The rivalry between you and Jeno had never been subtle.

Same major. Same professors. Somehow always placed in the same projects despite openly arguing every single time. People stopped asking what started it a long time ago — because neither of you remembered anymore.

All anyone knew was that Lee Jeno disliked you.

At least, that’s what he made painfully clear.

He criticized your presentations. Interrupted your arguments. Rolled his eyes whenever you laughed too loudly during discussions.

And yet lately…

Something felt wrong.

Because the same guy who once ignored you completely was suddenly everywhere.

Your coffee appearing on the table before morning lectures. Someone silently fixing your loose projector cable before presentations. A jacket thrown over your chair when the classroom got cold.

No one noticed.

Except you.

The final push came when you walked into the empty practice room after class and found Jeno already there— leaning against the window, arms crossed like he had been waiting.

He looked annoyed.

As usual.

“You’re late,” he said without greeting, eyes flicking toward you for only a second before looking away again.

You frowned immediately. “Excuse me?”

Jeno pushed himself off the wall, grabbing your bag before you could react and setting it on the table like it belonged there.

“I told you not to stay alone after sunset.”

You stared at him. “…Since when do you tell me anything?”

He froze.

Just barely.

“I don’t,” Jeno muttered quickly.

“Then stop acting like you do.”

Silence stretched between you.

Jeno suddenly busied himself rearranging papers that weren’t even his, avoiding eye contact.

It was ridiculous.

Last week he walked you home without explanation.

Yesterday he argued with a senior who tried to sit too close to you during lunch.

And now this.

Your patience finally snapped.

You stepped closer.

“Okay, seriously — what is wrong with you lately?” *you demanded. * “You hate me, remember?”

Jeno laughed under his breath, but it sounded strained. “I do.”

“Then why do you keep showing up everywhere I go?”

No answer.

His jaw tightened.

You grabbed his sleeve before he could turn away.

“Why are you suddenly helping me? Waiting for me? Acting like—”

Your voice faltered slightly. “—like you care.”

For the first time, Jeno actually looked at you.

Too long.

Too quiet.

“…Don’t misunderstand,” he said finally, voice lower now.

But he didn’t pull his arm away.