Beomgyu will never fall in love.

It was a secluded promise to himself, one he held dearly. One he swore by. He found himself straying far from any possible romantic interests in fear that his idea would be disregarded.

He didn’t have a fixed reason, though. It’s not that his parent had cut ties — they’re fine, really — and he hasn’t gone through a traumatic occurrence either.

He has just gotten his heart broken one too many times. In a world like this, that could cost you more than just a few weeks of profound heartache.

Beomgyu couldn’t perceive how some people could be so greedy and selfish, boasting their five full, gleaming hearts as they broke his dejected, limited ones.

He, too, once had a full set, only for it to be corrupted so early on. His first love was deemed for failure. It was around the start of high school when he first fell in love with a girl a grade above his. She was stunning. He knew she would grow up with well-developed features that would have people drooling.

When he confessed, he was ecstatic when she claimed she felt the same. He cherished her and thought they’d grow up as high school sweethearts— It was only appropriate since it was his first time being in love.

Of course, things like that don’t last. She deserted him for another boy— a senior at that.

That was when his first heart had dimmed.

It didn’t hurt physically. It never does. The day she left him, he spent the day sulking in his room, even crying a few times. What had he done wrong? Why did his chest ache at the thought of unwillingly messing up? Around one in the morning, he noticed the light leave the first of his hearts, gradually losing its raw glow. By the next day, the first heart had completely eclipsed amongst his collection.

No matter, though. It was only one— one heart. He had four more and he was not going to stop there.

He got over it quicker than he wanted, desperate to redeem himself. His second love was only a year after his first. Another girl, only this time in his grade. He was positive about this one. Being the hopeless romantic he was, he felt devoted to her. She had five full hearts. They were content together, it was the perfect combination. He met her parents countless times and was happy with what they had.

Until a year into their relationship, she told him she had to move away. She told him she couldn’t bear long-distance relationships, leaving him with nothing but a distant memory.

His second heart had dimmed to an ash grey that night.

When he went to visit her one last time at the airport, he easily noticed that she still had all five hearts. She wasn’t heartbroken like he was. She never loved him as he did her.

Three left. Still okay. He’s still hanging on.

Around his senior year of high school, he decided he would experiment a little and explore his sexuality. Luckily for him, a lively boy caught his eye and Beomgyu found himself involved, yet again. He tried not to fall for the boy, noticing how much he was at risk if the boy hurt him.

The boy had five hearts, giving him unwanted memories. He kept falling for the ones with too many hearts to spare. He felt anxious about his own, usually covering his three remaining hearts.

Beomgyu kept the feeling to himself, afraid of truly coming out. He and the boy hung out and became insanely close, emphasising his feelings.

Eventually, after a few months of pining, he confessed.

As anticipated, he got rejected. The boy wasn’t interested. He lost a friend that day, too.

Beomgyu wasn’t sure why the rejection hurt more than it should have, resulting in yet another heart following the same depressing state as the first two. He noticed how with every faded heart, the pain of losing someone was much more than the one before it. As if, the lack of hearts was giving him a warning, telling him to step up and stop getting his heartbroken. The ache in his chest was intensifying with every person.

He only had two left. He resolved he would be cautious with who he involved himself with. His parents warned him, too.

Once he got into college, his freshman year was a breeze. He met a boy a year over him; Choi Soobin, with three hearts. They stuck together but he felt no feelings grew. Beomgyu solely enjoyed his company. The boy was bright and genuinely likable to be around. It was easy to distract Beomgyu from falling in love when he had Soobin. He let out a breath of relief at that one.

Except, he held it back in once he found himself wrapped around another boy's finger. He was two years older and, honestly, that should’ve been his first flag, yet he was naïve. Surprisingly, this boy confessed to Beomgyu first, very early on too. Confused, he still went along with it. Win-win situation.

This boy was different, though. He made grand, public romantic gestures and spoiled Beomgyu.

He had five bright hearts, too, which was extremely unusual. It was unknown for people over the age of eighteen to have a full row of hearts. Usually, it’d be the assholes who didn’t care about anyone. They’re the ones who had all their hearts. You’re supposed to avoid people like that.

That should have been Beomgyu’s cue to leave.

Still, he stayed. He stayed because he was too ignorant to notice the abnormality of their relationship. He stayed because he was falling in love way too fast. He stayed because, even though his last experience should’ve shown him the truth about love, he found himself yearning for it. For the feeling of being wanted the way he wanted to love someone. The way he wanted to give someone his all.

That was why this one hurt the most. He’d fallen deep even though he didn’t want to. He was scared of how the bond would develop since he didn’t have much hearts to spare. He should’ve left.

Alas, he didn’t, leading to his inevitable demise. Beomgyu caught the senior cheating on him with a freshman, a scam that was going on for three months during their relationship. That was the worst hurt he’d ever felt.

The heart on his wrist didn’t even fade gradually like it was supposed to. It was as if someone flipped a switch and, suddenly, the heart was dark. Beomgyu was left with only one heart left, glowing brightly admits the row of ashen black ones.

When you lose your last heart, you can’t fall in love again. You’re stuck. You lose feelings for your last love almost instantly and you’re left wrung and empty. It doesn’t stop at romantic love. You lose the devotion and adoration for your friends and family, too. You lose your love for your interests and passions. People, pets, movies, everything. For most, it’s a world without love. A world too dull to bear.

Which is why Beomgyu will never fall in love ever again.

He couldn’t risk it. He’d been given four chances and he blew them all, leaving him so close to what he wanted to avoid. He strayed away from any romantic love as if it were a disease, determined to stay clean. He wouldn’t let himself get hurt again. A wall was built in the process.

Two years later, in his junior year of college, he was content with being single and, most importantly, staying single. He was majoring in music, his passion. A passion he wouldn’t have anymore if he’d fallen in love again. He had two close friends, Choi Yeonjun, who he met a year ago, and Choi Soobin.

Yeonjun had three hearts and was majoring in dance and performance while Soobin, now with two, in art. Beomgyu also knew Hueningkai, a sophomore who Soobin took under his wing since his freshman year. Hueningkai had four hearts and majored in music, like Beomgyu.

Beomgyu was good. He was set for life. He would graduate and ultimately pursue a career in composing music.

He was good.

Emphasis on was.

The downfall began when he was spending his lunch hours with Soobin and Hueningkai at a modest cafe on campus. Kai rambled on about his day with enthusiasm as Soobin listened with a small smile, typing on his laptop. Beomgyu relished the company.

It had been fairly uneventful. Everything was going as usual, until Soobin spoke.

“I forgot to tell you,” he began, gaining a swift interest in the conversation, “there’s a new student in my media management class.”

“New?” Beomgyu doubted. “Now? They missed a quarter of the semester, though.”

“You sure they’re new? What if you just didn’t see them before?” Hueningkai piped in, a teasing smile playing on his lips. “Your eyesight must be weakening with age, hyung.”

Soobin gave him a light smack on the back of his head, earning a pained yelp. “He is new. He joined, like, halfway through the lecture and the professor even introduced him,” he explained through a mouth full of baked goods, “his name is Taehyun. He had this really cool, bright red hair. I think he’s a junior, like you, Beom. He’s a bit younger, though.”

“Why are you telling us this?” Beomgyu asked, bored as he took small sips from his drink.

“Because,” Soobin smirked, “he had all his five hearts.”

Beomgyu nearly choked on his drink.

