Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

Up.

Down.

An image of them playing together, both of their laughs echoing throughout the basketball court.

Up.

Down.

Hyuntak smiling so bright after they won the championship that his eyes crinkled at the corners.

Up.

Down.

Hyuntak sweatily hugging him. Cheering with him. His arms wrapped around Humin's neck so tight it was hard to breathe.

Up.

Down.

Hyuntak screaming that he's the best captain ever, face flushed with victory.

Humin's dopey smile widened.

The memories were months old by now, yet he couldn't help but feel such warm fondness for them. Or stop butterflies from fluttering their wings in his stomach.

He tossed the small rubber basketball in the air above him again—swiftly catching it as it came down. The rhythm was mindlessly soothing.

He was sprawled across the floor of the little hide-out Juntae had created—the one that, despite already being full of mangas and plushies, kept gaining new additions every three days. Or every day if Juntae was feeling particularly excited to buy new trinkets.

Sieun was sitting in front of the tiny desk, studying as always—completely absorbed by Korean grammar. Maybe he was already onto math with how the scratching of his pen became more constant.

It was the only other sound in the room, making it perfect for Humin to daydream about his childhood best friend.

Or well.

His crush.

He couldn't keep the silly smile off his face. He was a complete idiot. A lovesick fool with a crush on his childhood friend and absolutely no shame about it.

Had he said anything about said crush to said friend?

Not really. He hadn't. Not when Hyuntak hadn't come around the whole "liking boys" yet. Much less "liking Baku."

But Humin was nothing but confident. Hyuntak would get there eventually. And when he did they would get married in matching red and blue suits. It was already decided.

If Hyuntak was really nice to him, Humin would even dye his hair red again. To showcase all the love he had for Hyuntak in his heart. Not because of Hanamachi Sakuragi and definitely not because Humin hadn't been able to enjoy his red-haired days to the fullest. The fact that he didn't take any pictures in his best style was completely unrelated to wanting to replicate such look in his wedding.

He sighed wishfully. Would Sieun agree to be his best man? Or would he choose to stand beside Hyuntak instead?

Well it didn't matter that much now, did it?

Not when Humin would have tears streaming down his face as he watched Hyuntak make his way down the aisle while everybody cheered. He had tears in his eyes now with how emotional it would all be.

His Gogo would look incredible with a well-fitting blue suit and a ring sparkling around his finger.

They could even have a little puppy bring their rings! Or a puppy and a kitty! Representing both of them. The epitome of romantic perfection.

He threw the hand-sized basketball again, grinning a the ceiling.

Should he start working on his vows? He was suddenly feeling inspired. Go Hyuntak I will love you through sickness and health and through thick and thin and promise to give you my—

"PARK HUMIN!"

The basketball fell onto a ground with a quiet thud.

Humin flinched at the noise. He wasn't one to get startled by people shouting his name, they did it all the time. His dad, teachers, Hyuntak. But he couldn't say he had ever heard this voice in this tone directed at anyone before. Much less himself!

So either the world was ending, or zombies were about to get him, or there was a worldwide shortage of fried chicken.

"Oof—" The air was punched out of his lungs as Juntae quite literally launched himself on top of him. There were legs clamping around Humin's chest and a grab of his collar similar to those of a bully. The most concerning thing was how close iron framed glasses were to his eyes.

"Did they announce Slam Dunk movie?" Humin tried, hope painted on his face at the thought. Even if the tone was sounding more like I found out you stole all of the Haikyuu volumes we had here.

Seo Juntae frowned at his comment.

He had screamed Humin's full name, had jumped on top of him, and now he was frowning.

Something was definitely wrong.

The tightening of his shirt where Juntae was fisting the fabric only made him more fearful. Seo Juntae—their sweetest and kindest friend—was mad at him?

"How dare you?" Juntae demanded. Punctuating each of his words with weak punches to Humin's pectorals. His objectively very strong and sexy pecs.

"Ow—How dare I what?" His eyes were blown wide in surprise as he was still receiving hits. He didn't recall doing anything dumb or stupid recently. Which was a massive feat because he was a walking dumb and stupid. But Juntae never got annoyed at that. Never mind fully violent.

The boy staring was livid. Seething. There was a rage in his eyes fueled by… betrayal? What the hell had he done to receive that?

"You have a crush on Gotak!" Juntae shouted.

Humin didn't know where Juntae had gotten that information, but he found he didn't particularly care.

"Yeah? So what?"

Juntae looked even more offended. "Are you dense?"

Humin paused to study the red hued face hovering inches from his own. How uncharacteristically mad Juntae was at his feelings. How the framed fiery eyes contrasted the shakiness of his hands.

There was only one simple explanation to this.

Juntae liked him!

Wait. What the fuck? Juntae liked him?

He sat up so quickly that Juntae went flying to the floor with an ack. The smaller boy landed butt first in the space between Humin's knees, legs locking on Humin's hips as he scrambled to sit up.

"Look, Tae, you are really cute and all," Humin started, flashing his most charming smile, the one that usually got him out of trouble. Or deeper into it. "But as you said I have a crush on Gotak. Though I'd describe the feeling more as love, but you got the gist of it." He suspired romantically, completely ignoring the way Juntae's expression morphed from confusion to horror.

"But don't worry! There's nothing awkward between us! We can still be friends!" He reached out to ruffle Juntae's hair as he nodded enthusiastically, big smile still planted in his face. It wasn't reflected on Juntae's face, but Humin wouldn't expect it to. "I'm actually honored, you know? I would have never thought you liked me so much you'd scream at me for liking someone else. I hope yo—"

"You love him?"

Humin blinked at him, rearing back in all the reassuring words that were about to come out of his mouth.

"Well I really, really like him. I think it is love?" He answered, shrugging his shoulders.

Juntae let out a long, resigned sigh. A pout formed on his pinkish lips and like this he looked a lot more like the Juntae Humin knew—all soft and harmless.

"You can't love Tak-ie," Juntae said, his voice small.

"Listen," Humin angled his voice to sound soft and gentle. He didn't really want to hurt Juntae's feelings, but there were certain boundaries that had to be set. "As much as I appreciate your feelings for me…"

Juntae's head snapped up, looking directly into his—Humin hoped—mellowed out eyes.

"You can't stop me from liking him."

The way Seo Juntae was staring at him made his body go cold again—there was a lot of hatred in his eyes all of the sudden.

"Park Humin you absolute doofus! I don't have any special feelings for you!"

Had he misread the fire in his eyes this whole time?

"You don't?"

"No!" Juntae seemed like he was on the verge of ripping his hair out.

