Chapter 10

Ju-woon didn't sleep well that night. 

Every time he closed his eyes, flashes of Min-ho flickered in his mind—his voice in the alley, his unreadable expression, the way he had just accepted Ju-woon's answer without a fight. It should've been a relief. Instead, it gnawed at him like an itch he couldn't scratch.

And now, on top of everything, there were rumors.

He didn't like seeing Min-ho but now he even occupied Ju-woon's thoughts. Ju-woon opened his eyes giving up on trying to fall asleep, got up from his bed and sighed, he opened his balcony and walked out.

The wind rushed to his face, it felt so refreshing. the city light's illuminated his face, the cars reflected in his eyes, adding a spark, a spark that has never been in his eyes.

Was this really the reflections of the city lights?

Ju-woon slowly took his hand's out of his pockets and reached to the cigarettes that sat on the coffee table, next to them a bright red lighter.

Ju-woon leaned against the cold metal railing of his balcony, one arm draped lazily over the edge while the other brought a cigarette to his lips. He took a drag the glow casting shadows across his features. He exhaled, letting the smoke curl and disappear into the night air, 

The next morning, he walked into campus feeling like a thousand eyes were on him. Maybe it was just paranoia, but something in the air felt off—like whispers were everywhere, people were exchanging glances when they thought he wasn't looking.

He ignored it. Or at least, tried to.

But then he saw Min-ho.

Standing by the main courtyard, leaning against a wall, talking to some girl whose name Ju-woon didn't care to remember. Min-ho was laughing at something she said, easy, effortless—like nothing in the world could faze him.

Ju-woon should've walked past. Should've ignored it.

But for some stupid reason, his feet slowed.

As if he could feel Ju-woon's stare, Min-ho turned his head—and their eyes met.

Ju-woon stopped breathing.

For a split second, Min-ho's expression was unreadable again. Then, slowly, that familiar smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. He tilted his head slightly, like he knew something Ju-woon didn't. Like he was waiting for something.

Ju-woon's stomach twisted.

No. He wasn't doing this.

Tearing his gaze away, he forced his feet to move, striding past Min-ho without a word.

But he felt it—that lingering stare, burning into his back long after he was gone.

The whispers didn't stop.

By lunchtime, they had doubled .

Soo-bin had been right—people were talking. And Ju-woon had a sinking feeling that some version of what happened was already being spread like wildfire.

He tried not to listen.

Tried to keep his head down as he made his way to the cafeteria. But then—

"I heard they left together after the party."

"You think they—?"

"Min-ho? No way, he's just messing with him."

"I bet Ju-woon's the one who—"

"I 'heard rumors that Min-ho's gay was it actually true?"

Ju-woon slammed his tray down on the nearest table.

The girls whispering at the next table flinched, their conversation abruptly cutting off. One of them gave him an awkward glance before quickly looking away.

Ju-woon clenched his jaw.

He wasn't stupid. He knew how this worked. The second a rumor started, people would twist it however they wanted. Make up their own versions of the truth.

And none of it would matter because, in the end, the damage was already done.

He grabbed his tray and stormed out.

He should've gone back to class.

Instead, he found himself near the back of the library—one of the few places people wouldn't bother him. He sank into a chair, resting his forehead against his palm.

why did these rumors feel so strange, people always talked about him why did he suddenly care?

It wasn't the first time people had talked about him. It wasn't the first time people made assumptions about who he was. But this time, it was different.

Because this time, Min-ho was involved, hold on why did that matter..

Ju-woon had no idea what the hell Min-ho was thinking.

As if summoned by the thought, the chair across from him scraped against the floor.

Ju-woon stiffened.

Min-ho.

I mean who else could it have been.

He didn't look bothered at all. If anything, he looked amused—like this was all some game. He leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table, fingers interlocked.

"So," he said, voice calm. "You heard the rumors yet?"

Ju-woon exhaled sharply through his nose. "No idea what you're talking about."

Min-ho's lips twitched. "Right. Because people totally aren't whispering about how we fucked."

Ju-woon's stomach dropped.

Min-ho knew.

Of course he knew.

"Relax," Min-ho said smoothly. "I don't care what they say."

Ju-woon scowled. "Good for you."

Min-ho tilted his head. "Do you care?"

Ju-woon hated the way that question made his chest tighten. Hated the way Min-ho was watching him, waiting for a reaction.

"No," he said flatly.

Min-ho hummed, clearly unconvinced. "Then why'd you run off?"

 "Because I don't have time for this bullshit."

Min-ho leaned back, regarding him with a lazy sort of interest. "You're cute when you're pissed."

Ju-woon nearly knocked over his chair standing up. "I'm leaving."

But before he could take a step, Min-ho caught his wrist.

what was up with Min-ho and him grabbing his wrist?

Ju-woon could feel the warmth of his fingers against his skin. Could feel his pulse jump at the contact.

Min-ho's voice dropped slightly. "You sure you don't wanna talk about it?"

Ju-woon swallowed. "There's nothing to talk about."

Min-ho studied him for a moment. Then, slowly, he let go.

"Alright," he said, voice light. "Have it your way."

Ju-woon didn't wait for him to say anything else.

He turned and walked away

But even as he put distance between them, he knew—

This wasn't over.

Not even close.

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