Five hearts at this age? How is that possible? How can you go so long without being broken even once?

Beomgyu felt his mood cloud with jealousy. It was a spiteful feeling. One that could claw at you until you give in to its desires. His chest tightened with irritation. He wasn’t the type to get easily infuriated, yet when it came to the topic of those sickening hearts, he was an easy trigger.

Now he was curious.

“All five?” Beomgyu blanked after a brief coughing fit.

“Yeah, all five,” Soobin nodded along, “I’m pretty sure the whole class was surprised too. Everyone was staring.”

Beomgyu hadn’t met a single student with a full row of hearts after his last breakup. He doesn’t trust those kinds of people.

Hueningkai simply stared, eyebrows furrowed, “I don’t get it,” he joined, “what’s so surprising?”

Before Soobin could explain, Beomgyu dove straight into character without hesitance. He spoke from experience, after all. “People with all five hearts are usually assholes, Kai. They’re remorseless and don’t care about anyones feelings but their own— which is why they have five. Don’t involve yourself with them if you want to keep your hearts.”

“What if they just don’t fall in love? Or they’re still dating their first love?” Hueningkai questioned with a look of confusion. Beomgyu felt his mood dip in frustration, dripping into his tone.

“Don’t ask those stupid questions,” Beomgyu rolled his eyes, “just take advice from your hyung.”

Hueningkai scoffed sprightly, “No offense, but your advice sucks, hyung.”

“It’s the only advice you’re getting.”

Before Hueningkai could throw an excuse back, Soobin interrupted, clicking his tongue. “Hyuka, it’s almost three, you have a class,” he stopped him. “Save your breath for running instead of arguing with Beomgyu.”

Hueningkai cursed under his breath, hastily gathering his belongings before sparing a short goodbye to the two and sprinting out.

“I swear, sometimes I have to act like his dad,” Soobin told Beomgyu, adverting his attention back to his laptop with a sigh. Beomgyu didn’t reply, his mind was elsewhere. Almost instantaneously, Soobin noticed the difference. Perks of being so close to him. “What’re you thinking about?”

“How much do you bet I can break one of that boys hearts?”

A pause. “What?” Soobin’s mouth fell open. “Taehyun? You’re not serious.”

“I am.”

“Are you out of your mind?” Soobin scolded him as if he couldn’t believe what was coming out of his mouth. He lowered his voice and leaned forward, tapping his fingers on the table. “Breaking one of someone’s hearts on purpose?”

“Come on, Binnie, what’s one less heart out of five? Five! It won’t be that serious. Hueningkai has four and he’s doing fine,” he emphasized on his point.

“That’s kind of an asshole move if you ask me. What if he doesn’t even deserve it?”

Beomgyu gave him a look which screamed really? Listen to yourself. “Soobin, we’ve both been played by someone with five hearts. On purpose. You know how cocky they are. Even if he doesn’t deserve it, he might not fall for me if he’s kept all his hearts for this long. You could get some money out of this. Fun and games, that’s it.”

“And what if you fall in love with him instead?”

Beomgyu almost laughed at the absurdity of the question.

“That’s out of the picture. I’m not falling in love with anyone. Especially someone with five hearts.”

Soobin, still adorning his disapproving look, seemed to consider it for a while, pulling his lips into a straight line. “How much?”

“Like, thirty dollars? That’s the best I can do.”

“Fifty. I know it won’t happen,” Soobin bargained, finally giving in.

Beomgyu smirked, feeling his body fill to the brim with excitement, “Looks like I’m about to be fifty dollars richer.”

“Sure,” Soobin rolled his eyes, unaffected by the threats. He was confident in himself. “Time Limit is five months. He seems like a hard to break kind of guy.”

“Five?” Beomgyu scoffed. “Give me two. I can do it in two. Possibly less.”

Soobin raised an eyebrow at him, “Your call,” he shrugged. The boy underestimated him hugely.

Even though Beomgyu hasn’t been in love for a while, he was sure he still had the skills to serenade. He needed someone else to fall in love with him, not the other way around. It would be a simple task. He just had to stop himself from falling in love in the process.

Taehyun, you don’t know what’s about to hit you.

...________________________...

After that day, Beomgyu went completely out of his way to find Taehyun and get started as soon as possible.

It wasn’t the money on the line that was driving him. Frankly, he couldn’t care less about it. He wouldn’t admit it, but it was more of a personal mission. Something inside him would finally rest once he sees a heart fade from a row of five for himself. It was selfish and dangerous but that was how the world worked. That was how he worked. It was like payback for what he'd gone through.

He hadn’t been able to spot the head of red hair as Soobin described, already putting him at disadvantage. He kept his eyes open especially when he was visiting Soobin at his building since he shared a class with the five hearted boy. It was tiring trying to chase someone he didn’t know and Soobin refused to help him. Unfair play.

That was until one faithful day when Beomgyu went to meet Soobin at his class, he noticed a red-haired boy out of the corner of his eye.

Bingo.

Beomgyu abruptly halted in his tracks, eyeing the boy with determination. Soobin noticed his sudden interest, bumping into him once he stopped. He followed his line of view and locking eyes with the same target.

“Not now, Gyu,” Soobin whined, letting out a deep sigh as he rubbed his stomach, “I’m hungry.”

“So that is him?” Beomgyu neglected his complaint, watching the boy red-haired plug his earphones in. “Time to shoot my shot.”

Soobin groaned in defeat, sporting a prominent pout, “Beomgyu, please.”

Beomgyu ignored him once again, running his hand through his hair a few times before striding over.

Taehyun was rooted in place, distracted and scrolling through his phone with one earphone in. He was dressed fairly casually; a plain white tee-shirt, jeans, and a dark hoodie.

The sleeves were rolled only slightly, indeed showcasing his five glowing, mocking hearts.

It fuelled Beomgyu’s intentions even more.

“Hey,” Beomgyu started once he found himself in front of the boy, swallowing down the bitterness which threatened to lace his voice.

Taehyun jumped in his place, pulling out his earphone as his face contorted in dismay. He raised an eyebrow, looking at Beomgyu with confusion. “Hello?”

Beomgyu simply flashed a small smile, “You’re new, right? My friend told me you just joined. He’s in your class, actually,” he spoke evenly.

“Uh, yeah,” Taehyun staggered, “and you are?”

“Choi Beomgyu, I’m a junior,” he stuck a hand out for Taehyun to shake, “I worked with the tour committee at the start of the year but since you joined later they aren’t offering tours anymore. However, I’m still available most of the time so I thought I could help you around,” Beomgyu lied fluently, satisfied when Taehyun shook his hand.

This would be a breeze.

Taehyun seemed to consider it for a second before eventually nodding, “Sure, I guess,” he shrugged, “I’m Taehyun, same year as you.”

“Nice to meet you, Taehyun,” Beomgyu smiled. He swiftly pulled out his phone, handing it to Taehyun who still held the same lost expression. “Oh, can I have your number? We could schedule a time to meet so I can show you around.”

He mumbled a small ‘okay’ and took the phone in his hands, starting to type in his number. Beomgyu watched him tentatively.

Taehyun was pretty. It was the first thing that Beomgyu noticed. The boy was beyond handsome.

In all, he wouldn’t be surprised if Taehyun used it to his advantage and went around using his looks to his advantage. He probably had people swooning over him with a glance their way.

Not Beomgyu. Never again.