"Then what's the big deal that I like Hyuntak?"

"Because you're breaking the bro-code!" Juntae said both hands clenching on Humin's red shirt, stretching it.

…The bro-code?

Was this another version of the U-Turn's Law? Not that Humin remembered anything about it. Something to do with good actions. He didn't see how liking Gotak wasn't something good. Or how it was breaking any code. Not now that South Korea had legalized gay marriage.

"I didn't break anything!" Humin protested.

"Yes you did! We, as friends, aren't supposed to pine over the same person!"

"There is no pine tree over anybody!"

"I wasn't talking about actual pine cones!"

"Then what were you talking about?"

"I like Go Hyuntak too!"

There was a silence after the declarative scream. Juntae was breathing heavily. His cheeks were dusted in pink, but his eyes didn't look any calmer behind his glasses.

"…Okay?"

"No Humin it is not okay!"

He didn't really see the problem here. So what if Juntae liked Hyuntak?

"Why not?"

"Because—" Juntae sounded exasperated. "We can't both like the same person and still be friends."

Humin didn't know how Juntae got to this conclusion. They would be friends no matter what. Until they were old. Old enough to watch his marriage with Hyuntak and—

Oh.

Maybe he saw where it could go wrong.

"Okay." Humin sat back, squaring his shoulders. "I've known him first, so if one of us must stop liking him it should be you."

Juntae gasped, mouth falling open at Humin's statement.

"No! I already liked him while you were still dating Baekjin!"

Okay. So Hyuntak might not have been Humin's first love. But that didn't mean what he felt for him was any less impactful and meaningful. Plus, people hardly ever married their first loves. So Humin was just optimizing the chances of a happy ending.

"Well, if you didn't do anything about it then, what makes you think you'll be doing something about it now?"

The fire in Juntae's eyes flickered, then completely extinguished by the sudden glazing wetness.

He saw Juntae's jaw tightening, but his pout was still pretty much there.

"Fine." Juntae pulled his legs towards himself to stand up. "If you don't see a problem with it, then there's no problem."

"There's no problem?"

Juntae shook his head, glancing down at Humin from where he was now standing.

"May the best man win."

Humin didn't even get the chance to think of a reply, because Juntae had already bolted out of the room.

The silence from before settled again.

"What the hell?"

From the desk in the corner, he can hear the clicking of a pen.

"Oh." Humin's head turn around just in time to see Sieun shaking his head. "You're still here."

"Unfortunately."

There was an uncomfortable silence that stretched out as both of them kept staring at each other.

"Aren't you going to follow him?" Sieun nodded towards the door.

"Why would I?"

It was not like Juntae went out crying his eyes out—he actually looked pretty determined and okay with the healthy competition that suddenly bloomed between them. Which was good, wasn't it? That way Humin would feel less bad in breaking his friend heart when he ultimately won Hyuntak over, and things wouldn't be so awkward between them.

Everything would be fine and follow the plan of his previous reverie. Except Sieun was still looking at him like he had missed something in not following Juntae out, which he had just thought over and decided was fine.

Unless… if he was so determined he went to confess to Hyuntak right now at this moment and that's why he ran out.

But there was no way, right?

Who would just suddenly confess without even preparing properly. Juntae didn't seem like someone who would confess empty-handed too. He seemed like he would write all of his feelings in a pretty heart-shaped card and pair them with chocolates for the ultimate love confession. He was cute and prepared like that.

So there was absolutely no way Juntae waited all this time to suddenly confess now.

…Right?

The feeling set off a dread cold ran through his body. Humin didn't think anything was wrong in both of them liking the same person because he was confident enough that Hyuntak would only have eyes for him. He was big and tanned and strong and funny and charming and he smells good after he showers.

Yes, Humin was confident that if this was really a competition (because did anyone beside him even have a chance?) he would absolutely win. He literally knew Hyuntak since they were both children, had slept in his room more times than he had slept in his own, knew him better than he knew the back of his hand—because why would he waste time looking at the back of his hand when he could look at Hyuntak? And Gotak's hands? Nonsense.

But all of this knowledge, the fact that they were inseparable, always glued at each other's hips and his assurance that Hyuntak knew just as much about himself didn't stop the rare tingles of anxiety from spreading throughout his chest.

But what if Juntae confessing changed things? Not that Humin himself wouldn't still be tall and hot and tanned but… what if Hyuntak swayed?

Because, yes, normally no one would be a competition to him. But he never even thought someone from their friend-group would also like Hyuntak. Much less Juntae who was always so… Juntae.

It wasn't strange of course. Hyuntak is handsome and kind and nice and had been protecting Juntae since they met. So he understands where the crush might have stemmed from. 

But he wasn't entirely sure that Hyuntak would just politely reject Juntae and then the small boy would get over it in a couple of months and Humin's own plan to get married would still be on.

Because Hyuntak was too nice. Especially to Juntae. Heck, not even Sieun could say no to Juntae so how would Hyuntak be any more immune to that?

He would definitely put the shorter boy's feelings before his own. Then they would start dating and Humin couldn't let that happen! Couldn’t let the little guy steal the loves of his life from right under his grasp. Because if he had the chance to confess first, if he could plant the seed that made Hyuntak think about them together, Humin was sure—absolutely sure—that they would get married.

It was obvious that he had to find a way to confess first!

+++

It felt like he had searched throughout the whole school already, and Humin was growing more desperate. 

Hyuntak had been in stuck with cleaning the class today and as much as Humin wanted to make him company, the teachers prohibited them from ever cleaning together due to past circumstances. Humin thought they were being dramatic, having Humin explained several times that three windows breaking was purely an accident, but he had to respect their wishes—he already had one too many suspensions. He didn't need to add to them.

But when Humin finally went back to the third-year hallway, Hyuntak was nowhere to be seen—not inside their class nor nearby.

He started asking around, flashing is usual broad grin as he patted the students on the shoulder. He liked the answers less and less when they went from "yeah, I think I saw him in the court," to "wasn't he just walking here with the bread shuttle?" 

He was getting a little stressed out. And that might be why he was a little rougher with the prick that referred to Juntae as bread shuttle. He kept the smile in his face as he grabbed the boy by his collar with enough force to leave the student tiptoeing.

"Which way?"Humin asked, jaw tight despite his grin, quickly shoving the boy into the wall after he had weakly pointed outside.

When he reached the court he didn't see even a shadow of them, his stomach tightening uncomfortably as some sweat started to form in his forehead. Where else would they be at? The bathroom? The roof?

He thought about it and slapped his forehead when he realized he hadn't checked the basketball team room. The first place he should have checked.

