Only You (YeonGyu)

Chapter 24: The Breaking Point

For a long moment, Kai didn’t speak. His gaze softened as he searched Taehyun’s eyes. There was no bitterness in them—just sincerity. And regret.

He sighed, then finally said, “I’m not mad. I was just… surprised. Everything was messy. I was already dealing with so much, and when that happened, I shut down. But… I don’t hate you. I never did.”

Taehyun's shoulders relaxed a little.

“I’m sorry too,” Kai continued. “I know you cared. And I didn’t want to hurt you. I just… I never saw you that way. I hope that’s okay.”

A sad but genuine smile tugged at Taehyun’s lips. “It is. Thank you for telling me.”

The tension slowly melted away between them. The air became lighter.

“We’re still friends, right?” Kai asked.

“Always,” Taehyun replied.

They shared a quiet laugh, something gentle and real. Maybe love hadn’t worked out between them—but friendship was still something worth holding onto.

And for Kai, as he sat back with his book once again, he realized… sometimes the heart has room for more than just one kind of love.

+×+

The school day was just about to begin.

Soobin was busy packing up his materials for first period, neatly slipping books into his bag with practiced ease. But his attention shifted when he noticed Yeonjun sitting nearby, lost in a daydream, his eyes shimmering like stars and a small, almost childish smile curling his lips.

A mischievous grin tugged at Soobin’s mouth.

“You look suspiciously giddy today,” Soobin teased, slinging his bag over his shoulder. “Did you overdose on candy? Maybe spiked your morning coffee with whiskey? Or—wait—don’t tell me you’re high on something?”

Yeonjun chuckled quietly, not even sparing him a glance as he tidied his desk, still wrapped in his glowing trance.

Soobin squinted, tilted his head, and studied him with exaggerated curiosity. Then his eyes widened in mock revelation. “Oh my god. I knew it! That dreamy look, the glowing aura—you’re in love!”

Yeonjun turned, caught off guard. “W-What? No, of course not,” he stammered with a sheepish smile—too sheepish to be convincing.

“You liar,” Soobin gasped, pointing dramatically. “You are in love! Who is it? Come on, spill! I told you about my secret crush, didn’t I?”

Yeonjun simply shrugged, a playful glint in his eye. “That’s a secret. For now.”

“That’s so unfair!” Soobin pouted.

But before Yeonjun could reply, a knock came from the door. The atmosphere shifted immediately as Mrs. Choi stepped into the faculty room.

“Mrs. Choi,” Yeonjun greeted politely, rising to his feet. “What brings you here? Is there something I can help you with?”

The woman's expression was cold—hard and unreadable.

“I’d like to speak to you. Alone,” she said flatly.

Yeonjun subtly exchanged a glance with Soobin, signaling him with a quick flick of his eyes.

Soobin understood instantly and grabbed his bag. “Right, I should head to class. See you later, hyung.”

Once the door shut behind him, silence filled the room. Mrs. Choi stepped closer and sat down, folding her hands neatly on the desk. But her stare was venomous—like she had fire smoldering beneath her skin.