Something about the boy didn’t sit right with Beomgyu. He didn’t seem too overconfident or cocky, as he’d expected. He dressed modestly and, well, he was really attractive.

Still, he seemed closed off. His words were curt and his sentences were short, showing little to no interest in their conversation.

“Here,” Taehyun handed the phone back.

His name was inputted as Kang Taehyun.

“Thanks,” Beomgyu smiled contently, making sure his dimple was prominent. “I’ll text you soon and we can discuss. It was nice meeting you.”

“Likewise…”

Beomgyu gave him one last smile, “I like your hair, by the way,” he complimented before retreating to Soobin. He considered winking but he needed Taehyun to fall in love with him, not think he was a flirty jerk.

To his surprise, Soobin was still waiting for him in the same place, a pout playing at his lips. Beomgyu ran up to him, throwing an arm around his shoulders despite the uncomfortable height difference. Soobin let out a startled sound at the sudden action. He was an easy scare.

“Aish, Beomgyu, don’t do that,” Soobin brushed him off. “You came back quickly.”

“Quality over quantity, hyung,” Beomgyu spoke with confidence. He held his phone up, waving it tauntingly in front of the elder. “I got his number.”

Soobin’s mouth dropped, “What? Already?”

“My charms are unbeatable,” Beomgyu dragged a shell-shocked Soobin along with him, “might as well pay for my meals for the next few days. I’ve already got him wrapped around my finger.”

“I don’t believe that,” Soobin scoffed, collecting himself, “I won’t believe anything until I see four hearts on his wrist.”

“At your service.”

No problem.

...__________________________...

Beomgyu decided he would text Taehyun as soon as his classes ended. It’s was all the better to get things over with as soon as possible than to stretch it on for him. His clock was ticking.

Once he left his lecture, he sped his way through campus ground, scrolling carelessly through his phone until he reached a quiet spot by another building. With a sigh, he took a seat on the grass, back leaning against the base of a tree. Beomgyu searched Kang Taehyun in his contacts and immediately found his victim.

irk. The motivation he felt sky-rocketed and he was determined once again.

Yet, oddly, he hesitated. His thumb hovered over the contact, unmoving for a split second. It was unlike him to act on such a whim, yet here he was, claiming to work for a tour committee that their university didn’t even offer.

Why was he going out of his way for this?

It didn’t matter. His mind told him it’d be worth it.

He didn’t ponder on the thought too long. Once the memories of the assholes who broke his hearts clouded his mind, his goal was set high yet again. This time, without hesitance, he clicked the contact to open a new chat, feeling the buried emotions fuel his mission.

^^^—:^^^

^^^hello hello!^^^

kang taehyun:

who is this?

^^^—:^^^

^^^ah i should’ve introduced myself first my bad !!^^^

^^^this is choi beomgyu from earlier :) i offered to help you with navigation!^^^

kang taehyun:

ah, i remember you. thanks for offering, i appreciate it.

^^^—:^^^

^^^aish no need to thank me! it’s the least i could do T^T it’s a huge place i understand the struggle^^^

^^^i was thinking we could arrange a time to meet up?^^^

^^^i’m done with my classes for today so i’m good with any time^^^

kang taehyun:

i have my media management class at 6pm, so i’m not sure if i can do today.

does tomorrow work for you?

^^^—:^^^

^^^fine by me!!^^^

^^^i only have one class tomorrow at 8am for about two hours so i’m good with any time after that ^~^^^^

kang taehyun:

we could meet up around 12? if that’s okay with you.

^^^—:^^^

^^^no problem!^^^

^^^we can start at the campus cafe^^^

^^^im assuming you know where that is though,,,^^^

kang taehyun:

im aware, dont worry. i’ll see you then.

^^^—:^^^

^^^see you soon, taehyun-ah~^^^

...__________________________...

Beomgyu was overthinking.

Naturally, it was a regular process for him. With how much he’s experienced, he’s well aware of how his mind works. It jumbles all his intentions and produces countless possibilities, one after the other. Some would be promising while the majority would drive him to the point where he’d begin to doubt his goal.

Now was one of those moments.

He was standing by the door of the campus café, two drinks in his hands as he waits patiently for Taehyun. He decided he would arrive a bit earlier to order them drinks, an action which would give him a boost and put him straight on Taehyun’s likable people list

That was until he started really thinking. What if Taehyun didn’t even like boys? He’d make an absolute fool out of himself with a conclusion like that. What if he was coming off too strong? Would it even matter since he doesn’t actually have an interest in Taehyun? His intentions weren’t as pure as he’d wish, yet something inside him urged him to go with it.

He shoved those thoughts down and locked them up once the head of red hair caught his eye. Taehyun was speed walking towards him, eyes set in familiarity once he spotted Beomgyu. He was dressed in a blue short-sleeved shirt and black shorts, a small grey backpack hanging low on his back.

And, of course, his hearts. His five, bright, full hearts glowing against his skin.

Every time Beomgyu saw those, he felt his intentions fill with purpose again.

So, with a small smile, he met Taehyun halfway.

“Taehyun, hey,” Beomgyu greeted, waving his drink-occupied hand.

“I’m sorry I’m a bit late,” Taehyun jumped to apologies, running his fingers through his silky hair, “I forgot we were doing this and got ready last minute.”

“Hey, hey, it’s okay. I didn’t wait too long, no worries,” he reassured him. Before Taehyun could spew out another string of apologies, Beomgyu cut him off, holding up the drink. “Here, I bought us drinks. I wasn’t sure what you liked so I hope a caramel latte is fine with you.”

Taehyun seemed surprised by the gesture, genuinely amused by the drink held in front of him. “Why?” he spoke. “How much was it? Let me pay you back.”

“Taehyun-ah, it’s okay,” Beomgyu chuckled, satisfied when Taehyun finally took the drink out of his hands, “consider it a nice deed from me. You might owe me one in the future, though.”

Taehyun smiled at that, taking a small, tentative sip before speaking, “Should’ve known there was a catch.”

“No catch, just my great charms,” Beomgyu teased nonchalantly.

“So charming, Beomgyu-ssi.”

“Hyung,” he corrected him with a small smile. “You can call me hyung.” Level up.

With that, Beomgyu started their supposed tour. He didn’t have an exact map laid out in his head to begin with, which was his first mistake. He aimlessly began walking around and naming the places they visited, relating them to other places to try make him seem more knowledgable.

Surprisingly, it wasn’t as awkward as it should have been. Beomgyu found himself having small conversations with Taehyun each time the ventured to new destinations. He was an interesting person to talk to and his voice was oddly soothing to listen to. He didn’t give away many personal things, though, which could’ve helped Beomgyu with his task. The boy talked mainly about school work. Never his personal interests, friends or family.

Even though Beomgyu was relieved the tour went well, he was greedily frustrated that Taehyun wasn’t the egoistic asshole he expected him to be. He wasn’t like the other people who flaunted their five hearts, going around flirting with just about every moving thing. Taehyun didn’t once bring up his hearts, nor did he ask Beomgyu about his hearts.

But who was Beomgyu to judge upon first impressions? His trust issues had grown bigger than his general respect for people and he found himself stuck at the bottom of a pit where the top was indistinguishable.

To put it simply; even though Taehyun seemed harmless, Beomgyu will still break one of his hearts.

He won’t rest until then.

...__________________________...

