Hwang Hyunjin || Call My Name (Under Revision)

30. Encounter again

Author's note: I recommend listening to Your Song by Sam Kim while reading this.

CHAN'S POV

It's been a week since I last talked to Yeona. Seungmin told me they're dating now, and while it hurts, there's not much I can do. Yeona despises me now, and even if I tried to fix things, I doubt she'd give me the chance.

So, I've just been going through the motions. The only difference is I'm not really happy anymore. Every morning, I find myself wondering, "What's the point?" I've become someone everyone admires, but it feels so empty without Yeona's smile. All I want is to lie in bed and forget about everything.

After my morning class, I headed to the school store for some food before going to the rooftop, where I've been eating alone for the past week. As usual, I sat by the entrance, eating my gimbap, when out of nowhere, a carton of pineapple juice landed in my lap. I looked up and saw Changbin. Without saying much, he sat beside me and started eating his sandwich.

"Don't ask, just drink it," he said, when I paused before touching the juice.

Changbin's been coming to join me every day since we met at the playground last week. At first, it felt weird having someone around, but now, I don't mind it. It's not like we talk much, but just sitting there together, silently watching the sky, feels comforting.

"Yeah," I replied.

"Don't talk to me," he mumbled, biting into his sandwich.

Curious, I asked, "Why do you keep coming to lunch with me?" I watched his side profile, the breeze ruffling his dark brown hair. He didn't respond.

"Sorry, I'm just... wondering. It's strange, you're here every day," I said, focusing back on my gimbap. The silence stretched between us.

After a moment, Changbin finally spoke. "Like I said, I saw your pain. How could I leave you?" His voice was quiet and distant, still not looking at me.

"Is that why you're here?" I asked. He finally met my gaze, and for a brief moment, we just stared at each other before the bell rang.

"Let's go," he said, standing up.

The rest of the school day passed without much thought. As I walked to the bus stop, I wanted to leave before Yeona or anyone else saw me. I boarded the bus, plugged in my earphones, and listened to 4419 by Stray Kids. When I got off at my stop, my phone rang—it was an unknown number.

"Hello?" I answered.

"Hey Chan, it's me, Woojin."

"Hyung!" That familiar voice instantly lifted my mood.

"I'm in Seoul now, just arrived two days ago. Thought of you."

"That's awesome!" I smiled.

"Can we meet tomorrow? After your class?" Woojin asked.

"Of course!" I couldn't remember the last time I felt this excited.

***

Lunch arrived, and I was back at my usual rooftop spot, alone. Weird. Changbin usually beat me here—or at least dramatically appeared five minutes late like he was making an entrance. I looked at my watch, frowning a bit. What's taking him so long? I was just about to get up when I heard footsteps.

"Miss me already?" Changbin grinned, holding something in his hand as he walked toward me.

"You're late," I huffed, plopping back down on the ground.

He dramatically clutched his chest. "Aw, waiting for me? That's adorable."

I rolled my eyes so hard I thought they'd get stuck. "Gross."