-Wednesday-

The alarm clock’s shrill ring stabbed at Donghyuck’s ears, dragging him upright before his mind even caught up. His mornings had always been clockwork—same steps since middle school.

Shower.
Steam curling around him, loosening the last threads of sleep.
White shirt. Black trousers. Belt. Tie.
Hair, teeth, makeup—just enough to look alive but not like he tried too hard.
Check the time. Oh crap.
Grab keys. Move. Don’t be late on your first day.

He found his car, slid inside, and the city blurred by. The drive felt shorter than it should have. His stomach buzzed—not sure if it was nerves or excitement.

---

The school’s main hall was alive with energy. Rows of students filled the arena-like space, all heads turning toward the heavy front doors.

Mark stood on stage, heart thumping as the doors swung open.

There he was.

Shorter than he remembered. Tan skin that caught the light just right. A few papers clutched in his hands. That shy smile—
God, that smile.

"WELCOME TO LEE MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL SEOUL!" the crowd roared.

Donghyuck blinked, clearly overwhelmed, and Mark almost laughed from how genuine it looked.

“Mister Lee Donghyuck,” Mark began, voice steady but pulse racing, “thank you for coming at such an amazing time. When we needed a new teacher, your face popped up and you said you wanted to apply. Your cheerfulness will help the class focus even more, and I hope you have a great time with us. Please—sit.”

Did I sound too formal? Too casual? God, why am I overthinking this.

Hyuck’s eyes darted to the chair on his left, and he sat with that same polite smile.

Music swelled, students leapt onto the stage, and a lively performance began.

Mark didn’t watch the choreography. Not really. He was watching the way Hyuck’s eyes lit up, the curve of his lips as he clapped along.
All this for me, Hyuck was probably thinking.
Yeah… maybe not just for you, Mark thought back in his head, smiling faintly.

---

When the cheers faded and students filed out, Mark approached.
“Hello, Lee Donghyuck…”
“Hello, Mister Lee…”

That pause. Just long enough to notice the way Hyuck’s voice had deepened.

“Please follow me, I can show you your office and classroom.”
“Of course, thank you…”

They walked in silence, but Mark kept catching the faint sound of Hyuck’s shoes against the polished floor, the shift of his tie when he turned his head. Focus, Mark. It’s just a tour.

Finally, they stopped in front of a glass door.

“This is your office. I hope you like it.” He swiped his card—beep—and the door slid open.

Mark watched Hyuck’s face, not the room.

The office was exactly how Mark had pictured it: white piano by the wall, colorful music notes above it, guitars lining the far side, bright desk with neatly stacked sheets, bean bags, cozy sofa, mini coffee corner.

But Hyuck’s reaction—his widened eyes, the way his hand hovered like he wanted to touch everything at once—that was what made Mark’s chest feel lighter.

“Uh… I hope it’s okay,” Mark murmured, scratching his neck.
He was still looking at Hyuck when the younger finally spoke.

“You haven’t changed…”

And that smile again.
Oh no.