Part 10

Longtai settled into his usual spot in the corner of the classroom, pulling out his notebook. He was trying to focus, but the events from the previous day were still lingering in his mind, like a faint echo he couldn't escape. He opened the notebook, staring at the empty page in front of him, trying to push aside the thoughts of Yok, but it wasn't easy. His mind kept returning to that adrenaline-fueled run, the way Yok's hand had gripped his so firmly, as if nothing in the world could hurt him while Yok was there.

The door creaked open, and Lain and Kai entered. Kai, with his usual lack of filter, slid into the seat beside Longtai. "Hey, man, how are you holding up after that chase yesterday?" he asked, his tone too casual for someone who had nearly left Longtai behind.

Lain followed, frowning at Kai before turning to Longtai. "I'm really sorry about that, Longtai. We didn't mean to leave you behind. It just happened so fast, and I-"

Longtai felt the familiar tightness in his chest as the words tumbled out. He didn't expect their apologies to make him feel anything more than uncomfortable. He had dealt with this before, the awkwardness of people saying sorry for something that didn't really matter. He was used to it. He didn't need anyone to feel bad for him. His life had been quiet, simple, and isolated long before he came to this university.

Kai, realizing Lain was nudging him to be more sincere, sighed. "Look, we're sorry, okay? I got scared. We should've waited for you."

Longtai didn't respond right away, his eyes glancing at the door as if wishing for a distraction. He wasn't upset. It was just... the usual. People apologizing, offering concern, and yet none of it really seemed to reach him.

"It's okay," he finally said, offering a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. "I got home safely, so it's alright."

Lain looked at him, her expression full of regret. "I promise, Longtai. This won't happen again."

Longtai nodded, feeling the weight of her words but knowing that they wouldn't change anything. It was just how things went-people apologized, but in the end, it was always up to him to navigate things alone. He didn't mind. He didn't want to be a burden. He wasn't used to anyone caring enough to stick around, and sometimes, it felt easier that way.

"Really, it's fine," Longtai added, his voice soft but firm, reassuring them without really reassuring himself. "I'm used to it."

Lain opened her mouth to say something more, but she closed it when she saw Longtai's distant expression. She knew better than to press further. Kai, however, scratched the back of his head awkwardly.

"Alright, man, if you say so," he mumbled, clearly uncomfortable.

Longtai gave a small, almost imperceptible nod, and the conversation shifted to something else, but he couldn't shake the feeling that, no matter how many times they apologized or acted concerned, it didn't change the fact that he had always been on his own.

--

The hum of life at the university was palpable as Longtai exited the lecture hall. The wide hallways were alive with students rushing to their next classes, some chatting with friends, others laughing or scrolling through their phones. Longtai adjusted the strap of his bag, the familiar weight of his books pressing against his shoulder, his thoughts still swirling from the day's lecture.

His stomach grumbled faintly, reminding him that it had been a while since he'd eaten. He made his way toward the cafeteria, the smell of food growing stronger as he got closer. The line was already forming, a steady stream of students making their way to grab lunch, but Longtai wasn't in any rush. He just wanted something simple and quiet-maybe a chance to be alone, away from all the noise and chaos of the day.

But as he neared the cafeteria entrance, a familiar voice called out to him, slicing through the bustling noise of the hallway.

"Longtai!"

He turned to find Yok emerging from another classroom, his smile wide and bright, cutting through the crowds of students with effortless ease. Longtai froze for a second, feeling that familiar flutter in his chest. Yok's presence was always like that-unpredictable, yet magnetic.

Yok waved, his hand moving through the air in an exaggerated flourish. "Heading to the cafeteria? We'd better hurry before the tables are all taken-and don't even get me started on the food line."

"Yeah, let's go," Longtai replied, forcing a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes, despite the nervous feeling stirring inside him. Yok's energy was like a magnet, pulling him in, but it also made him uneasy. The last few times they'd interacted, he had never expected to feel so connected to Yok-so drawn to him.

Yok nudged him playfully. "Come on, don't look so serious. It's just lunch, not a final exam."

Longtai's gaze flicked toward Yok's face, his eyes twinkling with mischief. A part of him couldn't help but feel a little lighter in his presence. It wasn't something Longtai was used to. He was used to being alone, blending into the background, just watching from the sidelines. Yet with Yok, it was like he was pulled into the center of everything, like maybe he did belong here, among people.

They made their way into the cafeteria, and the noise immediately enveloped them. The clattering of trays, the hum of conversations, the laughter, the occasional shout-it all filled the air. Yok, as always, moved effortlessly through the crowd, while Longtai followed, a little more reserved, a little more cautious.

