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Comeback

Episode 1: The Unseen Gaze

Hongshu had always been there—watching, waiting, hoping. She stood at the edge of the basketball court, where Gwangshuk played under the afternoon sun. His movements were fluid, effortless, his laughter blending with the cheers of his friends. But his eyes… they were always searching for someone else.

Shinha.

Hongshu knew it too well. The way Gwangshuk's entire posture changed when Shinha was around, the way his voice softened, his gaze turned tender. It was a painful thing to witness, but she couldn’t stop looking.

“Hongshu?”

She startled at the voice and turned to see Shinha beside her, holding two bottles of iced tea. Her long hair was tied up in a messy ponytail, strands framing her face in a way that made her seem effortlessly beautiful.

“You looked lost in thought,” Shinha said with a small smile, handing her a bottle. “Here, I bought an extra one.”

Hongshu forced a smile. “Thanks.”

They stood together, watching the game as Gwangshuk scored another point. He turned towards the sidelines, looking directly at them—no, at her.

Shinha waved, and Gwangshuk’s face lit up. He jogged over, breathless but grinning. “Did you see that shot?”

Hongshu’s fingers tightened around the bottle.

Shinha laughed. “Yeah, yeah, Mr. Show-off. You were good.”

He laughed along, eyes never leaving hers. Hongshu might as well have been invisible.

“I have something to tell you after practice,” Gwangshuk said, his voice holding a hint of nervousness.

Shinha tilted her head. “Oh? Sounds serious.”

Gwangshuk only smiled before running back onto the court.

Hongshu already knew what he wanted to say. And she knew it wasn’t meant for her.

Still, she stayed. Watching, waiting, hoping.

Comeback

Episode 2: The Confession

The day had come. Gwangshuk had asked to meet Shinha after practice, and Hongshu’s heart twisted with the knowledge of what was about to unfold. She had prepared herself for this moment, but nothing could ease the ache in her chest.

It was late afternoon when the final bell rang, signaling the end of school. Hongshu lingered in the courtyard, watching as Shinha made her way toward the basketball courts, a slight spring in her step. Gwangshuk was already there, leaning against a bench, his hands in his pockets. His eyes were anxious, but when they landed on Shinha, they softened.

Hongshu took a step back, wanting to remain unseen.

Gwangshuk stood up straighter as Shinha approached. “You wanted to talk?”

He hesitated for a moment, his eyes searching hers for reassurance. “Yeah. I’ve been thinking about something... something important.”

Shinha smiled warmly, unaware of the storm brewing behind her. “You can tell me anything, Gwangshuk.”

Hongshu, from the shadows, watched the scene unfold. She saw how Gwangshuk’s hand trembled slightly as he reached out to hold Shinha’s, and her stomach churned.

“Shinha,” he began, his voice steadying, “I’ve been feeling this way for a while, and I can’t hide it anymore. I—"

He was interrupted by a sound from behind them. Hongshu had made a noise, perhaps a sigh too loud, and both Gwangshuk and Shinha turned toward her. She had stepped too far into the light, and they noticed her then, standing a few feet away, her face pale.

“Oh, Hongshu,” Shinha said softly, her tone shifting into concern. “You’re here. What’s wrong?”

Gwangshuk’s eyes followed Shinha’s gaze. “Are you okay?” he asked, his voice holding a note of care.

Hongshu looked up at him, forcing a smile, though the pit in her stomach only deepened. “I’m fine. Just… I’ll go.” She turned to leave, but Gwangshuk stopped her with a gentle voice.

“Hongshu, wait. Please.”

She halted but didn’t turn back. “I… I didn’t mean to intrude. Go ahead.”

But Gwangshuk wasn’t going to let it go that easily. He walked toward her, his presence warm but overwhelming. “You’re not intruding, Hongshu. I—"

He stopped himself, glancing between Shinha and Hongshu. Then, with a deep breath, he spoke again. “I wanted to tell Shinha that I like her. I’ve liked her for a while, and I think it’s time she knew.”

The words were a slow, brutal admission. Hongshu’s heart seemed to stop, but she managed to nod, forcing herself to speak. “Of course. I… I’m happy for you, Gwangshuk.”

Shinha smiled brightly at Gwangshuk, but Hongshu noticed how the smile faltered slightly when she saw Hongshu’s face.

“Are you sure you’re okay?” Shinha asked again, concern lacing her voice.

Hongshu swallowed the lump in her throat and nodded, even though it felt like her entire world was slipping away. “Yeah. I’m fine. I should go.”

Without waiting for a response, she turned and walked away, her heart breaking with every step. She could hear their voices behind her, but she didn’t look back.

The confession had been made, and Hongshu’s feelings, so carefully hidden, were left in the dust.

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