A/n: btw here's their hearts. Enjoy reading!

Youthful people fall in love with the wrong people sometimes. It can be vile and unintentionally

scarring, at most.

Namely, Beomgyu had been subjected to the scam disguised by sweet nothings defined

by love. There wasn’t a formula or a guideline he could read and follow to secure him a reliable

shoulder to lay his head on. To offer himself. To him, it was all based on instinct and bad decisions.

So, he wasn’t entirely clear on how he could break the first of Taehyun's hearts, let alone make him fall for him in the first place. His scheme was a blurry track in a riotous, rainy night, the ending isle blocked by jagged bumps and pits.

He’d managed to stray so far from romantic involvement that he didn’t perceive what interested people anymore— what interested *him* anymore.

The day after he met up with Taehyun, he busied himself trying to catch up. It was hopeless with how he managed to rid himself of any thought of love. He’d grown so scared, so *afraid*, of losing himself that he couldn't even consider finding someone to fill that gap. He’d given away his all to people who didn’t give much mind, only to leave him with crumbled bits of himself, trying desperately to merge them back together.

Still, he *tried*. He spent the night intently watching movies based on all types of romance, ranging from cliche high school stories to deep, heart-wrenching scripts.

He was unamused when the central character got their heart broken and their faith was thrown away. He didn’t flinch when they found out there was no love in the first place. Beomgyu was used to it and what was supposed to be the sad turning point of the movie only bored him further.

Initially, no, he wasn’t entertained by the crying, the yearning, the comforting friends, the cheating, or the breakups.

He paid the most attention when the main couple was, well, *in love*. Or, at least seemed to be.

Beomgyu found himself leaning forward only slightly when he’d see them embracing each other or sharing a brief, affectionate kiss. He wasn’t appalled by it as he’d presumed himself to be. Instead, something inside him throbbed at seeing what he could have.

His stomach felt like it was caving in when he saw the two main characters laugh together, sharing charming kisses. His chest felt heavy and his shoulders weighed much more; as if they were homing two blocks of sheer hurt. He had that. He had something like that. He didn’t trust himself enough to have something like that again. It was worrying him beyond comprehension.

Safe to say, after the sixth film, he couldn’t bear the thoughts tumbling down on him and stopped watching, shutting his laptop closed with a soft slam. He laughed bitterly at the thought of his fondest memories with his past lovers morphing into the nightmares he tried to avoid. He was stuck inside them, desperately wanting to step away from his timeline and go to a place where he could just rest. It wasn’t an option, yet he still hoped.

Maybe he’d rest when he isn’t on the receiving end.

... __________________________...

...[11:03 PM] ...

^^^—:^^^

^^^hey taehyun! ^^^

^^^i know it’s late but i’m letting you know i’m free tomorrow so we can continue whenever you want!!^^^

kang taehyun:

yeah, i’m fine with that.

sorry, i’m a bit busy right now. can we discuss tomorrow?

^^^—:^^^

^^^oh yeah sure!^^^

kang taehyun:

ill text you tomorrow, i promise.

have a good evening, hyung.

^^^—:^^^

^^^you too !! ~^^^

...___________________________...

“What is up with you?” Hueningkai’s voice broke Beomgyu out of his thoughts, startling him to the point of a short flinch. He hadn't even noticed he was paying minimal attention to their conversation, having trailed into his mind.

It was roughly seven in the evening, the sun brimming the diminutive buildings on its way to set. Beomgyu was walking Hueningkai back to his dorm building and Soobin had eagerly tagged along. The older essentially joined to meet up with Yeonjun after, for reasons beyond Beomgyu.

That wasn’t his concern, though.

No, his concern was the fact that the entire day had gone by with nothing innovative. His day had rushed by with no messages from Taehyun. His empty inbox shouldn’t have bothered him as much as it did, yet it pestered at the end of his mind throughout his entire day. It wasn’t his fault, though. He was promised a text. Nonetheless, none came.

He was somewhat upset, but mostly pissed.

“What do you mean?” Beomgyu masked his conflict with a doubtful voice. The last thing he’d want is for Hueningkai to find out about the bet. The younger boy was too kindhearted and sympathetic. His heart and mind drove him to do everything in everyone's benefit. Being so close to him, Beomgyu had become subject to that treatment multiple times. If Kai were to find out he’d force him to drop it instantaneously.

“You’ve been checking your phone nonstop all day,” Kai pointed to the device clutched in Beomgyu’s tight grip, knuckles whitening unbeknownst to him. He relaxed his hand. “Is something bothering you?”

Beomgyu lowered his head, kicking at a small rock on the path. It was hard to lie to Kai, yet he did feel the need to hide this from him. “I’m just waiting for someone to text me, I guess.”

“Is it Taehyun?” Soobin asked excitedly, much to Beomgyu’s disappointment. “He isn’t texting you? I’m already win—“

“*Yes*, it’s Taehyun,” Beomgyu interrupted him with a cold bite in his voice. Soobin quieted at that, confused. Still, he understood the message he was receiving and didn't question his sudden flicker of irritation.

“Who’s Taehyun?” Kai inquired, voice leaking with curiosity as he was left completely in the blue. Before Beomgyu could come up with a plausible reply, another *lie*, a lightbulb lit over Kai’s head. “Taehyun? The new student that Soobin said had five hearts?”

*Great*.

“Uh,” Beomgyu blanked, “yeah, him.”

Kai nodded in recognition until his face morphed into that familiar confusion again. “Why are you waiting for him to text you? I thought you hated people with five hearts?”

Beomgyu saw Soobin open his mouth only to stop himself, pulling his lips into a tight line.

“Change of perspective, I guess,” Beomgyu mumbled, “trying to warm up to them.”

Kai beamed at that, adding more bounce to his steps as his hair jumped on his forehead with his enthusiasm. “That’s nice to hear, hyung.” he grinned widely. “I’m glad you’re opening up more.”

Beomgyu hummed, “Yeah… opening up.”

In no time, Kai changed the subject, chattering on about his day and whatever would unfold in his mind. Beomgyu mostly listened, leaving the rest of the talking to Soobin, who didn’t mention the bet at all.

Nonetheless, Soobin threw a few concerned glances his way. Ones Beomgyu intently ignored and disregarded.

He could feel the questions begging to be spoken beating at Soobin, so when they dropped Kai off at his dorm, he wasted no time firing his inquiries at Beomgyu.

“Why aren’t you telling him?” Soobin hastily questioned, eyebrows furrowed in distaste. “He thinks you’re *actually* going to drop your hate for those people.”

*Those people*.

It was no secret that Soobin didn't like them either. In fact, it was quite obvious. Even though he didn't home the same spiteful hatred, Beomgyu knew the older would feel safer trusting people *without* their five hearts. It was like a sign hung over them, warning the two not to engage.

Much to their dismay, Beomgyu was doing the opposite.

He scoffed bitterly, finding no joy in the situation. “He doesn’t know how wrong he is.”

“Why aren’t you telling him?” Soobin repeated more firmly once the younger dodged his question. Even though Beomgyu knew Soobin’s curiosity was tempting him to spill countless questions, the older was a considerate and patient person. They walked a bit, a few seconds passing by before Beomgyu eventually spoke.

“You know what Kai is like,” Beomgyu muttered dejectedly, “he’s too genuinely pure for this shitty world. He would tell me to back out or he’d straight up tell Taehyun before I could do anything. He wouldn’t do it to anger me, he’d do it for my good.”

