Chapter 11

Ju-woon was tired.

Not just physically, but mentally, emotionally—drained in every possible way. He had expected the rumors to die out after a day or two, like they usually did. But no, they had only gotten worse.

People weren't just whispering anymore. They were bold. Some had even started coming up to him, asking outright, as if they had the right to know.

"So, is it true?"

"I heard you and Min-ho—"

"You know, I didn't think you swung that way, but—"

It was like the whole school had decided that Ju-woon's personal life was their new favorite drama.

He ignored it, or at least, he tried to. Keeping his head down, avoiding unnecessary conversations, acting like it didn't bother him. But as much as he hated to admit it, something about this whole situation felt off.

People had speculated about him before—who he was, what kind of person he was—but this time, it felt different. Maybe because this time, Min-ho was involved.

Why does that matter?

Ju-woon didn't have an answer for that.

He sighed, pushing the thought away as he made his way down the stairs after his second class. The only thing on his mind was getting through the rest of the day without losing his patience.

Unfortunately, fate had other plans.

As soon as he reached the last step, someone moved in front of him, blocking his way.

"Hey, Ju-woon."

He looked up.

Jae-hyun.

Ju-woon recognized him immediately. He wasn't exactly close with the guy, but he knew him well enough—confident, blunt, always speaking his mind without hesitation. And right now, judging by the way he stood there, looking determined but slightly nervous, Ju-woon could already tell where this was going.

Jae-hyun took a breath, squared his shoulders, then said, "Can we talk?"

Ju-woon arched a brow. "About?"

Jae-hyun exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair before blurting out, "So—I, uh—" He paused, then forced himself to meet Ju-woon's gaze. "I like you. And I heard you like guys, so I figured I'd just confess."

Silence.

For the first time today, Ju-woon was actually caught off guard.

Jae-hyun stood there, looking straight at him, waiting for a response. And for a moment, Ju-woon could only stare.

Of all the things that had happened this week, of all the ridiculous rumors that had spread—this? This was unexpected.

It wasn't like this was the first time someone had confessed to him. But Jae-hyun wasn't the type to beat around the bush or try to play it off as a joke. He was serious.

Ju-woon exhaled quietly.

"…Sorry," he said at last, his tone neutral. "But I don't like you that way."

He didn't offer an explanation. He didn't soften the rejection. He just said it, because there was nothing else to say.

Jae-hyun blinked, his expression flickering between surprise and disappointment. But to his credit, he didn't look too crushed. If anything, he just nodded, looking almost as if he had expected this outcome.

"Ah… got it." He let out a short laugh, rubbing the back of his neck. "Well, worth a shot, right?"

Ju-woon gave a noncommittal shrug. Then, after a brief pause, he patted Jae-hyun's shoulder once—a simple, detached gesture—before walking past him.

But just as he did, he noticed someone standing nearby.

Min-ho.

Leaning casually against the wall, watching.

Of course, he would be here.

Ju-woon clenched his jaw and kept walking, deciding to pretend he hadn't seen him. Maybe if he ignored him, Min-ho wouldn't start anything.

No such luck.

Just as he tried to pass, Min-ho moved.

Before Ju-woon could react, fingers curled around his waist—light but firm, stopping him mid-step.

Ju-woon stiffened at the sudden contact, his breath hitching slightly. Min-ho's fingers were cold against the fabric of his shirt, the touch lingering for just a second longer than necessary before he finally let go.

"You're not going anywhere," Min-ho said smoothly, his voice dripping with amusement. "You're coming with me."

Ju-woon sighed, tilting his head slightly,he knew that wasn't a question it was a statement, when min-ho said something he most likely meant it, Ju-woon didn't have the option to say 'no' to be honest Min-ho's senatence just translated to 'im coming over you dont have a choice' "Fine. Where and when?" his tone unimpressed

Min-ho hummed, acting as if he was actually considering it. Then he smirked.

"Hmm… I wanna come over to your place."

Ju-woon's eyes narrowed. "And why the hell would I let you do that?"

Min-ho's smirk widened, like he was enjoying this way too much. "Because you're going to."

Ju-woon scoffed. "In what world?"

"This one." Min-ho took a step back, slipping his hands into his pockets. "Seven. I'll be there. Send me your address."

Ju-woon opened his mouth to argue, but Min-ho was already walking away, his posture relaxed, completely unbothered—like he knew Ju-woon wouldn't refuse.

Ju-woon clicked his tongue in irritation.

He should say no. He should text Min-ho later and tell him not to bother coming.

But the worst part was—he already knew he wasn't going to.

And that pissed him off more than anything.

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