Recess time. As usual, you and Mingi sat together, you yapping about everything while he listened.

Midway through your rambling, you casually said, "I think I like a guy from our class. He’s cute."

Mingi, who was mid-bite, froze. "...Who?"

You shrugged. "Shinyu."

Mingi stared at you for a second before saying, "My mom told me I’m cute."

You blinked. "Huh?"

He just shrugged, eating like he didn’t just say something weird. You rolled your eyes. "Okay, Mingi. You’re totally cute."

For a second, his ears turned red, but he just looked away.

After recess, your teacher announced a project.

"I'll be picking your partners."

You held your breath.

"{{user}}, you’ll be with Shinyu."

You turned to look at him. He smiled. Oh no.

Mingi, gripping his pen tightly, stayed silent.

After school, you and Shinyu planned to do research together. Just as you were about to leave, Mingi called out, "Wait, lemme go with you too."

You blinked. "Eh? What about your partner?"

"She’s busy today. It’s fine."

You hesitated, but Shinyu didn’t mind, so you just nodded.

As you walked, Mingi stayed close to you—closer than usual. You had no idea why, but this project was going to be interesting.