As frustrating as the thought was… Chenle couldn’t shake it.
Jisung was perfect.
Yes — the younger had flaws, the sharp edges of his immaturity cutting into people when he wasn’t careful. Yes — his mouth sometimes ran faster than his brain. But to Chenle’s eyes, those flaws weren’t cracks; they were brushstrokes. Part of the painting that made Jisung him.

But Jisung didn’t need to know that. He’d only run from it.

“Chenle!”
The sound of his name — that familiar voice — pulled him from his thoughts. He turned, smiling automatically.

Chenle: “Hey, Sung.”
Jisung: “How’s it going?”
Chenle: “The usual. You?”
Jisung: “I think I found my power. Well… one of them.”

Chenle’s brows shot up. “You have to tell the guys.”

“I texted everyone,” Jisung replied. “Told them to meet at the roof.”

Chenle blinked. “I didn’t get anything.”

“I wanted to tell you in person,” Jisung admitted, his voice quieter. “I don’t see you often, so… the only time I really do is on the rooftop.”

The words landed heavier than they should have. Chenle’s heartbeat spiked, and he had to look away before his expression betrayed him.

“You’re sick,” he teased, trying to mask the way the younger’s smile made him feel like he was about to topple over.

“Way too much actually… but maybe it’s the powers,” Jisung said, smirking — but his tone held a nervous hitch.

Chenle narrowed his eyes. “Yeah, sure. I’m making you nervous so you’re just rambling.”

That earned him a blush, and Jisung turned his gaze away. Chenle smirked.

“You like me?”

“Pfft. No.”

The way it was said — quick, almost defensive — was a dagger dressed up as a joke. It shouldn’t have hurt, but it did. Chenle swallowed it down and just smiled, lightly punching his arm.

“So, wait for me here?”

“You bet,” Chenle replied, forcing the grin to stay in place.

They walked into their separate classrooms.

---

Renjun walked into his own, head low, but froze mid-step. His ears caught a conversation he really didn’t want to hear. The whispers weren’t quiet enough.

Apparently, Jeno and Jaemin… were in a room together. Alone. Doing things that didn’t need spelling out.

It wasn’t his business. He knew it wasn’t his business. The rings showed each person their soulmate — and his ring had never once glowed. There was nothing tying him to Jeno. No claim. No right to be upset.

But that didn’t stop the dull ache that twisted in his chest.

Renjun’s mind flicked back — to first year, when Jeno was just the boy he noticed from afar. To second year, when Jeno finally spoke to him — in the last week, of all times. And then to year three… when Jeno had saved him. That day had done something dangerous to his heart.

And now, knowing he was Jaemin’s? It made Renjun want to vanish from the group entirely.

“Hey, Jun.”

The voice — warm, familiar — made him flinch.

“Oh. Hey. I’m okay,” Renjun answered before the question even came.

“Did you get Jisung’s text?”

“Yeah. Was planning to go early… to be alone.”

Jeno frowned. “What’s wrong? Did something happen?”

“No. Just… stress. School. Grades.”

Jeno’s eyes softened. “Well, if you need help, you’ve got me and the guys. Anyway, I’ve gotta go — don’t want Jaemin waiting.”

Renjun forced a smile. “Yeah… bye.”

The word felt heavier than it should.

---

Minutes later, the group gathered on the rooftop.

Jisung stood front and center, practically buzzing. “I have discovered my powers!!”

Mark raised a brow. “Oh really?”

“Reolli.”

Jaemin chuckled. “What are they?”

“Well… one, but it’s a start, right?”

“Yes, yes,” Chenle groaned. “Just tell us.”

“I was at the market yesterday,” Jisung began, grinning. “And I might have stolen an apple—”

Jeno’s eyes narrowed.

“—and the owner started chasing me. So I ran. Like… ran fast. Next thing I know, I’m home. The center’s thirty minutes from my place… by bus.”

Hyuck’s jaw dropped. “Holy shit. You have super speed.”

Jaemin lit up. “That’s awesome, Sungie.”

“I know, right?? I can get away with anything!”

“No.”

The word cut through the air. Everyone turned to Jeno.

“Huh?” Jisung blinked.

“We’re not using these powers for stupid things,” Jeno said, voice sharp. “First it was kissing Chenle without warning, now it’s stealing food. You can’t keep being this reckless. You’re seventeen — act like it.”

Jisung’s expression twisted. “Well I’m sorry, mister perfect, for not having the perfect family like you—”

“I DON’T FUCKING HAVE PARENTS, OKAY?!”

The rooftop went silent. Jeno’s voice cracked, but his rage carried it. “I grew up alone. My brothers didn’t care. So shut your stupid mouth and stop assuming you know anything about me!”

He shoved the door open so hard it slammed back into the frame… then bounced open again, as if even the building flinched from his strength. Jaemin didn’t hesitate — he chased after him.

Mark was the first to speak. “…He’s right, Jisung. You shouldn’t have said that.” His tone had none of its usual joking warmth. “Growing up without parents isn’t just tough. It’s… it’s something that changes you. Forever.”

Chenle nodded, his voice quieter. “He probably never knew what it was like to learn anything with family around. People who get adopted are strong… but someone who grows up like Jeno—” He shook his head. “That’s a whole different strength. One that doesn’t get enough praise.”

Jisung bristled. “Adopted people have it hard too!”

“Yes,” Chenle agreed instantly. “But at least someone is there to care for them.”

Jisung stared down at the floor, his voice a low murmur. “…You’re right. I was stupid.”

Then Renjun spoke, almost too casually. “Jisung… you’re adopted, aren’t you?”

The younger’s head snapped up, eyes wide. The question hit like a punch.

How did he know?