betrayal

⋆ 𐙚 ̊.CHAPTER 22✶⋆.˚

🇽​​🇴​, ​🇪​​🇻​​🇪​​🇱​​🇾​​🇳

The dessert shop had a vast selection of flavors, and Evelyn already knew what she wanted—dark chocolate with a caramel swirl.

But before she could even open her mouth, Minho beat her to it.

"Two dark chocolate with caramel swirl," he told the cashier.

Evelyn blinked. What the—

"You're gonna have two?" Evelyn asked genuinely confused.

"Of course not, Dummy. One's for you."

The others didn't think much of it, but she did. How did he know?

Minho didn't even glance at her, casually paying for his own as well before stepping aside.

She side-eyed him but said nothing, grabbing her ice cream and walking out of the shop.

The group ate as they walked back, the cold sweetness melting on their tongues while the Seoul night buzzed around them.

At the bus stop, Hanni waved. "I'll see you later, Eve!"

Evelyn smiled. "Text me when you reach."

Hanni saluted before disappearing into the crowd.

Now, it was just Evelyn, Kavin, Ren, and Minho—all heading the same way.

As they approached the tall, modern buildings of KISS, Kavin, still licking his ice cream, suddenly turned to Evelyn.

"Wait, why are you going this way?" he asked, genuinely confused.

Evelyn didn't even pause. "Long story short, shit happened. Prof. Lee said I could stay here since Minho was the only person I knew when I first arrived, and none of the girl's dorms had space."

Ren, ever the quiet observer, finally spoke. "We?"

Minho, who had been silent the entire time, answered. "She and her friend Kitty."

Kavin raised an eyebrow, then his face suddenly lit up in recognition.

"Ohhhhhh." He grinned. "The Portland stalker?"

Minho let out a quiet sigh.

Kavin continued, "The one who crashed into the cupcake tower?"

For a second, Evelyn and Minho exchanged a look—one of those unspoken moments where entire conversations happen without words.

Then, reluctantly, they both nodded.

Kavin let out a dramatic gasp, placing a hand over his heart. "Wow. An honor to meet you, truly."

Evelyn rolled her eyes and took a big bite of her ice cream, refusing to give him the satisfaction of a reaction.

Ren, watching the chaos unfold, just shook his head.

The moment Evelyn entered her dorm, she felt the weight of the day settle on her shoulders. The exhaustion was there, but so was something deeper—something heavier.

She set her phone on the nightstand and sighed before making her way to the bathroom.

First things first—skincare.

She reached for her cleanser, massaging it gently into her skin, melting away the remnants of sunscreen, makeup, and the pollution of the city air. The warmth of her fingertips glided over her forehead, down to her cheeks, and across her jaw.

Splash. The water rinsed off the day's weariness, but not the thoughts crowding her mind.

Next, she lathered her foaming cleanser, the cool, airy bubbles leaving her skin feeling refreshed.

She pressed the toner onto her skin, letting the hydration seep in.

A few drops of niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, rubbing them in upward motions just like she had learned. A thick, rich cream that hugged her skin with much-needed moisture.

Finally, lip balm. The last step.

With that, she stared at her reflection for a moment, tilting her head. No matter how much she cared for her skin, the tiredness in her eyes never left.

She turned on the bathtub, watching the water rise as steam curled into the air. Stripping down, she stepped into the warm embrace of the water, letting it swallow her whole.

For the first time today, everything was silent.

No teasing remarks. No loud laughter. No distractions. Just her and her thoughts.

She closed her eyes and exhaled, leaning her head against the tub's edge.

Her family. She missed them. But mostly—Rose.

(ruka: Rose is her elder sister. You might not remember but I mentioned it in the starting chapters somewhere.)

Ever since she came to Korea, she hadn't been able to contact her. No messages. No calls. Nothing.

Something felt off.

A pit of unease had been growing in her stomach, but she never voiced it. Not to Kitty. Not to Minho. Not to anyone.

Kitty was dealing with her own family mess—she didn't need another thing to worry about.

And Minho? No way.

She wasn't going to admit that talking to him would probably make her feel better.

She wasn't going to acknowledge that beneath all the sass, the cocky attitude, and the teasing, Minho was actually a nice person.

A good person.

No.

To her, he was still that six-year-old brat from years ago. Nothing more.

She shook the thoughts away, sinking deeper into the water.

But the unease never left.

After stepping out, she wrapped herself in a warm towel, dried her hair, and slipped into an oversized T-shirt and shorts.

Kitty was already fast asleep when she walked out. Typical.

Evelyn quietly sat on her bed, pulled out her worn-out diary, and flipped open to the next blank page.

Taking a deep breath, she grabbed her pen and began writing.

February 10, 2025

Dear Rose,

I wonder if you still remember me. I wonder if you still think about me.