"There they are!" Yok suddenly exclaimed, pointing to a table near the windows where a group of students had gathered. He looked back at Longtai with a grin. "I hope you don't mind sitting with my friends. They're a bit loud, but they're good people."

Longtai hesitated for a moment, feeling the all-too-familiar knot in his stomach. But then, after a second, he nodded. "Sure."

Yok led him toward the food counters, keeping up a steady stream of chatter. He casually pointed out what dishes were good and which ones to avoid. Longtai found himself listening, distracted by the ease with which Yok navigated everything. His words were light and almost effortless, drawing Longtai into the rhythm of it all.

Once they had their trays, Longtai, as usual, went for something simple-a plate of stir-fried vegetables and rice-while Yok piled his tray high with various dishes. They made their way to the table where the group was already sitting.

"Guys! Look who I brought with me!" Yok announced, sliding into a seat with a flourish, his tray setting down with a dramatic thud. Longtai followed, his steps slower, a little more hesitant. But the moment he sat down, the group's easy warmth made him feel a bit more at ease.

White and Sean greeted him with warm smiles. Emma was already leaning over, gesturing toward the empty seat next to her. "Longtai, it's about time you joined us! Yok keeps saying you're too busy with your camera to socialize."

"Photography is serious business," Yok interjected, grinning from ear to ear. "But I've finally lured him away from his work. A miracle, if you ask me."

Longtai managed a small smile, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. "I guess I've just been focused on my projects."

"Focused is an understatement," Emma teased, shaking her head with a smile. "Every time we see you, you're either rushing to class or buried in your camera bag."

"True," Sean, sitting beside Yok, chimed in with a sly grin. "You've got that lone-artist vibe. Always in your own world."

Longtai felt his cheeks heat up slightly. "I guess I like keeping busy."

"Busy's good, but you've gotta live a little, too," Gram said, leaning back in his chair, his confident smirk in place. "Trust me, even future CEOs like me know when to take a break."

Emma shot her a playful look. "That's because you're always planning your next party."

"Hey, work hard, play hard," Gram said with a laugh, raising his glass of soda in a mock toast.

"Or just play hard," Yok added with a grin, which earned a round of laughter from the group.

As they ate, the conversation flowed easily, with Yok leading the group in lighthearted banter. Longtai found himself laughing along with the others, contributing a comment or two here and there. It was the first time in a while he had felt so included, so at ease. The noise, the chaos-it felt natural here.

"So, how's photography going?" Sean asked, leaning forward, a glint of interest in his eyes. "Got any cool projects lined up?"

Longtai paused for a moment, surprised by the question. He wasn't used to being the center of attention, but he found himself answering, "Just working on a series for the exhibition coming up. It's... landscapes, mostly."

"Landscapes, huh?" Emma said, her tone thoughtful. "Bet they're amazing. Yok keeps bragging about your work."

"Yok brags about everyone," Sean teased with a laugh.

"Because I believe in my friends!" Yok shouted dramatically, throwing an arm around Longtai's shoulders. "And Longtai? He's gonna be the next big thing in photography. Mark my words."

Longtai's cheeks flushed at the attention, but he couldn't help the small chuckle that slipped out. "Thanks, Yok. No pressure or anything."

"Pressure makes diamonds," Gram said, raising his glass again.

"Or crushes you entirely," Emma muttered, earning another round of laughter.

As lunch continued, Longtai found himself relaxing even more. The group's laughter, their teasing-it felt familiar, like something he hadn't allowed himself to experience in a long time. It was easy with them, in a way that it had never been with his old friends. Here, there was no pressure. No judgment.

After lunch, Yok bumped his shoulder lightly as they left the cafeteria. "See? Not so bad hanging with us, right?"

Longtai glanced at him, a genuine smile tugging at his lips. "Not bad at all."

"Good," Yok said with a grin. "Because now you're stuck with us."

Longtai couldn't help but glance around at the group as they all talked, laughing together as they walked. He felt a strange warmth in his chest, a feeling he wasn't used to. He wasn't forcing himself to fit in here, not with Yok and his friends. It was natural. And for once, it didn't feel like he was invisible.

But as they walked, Yok turned to look at him, catching the subtle change in Longtai's posture. Longtai's head was slightly lowered, his gaze distant, and Yok immediately noticed. He leaned in closer, his voice soft as he asked, "You okay?"

