Ji-Hoon left his apartment with purpose but no plan. His first stop was Min-Seok's place, conveniently just a floor below his own. Without knocking, he let himself in – such boundaries didn't exist between them.
Inside, Min-Seok was sprawled on the couch, surrounded by a chaotic sea of paper. Ji-Hoon picked up as stray pillow and hurled it at him with practice ease.
"It's past nine. Get up."
Min-Seok groaned, turning away from him. "If it's money you're after, take it and leave. I worked late last night." He mumbled in a muffled voice.
Ignoring the protest, Ji-Hoon strode over to the large window and yanked the curtains open. Sunlight flooded the room, prompting a defeated sigh from Min-Seok as he dragged himself toward the bathroom, muttering incoherent complaints.
In the meantime, Ji-Hoon made his way to the kitchen, searching for something to ease his growing hunger. He figured it was better to dirty Min-Seok's kitchen than his own.
When Min-Seok emerged, his hair damp and his face still bearing traces of exhaustion, the aroma of steamed rice, seaweed soup, and seasoned vegetables greeted him.
"Well, keep barging in if this is what I get," Min-Seok quipped, plopping down at the counter. Ji-Hoon scoffed but didn't respond.
They ate in silence, the clinking of chopsticks the only sound between them. Ji-Hoon noticed how Min-Seok was practically vibrating with unspoken questions. Finally, Ji-Hoon set his chopsticks down, crossed his arms and leaned back.
"Go ahead and ask."
As if given permission to spill his deepest curiosity, Min-Seok leaned forward eagerly. "Tell me everything – starting from when you left the gallery, to why you disappeared yesterday. I want details."
Ji-Hoon shook his head, a playful glint in his eyes. "I didn't know you liked gossip so much, Min-Seok."
"Mm, I do. Now spill."
Clearing his throat, Ji-Hoon began recounting the events, from Sana's exhibition to their time together afterwards.
As Ji-Hoon spoke, Min-Seok couldn't help but notice the subtle lightness in his friend's expression. How long has it been since Ji-Hoon smiled like this? Too long to remember.
For that alone, Min-Seok silently decided, Sana had earned her place among 'his people'. And Min-Seok always took care of his own.
"You look happy," Min-Seok said finally, his voice genuine. "I'm glad. This could be 'your love story', Ji-Hoon – the kind people search their whole lives for but never find. Don't clamp on yourself like you did with Eun-ji. Sana seems like someone who's been through her share of struggles too."
Ji-Hoon raised an eyebrow, skeptical.
Min-Seok smirked. "Don't look at me like that. I've been around your emotionally damaged ass long enough to pick a thing or two." He cleared his throat dramatically. "Anyway, don't screw this up. If she can make you walk around with that disgusting lovestruck look in your eyes, she's definitely good for you."
Ji-Hoon leaned against the counter, gazing at the bustling city outside. "I know," he murmured, almost to himself. Running a hand through his hair, he straightened and locked eyes with Min-Seok. "I know."
…
When they reached the campus, it was nearly lunchtime. As they walked through the grounds, Ji-Hoon noticed the usual gawking but paid no mind.
They were about to part ways when the persistent buzzing of Ji-Hoon's phone stopped him. He checked the screen. It was Sana.
"Sana?" he answered immediately, his voice softening.
"Ji-Hoon Oppa…" Her voice was trembling, raw with distress.
Ji-Hoon froze mid-step, and so did Min-Seok. "Sana, what's wrong?" he asked his tone calm but firm.
"I…" She hesitated, her voice on the verge of breaking. Ji-Hoon felt his chest tighten, anger rising at the thought of anyone making her feel like this.
"Sana, baby," he said gently, steadying his own voice. "Tell me where you are and I'll come to you."
Sana gave him her location, her voice barely audible. Ji-Hoon turned to Min-Seok and mouthed, 'Your car keys'.
"Okay," he reassured her. "Five minutes. Stay there."
"What's wrong?" Min-Seok asked, handing him the keys, his brow furrowed in concern.
"I don't know yet," Ji-Hoon said, already breaking into a run.
He'd promised five minutes. He'd make it in three.