Because I do.

Every. Single. Day.

I miss you. So much that it physically hurts sometimes.

It's been months since I've heard from you. You promised we'd call. You promised you'd text. But I haven't gotten anything. Not a single message. And I'm scared, Rose. What if something happened? What if—

I can't even write it.

I know I should tell someone, but who?

Kitty is drowning in her own problems. I can't add to that.

Minho? As if.

(He ordered my ice cream flavor today before I even said anything. Maybe it was a coincidence. Maybe it wasn't. But I'm choosing not to think about that too much.)

I just wish you were here. You'd know what to do.

You always do.

XO, Evelyn.

Evelyn closed the diary and ran a tired hand over her face.

Another night, another unanswered prayer.

She tucked the diary away, crawled under her blanket, and stared at the ceiling.

The room was too quiet.

Her mind was too loud.

Maybe tomorrow... maybe tomorrow, she'd finally talk to someone.

But for now, she shut her eyes and let sleep take over.

Evelyn woke up with a dull pounding headache.

Her temples throbbed as she groggily blinked at the ceiling, the muffled sound of voices filtering through the walls.

Someone was arguing.

She turned her head—Kitty's bed was empty.

Letting out a groan, she kicked off her blanket and dragged herself toward the common area with sloppy steps, her socks barely making a sound against the cold floor.

What she walked into was... unexpected.

Kitty and Dae sat on the sofa, Yuri was on the floor in front of them, and standing across from them was Minho—completely fuming.

Evelyn rubbed the sleep from her eyes, trying to make sense of the situation, but only caught the tail-end of what Minho was saying.

"...He lied, lied, and lied."

Kitty crossed her arms. "I was mad, but I forgave him."

Minho scoffed. "Wow, you're as trusting as my dad's third wife."

Dae, who had been silent up until now, finally spoke. "Hey, Kitty and I are good. Leave it alone."

Minho snapped. "I'm not cool. You lied to me too. I would never do that to a friend or someone I care about. I would never do that to Raven."

Evelyn's ears burned.

Her heartbeat quickened.

What?

She hadn't even said a word since walking into the room, so, Minho hadn't even realized she was standing there.

Evelyn swallowed the lump in her throat and softly called out, "Hey... Minho?"

His shoulders tensed. He clenched his jaw, huffed, and—walked out.

The door slammed behind him.

All of them let out a collective sigh.

Evelyn dragged a hand down her face and plopped onto the couch beside Kitty. "Okay... what the hell just happened?"

Kitty exhaled. "It's a long story, but... it's whatever. He'll get over it."

Evelyn wasn't so sure about that. She turned to Yuri, raising a brow. "Why are you here early in the morning?"

Yuri shifted slightly before responding. "I came out to my mom today."

Evelyn sat up straighter.

"Oh..."

"She didn't say much," Yuri continued, voice steady, "but I left home."

Evelyn's breath hitched. "Yuri—"

"I'm happy about what I did." Yuri smiled, though her hands fidgeted slightly. "It's like a huge weight is off my chest."

Evelyn didn't know what to say at first. Her mind flashed back to Rose. To all the things she had been keeping inside. To the fear of not knowing what happened to her sister.

She understood that feeling.

The relief of finally saying something out loud.

Evelyn gave a small smile. "I'm proud of you."

Yuri grinned. "Thanks."

Evelyn glanced between them. "So you're gonna stay here?"

Kitty nodded. "Yeah, I think we can use a mattress on the floor where she can sleep."

Yuri waved a hand. "I'm more than fine with it."

Evelyn still felt a little weird about the whole situation, but... they were her friends.

That was all that mattered.

So she just smiled.

"Alright, I'm gonna change."

And with that, she left for her room, mind still lingering on Minho's words.

The common room was unusually quiet for a group like theirs.

Everyone sat in a circle around the table, books and notes spread across it. Their usual playful banter was replaced with furrowed brows and silent scribbling—a rare sight indeed.

It was exam week.

Prof. Lee had already made it very clear this morning that if they didn't take this seriously, they could kiss their grades—and possibly their lives—goodbye.

Yet, Minho was missing.

He wasn't here with them, which was unusual considering he usually acted like he knew everything and would hover over them just to prove it.

Evelyn's gaze flickered toward the hallway.

He was in his room.

Still mad. Still upset. Still alone.

She felt bad.

Dae was his best friend, and he had lied. Of course, Minho would feel sad. Hurt, even.

She couldn't even imagine what she'd feel if Kitty ever lied to her.

That thought alone was enough to make her chest ache.

Evelyn sighed and closed her book.

"I'll be back," she muttered, standing up.

Q raised a brow at her.

He didn't say anything, but she knew that he knew.

Evelyn was driven by emotions right now. Seeing Minho vulnerable reminded her too much of herself.