Longtai looked up, caught off guard by the concern in Yok's eyes. He nodded quickly, offering a smile that didn't fully reach his eyes but was enough to reassure Yok. "I'm fine. Really."

Yok studied him for a moment longer, his expression a mix of concern and understanding. But after a second, he gave Longtai a reassuring smile, the same one that had always made Longtai feel safe, even when things didn't make sense.

"Alright," Yok said, his voice light again.

--

The large art hall was filled with the soft scratching of pencils and the faint hum of the projector as it illuminated the canvas at the front of the room. Warm, late afternoon sunlight filtered through the tall, arched windows, casting long shadows across the students and their easels. The art teacher, a tall man with graying hair and wire-rimmed glasses, paced slowly between the rows of students, occasionally stopping to offer feedback.

"Remember," the teacher's voice rang out gently, "art isn't just about replicating what you see. It's about interpreting it-finding the story in every line, every shade of color. Pay attention to the angles, the movement of light across the subject. These small details can completely change the emotion or meaning of your work."

He paused near one of the students, pointing toward their canvas. "See how the light hits this side of the face? Use that to your advantage. Shadows can create mystery or drama, depending on how you choose to depict them. And colors... colors are your mood. They can be vibrant and full of life, or muted and somber."

Yok, seated toward the back of the room, wasn't using colors today. His focus was on something far more stark-black and white. A large canvas rested on the easel in front of him, and in his hand was a charcoal pencil. His eyes were narrowed in concentration, brows furrowed slightly as he carefully dragged the pencil across the canvas, creating harsh lines that began to form the rough sketch of a city skyline, dark and imposing.

He loved working with charcoal. The texture, the way it smudged and blended, the roughness of it-it all felt raw, unfiltered, like it captured something real, something alive. He was working on the structure of an abstract building, its sharp angles cutting through the sky like jagged teeth. There was something haunting about it, something powerful.

As he worked, the rest of the room faded away. It was just him, the canvas, and the rhythm of the pencil in his hand. He was completely immersed in the flow of creation, barely noticing the murmurs of his classmates around him. His fingers expertly worked the charcoal, blending the edges to create depth and shadow, then sharpening the lines again to give the building a sense of harsh, almost brutal strength.

The faint vibration of his phone in his pocket broke through the quiet focus, pulling Yok back to reality. His fingers hesitated mid-stroke, the charcoal pencil hovering over the canvas. He blinked, momentarily disoriented, before setting the pencil down carefully on the edge of his easel. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out his phone, the screen lighting up with a single notification.

Longtai.

Yok's eyebrows shot up in surprise. Longtai rarely texted him first-heck, Longtai rarely texted anyone first. That guy was like a ghost in group chats, always there but almost never visible. Yok swiped the screen open, curious, and what greeted him made his lips quirk upward into a grin.

It was a picture of a cat, sitting primly on a windowsill, its tail curled around its feet like it owned the world. Below the photo was Longtai's message:

Longtai: "This looks like you."

Yok stared at the screen, blinking. Then it hit him, and a laugh burst out of him, loud enough to break the quiet hum of the art room. Several heads turned his way, but Yok didn't notice. He was too busy laughing. His shoulders shook as he held the phone closer, staring at the cat with its air of superiority and somehow imagining himself in its place.

"Longtai, you little-" he muttered under his breath, unable to stop the wide smile that spread across his face. Butterflies fluttered wildly in his chest, a chaotic dance that made his stomach flip. Was this how Longtai saw him? Like a smug little cat, sitting there judging the world?

The thought made Yok laugh even harder, his hand instinctively covering his mouth to stifle the sound, but it was no use. His face was practically glowing now, and his focus on the world around him had completely dissolved into the text. He felt light, giddy even, like someone had just handed him a secret he wasn't sure he deserved.

He shook his head, his grin softening, and quickly typed back:

"Are you saying I look majestic or that I'm as judgmental as a cat? Be specific, Longtai. This is important."

Just as he sent the message, he glanced up-and froze.

The teacher was standing right in front of him, arms crossed, one eyebrow raised in a mixture of curiosity and mild annoyance. Yok's eyes widened as he realized the entire class had gone silent, all attention now on him.

"What," the teacher began, his voice calm but tinged with humor, "could possibly be so entertaining that you've abandoned your charcoal masterpiece to laugh like a madman?"

Yok's cheeks flushed a deep red as he fumbled to lock his phone, his hands suddenly feeling too big and clumsy. "Uh... nothing, sir. Just... uh... inspiration?"

