Chapter 25 - The Heart That Never Hardens

The world had not been kind to Hyunjin lately.

Despite everything, he still smiled.

Despite everything, he still gave.

It was a quiet afternoon when Hyunjin left the house, clutching his tote bag as he made his way to the small marketplace near his university. It had become a habit of his—wandering the streets alone, finding solace in the little things that reminded him that kindness still existed.

Even if his own life lacked it.

The autumn air was crisp, carrying the scent of roasted chestnuts from a nearby stall. Hyunjin adjusted his scarf, his fingers cold from the wind.

"Ah, young man! Would you like to buy some tangerines?"

Hyunjin turned toward the frail-looking elderly woman standing beside a wooden cart. Her hands were wrinkled, her eyes full of warmth but also exhaustion. The basket before her was only half full, the fruits slightly bruised, ignored by most passersby.

Hyunjin smiled. "Of course, halmeoni. How much for the whole basket?"

The old woman blinked, surprised. "A-Ah, you don't have to buy all of them, dear. Just a few is fine."

"I want all of them." Hyunjin pulled out his wallet, shaking his head when she tried to protest. "You shouldn't be out here in this cold for too long."

The woman sighed but smiled gratefully. "You remind me of my grandson. Always worrying about me."

Hyunjin chuckled as he handed her the money. "Your grandson must be a good person, then."

She patted his hand. "He is. Just like you."

Hyunjin carried the heavy basket and started walking down the street. He could have taken them home, but instead, he stopped whenever he saw someone in need—handing a few tangerines to a homeless man sitting on the curb, giving some to the little children playing near the market.

He had always been like this.

Giving.

Even when he had nothing left for himself.

--

Minho wasn't sure what had drawn him here.

He had left the house for some fresh air, needing an escape from the suffocating guilt that had started creeping in.

He never expected to see Hyunjin.

But there he was, walking through the market, smiling as he handed out tangerines to strangers like they were treasures.

Minho had always thought Hyunjin's kindness was... performative. A way to win people over.

But here, in this moment—when Hyunjin thought no one was watching—he realized how wrong he had been.

Hyunjin wasn't trying to impress anyone.

He was just being himself.

Minho watched as Hyunjin knelt in front of a little girl, tucking a tangerine into her tiny hands. The girl beamed, running back to her mother with excitement.

Then Minho saw it—

That soft look in Hyunjin's eyes.

Not the fake smiles he gave Minho.

Not the forced happiness he wore at home.

This was different. Genuine. Pure.

For the first time, something inside Minho twisted.

Guilt.

Regret.

Something he didn't want to acknowledge.

Hyunjin straightened, brushing his hair back as he let out a small breath.

Minho clenched his fists.

He had never looked at Hyunjin properly before.

Not like this.

Not with curiosity.

Not with something dangerously close to... admiration.

The thought unsettled him.

He turned away, walking in the opposite direction before he could understand why his chest suddenly felt so tight.