And also because—she couldn't bear to see him like this.

That was just out of the book.

Evelyn pushed open the door.

The room was dark except for the faint glow of a lamp, casting a soft light over the messy bed. Minho was there, buried under his duvet. Not scrolling on his phone. Not watching a drama. Not even complaining about something.

Just still.

Evelyn swallowed. This was bad.

She walked over and sat beside him on the bed, gently poking his arm.

"Hey, Minnie?"

No response.

His face remained hidden under the duvet. She tried again, shaking his hand this time. "Minho, come on."

A muffled groan.

"Go away, Raven. It's not helping."

Evelyn stilled.

He sounded...exhausted. Not in the dramatic, theatrical way he usually did. But genuinely tired.

She sighed, pulling her knees up onto the bed and sitting cross-legged beside him. "You're sulking."

Minho scoffed, voice still muffled. "I'm not sulking."

"Then what are you doing?"

Silence.

Evelyn stared at the lump under the duvet before sighing and leaning her back against the headboard.

"I get it, you know."

Minho didn't move, but she knew he was listening.

"I'd be heartbroken if Kitty ever lied to me." She fiddled with the hem of her sweater. "Dae is your best friend. It makes sense that you're mad."

Minho exhaled sharply. "He didn't just lie. He betrayed my trust."

Evelyn looked at him. "I know."

"I tell him everything, Raven. And he just—" Minho finally pulled the blanket down, revealing his face. His eyes were tired. "—he lied to me. Like it didn't matter."

Evelyn softened.

She had never seen him this upset.

"Have you talked to him?" she asked.

Minho snorted. "What's there to talk about?"

"I don't know, maybe the fact that you're miserable in here instead of doing what you do best—annoying us."

Minho side-eyed her. "Not funny."

Evelyn smirked. "Kinda is."

A ghost of a smile tugged at his lips, but it didn't last.

Minho let out a long sigh, rubbing a hand down his face. "I hate feeling like this."

Evelyn tilted her head. "Like what?"

Minho hesitated before muttering, "Unimportant."

Her heart twisted.

She reached over and flicked his forehead lightly.

He flinched. "Ow—what was that for?"

"For being dumb."

Minho blinked at her, and Evelyn held his gaze. "You're not unimportant, Minnie. Not even close."

He looked at her for a long moment, something shifting in his expression.

Then, with a sigh, he grabbed the duvet and pulled it back over his head.

Evelyn rolled her eyes but didn't leave.

She just stayed.

Because if there was one thing she knew about Minho, it was this—

He never let people see him like this.

And if he was letting her...

Then maybe, just maybe, she was important to him too.

Evelyn stayed there for a while, not saying anything. She just sat beside him, legs crossed on the bed, her back against the headboard.

Minho remained under the duvet. Neither of them spoke. The quiet wasn't uncomfortable, though.

After a few minutes, Minho shifted. The blanket rustled as he peeked his head out slightly, his hair messy and sticking up in every direction.

Evelyn raised an eyebrow. "Done sulking?"

Minho narrowed his eyes at her. "I told you, I'm not sulking."

She snorted. "You totally are." Minho huffed, running a hand through his hair before muttering, "Shut up, Raven." Evelyn rolled her eyes, but a tiny smirk played on her lips.

At least he was talking now. After a moment, Minho sighed, rubbing his temple. "What time is it?"

Evelyn glanced at the clock on his desk. "Almost 7." Minho groaned. "I was supposed to study."

Evelyn shrugged. "Well, I was supposed to be studying too, but here we are." Minho looked at her. "You didn't have to come." Evelyn met his gaze. "I know."

A beat of silence.

Then Minho sighed deeply and finally sat up properly. His expression was still grumpy, but the sadness lingering in his eyes had faded a little.

Evelyn didn't say anything as he rubbed his face tiredly. Then he turned to her, tilting his head slightly. "You really would be mad if Kitty lied to you, huh?" Evelyn nodded, looking down at her lap. "Yeah."

Minho stared at her for a second before muttering, "You're lucky, though." Evelyn looked up. "Why?"

Minho gave a small, tired smile. "Kitty would never lie to you."

Evelyn blinked.

The way he said it—so certain, so soft—made her chest tighten. She didn't know how to respond, so she just looked away.

Minho didn't press. Instead, he sighed dramatically, stretching his arms above his head. "Alright, fine. Let's go study before Prof. Lee actually kills us."

Evelyn smirked. "So you're finally getting out of bed?" Minho gave her a deadpan look. "Because you're annoying." Evelyn gasped, placing a hand on her chest. "Wow. That's how you treat your favorite person?"

Minho rolled his eyes and got up. "You're not my favorite person."

Evelyn grinned. "But I am a person."

Minho grabbed a pillow and threw it at her.

She yelped, dodging it with a laugh before standing up. "Come on, let's go."