The teacher didn't look convinced. He tilted his head slightly, his lips twitching like he was holding back a smirk. "Inspiration, huh? Care to share with the class what exactly is so inspiring?"

Yok's mouth opened and closed a few times, no sound coming out. His mind scrambled for an answer, but all he could think of was Longtai's smug cat photo. The image was burned into his brain now, taunting him as if it were sitting there in the classroom, judging him alongside everyone else.

"I... uh..." Yok stammered, tugging at the collar of his uniform as the silence stretched. The class waited, their amused whispers barely muffled, and the teacher raised an expectant eyebrow.

Finally, Yok blurted, "It's... a study on feline posture!"

The room erupted into laughter, a ripple of chuckles and whispers spreading like wildfire. Yok winced, realizing how absurd he sounded. The teacher pinched the bridge of his nose, though he was clearly holding back a grin.

"A study on feline posture," the teacher repeated slowly, as if tasting the words. "And here I thought we were working on charcoal sketches today. My mistake."

The class laughed even harder, and Yok sank a little lower in his seat, trying to hide his burning face.

"I hope," the teacher continued, gesturing toward Yok's unfinished piece on the easel, "this inspiration will result in a masterpiece worthy of all that laughter. Let's see some progress, shall we?"

"Yes, sir," Yok muttered, hurriedly picking up a stick of charcoal and pretending to focus on his sketch.

But as the class settled back into work, Yok's thoughts were far from the paper in front of him. His phone buzzed softly against the table, and he couldn't resist sneaking a quick glance.

Longtai: "Judgmental. Definitely judgmental."

Yok stifled a snort, quickly covering his mouth with his hand. The butterflies in his chest stirred again, making his heart race. He had to bite his lip to keep himself from smiling too much, though his cheeks still hurt from how hard he was grinning.

He glanced at his drawing-a half-finished charcoal sketch -and then back at his phone. An idea sparked. He grabbed the charcoal again, but instead of finishing the sketch, he began shaping the lines into something else entirely.

It started with the curve of a tail, then the proud arch of a back. Slowly, a cat took form on his paper-one sitting primly like the one in Longtai's photo, but with exaggerated features. He gave it narrowed, smug eyes and even sketched in the faintest hint of a smirk on its face.

It was Longtai as a cat, and Yok couldn't stop the grin that spread across his face as he worked on it.

The teacher passed by again, pausing to look at Yok's new creation. He blinked, clearly surprised, and then chuckled softly. "Well, Yok, I can't say this is what I was expecting. But I'll admit, it's... unique."

"Thanks, sir," Yok said, his voice light and unusually cheerful.

As soon as the teacher moved on, Yok snapped a quick photo of the drawing and sent it to Longtai with a message:

"This looks like you."

The reply came almost instantly.

Longtai: You're really bad at compliments, you know.

Yok laughed again, quiet enough not to draw attention this time, and shook his head. The butterflies in his chest danced harder, and he found himself thinking that maybe, just maybe, the day wasn't so bad after all.

---

Longtai sat on the edge of his bed, his back pressed against the cool wall, the faint hum of the air conditioner the only sound in the room. His phone rested on the duvet beside him, the screen dark and lifeless, but his gaze was fixed on it like it might burst into flames at any second.

His heart was pounding-no, hammering-against his ribs, loud and unrelenting, drowning out the logical voice in his head that told him to calm down. His teeth grazed the edge of his thumbnail as he gnawed on it absentmindedly, the nervous habit he'd never quite managed to outgrow.

He couldn't believe he'd done it. He'd sent it.

The image of the cat was still fresh in his mind, the proud, smug little creature sitting on a windowsill bathed in soft sunlight. At first glance, it had made him think of Yok-something about the cat's expression, its posture, so self-assured and just a little bit teasing. The thought had been fleeting, barely formed, but before Longtai knew it, he had taken the picture, opened his messaging app, and typed:

"This looks like you."

It wasn't until he hit *send* that the gravity of what he'd done hit him. He stared at the message for a long, agonizing second, his finger hovering over the screen like he could somehow snatch it back.

"Why... why did I send that?" he muttered to himself, running a hand through his hair, tugging at the strands slightly in frustration.

This wasn't him. He didn't do things like this. Longtai didn't send random photos to people, didn't make impulsive comments, didn't- didn't-initiate conversations out of nowhere.

His stomach twisted as the familiar wave of anxiety crept in, tightening his chest and making his palms clammy. What if Yok thought he was weird? What if Yok laughed at him-or worse, didn't reply at all?

