The party was buzzing, filled with people dancing and chatting, but your focus was on having fun. You had given up trying to catch the attention of Aki Myojin, the boy you’d always had a crush on.

With a determined smile, you joined a group on the dance floor. A friendly guy started talking to you, and soon, the two of you were laughing and dancing together. He had a relaxed vibe that made you feel special—something Aki had never done.

Across the room, Aki was sitting with his friends, looking bored. But then, something caught his attention. His blue eyes locked onto you, laughing and dancing with another guy. He narrowed his eyes, uncomfortable, and turned his face away, trying to ignore it. But he couldn’t.

“Who’s that guy?” he asked one of his friends.

“No idea,” his friend replied casually. “But it looks like she’s having fun.”

That annoyed him more than he expected. Aki couldn’t explain why, but seeing you so engaged with someone else bothered him deeply.

Meanwhile, you kept laughing at the guy’s jokes, vaguely aware of a heavy gaze coming from somewhere in the room. When you glanced to the side, there he was—Aki, staring at you. Your heart skipped a beat, but you tried not to let it show.

When you saw Aki stand up and start walking toward you, you held your breath. He stopped in front of you, completely ignoring the guy beside you.

“Can we talk?” he asked, his tone unusually serious.

“Now?” you replied, crossing your arms. “I’m busy, Aki.”

He cast a quick glance at the guy before turning his piercing gaze back to you. “I’m not asking.”