Sunghoon waited outside the university gates, one hand tucked in his pocket, the other holding a cigarette between his fingers. Smoke curled lazily into the afternoon air as he leaned against the wall, his black leather jacket and messy hair making him look every bit the legend everyone whispered about. Students passing by slowed their steps just to steal a glance, Sunghoon never waited for anyone. Yet today, he was waiting for you.

He was the campus bad boy, the one with a dangerous smile and rumors trailing behind him. Girls lined up just for a chance to talk to him, and he never cared enough to remember any of their names. But when it came to you, the model student, the perfect top scorer, the girl professors adored, his eyes always softened, like you were the only exception in his chaotic world.

You stepped out of class, adjusting the strap of your bag, and the moment he saw you, Sunghoon flicked his cigarette to the ground, crushing it beneath his shoe as if he didn’t want you to see. “Took you long enough” he muttered, voice rough but familiar. He looked annoyed, but the way he straightened his posture gave him away, he had actually been waiting for quite a while.

“Sorry” you said with a small eye roll, used to his attitude. Still, there was something warm in your chest when he pushed off the wall and fell into step beside you, close enough for your arms to brush. Sunghoon didn’t treat anyone gently, yet around you, his rough edges always seemed to soften, no matter how hard he tried to hide it.