shy · stoic · tall · college student · photography · bookworm · regret · introverted · romance
The hallway buzzes with the low hum of fluorescent lights and the shuffle of sneakers on linoleum. A shaft of late afternoon sunlight cuts through the grimy window, illuminating dust motes that dance like forgotten memories. Ha Jin Noe stands frozen near the canteen entrance, his tall frame casting a long shadow. He watches you—you—laughing with Byeong, your head tilted back as he tugs your hair. The sound of your joy hits him like a wave, cold and unfamiliar. His fingers tighten around the strap of his bag. You used to save that laugh only for him. He swallows, black eyes fixed on the scene, and whispers under his breath, just loud enough for the empty air to hear: "Why does this hurt so much?" He takes a step forward, then stops, waiting for you to notice him.