''~°.HIDE AND SEEK.°~'' | YEONGYU

THE BEGINNING

"The moment you panic, they'll tear you apart."

The words hit harder than the panic.

Beomgyu's wide eyes darted around...faces turning, whispers curling like thick black smoke...

"Isn't that the kid Hyunjoo always bullied?"

"Quiet ones are dangerous."

"Look at how pale he is."

Beomgyu's stomach lurched violently.

But then Yeonjun's grip tightened...steady, grounding.

"Focus on me, Gyu," Yeonjun said, softer now but no less firm.

"In. Out. Slow. Match me."

Yeonjun's own chest rose, fell. Again. And again. He didn't let go of his wrist, his thumb pressing lightly against the racing pulse there.

Beomgyu's chest jerked as he tried to follow. His breaths stuttered, uneven, but slowly...they started to sync with Yeonjun's.

That's better.

Beomgyu's panic began to ease, just enough to stop the quivering in his hands. But his eyes...those big, desperate eyes...still clung to Yeonjun like he's the only solid thing in a collapsing world.

"Good." Yeonjun's voice was a low murmur meant for him alone.

"Don't give them what they want. Don't look guilty."

"Why...why are you helping me?" His voice barely a whisper.

Yeonjun's expression didn't change.

"Because someone has to."

Before Beomgyu could respond, a sharp voice cut across the gym

"Choi Beomgyu."

The officers were at the door, beckoning him. Heads swivelled. Whispers hissed louder than ever.

Beomgyu tensed under his hand like a rabbit about to bolt.

Yeonjun leaned in, his grip still firm on Beomgyu's wrist.

"Remember what I say. Keep your head down. Answer what they ask. Nothing more."

His voice softened just slightly, "You're not alone in this."

As Beomgyu stumbled toward the doors, he felt the weight of a hundred eyes stabbing into his back.

_____

The stale air smelled faintly of bleach and metal. The office was cold. Two officers sat across from Beomgyu. One flipped open a notebook.

"State your name."

"C-Choi Beomgyu."

"You knew Kang Hyunjoo?"

"Yes. We were classmates."

"Just classmates?" The officer raised an eyebrow.

Beomgyu's throat tightened. Yeonjun's words ran through his head, "Remember what I say. Keep your head down. Answer what they ask. Nothing more."

"Y-Yes."

"Where were you between 8 and 8:30?"

"Homeroom."

"Can anyone confirm that?"

Beomgyu's mind blanked, he couldn't even remember who was sitting beside him.

"I... I don't know."

_____

Yeonjun waited, arms crossed. His gaze pinned on the office door.

Whispers slither through the gym like vines.

"Beomgyu's been in there a while."

"Think he did it?"

Yeonjun's jaw tightened.

By the time Beomgyu was released back into the gym, the air felt heavier, thicker. Conversations died as he walked past...

"He's the last person Hyunjoo fought with."

"He's been off lately."

"Quiet kids are always the ones you have to watch."

But before the whispers could crush him, a familiar hand grabbed his wrist again...

Yeonjun.

"You're still standing." Yeonjun's tone was calm, almost amused, but there was something heavier behind his gaze.

Beomgyu looked at him, eyes wide.

"Why are you doing this?" he whispered.

Yeonjun's lips curled faintly, not quite a smile though.

"Because if I don't, they'll eat you alive."

Beomgyu didn't know how to respond. All he could do was just stand here and look up at the other with wide eyes, his hands trembling...

Beomgyu wasn't sure if Yeonjun was here to save him...or to watch him burn.