(Time skip to lunch since their morning was boring)
Beomgyu's anxiety was beyond overwhelming; it was more like a storm raging within him. Today was the day he had decided to confess his feelings to Yeonjun. On the rooftop of their building, he stood, heart pounding, anticipating Yeonjun's arrival. The minutes felt like an eternity as he took a trip down memory lane, cherishing the joyful moments he had shared with his friends recently. His group of friends was a source of incredible happiness, one he couldn't have imagined being without.
His thoughts were suddenly broken by the sound of approaching footsteps. His heart jumped and then eased as he realized it was Yeonjun strolling over and not some serial killer. Despite their never-ending teasing and banter, there was a strong bond they'd formed in just a few months. Beomgyu took a deep breath, strengthening his decision. He couldn't chicken out now; he had decided to do this, and he was going to follow through, no matter what.
As Yeonjun approached, Beomgyu spoke up, "Hyung, before you say anything, there's something I need to tell you." Yeonjun nodded, showing his willingness to listen. With a deep breath, Beomgyu went on, "I've been wanting to say this for a while, but I guess the right moment never came. And if I don't say it now, I might never find the courage again... Yeonjun hyung, I have feelings for you, and I don't mean just as a friend it's more than that." With that confession hanging in the air, Beomgyu turned away, unable to meet Yeonjun's gaze, his heart racing.
Yeonjun's heart did this weird mix of happy dance and nervous shuffle when he found out Beomgyu was into him. Like, whoa, he felt the same way too – totally new to him. But as stoked as he was, he couldn't just take the confession and run with it. As badly as he wished he could reply with a "heck yeah, me too," he found himself stuck. It wasn't about his feelings, but because a bunch of jerks who were using some twisted blackmail to mess up Beomgyu's world if Yeonjun dared say 'yes' to the confession. Yeonjun had to make a gut-wrenching decision: turning down Beomgyu. It hurt, but he didn't have a choice. Life throws curveballs sometimes, and this was one of them. He knew it wouldn't be easy, but he gathered his strength and did what he had to do.
Yeonjun: Beomgyu turn around
Beomgyu: Hyung, I can't. I can't face you
Yeonjun: Beomgyu please
Beomgyu hesitated as he turned around, his hopes tempered by the uncertainty he saw in Yeonjun's expression. His heart sank as he heard Yeonjun's words, his world shattering in that moment.
Yeonjun: "Listen up, Beomgyu. I've thought about us, and let's cut the crap – there's zero chance of a romantic future here. No need to sugarcoat it. I respect the time we've spent, together, but it's not going where you seem to think. Wrap your head around that reality. Friendship's still on the table, if that even matters to you. You can take your sweet time getting over this shock, and I might be around or not whenever you get over it."
Beomgyu had anticipated the rejection, yet the unexpected change in Yeonjun's demeanor left him feeling even more disheartened. The warmth he had appreciated in Yeonjun seemed to vanish, replaced by an uncharacteristic rudeness. Questions swirled in Beomgyu's mind – where had the considerate Yeonjun gone? Why this sudden change?
With a heavy heart, Beomgyu quickly navigated to his classroom. The last thing he wanted was to confront Yeonjun, not after the jarring encounter. Tears welled up in Yeonjun's eyes as he watched Beomgyu walk away, a silent departure that cut deep. He was filled with regret; this wasn't what he had intended. He thought, "If only I could have avoided those jerks, if only our paths hadn't crossed just then. Beomgyu should have been in my arms by now, if only circumstances had been different."
(FLASHBACK TO BEFORE HE WENT ON TO MEET BEOMGYU)
Yeonjun's footsteps came to an abrupt halt as a familiar figure blocked his path. The person standing before him was none other than Seo Uri, and while the encounter was unexpected, it didn't manage to surprise him.
"What on earth do you want, Seo Uri? Why do you keep coming up to me like this?" Yeonjun said
"You. I want you, isn't that clear?" Her frustration colored her words as she attempted to reach for Yeonjun's hand, but he skillfully evaded her touch.
"Haven't you realized that I'm not interested in girls? I'm GAY!" Yeonjun's voice was laced with frustration.
"I couldn't care less. Just be with me, and I'll make you change your mind about girls," Seo Uri spoke.
"What's the matter with you? Just cut it ou-," Yeonjun began to say, but Uri interrupted him.
"Either be mine, or I'll completely destroy your little friend's life," Seo Uri stated bluntly.
"W-What? What are you talking abou-"
"You know exactly what I'm talking about! Do you think I didn't see you two kissing? And I'm well aware that you're too attached to that fag you're so fond of, that you won't jeopardize his reputation, am I right?" Seo Uri's words were sharp and cutting.
Yeonjun's mind went blank. He couldn't think anything. But he got so furious when she called him a... Fag!
"Seo Uri! Shut your fucking mouth! Don't you dare call him that" he warned.
"What if I do?" she retorted, a defiant edge to her voice.
"Go ahead and test me!" Yeonjun countered, "But keep in mind that if you label him that way, I am one too"
"Hey, Yeonjun! Listen up—I've managed to uncover some info about his high school days, the whole bullying thing. And believe it or not, I've got the evidence to back it up. So, if you don't want to mess with his college experience and studies, just go along with what I'm suggesting. It'll definitely be a positive move for that fuking fa..." She was cut off by Yeonjun
"Okay, seriously, just shut it! You're not planning to do anything" Now Yeonjun was shaking, caught up in his feelings. Flashes of Beomgyu's happy moments, his laughter that could light up a room—it all played in Yeonjun's mind like a favorite playlist. Even their playful banters popped up. The last thing he wanted was for those grins and chuckles to vanish. Nah, he was dead set on keeping that brightness alive.
"Just back off from him and go out with me, and I'll keep my hands off him. Simple as that," Uri said, flashing a grin that would've probably made Yeonjun gag if he wasn't so preoccupied with Beomgyu's infectious smile.
A hush settled over them for a moment.
"I'll just take your quiet as a 'yes.' So, yep, tomorrow's our date. Prep yourself, honey," she said, giving him a hug. But he didn't really hug back. He went all stiff, and it wasn't the same vibe as those out-of-nowhere hugs he'd share with Beomgyu. The difference in feels? It seriously rubbed him the wrong way.
As she walked away, he was left deep in thought, thinking over his dilemma. "What's my move? How do I explain to Beomgyu that I don't want to cause him pain?" With these questions swirling in his mind, he arrived at a difficult conclusion: he needed to push Beomgyu away, even make him dislike him. It seemed like the safest path for the younger guy. If Seo Uri distanced herself from the younger, it might spare Beomgyu from unnecessary hurt.
