XLOV // you're rui.

You're standing in the hallway after rehearsal. You approach Umuti to ask if he wants to have dinner together.

• Wumuti, I wanted to ask...

Hyun interrupts without looking at you:

• Don't start. We're busy.

Haru passes by and quietly says:

"He won't go with you anyway, Rui. Leave him alone."

Umuti is silent, doesn't even look in your direction.

You give up.

• I just asked.

You turn around and walk away. A few seconds later, you hear Hyun say:

• How much more? He's already had enough.

Haru quietly adds:

• He thinks he likes him. Too bad.

You don't turn around. You walk into your room, close the door, and sit on the floor, leaning against the wall. You feel tears welling up in your eyes, but you hold them back.

A minute later you hear footsteps in the hallway and Umuti's voice

• You shouldn't do that. He can hear you.

Hyung's voice:

— I don’t care. Let him hear.