He sprinted there, seeing it's door wide and hearing muffled voices, a tone so soft it could only belong to Juntae. Humin slowed down as he got closer, straining his ears to hear the conversation.

"Tak, I should have told you this a long time ago but, um…" Juntae said, and then giggled semi-nervously. "Ever since we became friends you are always taking care of me, and I really appreciate that. It is very kind and nice and awesome, especially when we hold hands, and…"

The little fucker! He really bolted straight to a confession. Humin should have known better than tell Juntae that if he hadn't done anything so far he wouldn't do it ever. He shouldn't have given him the push he needed to confess after having feelings for so long. But wasn't this playing dirty? He didn't have to do this right after finding out Humin actually liked him too!

"Are you saying I shouldn't do that?" Hyuntak asked incredulously. Humin could hear the signs of anger in his voice. "Are you sick of it? And you decided to only tell me now?"

"What? No!" Juntae sounded extremely confused. It was almost funny to listen to.

"I understand that you didn't want to say I'm overbearing not to hurt my feelings but you should have told me before! Are we not fucking close enough for you to freely talk about these things?"

Humin had to thank Mr. Go for making Hyuntak a complete dumb-ass.

"What are you talking about, Tak? I'm trying to say something important."

"You're telling me to keep a distance between us because you don't like when I take care of you or when we hold hands. Fuck, Jun, how long have you been keeping this in?"

"No, Tak, listen!" Juntae grabbed Hyuntak's face. Humin didn't like where this was going. "I like it when you take care of me. A lot actually!"

He needed to stop this now. He wasn't one to play the bad guy but desperate times call for desperate actions. Or whatever the saying was.

"What I meant to say before wasn't anything bad. It was that you should know that I really, like really really li—"

He slammed his palm against the open metal door so hard that Juntae shoulders went up in startlement. Hyuntak just looked at him from over his shoulder without a hint of surprise. He was used to his antics, that was even more reason why they were a perfect match for each other. See that, Seo Juntae?

"Yah, Go Hyuntak! Are you ready to play?" Humin asked, bright smile actually reflecting what he felt inside now.

"Play?" Hyuntak turned to face him completely, and Humin could feel his joy growing at the successful interruption. "We don't have practice today."

"Yeah, but everyone's waiting for our match in the court." Humin jerked his thumb over his shoulder. "1v1. Me against you, Gogo."

Humin wished it was under a different context, but a basketball game would suffice for now.

"Why are you smiling like that, fucker?" Hyuntak spat, with narrowed eyes. his competitiveness making him forget everything that was going on beforehand. "You think you’re gonna win?"

"I know I'm going to win," Humin boasted. "Half of the school is betting on that, can't let them down"

"Oh it's on." Hyuntak shoves his sleeves up, ready to prove him wrong. Humin couldn't wait to see it.

"Wait, Tak—" Juntae grabbed Hyuntak's right hand with both of his smaller ones. Not that Humin was a particularly observant guy, but it was impossible not to notice how slim and small they were as he held onto Hyuntak's fingers. "I— I really want– no, need to tell you this. I promise it isn't anything bad!"

"If it's something good why don't you tell me after I win, hm?"

"But—"

"Are you half-dead or what?" Humin interrupted them once more, he wasn't going to take any chances. Plus, Juntae had already gotten his fair share of alone time with Hyuntak.

Hyuntak looked at Humin then back at Juntae.

"I promise it won't take long," Hyuntak promised Juntae with a soft smile.

And how could Juntae go against Hyuntak's smile?

Humin watched in satisfaction as the boy nodded twice, hard enough for his hair to bounce on top of his head, and let go of his crush's hand.

Hyuntak turned to him, finger pointing to the court in a silent question, and Humin answered with a big "Let's go!" as he pulled Hyuntak by the shoulders and started walking together towards the court.

He had to make sure they took as long as it was necessary for Juntae to give up and go home.

He turned his head to side, watching from the corner of his eyes how Juntae followed them.

Juntae was looking at Humin with the most murderous eyes Humin had ever seen. And he had dated Na Baekjin.

Chills crept up his spine, and he quickly turned to face forward again. Even if he could still feel the stare on the back of his head. He hoped that Seo Juntae wasn't feeling as bloodthirsty as he looked, or else Humin should start saying his goodbyes.

+++

Humin didn't let Hyuntak out of his sight for the rest of the day, didn't leave his side. Juntae would have to wait for a private moment to confess. Preferably until eternity.

But if there was something Humin found out these past hours, it was that Seo Juntae seriously stubborn. Or determined. Or both.

Since Hyuntak was always in his field of view, so was Juntae, who dabbed Hyuntak's sweat with his stupid little yellow towel he created from thin air, celebrated for him like his personal cheerleader, and fucking handed him water like he was part of the team and this was a real game.

Though basketball was far from the game actually being played here. A competition much bigger than any of the championships Humin ever participated had consolidated the moment Juntae decided to show the courage he had grown to have.

And Humin could appreciate Juntae trying his best to be there, present, after Humin had interrupted his confession. The athlete in him appreciated the dedication, and technically, even if it made his eye twitch, what he was doing was fair play.

Well, technically anything any of them did would be fair play since there were no rules established, which Humin would definitely exploit if came to it. If he wasn't above interrupting his friend's love confession, he wasn't above much else.

The problem he was having here was that Hyuntak was not any better. He kept ruffling Juntae's hair, telling him time and time again to watch closely because he would be scoring. Even went as far as to say he would be scoring just for him.

It was obvious that Humin didn't let such thing happen. Using every basketball practice he ever attended and all 101 Slam Dunk episodes to stop Hyuntak from shooting accurately into the hoop.

But that didn't stop the two guys from mingling together, laughing together, smiling together.

The prickle of fear that had slithered into his mind when he was searching throughout the school made itself present again. Whispering to him that maybe, maybe, he had been blinded by watching Hyuntak's nice face all this time that he had missed the obvious spark going on between both of them.

No. He screamed back at it. There was no way Hyuntak had feelings for Juntae. They were just friends. Hyuntak was friendly with him just like he was with Sieun.

Yes, he treated him a little more softly, but so did Humin. That was the Juntae effect and that had nothing to do with any romantic feelings. He was sure.

Hyuntak glanced over at Humin, and smiled, completely unaware of the crisis he was causing. Humin let a long breath out as he smiled back, giving him a thumbs up.

What was he even thinking? Hyuntak was his. Or, well, he would be, once Humin confessed. Later today. He just needed the right moment, and then Hyuntak would be fully, completely his, and he could stop worrying about—

"Baku! Did you see that shot? Pretty cool, right?"

