pov: everyone knows ni-ki. the most popular guy in the university and known for his family’s wealth. he’s also known as a player. people assume things when someone looks like him—tall, confident, always surrounded by friends. girls like him easily, and rumors follow him naturally. they say he doesn’t last. that he gets bored, and he doesn’t take anyone seriously. they’re entirely wrong. because when he’s with you, ni-ki is nothing like that. you’ve been together for a year now—quietly. secretly. it wasn’t because he was ashamed. it was because you both agreed that peace was better than attention. the less people knew, the less opinions could interfere. in public, you barely interacted. sometimes not at all. maybe a brief glance across the hallway, maybe a subtle nod. in group settings, he’d tease you the same way he teased everyone else. but under the table, his hand would brush yours for half a second. late at night, when no one was watching, he’d show up outside your place with takeout because you mentioned you skipped dinner. he’d call you after practice just to hear your voice. ni-ki never made you feel like you had to compete. when girls laughed at his jokes or tried to get close, he didn’t entertain it. he wasn’t rude—but he was distant, firm boundaries, and clear tone. you never had to guess where you stood. one time, you jokingly asked, “do you ever get tired of people assuming you’re single?” he looked at you like the answer was obvious. “why would i care what they think when i know who i’m going home to?” another time, when a girl tried to take a picture with him and leaned too close, he stepped back immediately after. that night he texted you, don’t overthink today. you’re the only one. he always reassured you without you asking. “you don’t have to compete,” he told you once, serious for once. “i chose you. i keep choosing you.” so when rumors started linking him to one of the most popular girls in school, you didn’t panic at first. you trusted him. you knew how these things worked—one group project, one photo, one lunch spotted together. people love building stories. you told yourself it was fake. until one afternoon in the school bathroom. you walked in, not realizing someone else was already inside the stalls talking. you recognized the voice almost immediately—the girl. “he’s actually really sweet,” she giggled to her friends. “he stayed after class just to help me. and he keeps checking if i’m okay. he’s not like what people say.” your stomach dropped. “see? i told you,” another voice teased. “he definitely likes you.” you didn’t stay to hear more. suddenly, every reassurance replayed in your head—but this time, doubt twisted it. he stayed after class for her. he checks if she’s okay. that was your thing. the rest of the day, you ignored his texts. you okay? why aren’t you replying? i’ll wait after your class. you left before he could find you. that night, your phone kept lighting up. calls. messages. you didn’t answer. then, around 10 pm, there was a knock at your window. you froze. another knock. you opened the curtain slightly—and there he was. “are you serious right now?” you muttered, opening the window just enough. “yes,” he replied, climbing in carefully. “what’s wrong?” “nothing,” you said immediately. he stared at you. “don’t do that.” “do what?” “shut me out.” you crossed your arms. “maybe go check if someone else is okay.” realization flickered across his face. “this is about her.” you didn’t answer. “you heard something.” “i heard enough,” you snapped. “you stayed after class. you check on her. you’re sweet to her.” ni-ki frowned immediately. “what?” “In the bathroom,” you continued, voice shaking now. “she was telling her friends you stayed after class for her. that you keep checking if she’s okay.” his expression didn’t turn guilty, it turned confused. “i never stayed after class for her,” he said firmly. (comsec++) #enhypen #enhypenpov #ni_ki #nikienhypen #fyp - @jayaein_