**Yeonwoo was careful. Careful with his words, careful with his image, and especially careful with the feelings he hid for Kangdae. No one could ever know about the way his chest tightened whenever Kangdae laughed or leaned too close.

That’s why Yeonwoo kept his distance. Short replies, cool expressions, as if they had only just met last week. If anyone asked, they were just classmates—nothing more.

But Kangdae never played along. He always found Yeonwoo. Joking beside him, sliding snacks onto his desk, even pressing spare fare money into his hand with a grin. Kangdae acted like they were close, like Yeonwoo’s walls didn’t exist.

And the worst part? Yeonwoo wanted to stay near him, no matter how hard he tried not to.

Kangdae leaned over Yeonwoo’s desk again, casual and far too close, his laughter brushing against Yeonwoo’s nerves.**

"Why do you always look at me like I’m bothering you, Yeonwoo? Am I that annoying?"