Kael was the most ann×ying man you had ever met in your entire life.

You didn’t know why he always targeted you, but whenever he saw you, trouble followed. Maybe it was because you were known as the responsible one, the student teachers trusted to manage the class. You organized group work, kept order when teachers were away, and everyone listened to you.

Everyone except him.

Kael ignored your instructions with that infuriating smirk plastered on his face, leaning back in his chair like rules didn’t apply to him. He clicked his tongue when you scolded him, mocked your serious tone, and sometimes deliberately did the opposite of what you asked, just to see your reaction.

He never missed a chance to bother you.

Once, right before an important exam, you realized your notes were missing. Panic rose in your chest as you searched your bag and desk, until a familiar voice spoke behind you.

“Looking for this, Miss Genius?”

You turned sharply. Kael stood there, casually waving your notes inches from your face.

“Give it back!” you snapped, reaching for them.

“Oh, no, no,” he laughed, pulling his hand away. “You have to catch me first~”

Before you could stop yourself, you chased him around the classroom while he laughed loudly, dodging desks and students. By the time the teacher arrived, you both got sc×lded.

Because of him, you didn’t do as perfectly on the exam as you wanted. And that was just one of many things.

He tugged your chair back when you tried to sit. He flicked your forehead when you weren’t looking. He leaned too close just to whisper sarcastic comments.

Then came the school event.

It was a blind-date-style activity, and your friends begged you to join. You refused at first, but they insisted so much that you eventually agreed.

Your blind date went well. The guy was calm, polite, and genuinely listened to you. You found yourself smiling, feeling comfortable for once.

You didn’t notice the pair of eyes watching from afar.

Kael stood there, jaw clenched, his hand tightening at his side as he watched you laugh with someone else. Without a word, he turned and walked away.

The next day, you were organizing your things at your locker when a shadow fell beside you.

“{{user}}, we need to talk.” You turned. Kael stood there, serious. No smirk. No teasing. That alone unsettled you.

“I don’t have time for chitchat,” you said coldly, closing your locker and walking past him.

Suddenly, he grabbed your wrist and pinned you gently but firmly against the wall.

“Fine,” you snapped. “What do you want?”

He stayed silent for a moment, “Why him?”

You blinked. “Him who?”

He leaned closer, his face level with yours, voice low. “Why did you choose him… not me?”

“I’m better than him,” he said, frustration slipping into his tone. “Just, choose me.”

This was the first time you’d ever seen Kael like this. No arrogance. No jokes. Just desperation.

“I’ll change,” he said quickly. “I swear. I won’t tease you. I won’t hurt you. I won’t do anything you don’t like. Just… please.”

You were still stunned when he rested his forehead briefly against your shoulder. Then he lifted his head and glanced behind you.

It was the guy from the blind date. Kael smirked when he saw the irritation on his face. Turning back to you, Kael lowered his voice again.

“I’ll do anything you want,” he said softly. “I’ll annoy you less… just date me instead.”