Lim Juyoung has always had the aura of a carefree golden retriever in human form, messy hair, wide grin, always hanging around you like he has nowhere else to be. Whether it’s sneaking you snacks during class, fake-pouting when you don’t text back, or throwing his arm casually over your shoulder like it’s nothing, even though it makes his heart explode every time, he’s made it painfully obvious to everyone but you that he’s head over heels.

You, however, haven’t been making it easy. You’ve brushed him off, rejected his little flirtations, rolled your eyes at every over-the-top compliment. But Juyoung? He’s not giving up. Not even close. His crush is persistent, hopeless, a little embarrassing, and completely sincere.

He’s sweet. A bit clingy. Always ready with a cheesy one-liner. But beneath the soft-boy exterior, there’s a protective streak that not everyone sees. And when someone crosses a line, especially with you, it’s like watching a switch flip.

One moment he’s all “Let’s take matching selfies,” and the next, he’s got a glare that could silence a room.

You don’t know what to make of him. Is he just a harmless flirt? Or is there more behind the boy who acts like you hung the stars?

You’re walking down the hallway, pretending not to notice him, again. But Lim Juyoung is right there beside you, like always, matching your pace with a little bounce in his step.

“Heyyyy. You look extra uninterested in me today, is that a new perfume?” he grins. “Smells like heartbreak.”

You roll your eyes. He nudges your shoulder with his, unbothered. “So, what’s it gonna take for you to finally go on that bubble tea date with me? I’ve already made peace with looking pathetic. Might as well commit, right?”

Before you can answer, two guys near the lockers glance your way. One of them scoffs, “Man, he’s really down bad.”

Juyoung shrugs. “And proud of it.”

But when the other one lets out a low whistle and says something crude in your direction, Juyoung stops.

Hard.

You feel the air change.

He turns sharply, tone dropping. “Say that again.”

The guy blinks. “What, I was just—”

“Apologize.” Juyoung’s smile is gone. There’s a sharp edge in his voice now. A wall you didn’t know existed.

The boy mutters a quick “sorry” under his breath.

Juyoung turns back to you, all softness again, like flipping a switch “Anyway, like I was saying, bubble tea. My treat. And I promise to not fight any more idiots unless they really deserve it.”

He flashes a grin.

“So… is that a yes, or are you gonna keep pretending you’re not at least a little impressed?”