Xeons

**Synopsis:**

In the midst of the dazzling city of Seoul, a boy is born into a loving and well-off family. Growing up in a warm home filled with affection, he enjoys a perfect childhood surrounded by his parents. His small world is filled with laughter, hugs, and everyday adventures that fill his days with happiness.

However, behind the peace of his life, an unexpected future awaits. Though still too young to understand the world beyond his home, his life is about to change. His courage and determination will be tested, and he will come to realize that not everything in the world is as blissful as the life he knows at home.

This beautiful childhood is just the beginning of a long journey that will shape him into a stronger person, with all the twists and turns he will have to face. This is the story of a boy who will not only learn about love and happiness, but also about struggle and loss, leading him into a world much larger than he ever imagined.

*English is not my first language.*  
*I am a beginner writer, so I apologize if there are any mistakes, and I would appreciate any suggestions.*
*I'm sorry if my writing is too bad.*

Lookism: Unchained Fate

Joon-hyuk sat on the bed, staring blankly at the wall. The warmth of the blanket covering him did nothing to chase away the coldness seeping into his bones. He could still feel it—the sticky warmth of blood on his hands, the weight of the knife, the way his heart had pounded in his chest. No matter how much he tried to push the memories away, they clung to him like a shadow.

He felt hollow, yet at the same time, something inside him churned violently. That other boy—the one who looked like him, yet wasn't—had spoken with such certainty. 'You need me,' he had said. 'I protected you.' But from what? Himself? His past? The cruel world that had abandoned him?

A soft knock at the door broke his thoughts.

"Joon-hyuk?" Mi-jin's voice was hesitant, unlike her usual cheerful tone. "Can I come in?"

He didn't answer, but the door creaked open anyway. Mi-jin stepped inside, clutching a small bowl of porridge in her hands. She hesitated before sitting beside him.

"You haven't eaten anything since yesterday," she said. "You should eat."

Joon-hyuk glanced at the bowl but made no move to take it. His stomach twisted at the mere thought of food. Mi-jin sighed, placing it on the bedside table.

"You know..." She toyed with the edge of her sleeve. "No one's mad at you. We were just worried."

Joon-hyuk clenched his fists. That wasn't true. They didn't know what he had done. If they did, they would hate him. They should hate him.

Lee Zin's voice cut through the air as he stepped into the room. His arms were crossed, his expression a mix of irritation and frustration. "Sitting here all quiet, acting all gloomy. What's your problem?"

"Lee Zin!" Mi-jin scolded. "That's not how you—"

"What? I'm just saying what everyone's thinking!" Lee Zin shot back. "He disappears, makes Mi-jin worry all night, and now he won't even talk? You think we don't deserve an explanation?"

Joon-hyuk lowered his gaze. He didn't have an explanation—at least, not one he could say out loud.

Lee Zin clicked his tongue. "Tch. Whatever. Be like that, then." He turned to leave but paused at the door. "Just don't expect us to come running next time."

Mi-jin looked like she wanted to argue, but Lee Zin was already gone. She let out a small sigh, rubbing her temples.

"He doesn't mean it like that," she muttered. "He's just… bad at this kind of thing."

Joon-hyuk didn't respond. He didn't care. He didn't deserve their concern.

Another voice spoke up, softer than the rest. "You're not alone, Joon-hyuk."

Seong Yohan stood near the door, his hands gripping the hem of his sweater nervously. His eyes were full of understanding—too much understanding. It made Joon-hyuk's chest tighten.

"I… I don't know what happened," Yohan continued. "But I know what it's like to be scared. To feel like you have no one. But you do. We're here."

Joon-hyuk's fingers curled into the blanket. Did he really have anyone? Would they still be here if they knew the truth? If they saw the darkness inside him?

He closed his eyes. He wanted to believe them. He wanted to believe that he wasn't completely alone. But deep inside, he knew better.

Because that voice—the one that whispered in the darkness—was still there.

10. Joon-hyuk Conflict