(no) Strings Attached

New Horizons, First Impressions

For a flicker of a second—barely a breath—something passed through Seonghwa's gaze.

But then it was gone.

"Hyung's a senior," Jongho continued. "He kinda took us under his wing."

Wooyoung flicked his gaze between them.
That phrasing again.

Took them under his wing.

It sounded... intentional.

Seonghwa's lips twitched slightly, but he didn't comment.

Still, something about him felt distant. Not cold—just restrained.

Then, as if on cue, his phone vibrated.

The moment he glanced at the screen, his jaw tensed.

He sighed, his lips pressing into a thin line, before tucking the device back into his pocket.

"I should go study. See you later, Wooyoung."

And then, just like that, he was gone.

Wooyoung blinked.

His voice sounded kinder than he would expect.

The air around them felt lighter now.

"What's his deal?" he muttered.

Jongho and Yeosang exchanged knowing looks.

"His parents," Jongho finally said. "They're... strict."

Strict?

Wooyoung's gaze lingered a second longer.

Wooyoung's palms were slightly sweaty as he entered the huge university classroom.

Unfortunately, Yeosang and Jongho—who had chosen their classes long before Wooyoung's transfer was finalized—shared no subjects with him.

Thankfully, however, their breaks overlapped, meaning he wouldn't spend all of his time alone.

Since it was the first day, the professor was going over the syllabus, which helped calm Wooyoung's nerves. He relaxed in his seat, smiling politely when his eyes met the professor's.

But just as the elder moved on to his introduction, the door swung open loudly, startling the ever-focused teen.

The old man's face hardened before smoothing into a forced, strict smile. "Of course, Mr. Choi," he said with an air of exasperation.

Wooyoung furrowed his brows at the interaction, watching as a boy—clearly unfazed—strolled in without a care.

"Since it's the first day, I'll let you off the hook," the professor continued, though his tone softened.

The boy—Choi—scoffed. "Like you could do otherwise."

Scandalized laughter echoed throughout the classroom.

Wooyoung gasped, louder than anyone else, his eyes snapping toward the audacious student. The professor appreciated  his offense, offering Wooyoung a kind, genuine smile.

San, who had been smirking at Wooyoung from the moment he reacted, rolled his eyes.

"Teacher's pet decided to join us this semester, I see," he muttered, making sure it was loud enough for the class to hear.

Wooyoung's face burned.

Partly from embarrassment, partly from the frustration of being the center of attention so suddenly. His lips parted in disbelief, eyes locked onto the shameless boy as chuckles sounded around them.