- SEUNGMIN
"Is it just me, or has Seungmin been different ever since he cut his hair and started going to the gym?"
You glanced at Changbin, who was sitting next to you, eyes glued to his phone as he mindlessly scrolled.
"What do you mean?" he asked without looking up. "I still see him the same—annoying and a menace to society." He rolled his eyes for emphasis.
You let out a small huff, crossing your arms. "Well, he's been... different with me."
That caught Changbin's attention. He put his phone down, finally meeting your gaze. "Different how?"
You hesitated, chewing on your bottom lip. "I don't know... more in my space? Like, suddenly very interested in my life. He called me two nights ago, and we talked all night. I didn't even think he knew how to have long conversations. And—" you paused, your fingers instinctively brushing over your palm, "he held my hand in a crowded street the other day. Said it was so I wouldn't get lost or left behind."
Changbin's lips curled into a knowing smirk.
"Oh, that puppy," he chuckled.
Your brows furrowed. "What's that supposed to mean?"
"Did you believe him?" he asked, tilting his head slightly.
"Well... yeah," you said slowly. "I always get lost or left behind in crowds."
Changbin let out a small laugh, shaking his head as he picked up his phone again. "You are so oblivious sometimes."
Your eyes narrowed. "Do you know something I don't?"
Before he could answer, the door swung open, and the room was instantly filled with the scent of sweat and lingering cologne. Jeongin, Hyunjin, and Seungmin walked in fresh from the gym, their shirts slightly damp, faces glistening under the overhead light.
"Hey."
Seungmin's voice was light, casual—too casual. But the way his eyes locked onto yours, the way his lips curled into a big smile, felt anything but.
Your breath hitched slightly.
"Hey," you replied, trying to sound just as unaffected.
Seungmin ran a hand through his slightly damp hair before plopping down next to you on the couch, his arm pressing lightly against yours. He smelled like soap and something unmistakably him, and for some reason, it made your heart pick up speed.
"How was your day?" he asked, eyes soft with interest.
You blinked. "Uh... fine. Same as always."
"Did you eat?"
You furrowed your brows. "Yeah, why?"
He shrugged. "Just making sure."
From across the room, Hyunjin snorted while Jeongin coughed suspiciously into his fist. Changbin? He just smirked deeper into his phone.
Your head whipped toward them. "Okay, what is going on? Why does it feel like everyone is in on some secret except me?"
Seungmin leaned back against the couch, his gaze still locked onto yours, amused. "Maybe because you are missing something."
Your heart stuttered at the way his voice dipped slightly. He was definitely teasing you, but there was something else in his tone, something that sent a small shiver down your spine.
You let out a frustrated sigh. "If you have something to say, just say it."
Seungmin tilted his head, looking at you like you were a puzzle he was trying to solve. Then, without breaking eye contact, he reached forward and tucked a stray piece of hair behind your ear, his fingers lingering for just a second too long.
