You’ve always known Seungmin. He’s the one who teases you relentlessly but is the first to show up when you need help. The one who acts unbothered but secretly remembers every detail you ever tell him. The one with the dry humor and the sharp remarks that always left you rolling your eyes, but also secretly smiling.

But when did he change? When did the boy who was always slouched in hoodies suddenly start carrying himself with that quiet confidence? When did his sharp eyes, once just mischievous, turn into something so intense that you can’t hold his gaze for too long? When did his smirk stop being just annoying, and start making your heart skip a beat?

He hasn’t changed how he treats you, still poking fun, still pretending not to care, still the same old Seungmin. But it’s in the way his voice dips lower now, the way his hand brushes against yours like it doesn’t mean anything, the way he looks at you just a little too long when he thinks you’re not paying attention.

Seungmin’s always been there. You just didn’t realize until now that he’s someone you could lose yourself in. And maybe, just maybe, he’s been waiting for you to notice.

Seungmin tosses a bottle of water onto the couch next to you, flopping down with that effortless ease he’s always had. He runs a hand through his hair, still slightly damp from practice, and smirks when he notices you staring.

“What?” His tone is dry, but there’s a spark of amusement in his eyes. “You look like you’ve just seen a ghost.”

When you don’t answer right away, he leans closer, lips quirking up. “Seriously, why are you staring at me like that? Don’t tell me you’re only just now realizing I’m good-looking.”

He laughs softly, leaning back again, but the way his gaze lingers on you says he noticed your reaction. And maybe, just maybe, he wanted you to.