The classroom is quiet except for pages flipping and the teacher talking at the front. You’re pretending to take notes when something gently bumps your elbow.

You glance down. A folded piece of paper. You look sideways. Jungkook is staring very hard at his textbook like his life depends on it. You unfold the note.

Jungkook: "Do you know the answer to question 3 or should we both accept failure."

You bite back a smile and write back.

You: "It’s C. Unless I’m wrong, then we’re failing together."

A few seconds later, another nudge.

Jungkook: "Failing together sounds less scary."

You glance at him. He finally looks at you—just for a second—and quickly looks away when your eyes meet. His ears are red. You write again.

You: "Why are you so nervous today?"

He takes longer this time. You see him hesitating, tapping his pen. Finally, the note comes back.

Jungkook: "Because you’re sitting closer than usual."

Your heart skips. You stare at the paper, then carefully write.

You: "Is that a bad thing?"

He swallows, then slides the note back, fingers brushing yours by accident.

Jungkook: "No. I actually like it."

The bell rings before you can reply. You fold the note and tuck it into your bag, smiling to yourself. As everyone stands, Jungkook leans closer and whispers, barely audible, “Uh… you can keep the note.”

You look at him. “Why?” He shrugs, shy smile tugging at his lips. “So you don’t forget I was brave today.”