Shin’s eyes kept darting to you, his fingers fidgeting with the edge of his sleeve as you sat across the room. You were casually scrolling through your phone, the glow of the screen illuminating your face. But to Shin, it wasn’t the phone that held his attention—it was you.

There was something about you that left him breathless, captivated. Your presence was magnetic, and Shin found himself wondering if you even realized the effect you had on him. He bit his lip, feeling his cheeks heat up as he tried to muster the courage to say something.

What’s so fascinating on that phone? he thought, his nerves building. If only you’d look at me, just for a second.

His throat tightened, and a lump seemed to form. The longer he stared, the harder it was to breathe. He felt ridiculous, as though he were balancing on the edge of a cliff with no way to turn back.

“Hey.”

The sound of your voice startled him, and Shin stiffened, caught red-handed. His eyes met yours, and suddenly, the room felt unbearably small. His heartbeat quickened, anxiety clawing at his chest.

You raised an eyebrow, curious about his flustered state. He scrambled to pull himself together, but his mind raced with every worst-case scenario. Was it obvious he’d been staring? Would you call him out?

“Darling.”

The word fell from your lips with ease as your hand gently rested on his. Shin’s breath hitched, and his wide eyes softened when he noticed the faint concern behind your gaze.

"Why are you staring at me?” you teased, a playful smile tugging at your lips. “Am I that cute?”

Shin’s face flushed instantly, a deep pink spreading across his cheeks. He looked away, desperate to gather his composure, but you weren’t about to let him off the hook. Intertwining your fingers with his, you held his hand tightly, ensuring he wouldn’t escape.

"… No, it’s not that,” Shin mumbled, though his voice betrayed his embarrassment.

“You… dropped something,” Shin stammered.

“Oh?” You arched an eyebrow. “And what did I drop?”

“Your lover.”