"It was okay," Humin said, jokingly. "I'm sure you can do better."

"Watch this then, idiot."

And just like that, Humin's attention was back to where it was always supposed to be.

+++

Sitting in his usual spot on Baku's Fried Chicken, Humin was suddenly contemplating his life choices. It was not like he was one to ponder too much on the past, always saying stupid things at stupid times. Still, he couldn't help but regret what his stupid past self had told Seo Juntae just today.

Because past him had completely underestimated the boy.

Humin obviously didn't leave Hyuntak on his own, making sure he didn't get to speak with Juntae freely, the promise of being able to talk later nothing but a dream on Juntae's part by now. But he should have known from how resolute the boy had looked earlier, that he wasn't planning on just sitting and waiting for Humin to swoop Hyuntak up and away, and quietly accept his defeat.

Still… following them to dinner was a bit too much, wasn't it? Even going as far as convincing Sieun to come too so it was even harder for Humin to have his own alone time with his Gotak.

The urge to just rip the band-aid off was overwhelming. To grab Hyuntak's hand across the table, look him in the eyes, and say I like you, I love you, go out with me.

But the setting was completely wrong. They were packed into their usual seats in the restaurant, Humin sat directly across from Hyuntak, who had Juntae sitting to his left. Sieun was beside him, not really talking, he looked entirely like he didn't want to be there, but Humin knew he was observing, curious even.

Juntae, on the other hand, was yapping non-stop, nervously filling the silence with rapid-fire gossip about school and classes, his eyes darting toward Hyuntak every few seconds, making sure to keep the taller boy entertained and making his presence known.

Humin was trying his best to match the energy, rambling right back and acting extra loud, happy, and boisterous—even more than usual. But inside, his patience was wearing dangerously thin. He just wanted Juntae to leave and take Sieun with him.

And he really thought about simply just kicking him out when Juntae rested his hand on Hyuntak's arm to emphasize what he was saying.

Frustrated, Humin stretched his long leg under the table, aiming a sharp, warning kick at Juntae's shin to get him to shut up.

He watched in satisfaction on how Juntae stopped talking mid-sentence. The boys eyes became teary and he gripped the edge of the table with the hand that was previously touching Hyuntak.

Humin almost felt bad, the kick landing a little harder than he intended, but ultimately he was happy that they weren't touching anymore.

"Ow—wow! This fried chicken is... it's just so good," Juntae squeaked out, trying to cover up his shout of pain.

"I'll tell my dad you liked it," Humin said pointedly, he hoped that it looked at least a little menacing to Juntae, and with the way the smaller boy's jaw tightened and lips formed a slight pout, Humin would say he succeeded.

Humin watched as Juntae shifted in his seat, sliding down just slightly so his sneakered foot could stretch out under the table.

Humin felt a faint bump against the side of his foot. Then another. It was like being nudged by a small animal. Juntae's leg wasn't long enough to reach Humin's foot properly, his toe just grazing the edge of Humin's shoe with barely any force. The third attempt landed somewhere on top of Humin's toes, but it was pathetically light.

Humin glanced down, then back up at Juntae, who was now red-faced, sweating, and eating at a piece of chicken with more aggression than he usually would, big bites instead of his shy little ones, trying to hide how he had just tried to get revenge.

It was funny how he had failed with that too.

Beside him, Sieun had been watching the entire exchange, probably knowing everything that went on—even what was happening under the table. Without a word, he picked up one of his chopsticks, and pressed the prickly end firmly against Humin's thigh.

Humin—who was still trying to contain his laugh from Juntae's failed antics—jolted hard at the feeling. His wide eyes darted to Sieun, who simply raised an eyebrow, telling him to behave.

His eyes were scary. Humin didn't want to mess with Sieun, so he just smiled bright while putting his hands together asking for mercy.

When Sieun seemed to have accepted his silent apology and plead for mercy, Humin finally looked back to Hyuntak, who was being fed some chicken by Juntae.

Seo Juntae, the little bastard, not did he ruin his date, sat beside his crush, and stole the attention that should be on Humin, he also had been three steps ahead in bringing his own bodyguard. Humin couldn't even tease him properly now. What a waste of an evening.

But that was okay, because tomorrow they had class, and Humin was in Hyuntak's class, and you know who wasn't? Seo Juntae. Which meant he would surely be able to profess his love for Gotak and the whole madness that went on today would be nothing but a funny memory for Humin to talk about in their vows.

+++

When the next morning arrived, the pressure to expose his feelings was suffocating. Humin felt entirely out of his depth, barely even remembering to greet people on his way into the school. He was feeling emotions he had never felt before, like… anxiety. This whole competitive situation was making him feel completely unlike himself.

Why couldn't Seo Juntae have just stayed quiet?

Humin actually wanted to drag this out a bit longer. He had wanted to take his time—to guide Hyuntak slowly, to help his hot-headed childhood friend first come to terms with the idea of liking boys before throwing his own feelings into the mix.

Wanted to test the waters, drop hints, let things develop naturally. But it felt like he didn't have this option now.

But Humin was nothing if not a tough guy—the momentary anxiety dissipating the moment he slid the door to his classroom open.

There were plenty of kids there already, including Hyuntak, who was busy barking at someone on how they didn't do something properly. Always so energetic in the morning.

The morning light caught the curve of Hyuntak's defined jaw, his short hair dark against his skin.

He was too pretty. Pretty and handsome and beautiful enough for Humin's resolve to harden.

Today. He was doing this today. He had to.

"Have you guys heard?" He asked loudly, as soon as he set foot into the room. His eyes were perfectly conveying both curiosity and concern.

A couple of boys turned to him asking, "What?"

"Apparently Geum Seongje is searching for Hyoman," Humin announced, sliding his bag off his shoulder. He didn't mention it was to fight, because that would have been way too out of character, but he did add, "have you seen them?"

The effect was immediate, just like Humin knew it would be. He might not be the best at math—okay, yes, he was the worst at math—but if there was one thing he was good at was people.

Especially his people. Yes, this was anyone with an Eunjang uniform, who have been starving for a fight. The ones that were so curious even the shyer ones would want to watch Hyoman getting punched.

A big bright smile set on his face as he watched everyone scrambling to witness the inevitable disaster.

Hyuntak stayed where he was, he couldn't care less about Hyoman even if he were to die on the courtyard today. Since he was a pure-hearted soul he'd shed a couple tears, but ultimately Humin knew he would be happy. Who wouldn't, after all the shit Hyoman had done?

Humin would be.

"How do you know?" Hyuntak asked, curious.

