Only You (YeonGyu)

Chapter 9: Sense of Foreboding

“So, what do you do every day? What are your hobbies? What are your favorites?” Kai asked, his mouth full of chocolate cake.

Beomgyu hesitated before responding. “I—I don’t really have any hobbies. Just studying and cleaning... that’s all.”

Kai raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. He tilted his head slightly, his expression one of disbelief. “That’s it? You don’t go out with your family? You don’t travel, or do anything fun?”

Beomgyu shook his head.

“WHAT? That’s so uncool! You’re just staying at home all the time?” Kai exclaimed, his voice too loud for the café. “You should at least try doing something else, something fun! Go to a concert, watch movies—stuff like that.”

“I… can’t. My parents are really strict. They won’t let me do any of that,” Beomgyu replied, feeling the weight of the truth.

Kai frowned, clearly upset. He shook his head in disbelief, tapping his fork against his plate like a petulant child. “Then I’ll talk to your parents! You’re old enough to be independent, and they shouldn’t keep you from having fun. If we’re friends, we’ll have a blast together! We’ll go to the mall, hang out, whatever!”

Beomgyu's heart sank. No, please don’t talk to my parents. If only Kai knew how cruel they could be. If they found out, they’d forbid him from hanging out with someone like Kai.

“Please, don’t,” Beomgyu said quickly. “I appreciate your concern, but you shouldn’t talk to my parents. Let’s just keep it between us. I don’t want to get you in trouble.”

Kai went quiet for a moment, then nodded understandingly. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to push you.”

The silence between them grew thick, and Beomgyu felt the weight of his own awkwardness. Why was he so bad at this? Why was talking to people so difficult? The question hung in his mind, sharp and painful.

Desperate to shift the mood, Beomgyu asked, “Do you have friends? I mean… other friends, besides me?”

Kai froze for a split second, his gaze dropping to his plate. Beomgyu watched, sensing something off, something that made him regret asking. Had he pried too deep?

Kai finally spoke, offering a tight smile. “Oh yeah, I have friends. They’re just... really busy, that’s all.”

Beomgyu could tell he was lying. Kai’s smile didn’t reach his eyes, but Beomgyu didn't push further. He didn’t have the right to. He wasn’t a good friend. He wasn’t good at this.

“Anyways, let’s talk about Sir Yeonjun and Sir Soobin instead!” Kai suddenly chirped. “Are you going to ask Sir Yeonjun out?”

Beomgyu choked on his drink, startled by the sudden question. “W-What? I don’t like him!”

Kai grinned mischievously. “Pssh, really? Are you sure? I think you do!”

Beomgyu blinked, confused by Kai’s sudden teasing. Kai didn’t stop; he was on a roll.

"How about Sir Soobin? I heard he invites students out to dinner sometimes. Maybe he’ll invite me!”

“Yeah, he invited me to dinner last night. With Sir Yeonjun, actually. It was a surprise—I didn’t expect to see them there.”

“WHAT?? You had dinner with them and didn’t invite me? That’s so unfair!” Kai exclaimed. Then, his voice dropped into a more serious tone. “So, how was it? Was Sir Soobin a gentleman?”

Beomgyu shrugged, trying to act casual. “It was good. I got to know them a bit.”

“Sir Yeonjun? Did he have his eyes on you the whole time?” Kai teased, his grin widening.

Beomgyu’s face flushed. He couldn’t deny that Yeonjun had been watching him the whole evening. It wasn’t just his imagination—it was obvious.

Kai, seeing Beomgyu’s reaction, squealed. “I knew it! He’s probably got a crush on you! You should totally ask him out!”

Beomgyu’s heart skipped a beat. This was absurd.

“No, Kai, you’re wrong. Yeonjun doesn’t like me. And even if he did, it’s illegal for teachers to have relationships with their students. I’d never let something like that happen.”

Kai rolled his eyes but smiled playfully. “Whatever you say, smarty-pants.”

Eventually, Beomgyu checked the time. It was already past five. He stood up, ready to head home. Kai insisted on getting his phone number, and despite his hesitation, Beomgyu handed it over. It seemed inevitable. They were becoming friends, after all.

“I’ll text you when I get home. I had fun today!” Kai said, laughing.

As they parted ways, Kai unexpectedly pulled him into a hug. Beomgyu froze for a moment, unsure of what to do, but something in Kai’s embrace felt soothing. The tightness in his chest began to loosen.

Kai pulled back, grinning. “It’s just a comforting hug, Beomgyu. I do this for my friends when they’re feeling down.”

“Thanks,” Beomgyu said softly.

Kai waved as he left, and Beomgyu watched him go, feeling strangely calm. His phone buzzed, and he checked the notification.

Mom: Where are you? It's already late, and you're not home yet!

Beomgyu sighed, bracing for the scolding that awaited him at home. Here we go again.