𝘗𝘺𝘴𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘵𝘪𝘤 𝘊𝘳𝘶𝘴𝘩 | 𝘺.𝘫𝘸 𝘹 𝘬.𝘴𝘯

💌 vday special ᥫ᭡.

— not associated with the main story plot

The day was winding down as the final bell rang, signaling the end of another school day. The hallways were alive with chatter, students packing up and heading out to enjoy the start of their Valentine's Day evening.

Sunoo decided that even though he had no Valentine, he would still treat himself to a date.

But as he made his way to his locker, he noticed a small, folded note slipped under the door of his locker. It wasn't anything too obvious, just a simple, mysterious piece of paper.

Curious, Sunoo quickly opened it, reading the words written in neat handwriting:

Meet me behind the school after the bell. :)

Sunoo's brow furrowed, his heart rate quickening. It wasn't signed. Who could it be? He couldn't think of anyone who would leave him such a note, but the intrigue piqued his curiosity.

With one last glance at the crowded hallway, he grabbed his things and hurried out to the back of the school.

The cold winter air bit at his skin as he stepped behind the school, near the old oak tree.

He could see the faint silhouette of someone waiting for him in the shadows.

"Hello?" Sunoo called out softly, stepping closer.

Out of the shadows emerged Jay, a familiar smile tugging at his lips. Sunoo's heart skipped a beat, both surprised and relieved.

"Jay?" Sunoo asked, feeling a mix of emotions flood over him. "You... left that note?"

Jay chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly. "Yeah, I did." He took a deep breath, his usual calm demeanor giving way to something more vulnerable.

"I'm not great at this kind of thing, but... I couldn't hold it in any longer. I've had these feelings for you for a while now, Sunoo."

Sunoo's eyes widened, his breath catching in his throat. Jay?

The same Jay who had been his best friend through thick and thin?

The one who always knew how to make him smile, who had shared every moment of high school with him?

"I like you, Sunoo. Will you be my Valentine?" Jay pulls out a singular rose he was hiding behind him.

"I... I don't know what to say," Sunoo whispered. His heart was racing. He hadn't expected this, and it was almost too much to process.

Jay stepped closer, his gaze soft and sincere. "You don't have to say anything right now. I just wanted you to know. I like you, Sunoo. A lot. And I thought maybe... you felt the same?"

Sunoo's heart beats loud, he was expecting his close friend to confess like this.

His head rushes through countless thoughts on what to say.

But when he looked at Jay, it all went silent.

Sunoo took a deep breath, he looks into Jay's eyes.

He felt his heart flutter with Jay's loving gaze on him.

Maybe... he should give him a chance.

Sunoo took a moment to think. It was then he finally made his decision.

Sunoo smiles. "I... can't say I like you back..."