"Heard downstairs." The truth was that he had been the one to call Seongje here, or, well, text him here. They have had each others phone number since middle school, but this was the first time Humin ever sent him a text. Something along the lines of how Hyoman was talking shit about him again, and said he couldn't even man up to show himself here.

For someone as bored as Seongje, it was impossible not to bite the bait. And Hyoman deserved to get punched by that psychopath.

So it was a win-win. Hyoman would get a nose job and Humin would get the perfect atmosphere to profess his love.

"Those punks," Hyuntak muttered, rolling his shoulder. "Hope they rearrange each other's faces."

Humin grinned at the comment, and it widened even more as the last few kids filtered out and the door clicked shut, leaving the two of them by themselves in an empty classroom.

Humin took a quick glance around to make sure it was actually empty. Outside the window, under the tables, and even inside his squared-shaped locker to make sure Juntae wasn't actually hiding there, spying on them waiting for the perfect time to interrupt. He was small enough to fit in the cracks on the wall so Humin couldn't take any chances.

When he decided the coast was clear, Humin opened his mouth.

"So, Gogo. Do you ever see someone's face so much that it becomes annoying?"

"Yes," Hyuntak said without even missing a beat. "Yours."

"Exactly!" Humin exclaimed, "that's why we are perfect!"

"Perfect?" Hyuntak scoffed. "You and your fucking ego."

"But we are," Humin said smiling up. "For each other."

Humin watched as Hyuntak's face opened a smile at his words... did that mean this was a good confession? Was it all over? Were they getting married?

Should he confirm the date or should he save up for a ring first? Maybe he should ask Hyunta—

The door slid open with a thud, interrupting his thoughts.

Sieun stepped in, dead-eyed as always but a little breathless.

"Geum Seongje is after Juntae."

"What?" Hyuntak and Humin asked at the same time. One worried, one confused.

That wasn't part of his plan.

"I don't know where he is," Sieun continued, already turning around to leave.

Humin and Hyuntak were right behind him.

"If he wants to mess with Juntae he will have to fight us first," Hyuntak exclaimed angrily, as if he was the hero in a comic book.

Humin would usually tease him for it, but he didn't, because he was right. If the crazed wolf messed with a strand of hair on Juntae's hair…

"I'll kill him," Sieun expressed his own thoughts.

They made their way across the halls in the school, that seemed to have emptied out to watch the so called fight. Wasn't Seongje supposed to be with all of the students making a show of fighting Hyoman?

As they turned to go down the stairs, they heard a voice coming from upstairs.

"No—" It sounded like Juntae, Humin hurried his steps as he went up. Sieun and Hyuntak were not any slower. "I already told you my heart belongs to someone else."

Humin almost choked on his own spit. There was no way Juntae somehow predicted this would happen and timed this perfectly to say he liked Hyuntak while Hyuntak was just coming in to save him. Fuck, that would be brilliant. Humin should commend him for turning his plan against him.

But when he got all the way up and saw how Seongje was cornering him, all of the ideas of this being a movie-like way to admit your crush vanished from his mind. Juntae was backed against a wall, seeming very upset but not scared. Seongje was bothering him.

"Why are you always so difficult, hm, little Eunjang?" Seongje had an amused smile on his face as he pressed closer to the smaller guy. "Do you like playing hard to get?"

Humin immediately slipped his body between them, one-handedly pushing Seongje to stand away from his friend.

"You are standing too close, Geum Seongje." Humin had his other hand closed in a fist, ready to attack if it was necessary.

"Ah, what do we have here?" Seongje wolfish smile only became bigger, eyes glinting in delight curiosity. "You weren't the one who I was expecting to come between us."

"Go away, Seongje."

Seongje didn't move, he just chuckled, because everything was somehow funny to him. "Asking me to come, then asking me to go away…" Seongje breathed out through his nose. "You think I work for you or what?"

"He told you to get lost, idiot!"

Then the man stumbled backward as Hyuntak gave him another push just as Sieun had just managed to approach them.

"You asked him to come here?" Sieun was looking at Humin with ice cold eyes. His whole being freezing as he searched for an excuse.

"What the fuck, Baku? Why would you call him?" Hyuntak turned away from Seongje to look at him.

He decided to divert the attention instead.

"Juntae-ah, are you okay? Did the lunatic over there hurt you?"

"Jun, if you are hurt tell us now that we'll kick him down the fucking stairs," Hyuntak also diverted his attention to Juntae.

"Park Humin, do not ignore what I just said." Sieun was still looking at him with murderous eyes.

"Are you sure you're not hurt, Tae?" Humin asked instead, touching Juntae all over.

There was a sudden overlapping of voices, Hyuntak and Sieun fussing over Juntae while being furious at Humin at the same time, Humin making an even bigger fuss over Juntae to hide the fact he had actually called Seongje here.

"Ah, Eunjang. Always so loud." Humin smelled smoke before even seeing the cigarette between Seongje's bloodied knuckles. "I'll catch you next time, little one."

"You will not," Hyuntak growled.

"Not even in your next life," Sieun added.

"STOP SMOKING YOU DICKHEAD!" Was what Humin decided to shout instead.

He saw Seongje throwing his cigarette on the floor, not bothering to even put it out. Humin was going to have to teach him how to behave, already two steps to where the cigarette butt was still burning.

A tug on his sleeve stopped him.

"Did you really call him here yourself?"

He turned to find Juntae glaring at him. Well, it looked more like a cute evil hamster than a proper glare.

"Just thought Hyoman needed his nose broken." Humin shrugged his shoulders.

Juntae nodded at that.

"But weren't you the biggest advocate against school violence?"

Fuck. He got him there. The smart little rat. He was against school violence. In fact, that was the whole reason he and Baekjin broke up, but that's a story for another day.

"Seongje isn't from Eunjang." Was Humin's excuse. "And Hyoman doesn't wear our uniform, so it's okay if he gets beaten up."

He would never admit that he called a loose canon just because he needed a free classroom to profess his love. Not when the way Hyuntak was looking at him seemed like he had forgotten about his most wonderful and romantic admission.

+++

Humin didn't think this day could get any worse. But the guilt of having called Seongje was eating at him. He didn't know it would put Juntae in potential danger, even if he really had no idea what was going on.

He was not sure he wanted to know either. Because maybe if things were actually what he was imagining that they were, he would push Juntae to go out with a crazed dog. And Juntae might be his rival but he didn't deserve that.

But apart from that, he wasn't really able to reach Hyuntak. Like properly talk about what they were talking about this morning.

And it wasn't because they didn't have some time for themselves, because they did. It was just that Humin felt like an incapable human who couldn't form words much less the ones necessary to talk about crush and love and marriage and them being made for each other.