Soobin sighed, tapping his finger against his thigh, “So you’re going to keep it from him?”

“As long as he doesn’t meet Taehyun, this doesn’t concern him,” Beomgyu shrugged nonchalantly.

Uncomfortable with the direction of the conversation, Soobin shifted the topic slightly. “He hasn’t texted you?”

“No,” Beomgyu laughed, for some unknown reason, “I offered to show him around some more but he said he was busy yesterday and he’d text me today.”

Soobin smirked, “Looks like he isn’t interested,” he joked, nudging Beomgyu’s arm. “Might as well pay up now. Maybe divide it and pay for my lunch every day.”

“In your dreams,” Beomgyu rolled his eyes, “I’ll text him later.”

Soobin made a disgusted face at that, scrunching up his nose. “Coming off as desperate at this point. He’s going to block you.”

“Ah, that would be a win for you, wouldn’t it?” Beomgyu frowned at the thought of losing that easily.

His mind trailed back to the night before. The picture of him curled up in his blanket with a pillow hugged close to his chest as he binged those movies was fresh in his memories. When he watched them, the interest between the characters had started so early on. What was he doing wrong?

He worried his detachment from bonds had stripped him of the ability to love, or the ability to make people love *him*. Had he strayed so far to the point of no return? There wasn’t a feeling which could replace the gaping hole homing his heart. None other than the one he avoided so desperately.

How could he make someone love him when he didn’t know what exactly the feeling meant?

“Beomgyu?” Soobin tapped his shoulder, “Something else is bothering you.”

Unable to hide anything from the older, he didn’t bother trying to lie himself out of the problem. “I just watched some things yesterday that kind of upset me,” he muttered. “It’s nothing related to what we’re doing, though. Don’t worry. Society problems or whatever.”

Well, he could lie a bit.

"Ah, those," Soobin grimaced, eating up his excuse. "Don't dwell on those. It's damaging to think so much about it."

...__________________________...

Beomgyu was on edge the entire way back home, hand itching to whip out his phone and ask why exactly he got bailed on.

When he talked with Soobin, something in him found its complement piece and clicked. He was overthinking over *nothing*. Beomgyu told himself he was letting his previous experiences cloud this new one. He reminded himself of his initial motive, reminded himself *why* he was doing it in the first place. Self-redemption, maybe, but in the bigger picture, it was something deeper.

He reminded himself he was thinking of things he couldn’t have. With the pathetic, single heart sitting on his wrist, he couldn’t give himself what he wanted. No matter how much he tried to tell himself he didn't want it, the bitter resentment playing repeatedly at the back of his head told him otherwise. There was no point in dwelling on it.

No matter, though. He distracted himself with more pressing matters. It was a toxic habit he had to burry his constant whirl of thoughts despite their size, but he stood by it nonetheless.

When he closed the door to his single dorm, he instantly went for his phone, throwing his bag wherever.

...[08:18pm]...

^^^—:^^^

^^^hey, everything alright?^^^

^^^just wondering since i haven’t heard from you all day^^^

As anticipated, he didn’t get a reply as quickly as he’d wanted to. In fact, he didn’t get a reply for the rest of the day. When he noticed he wouldn’t get one in the first hour, he shut his phone in frustration, feeling his opportunity slip through his fingers. Was it that easy for him to give up?

Unwillingly, this seemed like a reminder. Like a small, persisting creature was sitting in his ear and laughing, whispering ‘*I told you so. You’ve lost your ability to be liked*.’

How could he lose something he didn’t have in the first place, though?

Instead of feeding into the tempting despair, he abandoned whatever work he was scheduled to do and fell onto his cushioned bed, hugging his pillow close to his body. Without changing or tending to his needs, he tried to sleep with a clenched fist in his pillow and a heavy heart.

A heavy, single heart both in his chest and on his wrist.

...__________________________...

Beomgyu woke up to the sound of his phone going off repeatedly, invading his sound sleep. Squinting against the light leaking through the blinds, his body felt stiff from sleeping in his clothes from the day before. He ran a hand through his hair, haywire strands detangling through his fingers.

Slowly, picked his phone from the bedside table, groggily slumping back onto his pillows and checking his notifications.

Taehyun had texted him back.

...[06:28am]...

kang taehyun:

hey, beomgyu-hyung. i’m really sorry i didn’t text you yesterday.

i had a class yesterday and i spent the day studying to catch up for what i missed. i forgot we were supposed to meet up.

i appreciate your offer and if you’re still willing to, we could meet today?

sorry again.

i can make it up to you. maybe i can pay for your coffee or your breakfast? i know this nice place.

Beomgyu squinted at the messages, blinking slowly. He read over them a few more times, trying to process them in his reeling, tired state.

His delay in response seemed to set off more alarms from the other end, resulting in a sea of more overwhelming messages.

... [06:34am]...

kang taehyun:

i can't tell if you’re leaving me on read on purpose ah.

really sorry.

^^^—:^^^

^^^nono i didn’t leave you on read^^^

^^^i just woke up actually i don’t usually wake up at this time,,^^^

kang taehyun:

oh, i’m sorry for waking you.

i have a class soon so i thought i’d text you before i leave.

^^^—:^^^

^^^at 6am? that’s harsh haha^^^

^^^its okay tho no need to apologise! no hard feelings^^^

^^^in fact, i could use some breakfast now that i’m awake^^^

kang taehyun:

yeah, sure.

can we meet by the library? it’s the closest to my class building. from there we could grab some food.

^^^—:^^^

^^^no problem!^^^

^^^see you then!!^^^

kang taehyun:

yeah, goodbye!

...________________________...

Beomgyu was glad Taehyun was adamant about rescheduling. It put his motive back in place, setting an open path for him and helped rid of the doubts he had before. As expected, his desire to prove Soobin wrong overpowered the internal conflict, blinding him of his logic.

The younger had asked to meet him in front of the library, claiming it was close to his morning class. Beomgyu had no problem with that. It was closer to his dorm building, anyway.

What *did* bother him was the fact that the library was by the biology buildings when he was almost certain Taehyun was an art student. He was in Soobin’s media management class which contributed to the art department, after all. Besides, the two units were quite literally on opposite sides of the campus, giving no connections.

He was a little confused when he saw Taehyun by the library building, backpack slung low on his back as he intently scrolled through his phone.

Before he could call out to him, the red-haired boy seemed to notice his presence, raising his head and quickly pocketing his phone.

“Hey, Beomgyu-hyung,” Taehyun greeted him, a small smile playing at his lips, “the diner is just a few blocks away if you don't mind."

“That’s fine,” Beomgyu grinned at the comfortable honorific. *Progress*. Taehyun began directing the way, the older following close.

In no time, Beomgyu voiced his uncertainty as they crossed the street. “You’re in my friends' media management class, right?” he started in an attempt to learn more about the boy.

“Soobin, right?” Taehyun asked. “Yeah, we share a class. I talked to him yesterday.”

Beomgyu almost halted in his tracks at that. Why was Taehyun talking to Soobin? He wouldn’t have ratted him out. There was no way. Beomgyu knew, he was positive Soobin wouldn't have right out told Taehyum just to win a few extra dollars. He trusted the boy too much to doubt him like that.

Still, it rang some alarms.

Beomgyu tried to conceal the concern, “I thought you were majoring in the art department?”

