Face to Face with the Past
Jisung’s pulse pounds in his ears. His breath comes in short, shaky bursts.
He wants to move—to turn around and walk away.
But Jihoon is in front of his locker. Blocking his only escape.
Kang Jihoon
“No hello?” Jihoon tilts his head, smirking. “You used to be friendlier, Jisungie.”
Han Jisung
Jisung clenches his fists. Stay calm. Stay calm.
Han Jisung
“What do you want?” His voice is steadier than he feels.
Kang Jihoon
Jihoon hums. “Just checking in. I saw you the other day. You looked… fragile.”
Kang Jihoon
Jihoon leans in slightly, voice lower. “Still fainting, huh?”
He hates that Jihoon remembers. Hates that he still knows how to get under his skin.
A voice cuts through the tension.
Lee Know
“Hey. What’s going on here?”
Standing a few feet away. Watching. Expression unreadable.
Kang Jihoon
Jihoon sighs dramatically. “Wow, already got a bodyguard? That’s cute.”
Lee Know
Minho doesn’t even blink. “And you are?”
Kang Jihoon
Jihoon grins. “An old friend.”
Jisung’s blood runs cold.
Lee Know
Minho glances at Jisung. “That true?”
Han Jisung
Jisung swallows. He can’t answer.
Because if he does—everything will come out.
Kang Jihoon
Jihoon chuckles. “Relax, I was just saying hi.”
He steps away, finally giving Jisung space.
But before leaving, he leans in one last time.
Quietly. Just for Jisung.
Kang Jihoon
“You still look cute when you’re scared.”
His legs feel shaky, his hands clammy.
Minho is still watching him.
But Jisung can’t do this. Not here.
So he does the only thing he can.
Jisung barely makes it outside before Minho catches up.
Lee Know
“Hey—Jisung—wait.”
But Minho is faster. He grabs Jisung’s wrist, forcing him to turn around.
Lee Know
“What was that?” Minho demands.
Han Jisung
Jisung yanks his arm free. “Nothing.”
Lee Know
Minho laughs bitterly. “Oh, really? You looked like you were about to pass out.”
Han Jisung
Jisung’s jaw clenches. “Drop it, Minho.”
Lee Know
Minho’s expression hardens. “No.”
Han Jisung
Jisung glares. “It’s none of your business.”
Lee Know
Minho steps closer. “Try again.”
Jisung’s hands tremble at his sides
Lee Know
His voice softens. “…Who was that?”
Han Jisung
Jisung looks away. “…No one.”
And when he speaks again, his voice is quiet.
Lee Know
“Was he the reason you…” He hesitates. “…the panic attacks?”
Because Minho is too close to the truth.
And Jisung isn’t ready to go there.
So he forces a weak smile.
Minho stares at him. Unmoving. Unconvinced.
Jisung relaxes slightly—until Minho adds—
Lee Know
“But if he comes near you again—I’ll handle it.”
But Minho is already walking away.
And Jisung can’t shake the feeling—
That this is far from over.
Jisung barely makes it through the day.
His mind won’t stop replaying the encounter with Jihoon. The way he spoke, the way he leaned in—the way Minho looked at him afterward.
He keeps his head down, avoiding everyone. Even Minho.
Because if Minho asks again—Jisung doesn’t know if he can keep lying
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