Chapter Text
The gym echoed with the sound of basketballs hitting the hardwood floor and sneakers squeaking as players rushed across the court. Park Han stood at the entrance, scanning the area. His gym bag slung over one shoulder, he ran a hand through his slightly damp hair, still mussed from practice. Afternoon light streamed through the high windows, casting long streaks across the polished floors. The faint scent of sweat and liniment lingered in the air, blending with the distant hum of chatter from the locker rooms.
He spotted Jeongwoo lounging by the benches, scrolling through his phone. A playful smirk tugged at the corner of Jeongwoo's lips when he noticed Han approaching.
"Lose something again?" Jeongwoo teased, locking his screen and slipping his phone into his pocket.
Han rolled his eyes. "Yeah, maybe my patience. I can't find my phone. Think it's still here?"
Jeongwoo shrugged, gesturing vaguely toward the far end of the gym. "You were hanging around there before practice ended. Check under the bleachers or something."
Nodding, Han trudged across the court, weaving between clusters of players still cooling down from their game. The faint squeak of his sneakers echoed as he reached the benches on the far side, crouching down to peer into the shadowy space beneath.
Instead of his phone, he found another device. The black case had a few scratches, but what caught his attention was the lockscreen: a candid photo of him, framed by blooming cherry blossoms.
"What the...?" Han muttered, furrowing his brows. The photo wasn't one he recognized. He didn't remember posing for it—or even noticing someone taking it.
His curiosity deepened as he straightened, holding the phone up to the light. The photo was well-framed, capturing him in the middle of taking a photo, he recalls it was of the cherry blossom trees, a serene expression on his face as he gazed at the blossoms overhead. The picture radiated an almost dreamlike quality, as if whoever took it had admired him through the lens.
Han's thoughts raced. Who could this belong to? And why would they have this picture of him?
"Find it?" Jeongwoo's voice called from behind, startling him.
Turning, Han held up the mystery phone instead. "Not mine. But look at this."
Jeongwoo stepped closer, leaning in to get a better look. His eyebrows shot up as he took in the image. A glimmer of recognition flashed in his eyes, though he quickly masked it.
"Well, someone's got... taste," Jeongwoo quipped, his tone more controlled this time.
Han narrowed his eyes. "What's with that pause?"
Jeongwoo ignored the question, plucking the phone from Han's hand. "This definitely belongs to someone we know," he said casually, flipping the phone over. "Look at the lockscreen—that's not a random snapshot. Someone put effort into this."
Han frowned. "Exactly. So who would..." He trailed off, his expression clouding with a mix of confusion and intrigue.
Jeongwoo hummed thoughtfully, as if weighing his words. "Tell you what," he said, handing the phone back. "I'll keep this and ask around. Whoever it belongs to will probably be panicking right about now. Might as well save them the trouble of searching for it."
Han raised an eyebrow, suspicious of Jeongwoo's sudden eagerness. "Since when are you this helpful?"
Jeongwoo grinned, his playful demeanor returning. "Hey, I'm a nice guy. Besides, you're terrible at this sort of thing. I'll handle it."
Han sighed but relented, handing over the phone. "Fine. But don't mess around. Just find the owner."
"Scout's honor," Jeongwoo said, giving a mock salute. He turned on his heel, already mentally planning how to approach the matter. He'd recognized the subtle details—the lockscreen, the placement of the phone—and connected them to a certain someone. Though he decided against spilling the truth just yet, his grin widened as he imagined the chaos this discovery might bring.
Han stood for a moment, watching Jeongwoo's retreating back, before shaking his head. His unease faded slightly as he resumed his search for his own phone. Near the far corner of the gym, tucked beneath a pile of towels, he finally spotted it. Relief washed over him as he grabbed the device and stuffed it into his pocket.
"Found it!" Han called out as he jogged to catch up with Jeongwoo, who was waiting by the double doors leading out of the gym.
"About time," Jeongwoo said with a smirk. "Now hurry up. We're going to be late for class."
The two exited the gym together, the late afternoon sun bathing the campus in a golden glow. The hum of distant chatter, the rustling of leaves, and the rhythmic clang of a nearby bike rack created a lively yet serene atmosphere. Han walked beside Jeongwoo, his thoughts still lingering on the mysterious phone and its lockscreen. Little did he know, the answer to the puzzle was closer than he could have imagined.
✦✦✦
The lecture hall buzzed with low conversations as students trickled in, filling the rows of seats. Han and Jeongwoo arrived just as the clock struck the hour, settling into their usual spots near the middle. The large room was bathed in soft fluorescent light, and the faint hum of the air conditioning mingled with the sound of shuffling papers and the occasional laugh.
Han leaned back in his chair, scrolling through his phone absentmindedly. Beside him, Jeongwoo opened his notebook, though his focus was split between his notes and the mysterious phone now tucked safely in his bag. He was already forming a plan to return it to its rightful owner without raising suspicion.
The professor strode in, a stack of handouts under one arm. The room quieted as he greeted the class and began writing on the whiteboard. Han tried to pay attention, but his mind kept wandering back to the lockscreen photo. It wasn't just the image that stuck with him—it was the strange sense of intimacy it carried.
Midway through the lecture, Jeongwoo nudged him. "Earth to Han," he whispered. "You're zoning out again."
Han blinked, snapping back to the present. "I'm listening," he said defensively, though Jeongwoo's smirk suggested he wasn't buying it.
After class, the two made their way to the campus courtyard. The crisp evening air carried the sharp chill that fills their lungs with clarity. Students milled about, some heading to their next classes, others gathering in small groups to chat.
Jeongwoo glanced at Han as they walked. "Still thinking about that phone?"
Han hesitated but nodded. "It's weird, right? The photo, I mean. It's... personal."
"Maybe someone's got a little crush on you," Jeongwoo teased, his grin widening.
Han scoffed, though his ears turned slightly red. "Don't be ridiculous."
Jeongwoo chuckled, letting the subject drop. As they reached the fountain in the center of the courtyard, he slowed his pace. "Hey, I'll catch up with you later. Got something to take care of."
Han raised an eyebrow but didn't press. "Alright. See you tomorrow."
Jeongwoo waved and headed off, his thoughts already turning to the next step in his plan. The phone in his bag felt heavier than it should, the secret it carried adding weight to his steps. Once he was out of sight, Jeongwoo retrieved his own phone and typed out a quick message: "Found JL's phone. I'll bring it to you later."
Satisfied, he slipped his phone back into his pocket and continued on his way, a small smile playing on his lips as he anticipated what might come next.