They were seating next to each other in the court—their last period teacher running out fifteen minutes into the start of the class because of an unplanned meeting with the principal.

Humin doubted that was the case, but he had more important matters to attend to.

"You remember what we were talking about in the morning?" Humin brought the subject up.

"Yeah," Hyuntak answered. "How I hoped both of their faces would be rearranged."

"No not tha—"

"I know. He dared to bothered Juntae and didn't even have a fucking scratch in his face. Hyoman could have at least tried!"

"I meant the other thing."

"What other thing?"

Hyuntak... why was he so fucking stupid?

"The other thing."

"You showing off that 99 was a high mark in your IQ test after not being able to do a single math problem today?"

Despite what happened today, Humin really was against fighting, but maybe a punch in Hyuntak's face would do him some good. But that would ruin his pretty face.

Pft. Humin had just lied, because Hyuntak would look good either way, he could never be ugly.

Especially not now that the wind blew softly over his short bangs, how his strong brow wasn't as furrowed as it always was. He looked straight out of a teen drama with his perfect jaw and his perfect nose and his fleshy lips that were currently smirking at Humin like he knew exactly what he was thinking.

This one wasn't planned, but it sure as hell looked like the perfect place to confess.

And Humin really, really wanted to.

But thoughts that he had never thought of before were appearing, all-consuming.Like the sudden fear that Hyuntak knew what he was talking about and just didn't want to talk about it. The fear that things would change. That his lifelong friendship could suddenly become weird.

Because if previously there had been no doubt in his mind that Hyuntak would like him back… eventually. Right now it was all he could think of.

And as much as he loved Hyuntak and wanted him to be his groom in his wedding, Humin didn't want to risk a fantasy and have Hyuntak disappear from his life.

They never even talked about sexuality. How could Humin just suddenly come onto him like that?

Or worse, would Humin make his confession and Hyuntak would completely misunderstand it? Humin didn't doubt that with how dense the man was.

Because, his earlier confession had been perfect, he had explicitly stated that they were meant for each other. How could there be any misinterpretation of that?

But Hyuntak seemed like he hadn't even heard him.

Plus, if he confessed right now at this moment, Juntae's heart would be shattered. And sure… it wasn't like Humin cared all that much if that meant Hyuntak would be with him.

But it was enough for him to ask: "Do you think if someone got punched hard enough they’d become smarter?" instead of casually admitting that he liked him.

Hyuntak blinked.

“Are you talking about yourself?”

“No,” Humin said immediately. “You.”

“Wow.”

“Think about it,” Humin continued. “Maybe if I hit your head just right, suddenly you’d stop acting dumb.”

Hyuntak scoffed. "Why are you acting like you're the smart one?"

"Because between us, I am."

"Maybe I should hit you and your brain will finally turn on and you will realize how stupid you sound."

"You can't just steal my idea."

"If you keep saying shit I will."

They were arguing like kids, ridiculous and stupid. This was their essence, this was good and easy and exactly how it should be.

Humin liked this. Liked the threats of mild violence, and the constant friendly bullying. Maybe a little too much.

But enough for him to not take his chance. At least not today.

And if Juntae confessed first and got the guy, then Humin would just play the long game. And respectfully seduce Hyuntak.

That sounded like a better plan.

And as if on cue, Juntae found them. He was slightly out of breath when he reached them, clutching something to his chest.

"Tak-ah, this is the manga I was talking about!"

He placed the first volume of the manga in Hyuntak's hands. It was Ao Haru Ride. How ironic.

Humin snatched the manga from Hyuntak's hand. "Isn't this the one where both girls fall from the same guy?" He looked up to Juntae with an eyebrow up.

"Don't spoil it for him!" Juntae bit back.

"Yeah, you dipshit, don't ruin the my experience reading." Hyuntak immediately grabbed the manga back.

"I didn't know you were so serious about manga," Humin commented, slightly bothered.

"Jun seems to like them so much, so I decided to give them a try," Hyuntak explained, giving Juntae a tiny smile.

Now Humin was really bothered. What the heck?

"Then you need to read Slam Dunk next."

Hyuntak groaned. "Are you ever going to move on from it?"

Humin gasped. "Go Hyuntak I can't believe you just said that about the best anime ever!" He let all his dramatic-ness go all out. "How could I ever move on from it?"

Juntae was giggling from where he was seated beside Hyuntak.

"I thought you'd stop after you saw your pepper hair."

"Hey! It looked amazing!"

"It did look good…" Juntae agreed, still giggling at their antics.

"You shouldn't feed to his ego, Juntae!" Hyuntak reprimanded.

"I did look amazing." Humin passed a hand on his hair like he was Elvis Presley himself. "But I always look amazing."

"Seo Juntae look what you did!" Hyuntak shook Juntae's shoulders exasperated. "He is not going to shut up about this anytime soon."

And Humin really wasn't going to. He would admit it. Juntae had good taste. Liking Hyuntak and thinking Humin looked good in his red hair. His taste was approved.

The atmosphere between them was light and good. Humin hoped that didn't change despite everything.

The confession could wait a little longer.

+++

The confession shouldn't have waited a little longer.

Humin was naive and stupid and should have just thrown himself out there like he usually would without any fear of rejection.

He was clutching the basketball hard on his hands.

Because somehow after their wholesome moment as a group, things happened and he was now playing basketball while Hyuntak was talking to Juntae, or rather, Juntae was probably ready to avow his feelings.

There was nothing good about the situation, except the fact that Humin just realized that he had just used one of the hard words Sieun would have in his vocabulary. And maybe that meant he wasn't so stupid but he had just been incredibly dumb.

Because, obviously, Juntae wouldn't come to the same conclusion as Humin. And feeling particularly threatened about his opponent—because face it, who wouldn't be afraid of being Humin's rival?—it was obvious the smaller one had to make a move.

And that was exactly what he was doing.

But Juntae too had been naive. Trying to talk to Hyuntak when Humin was right there. Close enough to see. Close enough to interrupt.

Close enough to do something.

But not as close as they were. Aish, it was annoying how close they were standing. It was annoying how Juntae had bright eyes behind his glasses, looking up at Hyuntak like he had hung the moon and the stars and also the convenience store strawberry milk supply. It was even more annoying the way Hyuntak leaned down to hear him better, making their distance non-existent.

Really fucking annoying. So much so that as soon as Juntae grabbed one of Hyuntak's hands, Humin's blood ran cold, and he threw the ball he had been gripping.

Blame it on his impeccable basketball skills, his natural connection to Sakuragi, or his ginormous amount of luck, but Humin aced that shot.

