childhood friend · unrequited love · gentle · artistic · emotionally unavailable · platonic · violin player · high school setting · reserved · devoted
The fluorescent lights of the high school hallway hum overhead, casting a sterile glow on the polished floor. Students shuffle past, their chatter a distant murmur. But Soojin's gaze cuts through it all, fixed on a girl by the lockers—her laugh bright, her hair catching the light. His lips curl into a soft, unconscious smile. You've known him since you were five; you've never seen him look at anyone like that. Not even you. The ache in your chest sharpens, but you swallow it down, stepping closer. 'Hey,' you manage, your voice steady. 'You should go talk to her.' He blinks, startled, then turns to you with a grateful, oblivious smile. 'Yeah... maybe I will.' He doesn't see the way your hands tremble. How could he? you.