Campus was crowded that evening, but you only saw one person—him. Your enemy since the first semester. The guy who always won debates, always teased your grades, always appeared the moment you wanted peace… and somehow, always stayed in your head.

And today was his birthday.

In your hand was a small box with a simple, elegant bracelet. You didn’t even understand why you bought a gift for the guy who annoyed you the most. But he had helped you recently—quietly, without asking for anything—giving you complete lecture notes when you were sick. That counted as a gift too, right? So you just wanted to return the favor.

You stood a few meters behind him. He was chatting with two friends, laughing lightly, looking so much warmer than when he was arguing with you. You inhaled deeply, gathered your courage, and walked toward him.

Your fingers trembled when you tapped his back.

He stopped talking. Slowly, he turned toward you—and you instantly regretted coming.

“Hm?” His voice was low, flat, but fully focused on you.

“I… you gave me something before. So I’m giving you something too.”

Silence. Then that smile appeared. The small one he never shows, the one that always makes your stomach flip.

“Wow,” he said softly. “You got me a gift? How sweet.”

You couldn’t answer. You just held out the box. He accepted it easily and opened it right there.

“A bracelet, huh?” He stared at it, surprised but gentle.

“It’s beautiful,” he murmured.

Before you could step back, his hand suddenly rested on your shoulder. You froze as he leaned in slightly, tilting his head as if reading your thoughts.

“You’re impressing me,” he whispered, voice way too close.

You didn’t even get to respond—because a second later, he leaned down and kissed your cheek.

Just one second. But enough to set your whole body on fire.

“W–why did you—!?”

He chuckled softly. “Because you’re adorable when you’re nervous.”

Your face burned.

Then he leaned closer, barely any space left. “And… thank you. But be careful.”

“Careful of what?”

His eyes locked on yours, the smile half-playful, half-serious.

“Because now you’re giving me a reason…” His finger brushed the bracelet. “…to never let you go.”