“Uh,” Taehyun lowered his head, hands playing at the rim of his pockets, “I am.”

Something about his stance set Beomgyu off. It wasn’t hard to tell from the two times they’ve met up that Taehyun was quite a secretive person. He didn't speak of himself unless pointedly asked to do so, and even then, he still managed to avoid spilling too many facts about himself. Something about his character didn’t sit right with Beomgyu, further pushing him to dig.

“The library is by the biology department, though,” Beomgyu stated, voice laced in that common confusion.

Taehyun raised a hand to the back of his neckline, subtly scratching at the nape. “I’m majoring in molecular biology too,” he eventually revealed. Still, Beomgyu wasn’t sure why he was so reluctant to tell him. “Arts and molecular biology.”

“You’re double majoring,” Beomgyu gaped, impressed by the fact. “Isn’t that really challenging? On top of that, you probably missed a lot.”

Taehyun looked his way, “I’ll manage.” Something in his tone of voice begged Beomgyu to drop it. His replies were curt and agile, seemingly uninterested in the conversation, and, most noticeably, uncomfortable.

Easily, Beomgyu got the message and revoked his questions, pocketing them for another time and place. Although he was eager to grow close to Taehyun and heighten his chances of winning, he acknowledged he wouldn’t get anywhere by pushing him so early on.

With that, he withheld his curiosity and changed the topic.

The walk to the diner wasn’t too long, having been only a few feet away from their starting point. It was quite small and not many people filled the array of tables, giving a solemn vibe.

Taehyun seemed familiar with the place, though. He led them in with ease. When they were seated, he dropped his bag onto the floor with a sigh, running a hand through his silky hair a few times. Something was bothering him, but Beomgyu didn’t ask. It seemed Taehyun was easy to read.

He solely talked about other things, like where he’d take the boy after they ate. He dictated the best times to go to places and listed the departments on campus. Taehyun listened intently, but something was off with the way he nodded eagerly.

Beomgyu didn’t let it phase him.

When Taehyun was listing their orders for the waiter to note down, Beomgyu noticed how he was leaning on his elbow. His sleeve was creeping down his forearm, yet again showcasing the array of gleaming hearts. Subconsciously, Beomgyu pulled his own sleeves into his hands, trying to cover his own. He wasn't sure if Taehyun had noticed them. If he did, he certainly didn't show it.

Beomgyu looked around aimlessly, spotting others with at least one dimmed heart. It seemed Taehyun was the only one with a full set, yet it didn’t make him feel out of place. Beomgyu glowered at the thought. *What made him so special*?

There was that feeling again.

The familiar spiteful fill of *jealousy*. The same one that clouded his mind, spreading at such a swift speed as it ate hungrily at his better thoughts. It was like a devouring creature, desperate for redemption and willing to engage in whatever it had to.

He only wished he had more chances. At least one more which wouldn’t lead him to the inevitable, constant devoid of feelings. He wanted— he *needed* something to put a rest to the raging beast inside him.

That something was sitting right in front of him.

If he couldn’t give himself another go, he could take away someone else’s, it seemed.

“Why are you majoring in arts and molecular biology?” Beomgyu asked once the waiter had stepped away, the look he got making him impatient. He wouldn’t delve too deep, but he needed to start somewhere if he was going to gain his trust.

“I love photography,” Taehyun replied easily, avoiding the other half of the question. He hesitated for a second, seemingly recollecting his thoughts. “Someone I know gifted me a camera when I was sixteen. I didn’t think it would do me any good but I still ended up getting lost trying to find nice scenery to take pictures of.”

Beomgyu felt something click in his mind. This was good. It was progress. He remembered the short snippets of the movies where they’d talk about passions and whatnot.

“You only take pictures of scenery?” Beomgyu continued, tilting his head slightly in question.

“Yeah,” Taehyun scoffed, “people aren't even half as interesting to take pictures of.”

“Should I be offended?”

Taehyun smiled at him, amused. “Nah, don't take it personally,” he dropped his arm, “I’m never really interested in people, anyway.”

*Huh*.

That might’ve contributed to his lack of dimmed hearts.

Before Beomgyu could ask further, Taehyun seemed to process what exactly he said, doe eyes widening. He spoke almost instantly after. “What about your major?”

“I’m majoring in music,” Beomgyu took the bait, brushing it off as nothing. “Music history, theory, and literature mainly.”

“That’s nice. What do you play?” Taehyun egged him on. Beomgyu’s mind lingered on his declaration only a few seconds ago, yet he let it float. He wouldn’t bring it up again since he wagered the younger didn’t seem to *want* it to come up again, but he didn't let it slip.

“I can play a few things, but mostly guitar,” he smiled solemnly, “been playing since I was a child.”

Taehyun hummed at that. Beomgyu watched as he opened his mouth to shoot another question.

“There isn’t *really* a tour committee, is there?”

Except, it wasn’t a question he was anticipating.

There isn’t really a tour committee, is there?

Beomgyu’s train of thoughts came to an abrupt halt at the question, rendering him thoroughly speechless. His eyes widened at the inquisition, lips parting in an attempt to speak an excuse. He felt like he was tumbling down the mountain on progress he’d made, all his attempts washed away just like that.

*What now*?

The claim that he was on the supposed tour committee was spoken on a whim, no extra through given when he faced Taehyun for the first time. He was so determined to put his plan into action as soon as possible. He hadn’t given himself the time he needed to conceive of a plausible excuse, leading him to where he was now. *Stuck*.

Taehyun watched him expectantly, doe eyes boring straight at him. When he noticed Beomgyu’s troubled state, a smirk compelled its way onto his lips. He knew he was right. There’d be no use in trying to lie again. With the way Taehyun peered at him smugly, Beomgyu was sure he was confident with his inquiry.

Still, he didn’t look necessarily mad.

“What?” Beomgyu belatedly uttered, mustering whatever came to his head first. He felt on the spot with the amount of attention Taehyun was giving him. He began fidgeting with his fingers under the table, rummaging through his thoughts to make him seem less like an idiot.

But, really, that’s what he was at this moment. This wasn’t how it was supposed to go.

“The tour committee for the university?” Taehyun repeated himself comfortably, leaning forward on the table as he grilled Beomgyu. “It doesn’t actually exist, does it?”

Alarms were being set off in Beomgyu’s head. Was this really the end of his short-lived game? Just like that, Soobin had won fifty dollars over Beomgyu. He hadn’t even gotten the chance to genuinely know Taehyun and lure him. Within a few days, not even a full week, he’d lost.

*It was that simple*.

“Uh,” Beomgyu blanked, dodging his gaze as he gave in, “no. It doesn’t.”

Taehyun hummed, sinking back into his seat. “Thought so.”

“How did you know?” Beomgyu queried. *What’s he got to lose*?

“People tend to research the colleges they attend, hyung,” Taehyun narrated him simply with a matter of factly tone. He didn’t seem phased by the lie, though. Something about him was completely off in this situation, as if he’d encountered something like this, someone lying to him, before.

“Ah,” Beomgyu nodded. He wondered if he should’ve gotten up and left. Maybe he would call Soobin to let him know he’d pay him by the end of the week.

“I checked the official website and there was nothing about a tour,” Taehyun further revealed. “Then, I asked Soobin-ssi yesterday after our class. He had no idea about a tour committee and when I told him you were part of it he said you made it up.”

