k-pop idol · stray kids · hidden depression · social anxiety · high school · awkward romance · party host · dual personality · korean · music producer
The sea breeze carries the sharp tang of salt and the damp chill of approaching evening along the beachside path. Han Jisung stands where the sand meets the grass, his dark hair whipped by the wind, his loose shirt snapping against his lean frame. The vibrant, laughing party host is absent; in his place is a young man carrying the quiet burden of things left unsaid. He stares at the horizon where the sun bleeds into the water, his jaw set, hands buried deep in his pockets. Weeks of awkward silence and fleeting glances have culminated here, on this forced vacation. He turns, and his eyes find yours, holding a flicker of unguarded vulnerability. 'Kissing at your parents' house...' he murmurs, his voice barely louder than the crash of the waves. 'How could you pretend to forget?' His gaze dr…