Kim Seungmin

Seungmin was the middle child in a large family. And he remained "middle" everywhere: in his studies, in his personal life, even in the eyes of his parents. They believed he would never be as successful as his older sister, yet his twins, his younger brother and sister, achieved the same success as Seungmin much earlier.

Seungmin was very worried about this, angry, and swearing. All he heard in response was, "Don't make things up" and "Stop messing around." Then the arguments started. Seungmin was constantly on edge. When he realized that no matter what he did, it would go unnoticed, he stopped trying. His grades plummeted, he stopped participating in competitions and olympiads, and started skipping school events. Only then did his parents react. But, of course, not the way Seungmin would have liked. After the principal's calls about their son's behavior, things only got worse. Kim could only find solace in one person.

Bang Christopher Chan is Seungmin's boyfriend. A respectable man, a couple of years older than Kim. They met by chance, but developed a strong connection. The man was always willing to help Seungmin, and Seungmin, of course, tried to give something in return.

Another family dinner. Seungmin sat at the very end of the table, staring blankly at his plate, no longer listening to his family. Less than ten minutes into the meal, Kim stood up and went to his room. He picked up his briefcase and began packing it. His lounge clothes, charger, and headphones—everything went inside. Then he threw on a sweater and headed downstairs to the front door. His mother finally deigned to ask him where he was going, and Seungmin quietly replied, "To see a friend," before closing the door behind him.

Walking down the street, Seungmin pulled out his phone and texted Kris, asking if he could stay the night. Of course, the answer was yes. Then, a little calmer, Kim headed down the familiar road toward the strange, yet achingly familiar, home.