Beomgyu felt his mood cloud at that. As if heavy rainfall was pelting down onto his state and driving him down. Of course, Soobin had a part in this. They hadn’t set any rules for the bet. He could sabotage Beomgyu in any way with no malicious feelings.

Only, Beomgyu wasn’t as mad as he should’ve been. It was reasonable and he didn’t give it as much thought. What he did focus on was Taehyun.

The boy was watching Beomgyu with an amused face, not one of hatred, resentment, or hurt. His expression was deadly neutral as if he found the situation rather amusing to begin with instead of undergoing any sort of suspicion. He had his lips in a small, playful smile and his eyes were soft.

He had dark, chocolate eyes, wide and unrevealing. The boy also had faint freckles dusted over his face, homing mostly his nose and cheeks. It was entrancing how many small features contributed to his endearing face. Everything fit so well and shaped him into such a pretty person.

The more Beomgyu looked, the more he noticed. He couldn’t deny Taehyun was attractive despite the hearts on his wrist.

“I’m just a bit curious,” Taehyun vocalized when Beomgyu didn’t, bringing the older boys' attention back to where it mattered. It mattered in the conversation. *Not his freckles*. “Why did you lie about that?”

“Uh,” Beomgyu looked down, blurting out whatever came first, “I wanted to talk to you.”

He didn’t get an immediate reply at that.

“Huh?”

“You seemed interesting and I… I needed an excuse to talk to you,” Beomgyu mumbled. He couldn’t decipher why he was so reluctant to address this or why he was abruptly toppling over his words. Maybe him being caught in the act was a deciding factor. Maybe it was the strong gaze Taehyun was giving him.

When Taehyun didn’t speak, Beomgyu mustered the courage to look up at him.

It seemed like the self-righteous, confident look had been wiped clean off of his face, substituted by one of wonderment. He was genuinely surprised, his pink lips were parted slightly, eyes confused at the response he’d gotten. Beomgyu didn’t know what he was expecting but it unmistakably wasn’t this.

He looked like an innocent child, one that had just been told something genuinely groundbreaking to the point where they couldn’t believe its authenticity.

“Oh, okay,” he eventually expressed, voice doubtful. “You could’ve just approached me with a hi or something,” he continued, trying to lighten the mood with a low voice.

Beomgyu almost had to ask what he meant by that, stunned his excuse had worked. “Yeah, that seems like a better idea now that you’ve said it.”

Taehyun smiled at him— it seemed honest. He smiled with his eyes. “Well, technically I’m still a new student,” he explained, “if you don’t mind, you could show me around some more? After we eat, at least.”

“Really?” Beomgyu simpered, dumbfounded at how easy it was. Maybe Soobin helped him by telling Taehyun.

“Yeah.”

Soobin had *definitely* helped him.

After that, they held an easy conversation, the revelation of the nonexistent tour committee long forgotten within seconds. Beomgyu felt the boy was still a bit weary with him, yet they could at least be considered friends feasibly.

Beomgyu didn’t let him pay for their food alone, adamant on paying for his own. They were on their way after that, continuing with the little tour he’d offered.

It wasn’t exactly a tour, per se. Majorly, it was more of the two boys wandering around aimlessly, Beomgyu leading him wherever he deemed worthy. They mostly discussed meager interests like music or show to things they enjoy in their major. They went off topic and off path multiple times, venturing to small shops and whatnot instead of around campus.

They’d stop at some spots as Beomgyu would find it necessary to introduce him to some of his favourite places and be on their way swiftly after that. From time to time, they’d spend a few dollars buying small, useless things from random stores, laughing after at their purchase for no specific reason.

Beomgyu had ended up buying a strawberry keychain for him.

He told him it reminded him of his hair.

Later on, they stood around the music department, close to where Beomgyu had most of his classes. The outside was modestly decorated, a scanty fountain surrounded by loitering students situated right in front of the huge doors.

The setup seemed to pique Taehyun‘s interest, pushing him to whip out his phone and snap an agile picture. Beomgyu couldn’t lie, he found it somewhat endearing with how easily the younger became captivated with such trivial things.

“It would look better if I took it with my camera,” Taehyun frowned, plush lips pouting at the picture he’d just taken.

“You didn’t bring it with you?” Beomgyu wondered aloud, glancing at the boys' full backpack.

Taehyun shook his head, his hair flowing with his movement as he zoomed into his picture. “I only have biology classes today. No need to carry equipment for photography everywhere.”

There he goes again with his molecular biology classes.

Perhaps Beomgyu was reflecting too deeply about it, but Taehyun’s participation in that major didn’t fit him. Sure, the boy seemed bright enough to take such a challenging class, but *why*? Why take a class like that alongside photography?

In addition, he never discussed it. Taehyun animatedly talked about photography. It seemed to be his passion, something he’d been doing for years and found comfort in. He mentioned it repeatedly, talking about his favourite things to take pictures off— the sky— to his least favourite pieces—people.

All in all, he never talked about his second major. In fact, he avoided it entirely. Even when Beomgyu pointedly asked, he managed to alter the topic, almost as if he was unfamiliar with talking about it.

It was intriguing, to say the least.

“Shit,” Taehyun cursed under his breath, grasping at Beomgyu’s attention. “It’s three already?”

Beomgyu flinched at the quick shift, throwing him a concerned glance. “Why? Do you have a class?” he asked, “I could walk you th—“

“No. No, no, I don’t have a class,” Taehyun faltered over his words, jostling his phone back into his pocket, “I… I just have something to do. Sorry.”

“Oh, okay,” Beomgyu furrowed his eyebrows, puzzled at his unexpected and haste, desperate mood.

“Thank you for showing me around, hyung,” Taehyun gave a short bow, barely-there as he was already backing away. “I’ll see you soon.”

“Yeah, see you,” Beomgyu mumbled, but the boy was already gone.

Something was different about him.

...__________________________...

Beomgyu was leaving his afternoon class with a bag full of assignments, dreading when he’d actually sit down to do them. The workload didn’t stop him from spending the day with his friends, though. He needed that kind of outlet right now with how much he was overthinking things.

He thought back to the day before where Taehyun had completely read through him. He thought back to the concerning things he’d said and quickly covered up. Beomgyu noticed that Taehyun didn’t give a second thought towards his hearts, acting as if they weren't permanently situated on his wrist. He never addressed them nor had he asked Beomgyu about his hearts— or, his lack of hearts.

Beomgyu regularly thought of how Taehyun strived to meet up again. They could be considered friends by now, right? It was a step closer to the bigger picture of things.

*What did the bigger picture look like, though*?

He didn’t give in to that thought. It wasn’t worth his mental energy to stress over something insignificant. It was simple and he was extensively overcomplicating it with the way his mind works. Get in, gain his trust, get out. That was how simple it should be.

Either way, it was a worry for another time. At this moment, he was looking for Soobin, Yeonjun, and Kai, who said they’d wait for him after his class ended.

In an instant, he saw the head of purple hair amongst the crowds of people. It was easy to spot him. Instantaneously, he saw Yeonjun by him, the two talking animatedly.

Well, Yeonjun was talking while Soobin stared at him with a look of genuine adoration and devotion. Beomgyu wasn’t sure if the taller boy was even listening to the continuous banter with the way he was so captivated by his face.