It went straight to Juntae's head. Strong and precise.

The boy practically flew to the floor, glasses flying away, and Hyuntak lunged forward, concerned, trying to catch him before he fully fell. He failed.

Maybe Humin had been too strong and precise.

"JUNTAE—" Hyuntak's voice cracked as he bent down, fussing over Juntae who was sitting on the floor. "Hey. Hey, look at me. Are you okay?"

Humin was already running before he could think better of it. "Yah, Seo Juntae, you better still be alive! You can't let a basketball just kill you like that!"

Hyuntak looked up at him with brows furrowed, angry. "What the fuck, Baku?"

"It was an accident!" Throwing it at Juntae wasn't but throwing it that hard really was an accident. 

"You threw a basketball at his face!"

Juntae groaned, one hand pressed to his forehead. His glasses were lying three feet away, one lens cracked. "Why is everything spinning?"

Humin's stomach dropped.

Oh no.

Oh no.

+++

Their way to the infirmary felt like a fever dream, he was carrying Juntae bridal style, rushedly making their way throughout the school. Hyuntak jogged beside them, constantly talking to Juntae, making sure that he remained conscious.

Juntae… wasn't exactly the best at continuing the conversation.

"Are you feeling okay, Jun?"

"Hmm." Juntae pressed his head closer to Humin's chest. "Do you think Baku was a dinosaur in his past life?"

Hyuntak barked a laugh, but the exchanged a worried look with Humin over Juntae's head.

"Why would I be a dinosaur," Humin asked, slightly offended.

"Oh, hi Baku," Juntae said instead of answering.

All of the color drained in Humin's face.

"Juntae, why would Humin be a dinosaur?" Hyuntak asked gently, worried that the smaller boy couldn't even keep a conversation going.

"Isn't it obvious?" Juntae blinked at them. "Because he is strong!"

Phew! Okay. Juntae could hold a conversation. That wasn't so bad then.

"There are other animals that are strong," Hyuntak pointed out, playing along. "Does he have to be a dinosaur?"

"Of course."

"Why?" Humin asked despite himself.

"Because Baku is a dinosaur name."

Hyuntak laughed again, less worried as he let it crinkle his eyes this time. "It does sound like a dinosaur name."

"I like it when you laugh," Juntae said dreamily.

If Humin had a free hand he would be covering Juntae's mouth. This was no place to flirt with Hyuntak. Thankfully the nurse's office was right around the corner.

The infirmary was too bright, Juntae was annoyed by the lights, holding a hand to his head. It smelled like alcohol and cotton.

For some reason Sieun was already inside, listening to a lesson.

Humin didn't ask any questions, because he didn't doubt Sieun could have predicted this whole fallout. Appreciated his ability to show up exactly where and when he was needed.

"Does he have a concussion?" Sieun asked turning his phone off, as Humin settled Juntae on the stretcher.

"Humin threw a basketball on his head," Hyuntak tattled. "From how strong it was we must hope it is just a concussion."

"It wasn't that str—" Humin shut right up when he saw the look Sieun was giving him.

The nurse asked Juntae a couple of questions: his name, age, what year they were in. Juntae was a little slow but could answer them.

"Can you tell me what happened?"

"Baku threw a basketball in my head," Juntae said pointing to his head. "It hurt."

The nurse glanced at Humin. Humin smiled weakly, apologizing.

There were a couple other examinations made. The nurse shined a light into Juntae's eyes, checked his pulse and asked Juntae to follow his finger with his eyes.

"Did you feel dizzy? Nauseated? Threw up after the ball hit you?"

Juntae seemed a bit confused.

"He was dizzy," Hyuntak supplied. "But not vomit."

The nurse nodded, then stepped back.

"It's likely a mild concussion," he said. "He can rest here for the next hour. No sleeping. He should rest for the next couple of days too."

"Count on us for that!" Humin said loudly, maybe too loudly. "We won't be letting you get an ounce of sleep."

"Keep your voice down." The nurse gave him a look. "And I can't let you all stay here."

"Then Baku will make sure he doesn't sleep and feels okay." Sieun pointed a finger towards Humin. "He will take him home too."

"Why him?" Hyuntak asked, like Humin was some incompetent being. Which, okay, fair, but still… ouch.

"Because it is his fault," Sieun said coldly, "and he has to make up for it."

Humin couldn't argue with that. Humin really did fuck up here.

"We should go get his glasses fixed then," Hyuntak said reluctantly. Juntae's glasses had been in his hands the whole time.

"How hard did you hit him that his lenses broke?" Sieun murmured to Humin, but from the way he was starting at him through his eyebrows it was better if Humin didn't answer.

"Are you going away?" Juntae asked looking at Hyuntak with unfocused eyes.

Hyuntak reached down and touched Juntae's cheek briefly. "Humin's going to take care of you, okay? He's responsible for you now."

"But you're more handsome."

Maybe it was a good thing Hyuntak was leaving.

"HEY!" Humin shouted. "That's not true! Take a good look at my face and repeat what you said, Seo Juntae!"

"Don't scream at him!" Hyuntak yelled with red ears.

"I do think it's better if two of you leave now," the nurse said, quite threateningly.

"Is there anything else we can do for him?" Sieun asked.

"Make sure he doesn't do any strenuous activity, and limit reading for the next few days. Obviously rest and stay hydrated too."

"We'll make sure of it. Bye, Juntae," Sieun said, voice the softest he had ever heard. "If anything else happens to him, we'll have problems, Humin."

Hyuntak hesitated a little more before leaving, but after saying his goodbyes to Juntae and staring between both of them for a couple of times, he finally decided to leave.

"You better apologize until he forgives you, and then you're going to apologize again." Hyuntak pointed a finger at Humin's chest. "If he gets worse, call me."

Then the door clicked shut, and Humin stood alone in the infirmary with a concussed Seo Juntae and his own mounting guilt.

The silence stretched for a long moment. The nurse busied himself with stuff of his desk, occasionally glancing over, but Humin didn't really care. His attention was fully on Juntae, the one he had hurt.

Juntae turned his head on the pillow, slow and careful, until his unfocused eyes found Humin.

"Baku," he said, voice soft and confused. "Why are you so tall?"

"I've always been tall."

Juntae seemed to stop to think a bit. "Do you think if I was taller Hyuntak would like me better?"

Humin gulped, why was Juntae making his heart crack a little instead of just saying something stupid?

"I think he likes you just fine the size you are." Maybe more than he should, but Humin didn't add that part.

"But if I was taller there'd be more of me to like."

Humin blinked. That was a good point.

