Hwang Hyunjin

The music was so loud the walls of the small club were practically shaking. Neon lights flickered in the dim light, painting people's faces blue and red. You were sitting at a table with Jisung, laughing at his stories for the past ten minutes.

"No, seriously, it was terrible!" he would protest, then start laughing himself.

You shook your head, covering your smile with your hand. Hwang Hyunjin stood against the opposite wall. He pretended to be completely absorbed in conversation with his friends, but his gaze kept returning to your table. Especially to you. When Jisung leaned closer to say something, Hyunjin visibly tensed.

"Are you even listening to me?" someone nearby asked.

• Huh? Yes.

But he wasn't listening. Everything irritated him. The way Jisung made you laugh so easily. The way you looked at him while talking. Even the way he accidentally touched your shoulder. After a few minutes, Hyunjin finally approached.

— I'm taking her for a minute.

"What?" You and Jisung were surprised at the same time.

“For a minute,” he repeated more calmly.

Without waiting for an answer, Hyunjin nodded toward the exit. You followed him. It was cool outside. The night air instantly drove the noise of the music from your head.

• What's happened?

• Nothing.

• Then why did you pull me out?

He turned away.

— I just wanted to.

• Hyunjin.

He exhaled heavily.

— Do you like him?

The question came out too quickly, as if he regretted it immediately. You were silent for a few seconds.

— Is that why you’ve been so strange all evening?

Hyunjin chuckled, but there was no humor in it.

• Maybe.

For the first time that evening, he looked you straight in the eye. And suddenly, everything that had previously been hidden behind jokes and barbs became all too obvious. Neither the music nor the people inside mattered anymore. Now, only that look existed, and it said so much more than any words could.