. "Wow. Thanks."

She rolled her eyes but didn't push further. "Whatever. Sit down and eat something before you pass out."

Ni-ki exhaled, rubbing his temple. As much as he didn't want to think about it, he knew this day wasn't going to leave his head anytime soon.

Ni-ki sat down at the table with a sigh. Just as he reached for his chopsticks, his phone buzzed in his pocket. He pulled it out and saw Sunoo's name lighting up the screen

Sunoo:
How dare you leave without me and Jungwon, Mr. Ni-ki?

A small chuckle escaped his lips. He could practically hear Sunoo's playful voice in his head. Without hesitation, he typed back.

Ni-ki:
My bad, Sunoo
Next time, I'll wait like a good student

Just as he hit send, another message popped up.

Sunoo:
My bad??
Don't even try to play it cool, Mr. Niki
You left us!! Rude!!

Ni-ki chuckled lightly at the message before quickly typing a response.

Ni-ki:
Blame the teacher, not me

A few seconds later, his phone buzzed again.

Sunoo:
Excuses EXCUSES.
Jungwon and I had to carry those heavy books while you just ran off T_T

Ni-ki:
I was STARVING.
Survival instincts kicked in

Sunoo:
Nuh uh.
And yet you didn't even eat much!!
I saw your tray left untouched dummy

Ni-ki paused, staring at the screen. He hadn't expected Sunoo to notice. Before he could think of a reply, another message popped up.

Sunoo:
But whatever, Jungwon and I will let it slide this time... maybe

Ni-ki:
How kind of you ~

Sunoo:
I know ^^
anyway, what are you doing?

Ni-ki glanced at Konan, who was watching him with an amused look as she ate. He smirked and texted back.