"Do you like me more because I'm tall?" Humin asked, curious of the train of the thought the smaller's concussioned brain was following.

"Maybe." Juntae shrugged his shoulders in tiny, movements small not to hurt his head further. "I like Tak-ie because he is tall."

Humin rolled his eyes, he wasn't sure he wanted to hear about why Juntae liked Hyuntak. Even if he himself did like that Hyuntak was tall. So he nodded.

"Me too."

"I like him more because he is gentle."

Humin wouldn't describe Hyuntak as gentle. Loud and competitive, yes. He'd also say he is a softie under his angry skin, but gentle… it was a version of Hyuntak that Humin got to see often. Or at all.

"So you really like him a lot," Humin stated.

"Of course I do!" Juntae was offended. "You also like him too much."

"Too much?"

"You wouldn't have thrown the basketball in my head if you liked him too little."

Humin's face went hot. This was one of the few times in his life that Humin blushed. Embarrassed about having someone else talk about his own feelings, embarrassed about what those feelings made him do, embarrassed about having this conversation in the nurse's office after giving Juntae a concussion.

"You're really perceptive for someone with a concussion," Humin mumbled.

"You have a really big mouth."

Humin snorted, and Juntae laughed.

"You're supposed to be resting," the nurse called from his desk without looking up.

"Sorry," they said in unison.

This was going to be a really long hour.

+++

Over the next forty-five minutes, since he couldn't let Juntae fall asleep, he kept engaging in conversation. There were two main things Humin learned about concussed Seo Juntae:

1. He had no filter.

2. He had many opinions on Go Hyuntak.

"His hands are so big," Juntae said wishfully, staring at the ceiling. "Do you think he could hold my whole face?"

It wasn't something that Humin thought about. Their hand-sizes being of similar. Maybe Humin's was bigger. He would like that.

"I don't want to think about that."

"And his shoulders. Baku, have you seen his shoulders?"

"I have eyes, Juntae."

"When he stands next to me, I feel so safe. Like nothing bad could ever happen." Juntae paused. "Except when you threw a ball at my head. That was bad."

Humin winced. "I'm sorry."

There was a bit of silence between them, Juntae didn't seem too upset about the lights anymore, but he kept twiddling his thumbs.

"Does it hurt too much?" Humin had to ask, he wasn't the bad guy always.

Juntae nodded, then immediately contorted his face in regret, Humin just felt more guilty.

"Were you trying to kill me?"

"If I were you would be dead now wouldn't you?"

Juntae rolled his eyes, not smoothly but enough to emote that.

"I was giving you a chance to apologize properly."

Humin felt like a puppy with his tail between his legs, he had always emphasized how important it was to bow down and say you're sorry. Was always the first one to do so when his class got in trouble.

But this felt a bit more vulnerable, even if he hadn't meant to hurt Juntae, it was embarrassing he couldn't control himself enough he had hurt a dear friend. Even if they were technically rivals right now, what he had done was a clear misuse of his force and the only thing that should hurt on the loser is the heart.

Humin bowed, a whole ninety degrees beside the bed Juntae's was sitting on.

"SEO JUNTAE," he shouted, really hoping the nurse didn't interrupt him now. He didn't. "I am very sorry for almost killing you with a basketball! I will assist you in any way possible so you can have a speedy recovery! You can hit me if you want to!"

He looked up to see Juntae giggling. "You don't have to scream all that, Baku!"

"Then what am I supposed to do to get your almighty forgiveness?"

Juntae sighed, looking more serious now.

"I think we need to establish some… rules." Before Humin could ask what he was referring to, Juntae whispered, "for the Gotak situation."

Humin nodded. "What kind of rules?"

"No violence," Juntae said immediately. "You aren't a violent guy, but for some reason you keep hurting me."

Juntae pulled his pants up the shin of his right leg, there was a big purple bruise on it. One Humin had been responsible for. From his under-table kick, one that he didn't think had been that hard either.

But regardless, he had hurt Juntae, but him in risk, and trouble, even if the most that Juntae had done physically to him was a light tap on his foot.

He had been the bad guy. More than when he had decided to be the bad guy.

"Okay." Humin swallowed hard. "No violence. I can do that."

"Good." Juntae lowered his pant leg, covering the bruise. "Because it really did hurt."

Humin's throat tightened. "I know. I'm sorry."

Humin bowed to him again, and, after another moment of silence he asked. "Can I add a rule too?"

Juntae tilted his head, carefully, it probably still hurt to move it. "What kind?"

Humin looked down at his hands. They were shaking. Just a little.

"No confessions," he said.

Juntae blinked. "What?"

"To Hyuntak." Humin forced himself to meet Juntae's eyes. "Neither of us confesses. At least not for a while."

Juntae was quiet for a moment. "I thought you wanted to confess..."

"I don't."

"Why?"

Humin struggled to find the right words. Which was stupid—he was Park Humin, he always had words, always had too many words, always running his mouth before his brain could catch up.

"I don't know," he admitted. "It suddenly feels..." Scary, terrifying, real. "Too serious."

"Don't you want to be serious with him?"

"I do... but don't you think it should happen naturally? Wasn't that the reason you kept your feelings to yourself for so long?"

Juntae looked around, before doing the most minuscule nod.

"So... no confessions."

"For now." Humin added.

"Until Hyuntak confesses first?"

Humin nodded.

Juntae considered this. His fingers picked at the edge of the infirmary blanket, folding and unfolding the fabric.

"Okay," Juntae said finally. "No violence. No confessions. And..." He put down a third finger. "No sabotaging."

"Sabotaging?"

"Yes. Sabotaging." Juntae's eyes narrowed. "Interrupting, or trying to make your opponent fail, or calling dangerous psychopaths to school."

Humin had the decency to look ashamed. "I'm sorry about that too. I had no clue Seongje had a thing for you."

"I don't know if I'd describe it like that." Juntae's eyes dropped to his lap, "but it's okay. I'm happy Hyoman got hurt."

At least Humin wasn't completely the bad guy. And Hyoman had taken a good beating.

"I think there should be a final rule," Juntae added, as an afterthought. "One must accept defeat if Hyuntak doesn't choose him."

"Like back off?"

"Yes," Juntae confirmed, "we both want Hyuntak to be happy in the end of the day."

"That's true." Humin held out his right hand. "We have a deal."

Juntae shook it, his hand small in comparison to Humin's. A lot more delicate too.

"May the best man win," Humin said, looking Juntae straight into his eyes.

Juntae's eyebrows rose. "That's my line."

"Not anymore," Humin winked at him.

With rules now added to the mix, the match was really on, and Humin would work even harder to come out as the winner.