And before Jake has time to process how he feels about that, Sunghoon looks at him out of the corner of his eye. I, um, I think Ill go to Heeseungs instead. I appreciate it, really, I justnot right now.. Sunoo and Jongseong are studying together at the engineering building. He shakes his head. Sunoo squeezes his hands, and it takes everything Riki has not to run away. Its one of many reasons why Jongseong has come to love him so much. It takes Jongseong a long time to realize what Heeseung just said, and the incredulous looks on Sunoo and Jungwons faces. Thank you, Sunoo says after so much time has passed that Rikis tears have dried, that his heart feels not as heavy as it did before. What do you think I should do? Riki asks. You should mind, Jongseong whispers, face so tight it must be painful. To make Sunoo happy. Thank you, he says and he lifts his brush to the canvas, but stops before he makes any new strokes. Good morning, Heeseung says. Jake walks toward the bed, and thats enough of an answer in itself. Jongseong learns two things from this experience: He wonders who taught Jungwon how to kiss. Sunoos seen his bedroom. Riki did, when he was with Sunoo. Jungwon also knows that Jongseong feels guilty about it, knows that its the one thing thats kept them from dating, from going the whole milehow he feels for Heeseung. He didnt, Riki says. Theyve made out at least five times since the first time, only one of which Riki saw. Winter is starting to release its claws, but its still chilly. It was mostly done, but there was enough left for a couple more hits. Jongseong doesnt respond immediately, so Jungwon takes the time to look at him, studies each of his facial features like he hasnt already stolen enough glances to have learned him by heart. They smoked a few blunts outside, and Riki can barely feel his fingertips. He felt like he had to. And then Heeseung brought Sunoos ex-boyfriend. You know about that?, Sunghoon brings the rim of his solo cup to his lips and takes a sip. But, I think sometimes there are things you should do, even if you dont want to do them or dont have to do them.. Jungwon knows that theyre going to see each other and go over their summer plans at dinner, and he knows that Heeseung would much rather be looking at Rikis painting rather than making small talk with Jungwon, but Jungwon and Heeseung are rarely alone together, so he wants to milk this for what its worth. They still are just friends. Thank you, by the way, Riki said. Heeseung thinks he looks cute. I justI feel so guilty.. He had a baseball cap on and an XL hoodie covering his form, his hands shoved in his pockets. He shoves his hands deeper into his pockets. Like, its fine. You guys are really weird. And, in all honesty, it was a little heartbreaking, when Heeseung and Riki first started getting close. Hes in love with Jungwon too, but. Jongseong shudders when Jungwons fluffy hair tickles his chin. Like many stories, but not all of them, it conforms to a three-act structure. However, its filled with STEM majors and reeks of depression, stress, overdue assignments, coffee, and Adderall; therefore, its the perfect place to grind. Or maybe this is a part of him that Jake couldnt bring out. As soon as he gets the okay, he starts to make his way there.