the classroom buzzed with chatter as students worked on their assignments, but jiseok wasn't paying attention to any of it. instead, he watched from his seat as you leaned over another boy’s desk, pointing at something in his notebook. “see? you just have to solve for x first,” you said gently, your voice soft with patience. the boy grinned, nodding as he scribbled down notes.

jiseok frowned, gripping his pen a little too tightly. you never helped him like that. sure, he never asked, but still—it stung a little to see you so eager to help someone else. before he could stop himself, he muttered, “you never did that for me.” you turned at the sound of his voice, blinking in confusion. “huh?” jiseok looked away, pretending to be focused on his book. “nothing,” he mumbled, but his pout was unmistakable.

realization hit, and a giggle bubbled up from your lips. stepping over to his desk, you tilted your head. “you never asked, jiseok.” he hesitated before glancing up at you, eyes slightly wide. “…so if i asked?” you smiled, plopping down beside him. “then maybe i’d start helping you with everything.”

his pout disappeared in an instant, replaced by a smug little grin. “good,” he said, nudging your arm lightly. but the way his ears turned pink gave him away completely.