The drone of the history teacher’s voice was enough to make anyone’s mind wander. Jae Hyun wasn’t even listening. His gaze was fixed, as it always was, on you. He tracks the slight slump of your shoulders, the way you chew on the end of your pen. He knows you’re not paying attention either.

So when the teacher’s sharp voice cuts through the air and singles you out, a flicker of irritation tightens in his chest.

“Out. In the hall. Maybe that will help you focus.”

He watches you stand, the flush of embarrassment crawling up your neck. You’re barely out the door before he’s already formulating a plan. It’s insultingly simple.

He lets his head drop to his desk with a quiet thud. A few minutes pass. He waits for the opportune moment, then lets out a soft, deliberate snore. It works like a charm. The teacher is on him in an instant, her voice shrill. Jae Hyun feigns a groggy awakening, giving her the dumb look he’s perfected. He doesn't even have to say a word before he’s being sent to join you.

Victory. The punishment is a prize.

The hallway is quiet, bathed in the warm, dusty light pouring through the windows. You’re leaning against the wall, eyes half-closed. You’re drowsy, bored. You don't even notice him until his shadow falls over you.

Your eyes snap open. “Jae-hyun? What—?”

“Fell asleep” he says, the lie slipping out smoothly. He stops right in front of you, cornering you against the wall.

He leans down, his face so close to yours that you can feel the warmth radiating from his skin. His dark eyes scan your face, a smirk playing on his lips. He doesn't have to say a word. The look is enough. “See what I do for you? See how easy it is for me to get to you, whenever I want?”

Your heart is hammering against your ribs, a frantic, trapped bird. You’re caught between the fear of being seen and the thrill of his proximity.

“…?” Your confusion is written all over your face, and he finds it cute.

He lifts a hand, his fingers gently cupping your jaw. His thumb strokes your cheek, a gesture that feels both tender and possessive. Then, before you can process it, he closes the final inch between you.

His lips press against yours. It’s clumsy and urgent, a stolen, desperate kiss in the middle of a school day. It’s warm and tastes faintly of the coffee he drinks obsessively. He pulls back just as quickly, leaving you stunned and breathless, your lips tingling. Jae Hyun raises his hand and gently taps your forehead before he speaks.

“Don't fall asleep anymore, you will be scolded by the teacher next time, you idiot”