Monday

Today was the final day of the assignment.

The classroom buzzed with excitement as students filed in, each carefully holding their hamster cages. The soft squeaks and rustling sounds filled the air, and Jaehyun couldn’t help but smile at the sight of his classmates cradling their small, temporary companions. Sanghyuk looked into his cage with sad eyes, talking to his partner—Shinyu—with a small pout. He obviously didn't want to give the hamsters back. Jaehyun glanced at the cage on his own desk, where Mandu and Dubu were awake and twitching their noses. He would miss those sqeaky little creatures too.

“Alright, everyone,” Ms. Kwon called out, her warm smile lighting up her face. “I’m so proud of all of you. Every single hamster is happy, healthy, and well-cared for. You all did a wonderful job.”

Jaehyun exchanged a glance with Woonhak, who was standing next to him. Woonhak smiled back, his eyes crinkling just slightly, and Jaehyun felt that familiar warmth in his chest.

“Please bring your essays to my desk,” Ms. Kwon instructed. “I’ll review them this week and announce your project results next Monday.”

Jaehyun grabbed their neatly stapled essay, which was held together by a clip, and walked up to the front with Woonhak. They placed their papers on the growing stack before heading back to their desk.

“Now, everyone, take your cages to the classroom next door,” Ms. Kwon continued. “It’s empty for now, and the hamsters will stay there until they’re returned to their owner this afternoon.”

Jaehyun carefully picked up their cage with both hands. Mandu and Dubu peeked out from the bedding, seemingly curious about their relocation. He glanced at Woonhak. “Ready?”

Woonhak nodded. “Yeah, let’s go.”

They joined the line of students shuffling out of the room, chatting softly and exchanging stories about their hamsters. When they entered the empty classroom next door, Jaehyun found a spot on one of the tables and gently set the cage down. He leaned over to look at Mandu and Dubu one last time.

“Weird to think this is goodbye,” Jaehyun said quietly.

“Yeah…” Woonhak’s voice was soft, a tinge of sadness in it. He leaned down next to Jaehyun, their shoulders touching slightly. “They’re the reason we became friends, you know.”

Jaehyun smiled, the memory of their first meeting flashing in his mind. “You’re right. If it weren’t for these two, we probably never really would’ve talked.”

Woonhak chuckled. “Oh, I am sure you would have found a reason to talk to me anyway.”

“Probably,” Jaehyun grinned. He glanced at Woonhak, feeling that familiar flutter in his chest. “I’m glad they brought us together though.”

Woonhak’s cheeks tinged pink, but his smile was genuine. “Me too.”

For a moment, they both just stood there, the quiet between them comfortable. Then Ms. Kwon called out for everyone to wrap things up, and Jaehyun gave the cage one final pat. “Farewell, little guys.”

***

Jaehyun and Woonhak carried their trays to their usual table, where Sanghyuk, Donghyun, and Sungho were already seated. (a/n: don't ask why they always arrive first lol) Jaehyun slid in next to Sanghyuk, while Woonhak sat across from him, beside Donghyun.

Jaehyun smiled softly, watching Woonhak laugh at something Donghyun had said. Seeing Woonhak so at ease with his friends filled him with a quiet happiness. Woonhak didn’t feel the need to stay glued to Jaehyun’s side anymore, and while Jaehyun liked having him close, he was glad to see Woonhak finding his own space.

As they settled into their meal, Sanghyuk let out an exaggerated sigh, slumping against the table. “I can’t believe we had to give them back. I already miss my little babies, Cotton and Candy.” He looked up at the ceiling dramatically.

“Seriously?” Donghyun groaned, poking at his noodles. “You’ve been whining about this since first period. Just be glad the squeaking is finally gone!”

Sanghyuk pouted. “But they were so cute! I swear they liked me more than anyone else.”

Jaehyun chuckled, shaking his head. “I think you just bribed them with snacks.”

Sungho laughed. “If you’re that attached, maybe you should ask Ms. Kwon if you can adopt them.”

Donghyun snorted. “Good luck with that. I’m just glad it’s over. I still can’t believe you didn’t take them, Sungho.” He turned to his partner, frowning. “You totally abandoned me.”

Sungho shrugged, unfazed. “You know my cat would’ve had them for lunch. I did you a favor.”

Donghyun sighed dramatically. “Yeah, yeah, whatever.
I’ll admit it, though. They were pretty cute. I actually… kind of liked them a lot.”

Woonhak smiled at the confession, a warm feeling spreading in his chest. This easy, playful banter made him feel like he truly belonged.

Jaehyun caught his eye from across the table, his gaze soft and content. In that moment, Woonhak knew that no matter what happened, he wasn’t alone anymore.

---

Word count: 815

When did ya'll get into BoyNextDoor? :)
I've known them since their debut and "fell in love" with Jaehyun at first sight but to really become a Onedoor it took me until the But Sometimes era