Behind the Mask - Hyunjin x reader

Today was my first day of class. The day before, I had spent the whole evening at Felix and Chan's apartment. They had the whole squad joining in for a movie night, and even Hyunjin showed up. He seemed less tense than earlier, and I even got to see him smile for the first time when he played a game of UNO with Jisung and Minho. 

Everyone seemed relieved that Hyunjin was in a better mood, probably assuming that he had some stuff going on that morning that explained his behavior. 

Though, I was not stupid. The boy still avoided me like a pest, and even though he didn't voice his annoyance like he did that morning, I knew damn well that it wasn't some school stuff, or personal issue bothering him. 

It was me, for reasons that I ignored. 

Felix seemed to be the only one picking that up. 

- You okay? He asked quietly when the others were too caught up in the movie to notice.

I shrugged, glancing at Hyunjin, who was sitting a good distance away, laughing loudly with Jisung. 

- Honestly, I have no idea what I did to piss him off, I whispered. I mean, we barely know each other.

Felix frowned, clearly feeling bad for the situation.

- I don't get it either, he admitted. I'll talk to him, I promise. This... isn't like him at all. 

I shook my head, sighing. 

- Please don't, Lix', it's just going to make things weirder. He obviously doesn't like me for whatever reason. 

Felix looked torn, wanting to help but knowing I had made a point.

- I just hate seeing you like this, he sighed. You don't deserve it.

I smiled faintly, appreciating his concern, but there wasn't much either of us could do. Hyunjin wasn't exactly subtle about how much he wanted to avoid me, and I wasn't going to chase after him for an explanation.

As the night wore on, I couldn't help but feel a bit out of place. The boys were all having fun, teasing each other, cracking jokes, and I found myself sinking into the couch, pretending to enjoy the movie while my mind simply decided to overthink my every moves ever since I arrived here. 

Eventually, the end credits appeared on the screen, and Felix yawned loudly, sitting up from his position. 

- I'll walk you home, okay? 

I smiled, nodding. 

Felix and I said our goodbyes to the others, with Chan waving lazily from the couch and Jisung already half asleep. Hyunjin didn't acknowledge me, but at this point, I wasn't surprised.

As we stepped outside, I took in a deep breath of fresh air. 

- You know, you really don't have to walk me, Lix, I said softly as we made our way down the street. I can handle myself.

- I know you can, but I wanted to. Plus, I like the extra time with you. You're my bestie, after all.

I chuckled lightly, instantly feeling better just having Felix around. 

We walked in comfortable silence for a few minutes, the sound of the city filling the gaps in our conversation. I could tell Felix was holding back from bringing up Hyunjin again, and for that, I was thankful. I wasn't ready to dwell on the guy who had made it clear he didn't want anything to do with me.

- So, how are you feeling about tomorrow? He eventually asked. 

- A little nervous, I admitted. First day of class is always kind of intimidating, especially being the new kid.

He nudged me playfully.

- You'll be fine. You're amazing, and you're going to blow everyone away with your art. Trust me, I've seen it.

I smiled at his encouragement, grateful for his presence. Soon, we arrived in front of my apartment, and we hugged before he let me go, heading back to his place after ensuring I was safely inside the building. 

The next morning, I entered the classroom with a mix of excitement and apprehension. Felix had given me a quick campus tour before heading to his first class. Unfortunately, him and I didn't have the same schedule, as he majored in dance, while I studied arts. Painting had always been a passion of mine, so when I was faced with the decision of what to study in college, pursuing this path felt like the most natural option for me. 

Actually, most of the boys from the crew majored in dance, except from Jisung and Chan, who studied business. 

Not really surprising, I remember thinking when the human-quokka told me he chose this path because he wanted to make cash. The dude looked like your typical frat boy, obsessed with cryptos. Chan was more surprising, at first, but he later explained that his life goal was to create his own entertainment label, so it made sense why he would pursue this path. 

I studied the room. It was spacious, with high windows letting in plenty of natural light. Easels and brushes were lined up in neat rows, and a few students were already setting up their materials. I made my way to an empty seat at the back. I didn't know anyone here, so might as well not drag attention to me. But as I started pulling out my sketchbook and supplies, I suddenly heard a familiar voice, and I froze. 

Oh, you gotta be kidding me. 

I looked up from my bag, for my eyes to meet the familiar figure of Hwang Hyunjin, entering the classroom with a bunch of girls following closely behind. 

Of course. The only one who did not tell me about his major, since he won't even look my way without putting on a disgusted look. 

Out of all the majors this freaking university offers. 

He had to pick the same one as me. 

The man didn't seem to notice me straight away, too caught up in whatever conversation he was having. The girls around him were giggling loudly and twirling their hair strands, as they hung on his every word. I rolled my eyes. Seriously? Drooling over this prick? They don't know what they're getting into. 

Hyunjin eventually waved them off and made his way towards his seat, when his gaze flickered in my direction, his eyes landing on me. 

His expression shifted briefly, from surprise, to rapidly what looked like mild annoyance. He dropped his bag on the floor next to a table a few rows ahead of me, and turned around, obviously not bothering to greet me. Why would he, right? 

I sighed heavily. Great. First, he was cold to me during practice, and now I'd have to see him everyday in class too? I couldn't wait. 

I took out my phone and typed a quick message to Felix. 

Me: guess whose in my painting class

your lovely friend hyunjin

Lix': omg

Me: didn't even bother saying hi, just glared at me and walked off like i don't exist.

Lix': ughhh im sorry

he's not usually like this, i swear. i'll talk to him 

Me: pls don't

i don't need more awkwardness

I turned off my phone as the teacher started his class. I tried my best to focus on what she was saying, but no matter how hard I tried, my thoughts kept wandering back to Hyunjin. I simply couldn't make sense as to why has was behaving like that. 

I stole a glance at his table. He was sitting forward in his chair, his gaze down at his sketchpad, not even acknowledging anyone around him. Was he purposely trying to shut himself off from the world, or if did he just genuinely didn't care about anyone else but himself? Either way, it didn't make him seem any more approachable.

I forced myself to look back at my own work, but deep inside, I was troubled. 

Hwang Hyunjin was an enigma. 

One that I felt the undeniable need to solve.