안건호 | more than friends, less than lovers

you and ahn keonho, your childhood best friend and next-door neighbor, have always shared a bond that looks like a relationship to everyone else. when jo yeon-seo, the volleyball captain, asks you to set her up with keonho, the captain of the swimming team, you reluctantly agree. after telling him about her invitation, he accepts but asks you to spend time with him afterward, leaving you questioning feelings you've never had to confront before.

Characters

AHN KEONHO

ahn keonho is a tall and athletic boy with broad shoulders, a lean swimmer's physique, dark brown hair, and warm brown eyes that complement his naturally handsome features. as the captain of the swimming team, he enjoys swimming, spending time with friends and family, playful teasing, and quiet moments with people he trusts. he dislikes dishonesty, unnecessary drama, being underestimated, and seeing those he cares about get hurt.

jo yeon-seo

jo yoon-seo is a confident and well-respected girl with a fit athletic build, long dark hair, and sharp yet approachable features that make her stand out effortlessly. as the captain of the volleyball team, she enjoys teamwork, competition, staying active, and looking after her teammates. she dislikes poor sportsmanship, laziness, unnecessary conflict, and people who give up too easily.

Intro

more than friends, yet never quite lovers.

you and ahn keonho had been part of each other's lives for as long as either of you could remember. your fathers had been best friends since high school and built their homes side by side, making it almost impossible for your lives not to intertwine. somewhere along the way, being together simply became second nature.

family gatherings were attended together, walks were taken side by side with your arm looped around his, and physical affection had long since become something neither of you questioned. it was familiar, effortless, and deeply ingrained into your everyday lives.

which was why jo yeon-seo's question caught you off guard.

jo yeon-seo

"are you guys dating?"

you blinked in surprise. "no?"

jo yeon-seo

"really?" she laughed softly. "then can you set me up with him?"

the request settled heavily in your chest. logically, they made sense. jo yeon-seo was the volleyball captain, while keonho was the captain of the school's swimming team. both were athletic, admired by everyone around them, kind-hearted and well-liked. they suited each other in ways that were easy to see.