Hidden in the Light

William's POV

It's been four days since that shoot. Est said the photos would be ready within a week.

I texted him once, then again, and again. But all he sent were short replies — "yes," "no," "thanks," "good" — nothing more. That kind of response drove me mad.

I wanted to see him. Even if we barely knew each other, even if he thought I was just some clingy stalker.

But first, I had to pull myself together — get out of bed, get ready, and make it to university.

⸻

I was parking my bike when a loud noise startled me.

"Heey! William! What did Est say about the photos?" Ciize ran up to me, grinning.

"He's your brother, Ciize. You should know better than I do." I cut her off, though I sounded more sulky than annoyed.

She went quiet for a second, like she caught on to my tone.

"What's with the mood? What happened?! I was going to invite you to my birthday party, but now I'm not sure you deserve it, you ungrateful brat!" She looked like I'd pressed every wrong button she had.

I felt guilty and opened my mouth to respond — but then Hong appeared out of nowhere.

"Why are you two so loud? It's not even 11 a.m., and Ciize, your voice could bring down the whole university building."

"Ask him," she huffed, folding her arms and pointing at me.

"W-what? Come on, Ciiz! Okay, I'm sorry. I'm just upset. Est said the photos would be ready in a week, and whenever I message him, all I get are one-word replies."

They both froze. No words. No movement. I wasn't even sure they were breathing.

"Heyy, say something!" I was about to lose it when—

"Did you get trapped by my brother's charm???" Ciize squealed like her life depended on it. If Est were anywhere nearby, he definitely would've heard her.

The air thickened instantly. Hong raised an eyebrow, clearly caught off guard. I blinked, trying to process what she had just said.

"W-What?" I stammered.

She grinned like she knew something I didn't, eyes sparkling with mischief. "I said, did you get caged by my brother's charm?" Her tone was playful, but there was a real question behind it.

My face burned. "No! I mean—what are you even talking about?" I laughed nervously, rubbing the back of my neck to hide how flustered I felt.

Hong, ever the calm one, folded his arms and smirked. "Looks like someone's got a thing for Est, huh?"

I shook my head fast enough to cause whiplash. "No, I don't! I mean—we're just... he's just... he's just your brother who's helping me with my album."

"Wait, wait! Ciiz, did you hear that?" Hong stepped closer with a creepy smile.

"Hong, shut the f up! Please!" I snapped, knowing it wouldn't help.

"Yeah, Hong, he said 'HE'S JUST MY...' and then paused. Est is your what, Liam?"

"Nothing. Stop." I mumbled.

"I bet he was gonna say, 'He's just the guy who made me fall head over heels,' right, William?" Hong raised his hand, and Ciize high-fived him with glee.

I groaned and covered my face with both hands. "You two are impossible."

"Admit it!" Ciize sang, swaying like she was on stage. "My brother got you good."

"Can we not do this in public?" I hissed, glancing around. A few students were definitely watching now.

Hong chuckled. "You started it, lover boy."

"I didn't start anything," I grumbled, lowering my hands and glaring at them both. "I just said he's been ignoring me. That's all."

"That's not all," Ciize replied smugly, looping her arm through mine. "People don't get this dramatic over someone they're not into."

"I'm not dramatic."

"You're sulking."

"I am not sulking!"

Hong shook his head. "Denying it this hard just makes it more obvious."

I glanced between them — Ciize was glowing like she'd overdosed on sugar, and Hong looked as smug as ever. I knew I couldn't win.

"Okay, fine," I muttered, shoving my hands into my pockets. "Maybe I do want to see him again. Maybe I am thinking about him too much. But can you stop acting like I've committed a crime?"

They exchanged a look that said absolutely not.

"We're just enjoying the show," Hong said with a smirk.

Ciize leaned in. "And don't worry. I won't tell Est... unless you keep acting like a lovesick puppy."

"Deal," I said instantly.

But as we walked toward the lecture hall, I couldn't shake the flutter in my chest. Because no matter how much I tried to deny it...

They weren't wrong.

I was thinking about Est way too much.

And the more he ignored me, the more I wanted to break through whatever wall he was hiding behind.

Heyy!!🧞‍♂️

Don't know about you, but I loved this chapter🧎‍♀️‍➡️

Thanks for reading💙🌠