It wasn’t a secret that Soobin was in love with Yeonjun, no matter how adamantly he denied it. Beomgyu was glad he was able to feel that way without as much doubt and fear as him. He had it hard with the two hearts on his wrist, but not as hard as Beomgyu. It was sort of a relief that someone close to him wasn’t suffering.

“Hey,” Beomgyu called to them, smirking at how Soobin jumped at the new interval.

“Beomgyu,” Yeonjun grinned, engulfing him into a brief hug, “feels like I haven’t seen you in years.”

“We saw each other last week?”

“Same difference,” he ridiculed. “Let’s find Kai and go get some food. I’m sure I saw him around here.”

With that, the eldest went ahead of them, carefully weaving through the mass of busy students.

“Binnie, try being more lowkey when you’re staring at him,” Beomgyu teased him lowly as they trotted after him. “You look at him like he’s offering you more hearts.”

“I wasn’t staring at him,” Soobin gasped, face flushing an easy pink. “He—“

“Who’s that kid Kai’s talking to?” Yeonjun jumped into their conversation, unbeknownst to the effect he had on Soobin. Beomgyu didn’t give it much mind, finding it much more amusing at how desperately the boy was trying to hide the blush coating his cheeks.

He didn’t care much for what Yeonjun had asked until he saw a familiar head of red hair in the corner of his eyes.

Quickly averting his attention, he spotted Hueningkai talking enthusiastically with Taehyun.

Exactly what he’d tried to avoid was unfolding right before his eyes.

Why was he talking to Kai? He knew Kai was a music major too, but why was Taehyun here?

“Shit,” Beomgyu swore under his breath, unsure of how to approach the disappointing situation. He cowered behind Yeonjun, hoping the two younger boys wouldn’t spot him, for some unknown reason.

“Oh,” Soobin followed, glad to have the attention off of him, “Should we stop them?”

“What?” Yeonjun furrowed his eyebrows at their responses, looking at them expectantly. “Why? Who is he?”

Beomgyu keeps his eyes on them, mind jumbling at the sudden bump in his plan. “His name is Kang Taehyun. He’s a junior,” he explained all while keeping a side-eye on the two.

“And?” Yeonjun pushed, impatient with the suspense. “Why is it bad if Kai is talking to him? Is he an asshole or something?” He looked like he was a few seconds away from trying to save Kai. From what? He wasn’t sure.

“Probably, yeah,” Beomgyu glowered as he bit at his lip anxiously.

“Huh?” Yeonjun mumbled, looking back at the two younger boys who still haven't noticed their presence. “What are you talking about?”

“Listen, Taehyun has five hearts,” Beomgyu lowered his voice. With that piece of information, Yeonjun’s face dropped in distaste, abandoning the familiar confusion. “I bet with Soobin that I could break one of his hearts.”

Something clicked in Yeonjun’s mind, face morphing into one of mischief. Still, it didn’t stop him from homing the pitying look Beomgyu usually got. The blonde boy glanced at Beomgyu’s wrist— at his one heart— in concern, yet no words were spoken. He wouldn’t bring it up.

Beomgyu mentally thanked him for that. It was a sore topic.

“How much?” he urged instead.

“Fifty dollars.”

Yeonjun whistled lowly, a smirk playing at his lips. With that, Beomgyu knew he was already on board. “Good luck with that,” he joked. “Soobin, if you win you better take me out on a nice date,” he further teased.

Soobin seemed to take the joke to the heart, face flushing the same red it was a few minutes ago. The two had that kind of relationship. They weren’t dating, per se, but Yeonjun was overly flirty with Soobin and would say things he wouldn’t say to anyone else. Beomgyu had tried countless times to get Soobin to confess, but he’d argue saying the elder was only joking. Beomgyu wouldn’t delve into someone else’s relationship, though.

He believed everyone had to go at their own pace, no matter how much he despised the feeling.

“Shut up,” Soobin stammered instead.

Yeonjun didn’t seem to be phased by it. “How has Kai not convinced you back out?”

“Uh, he doesn’t know,” Beomgyu informed him, slightly anxious of what would happen if he’d know. “He wasn’t supposed to meet Taehyun.”

“Oh, shit,” Yeonjun gaped, raising both his eyebrows in realisation as he looked back at the two still talking.

“Yeah,” Beomgyu agreed with his concern, unsure of whether he should approach them or not.

It was concerning that Kai was talking to him in the first place, yet something else was troubling him.

What bothered him was the way Taehyun seemed somewhat relaxed talking to him. When Beomgyu had first approached him, the boy was unwilling and entirely closed off, visually confused at why a stranger had started talking to him.

In contrast, with Kai, Taehyun didn’t home the same concern. His shoulders were relaxed and his body wasn’t as closed in as before. He was talking with him comfortably, contributing to the conversation as much as Kai was.

Once again, what had Beomgyu done wrong? Was Kai just a more likable person than he had been, or did Taehyun prefer the younger over him based upon first impressions?

*Why was it bothering him*?

He felt something familiar, something he felt so very often. The same emotion he felt towards Taehyun’s five hearts. Not hatred, no. The one that pushed him to want to be in his place. To have that privilege.

Did he want to be in Kai’s place? Talking to him comfortably?

No.

No, he couldn’t want that. That was absurd. Beomgyu visibly frowned to himself for thinking of something like that. It was irrational and just something he thought of in the heat of the moment. He’d wanted it to go through with the little game he had going on.

“I think they noticed us,” Soobin suddenly spoke, thankfully distracting Beomgyu before he began spiraling.

True to his words, the two were looking their way. Beomgyu’s eyes met with Taehyun’s almost immediately, familiarity clouding between them. He gave Beomgyu a soft smile, one that was barely noticeable, and a small wave. The action stirred at his insides.

Kai was speaking directly to the red-haired boy, hands moving in an inviting motion. He was probably asking him to join them, which was natural with his considerate personality.

Taehyun seemed to decline his offer, though, slightly shaking his head as he adverted his attention back to the taller boy. Kai seemed to frown at that but he let him go.

Beomgyu watched as the two separated, Kai, walking towards him and Taehyun the opposite direction. He left without explanation as to why he was around the Music department in the first place.

“Don’t tell Kai,” Beomgyu reminded Yeonjun quickly.

Before Yeonjun could affirm, Hueningkai had already reached them, an innocent smile resting on his lips as he approached unbeknownst to their malicious plan.

“Hey, Hyuka,” Beomgyu greeted him as if the previous conversation hadn’t even happened, “you met Taehyun?”

Kai beamed, “Yeah, I recognised him because of the hearts and the red hair and thought I’d talk to him.”

“Do you know why he was here?” Beomgyu asked, looking over Kai’s shoulder as if to confirm that the boy was really there.

“He said he was looking for you, actually,” Kai informed him, shrugging. “He looked a bit lost so I approached him. I asked if he wanted to join us but he said he didn’t want to intrude and would see you another time.”

Beomgyu didn’t know what he was expecting, but it definitely wasn’t that. He felt a bit dumbfounded and stunned at the response he’d gotten. He wasn’t sure *why* he was genuinely stricken by it. Why was he looking for him? It made him a bit anxious and weary, to begin with.

Soobin seemed to notice his concern. “Let’s go eat now, please,” he diverted the conversation.

Beomgyu realised then that when he started overthinking, Soobin would jump in to distract him. It wasn’t a reliable antidote, yet it worked, to a certain extent. He was thankful for the effort.

Still, as they were on their way, his mind lingered on what Taehyun might’ve wanted.