He let out a shaky breath, his foot tapping nervously against the floor as he stared at his phone, willing it to light up with a reply. The silence felt like it was stretching forever, amplifying every doubt, every second-guessing thought in his mind.

"What if he thinks I'm trying to flirt?" Longtai groaned, burying his face in his hands. "What if he shows it to someone else? What if-"

**Buzz.**

The vibration jolted him out of his spiraling thoughts, his hands freezing mid-motion. His phone lit up, the glow illuminating the darkened room like a beacon, and for a moment, Longtai just stared at it, his heart somehow beating even faster.

With a trembling hand, he reached for the device, the screen unlocking with a swipe to reveal a single new message. It was from Yok.

Yok : Are you saying I look majestic or that I'm as judgmental as a cat? Be specific, Longtai. This is important.

Longtai blinked at the screen, his brain struggling to process the words. And then, slowly, tentatively, a laugh bubbled up from his chest-soft and breathy at first, but growing stronger until it escaped as a quiet chuckle.

His shoulders relaxed, the tightness in his chest loosening as if someone had turned a release valve. Yok's reply was so... so Yok-playful, teasing, entirely unbothered.

Longtai read the message again, the corners of his mouth twitching upward into a small, genuine smile. Yok didn't think he was weird. Yok didn't think anything at all, really, except that the text was an opportunity to poke fun, like always.

It was ridiculous how easily one silly message could shift his entire mood, how Yok's words could smooth over the nervous edges of his thoughts like a balm.

He typed back quickly before he could overthink it:

"Judgmental. Definitely judgmental."

The reply came almost instantly:

"Wow, rude. And here I was about to say something nice about your photography skills."

Longtai snorted, the sound breaking the quiet of the room. He leaned back against the wall, the phone still in his hand, the nervous energy in his body dissipating with every exchange.

For the first time since he'd sent that impulsive message, Longtai felt okay. More than okay, actually. There was a lightness in his chest, a strange warmth that made his heart beat in a way that wasn't entirely unpleasant.

He didn't know what this was, this odd connection forming between him and Yok, but in that moment, as he stared at the screen and Yok's name glowing back at him, he thought... maybe it wasn't so bad.

But Longtai's phone buzzed again, and he glanced down, expecting another teasing reply. Instead, it was a photo. His thumb hovered over the screen for a moment, hesitation prickling at his nerves. What had Yok sent him this time?

When he finally tapped on it, the image filled his screen-a charcoal drawing of a smug-looking cat, sitting with its tail curled just so, its eyes narrowed in that distinctly judgmental way. Below the photo was Yok's caption:

Yok : And this looks like you.

Longtai froze. His breath hitched as his face grew impossibly hot, the warmth creeping up his neck and flooding his cheeks. It was like someone had set his entire head on fire. He stared at the drawing, his heart thudding so loudly in his chest he was sure it would echo in the quiet room.

Was... was Yok saying he thought about him in class? No, it was probably just a joke. But still...

The thought that Yok had taken the time to draw something that reminded him of Longtai made his stomach twist into nervous knots. He covered his mouth with one hand, trying to suppress the embarrassing noise that threatened to escape-a mix between a laugh and a startled gasp.

His gaze flitted back to the message, and his mind raced. What was he supposed to say? The butterflies in his chest were no longer fluttering-they were in a full-blown frenzy, like they were trying to break free.

He gripped the phone tighter, his palms suddenly clammy, and bit his lip hard enough to feel the sting. The corners of his mouth tugged upward despite himself. He wasn't even sure why. The drawing was silly and teasing, but it still made his chest ache in a way that felt too big for him to handle.

Longtai's fingers hovered over the keyboard, his thoughts a mess. He couldn't just leave the message unanswered, but everything he wanted to say felt too vulnerable, too revealing. He typed out a response, deleted it, then typed another and deleted that too.

Finally, he settled on something safe:

"You're really bad at compliments, you know."

He hit send before he could second-guess himself, then immediately buried his face in his hands, groaning softly. His heart was still racing, his skin still too warm, and Yok's drawing was burned into his mind.

He peeked through his fingers at his phone again, half-hoping Yok wouldn't reply and half-dreading that he would. Either way, Longtai knew he wouldn't be able to stop thinking about that smug little charcoal cat-and the boy who had drawn it.

~

Author note :

"Longtai is literally me when I have a crush and go full denial mode. Like, 'What? Me? Interested!' Meanwhile, everyone around me is giving me the look because it's so obvious. Writing him feels like exposing myself, but hey, we've all been there, right? "

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Love Yoon ~