Minho sighed but followed her out.

After nearly one and a half hours of staring at books and equations that made zero sense, everyone looked about ready to collapse.

Minho groaned, rubbing his temples. "I don't get this."

Kitty, slumped over her textbook, let out a dramatic whine. "I don't either. I'm going to fail."

Q sighed, clearly tired of the negativity. "That's enough, you two. Let's get some blood pumping—jumping jacks, now."

Before either of them could protest, he grabbed Minho and Kitty by the wrists and yanked them up.

Minho grumbled, rolling his eyes. "A glass of cold water does the trick. I'd be happy to dump it over her." He pointed at Kitty.

Kitty didn't even flinch. "Please do. Maybe it'll wake me up."

Yuri leaned forward with a smirk. "I know exactly what you guys need."

Evelyn raised a brow. "If you say 'music,' I swear—"

"Music," Yuri said proudly.

Evelyn huffed and stood up. "We all need coffee. Who's coming with me?"

Minho's hand shot up immediately. "I'll go."

Q gave them a knowing look but said nothing. Kitty smirked but went back to fake-crying into her textbook.

Evelyn grabbed her coat, and the two of them left.

The night air was crisp as they walked down the street, the warm glow of streetlights casting long shadows behind them. Most of the shops were closing for the night, but the coffee shop near campus was still buzzing with students in desperate need of caffeine.

Inside, the familiar scent of roasted beans and vanilla filled the air. Minho walked up to the counter first. "One Americano."

Evelyn stepped forward. "Chocolate shake, please."

Minho gave her a deadpan look. "Why am I not surprised?"

She stuck her tongue out at him.

Minho turned back to the cashier. "Extra cream and choco chips, please."

Evelyn blinked.

He ordered before she could.

She looked at him, a little suspicious. "How'd you know?"

Minho just smirked. "You've been drinking the same thing since you were six, genius."

Evelyn wasn't sure why, but that made her heart skip a beat.

As they waited for their drinks, Evelyn glanced out the window and spotted the small waffle shop across the street. Her eyes immediately lit up.

Minho followed her gaze and sighed. "No."

Evelyn turned to him with her best puppy-dog eyes. "Minho."

"No."

"Please."

Minho looked away, trying to ignore her.

She tugged at his sleeve. "Minnie."

Minho groaned. "You are not six anymore—"

Evelyn clasped her hands together. "Just one. Pleaaaase."

Minho exhaled dramatically. "You are such a pain."

But he still walked over to the counter and ordered a waffle.

When he handed it to her, she beamed.

"See? You do love me."

Minho scoffed. "Love is a strong word."

Evelyn ignored him and took a bite.

As they left the shop, Minho side-eyed her. "You know, your teeth are going to fall out if you keep eating sweets."

Evelyn huffed. "My teeth, my rules."

Minho snorted. "Yeah? Then don't cry to me when you get cavities."

Evelyn nudged him with her elbow. "Oh please, like you'd ever let me suffer."

Minho didn't respond to that.

They were walking back to the dorms. Evelyn was distracted, happily eating her waffle as they crossed the small alley near campus.

That's when Minho heard it.

The rushed whirring of bicycle wheels.

Fast. Too fast.

Evelyn, completely unaware, was right in his path.

Minho didn't think.

He grabbed her wrist and yanked her towards him.

Everything happened in a blur.

The bike zoomed past, missing her by inches.

Evelyn gasped, stumbling against Minho's chest.

Her hands instinctively gripped his hoodie.

For a moment, neither of them moved.

Minho's arm was firmly wrapped around her waist. Evelyn's face was half-buried in his chest, and she could feel his heartbeat—fast and strong.

The world felt still.

Then, Minho exhaled, loosening his grip just slightly.

"Are you stupid?" His voice was low, rough.

Evelyn pulled back slightly, looking up at him. "...What?"

Minho's jaw clenched. "You didn't even see him."

Evelyn blinked. She really hadn't.

For the first time that night, her hands felt cold.

Minho held onto her wrist for just a second longer, then let go.

She cleared her throat, trying to shake off the weird feeling in her chest. "Well... uh... thanks."

Minho ran a hand through his hair, sighing. "Yeah, whatever."

They started walking again, but it was quieter now.

Minho shoved his hands into his pockets. "Maybe I should stop saving you. You clearly have a death wish."

Evelyn rolled her eyes. "Oh please. If anything, you just proved you care about me."

Minho looked away.

"...Shut up, Raven."

ruka:

minho clearly loves that phrase a lot. hahaha

3184+ words. new achievement.

ALSO THANK YOU ALL FOR 12K VIEWS. I LOVE YOU ALL SO MUCH.

a cute picture for my loves!!

stay hydrated y'all. i keep forgetting to drink water nd mum keeps scolding me for that :(