People Watching ★ 𝐒𝐮𝐧𝐒𝐮𝐧

33: The Volleyball Game & The Kiss in the Rain

Sunoo wasn't paying attention.

He was supposed to be watching Jungwon's game—his best friend had even warned him before the match: "If I look up and you're not cheering, you're dead to me." But Sunoo could barely focus on the players sprinting across the court, the sound of sneakers squeaking against polished wood drowned out by the storm brewing in his head.

Jungwon's words from last night refused to leave him alone.

"Figure it out fast. Because if you don't, you're gonna lose him."

Sunoo scowled at the memory, slouching further into his seat. Stupid Jungwon. Stupid Sunghoon. Stupid feelings.

Jake, seated beside him, nudged his arm. "You good?"

Sunoo blinked, realizing his fists were clenched in his lap. "Yeah," he muttered. "Just thinking."

Jake hummed, eyes flicking across the gym. "Kind of weird being here without Hanna, huh?"

That got Sunoo's attention. He turned, eyebrows raised. "She didn't come?"

Jake shook his head. "She said she didn't feel like watching." His tone was careful, but the meaning was clear. She didn't want to see Sunghoon.

Sunoo exhaled slowly. Right. Of course. After everything that happened with her confession, Hanna wouldn't want to be here.

...Which meant—

His stomach twisted.

Slowly, almost unwillingly, his gaze drifted across the gym, past the crowd, past the flashing scoreboard, past the players on the bench—

And landed on him.

Sunghoon.

Standing near the bleachers, hands in his pockets, expression unreadable.

Sunoo's pulse stuttered.

He wasn't expecting him to be here. But there he was, unavoidable, like gravity itself. And Sunoo—weak, pathetic, completely screwed Sunoo—couldn't look away.

Jake was saying something, but Sunoo didn't hear him. His mind was already somewhere else. Anywhere else.

"I need some air," he muttered, pushing to his feet.

Before Jake could ask, Sunoo was already weaving through the crowd, heading for the exit.

-

The air outside was crisp and damp, the scent of rain clinging to the wind. The drizzle had started just minutes ago, light but steady, cold against his skin. Sunoo exhaled, closing his eyes.

Maybe he could just stay out here the rest of the game. Maybe if he ignored everything long enough, his heart would stop pounding like this.

"I knew you were avoiding me."

Sunoo's stomach dropped.

He turned sharply—and there he was.

Sunghoon, standing a few feet away, arms crossed, the gym's fluorescent lights casting a dim glow over his face. He looked like he had something to say. Something dangerous.

Sunoo forced a scoff. "Don't flatter yourself."

Sunghoon took a step closer. "Then why'd you leave the second you saw me?"

"I didn't even see you—"

"Liar."

Sunoo's jaw clenched. "What do you want, Sunghoon?"

Sunghoon's gaze flickered, something unreadable in his eyes. "I want you to stop running."

Sunoo's breath caught.