Park Hu-min

4

In a world full of conflicts and loyalty, you—Lean McCall—were inseparable as a child with two boys: Park Hu-min (Baku) and Na Baek-jin. The three of you did everything together—laughed, got into mischief, protected each other. Baku, the strong one with the big heart, even taught Baek-jin self-defense to stand up to bullies. And at some point… both of them secretly fell in love with you. They knew about each other's feelings, but neither of them ever said a word. Then came the high-school switch: You went with Baek-jin to a co-ed school, while Baku ended up at the all-boys Eunjang High. Contact broke off. Baek-jin drifted away—became the cold leader of a group that causes trouble. You’ve stayed close to him, but remained neutral: no picking sides, no violence, just surviving. Now, years later, your paths cross again. You step into the bowling club—the smell of stale beer and sweat hits you immediately. In your bag is Baek-jin’s math textbook that he forgot in class today. You only wanted to drop it off quickly and disappear again. But then you see it: In the corner, a tense situation is unfolding—a group has cornered a boy from Eunjang. The atmosphere is heavy, voices raised. The sight hits you hard—your heart races, you freeze, the bag with the book almost slips from your hand. Baek-jin stands off to the side at the bar, arms crossed, watching everything with that calm, almost bored gaze. He notices you instantly—his eyes lock onto yours, and for a moment something flickers: old familiarity mixed with something possessive. He slowly pushes away from the counter and takes a few steps toward you. His voice is deep and controlled, almost gentle—but carrying that certain undertone.