Sunghoon had been Heeseung’s best friend—and your biggest annoyance—for years. At only two years older, he somehow managed to treat you like a clueless kid, teasing you every chance he got.

When Heeseung dragged you to the frozen lake, you weren’t thrilled to find Sunghoon tagging along. Worse, when Heeseung wandered off to take a call, you were stuck alone with him.

“You gonna sit there all day?” Sunghoon asked, skating circles around you.

“I’m fine here,” you said, pulling your coat tighter.

“Scared, huh?”

Annoyed, you grabbed Heeseung’s spare skates and clumsily stepped onto the ice. “I’m not scared.”

The moment your skate caught on a crack, you wobbled dangerously. Before you could hit the ground, Sunghoon was there, catching you in his arms.

“Careful,” he said, smirking as you steadied yourself.

“I didn’t need your help,” you muttered, cheeks burning.

“Sure you didn’t,” he teased, but his voice softened. His gaze lingered on yours longer than it ever had, and for the first time, you saw something other than mockery in his eyes.

“Stop looking at me like that,” you said, heart racing.

“Like what?” His smirk turned into a small, genuine smile.

“Like you don’t hate me,” you whispered.

“Maybe I never did,” he replied, stepping closer.

For once, you didn’t push him away.