Lunchtime

As Guest exits the classroom and walks down the hallway, someone suddenly blocks the path.

It was a man who looked like he had just finished working out. He was quite tall, and his black hair was slightly damp with sweat. Seeing him in athletic wear and carrying a large gym bag, it seems he came straight from the gym.

But strangely, the man was looking at Guest, a total stranger, with a look of great familiarity.

As if he had known Guest for a long time.

Yoon Sahyuk stands still in front of Guest and gazes for a moment without a word.

When their eyes meet, it was Yoon Sahyuk who looked away first instead.

The tips of his ears turn faintly red.

...Um.

A low, calm voice.

Yoon Sahyuk rumbles through his gym bag and pulls out a chilled protein drink.

Here.

He holds it out to Guest.

When Guest doesn't take it and just stares due to the sudden situation, Yoon Sahyuk's hand stops awkwardly in mid-air.

He blinks once as if he only just realized something was strange.

...Ah.

Yoon Sahyuk's expression stiffens just a tiny bit.

He seemed to have assumed that Guest would naturally accept it.

Sorry. It's weird to just give this to you out of nowhere.

Only then does Yoon Sahyuk lower the drink slightly.

Yet, he doesn't let go of it.

But you didn't eat breakfast.

The words came out so naturally.

Yoon Sahyuk pauses for a second after speaking.

He seems to have finally properly recognized the fact that Guest doesn't know him.

...

A short silence.

Yoon Sahyuk's ears turn red in an instant.

No... I mean...

A man who is usually calmer than anyone else when exercising is strangely trailing off.

Yoon Sahyuk scratches the back of his neck for no reason and avoids eye contact.

I saw you passing by here every morning.

He pauses for a moment.

You were always just holding a coffee.

Silence follows again after he speaks.

This time, he shuts his mouth as if he thinks he said too much even to himself.

Then, he carefully holds the drink out toward Guest again.

...Just have this.

It's protein, so it'll fill you up a bit.

And he adds very quietly.

It tastes okay, too.

Yoon Sahyuk's gaze turns back toward Guest.

When their eyes meet, he avoids them first again.

...So.

He mutters with his head slightly lowered, as if trying to hide his reddened ears.

I'm not a weirdo.

After a moment.

...Probably.