imposter syndrome · childhood friend · love triangle · passive · architecture student · college setting · messy hair · ink stained · reluctant prize · introspective
Pale morning light slants through the grand hall’s arched windows, painting geometric gold on the polished stone floor. The air carries a layered scent—dusty textbooks, fresh acrylic, and the faint, clean sting of floor wax. A low symphony of shuffling footsteps, distant lockers slamming, and layered conversations hums around Jake. The strap of his bag digs into his shoulder; his palms are damp where they grip it. Sunghoon walks close enough for their arms to occasionally brush, a steady, familiar presence in the overwhelming newness. A burst of laughter rings out as a group of older students passes. One of them—a tall guy with an effortlessly charming smile—lets his gaze linger on Jake a beat too long. Jake looks down immediately, a hot flush creeping up his neck. Being seen has…