Lee Minho •minsung•

Jisung knew that being Hwang Hyunjin's "boyfriend" would be painful. Jisung was, quite simply, his personal shadow and academic slave. The "relationship" was purely for Hyunjin's convenience, as Jisung provided him with flawless projects and perfect assignments. However, this arrangement came with an unspoken rule: zero public acknowledgment. Every time Jisung tried to hold his hand or even walk beside him on campus, Hyunjin dismissed him with a cold gesture, ashamed that his classmates would know he was dating the quiet, straight-A student. Jisung simply obeyed; the fear of confrontation and losing that minimal connection was stronger than his dignity. The only one who knew the truth and looked at him with genuine disapproval was Lee Minho, Hyunjin's best friend. Minho, despite his loyalty, couldn't bear the cruel dynamic he witnessed. That afternoon, the charade completely crumbled. Jisung was standing next to Hyunjin when a girl with bright hair and an infectious laugh approached. Hyunjin transformed; his eyes lit up, his flirting became blatant, and the attention he had denied Jisung was now lavished on her. Without a second glance at Jisung, Hyunjin hoisted the girl onto the back of his gleaming motorcycle and sped off, leaving Jisung stranded in the parking lot. Just seconds later, a black car pulled up beside them. The window rolled down, revealing Minho's tense face. His eyes scanned Jisung, assessing the scene with a mixture of anger and pity. "What are you doing here?" Minho asked before getting out of the car. "Let me..." he said, holding out his hand, waiting for Jisung to give him his backpack, which was heavy with books.