"WHAT?!!!" Han-bin's voice boomed from the upper floor, its powerful resonance rippling through the building like a sonic blast. The entire classroom fell silent as every student looked up in surprise, caught off guard by the sheer volume and impact of his cry.
Everyone immediately recognized it as Won Han-bin's voice. His voice had become so iconic that it was more synonymous with him than the impressive collection of gold medals displayed in the school's trophy case, each one a symbol of his swimming achievements.
Seung-joon's concern grew as he remembered that Han-bin was one of Min-jun's close friends.
'What's going on, Han Min-jun?'
He slipped out of his class quietly and made his way to the upper floor. The 11th-grade corridor buzzed with students, all chattering about Han-bin and his unmistakable voice. When Seung-joon reached the next level, the hallway was nearly empty except for a few lingering students. He walked casually toward Min-jun's classroom and peeked inside, finding only the three friends present in the otherwise empty room.
With a relaxed posture against the wall, Seung-joon pretended to scan the notice board in front of him. His real attention, however, was directed at the soft, muffled conversation emerging from Min-jun's classroom. Chang-min's voice, a faint whisper, filtered through the window, offering only fragments of their conversation. Seung-joon listened closely, his mind piecing together the disjointed words to capture the gist of what was being discussed.
"Jun-ah. Get a grip on yourself."
"Hyung, should I transfer myself to a different school?"
"Don't be crazy," Han-bin said, trying to keep his voice as low as possible.
"I can't let anyone know. Especially Seung-joon. I don't want him looking at me with disgust."
"Why would he look at you with disgust? Loving someone is not a crime. Plus, I don't think that kid is that shallow. Also, he doesn't know you love him."
"It's the first time I've heard you say something sensible."
There was a sharp thud, accompanied by the sound of something hitting the ground with a heavy impact. Seung-joon's imagination filled in the gaps, picturing Han-bin playfully tossing something toward Chang-min.
"Anyway, just let it be. Be true to yourself. Pushing things away only makes things harder."
Seung-joon could hear the affectionate tone in Chang-min's voice, with Han-bin chiming in in agreement. As the bell echoed through the hallway, marking the end of recess, he quietly departed and made his way to his classroom, his mind lingering on the conversation he had overheard.
Tae-min was frantically finishing his last-minute homework, carefully copying the more complex sections from Seung-joon's book. As Seung-joon walked by, he nonchalantly reclaimed his book, prompting a frustrated groan from Tae-min.
"Oh, come on, baby."
"No. Do it on your own. Or I'll tell eomma."
Tae-min gave Seung-joon a wistful glance, complete with a pout and his signature puppy eyes, which brought a smile to Seung-joon's face. But as soon as Tae-min heard other students entering the classroom, he quickly masked his expression and resumed his work. Seung-joon, left with a lingering smile, mulled over the conversation he had just overheard.
'Han Min-jun, you're making it so much harder for me to walk away. Regardless of whether I return your feelings or not, it seems you're destined to suffer.'
Seung-joon unconsciously bit the inside of his cheek, only to be jolted by a gentle poke. Tae-jon had returned from his music class.
'Don't do that,' Tae-jon said with a hint of sternness.
Seung-joon smiled at Tae-jon and shifted his focus to the front of the classroom. Upon the teacher's arrival, he started taking notes automatically, his thoughts still preoccupied with Min-jun.
'Han Min-jun, I wish I could spend a day with you. I want to know everything about you.'
He let out an involuntary sigh, causing Tae-min and Tae-jon to shoot him quick, worried glances. Seung-joon cleared his throat softly.
"Just feeling a bit tired," he murmured, trying not to give away his real feelings.
Inside, Seung-joon thought, 'Oh man, this is going to be a hassle,' as he continued to feign ignorance to the anxious expressions of his brothers.
To his brothers, Seung-joon remained their beloved baby, and he played this role with sincere devotion. His encounter with Han Min-jun had sparked a profound realization within him; despite everything, his brothers had always been his top priority, a truth he had accepted without question. They were his cherished ones. He wondered how they would react if they discovered that he had grown and evolved in ways they hadn't anticipated. With a heavy heart, Seung-joon closed his eyes and made a fervent wish:
'Han Min-jun, let's meet for one day and spend time together as a couple.'
Seung-joon made a desperate wish, hoping it would come true against all odds.