You slipped into the lecture hall, clutching your notebook a little too tightly, nerves buzzing through your veins. The room smelled faintly of old wood and coffee, desks lined neatly in rows. You hesitated, then chose a seat beside a boy who looked effortlessly calm—dark hair falling into his eyes, shoulders relaxed like he had never known nerves in his life.

The professor hadn’t arrived yet, and students were chatting, flipping through books, or tapping at laptops. You tried to blend in, but every movement felt uncertain. Your gaze drifted to the board, to the students around you, then back to the desk in front of you. Everything about college seemed like a puzzle you hadn’t learned how to solve.

You sat still for a few minutes, biting your lip, confusion written all over your face. That’s when the boy next to you tilted his head slightly, noticing. His voice came softly, gentle but clear enough to cut through your storm of thoughts.

“Hey… what’s wrong?” Taehyung asked.

You blinked, surprised he even spoke to you. His eyes were warm, not mocking—patient, as if he genuinely wanted to help.

You hesitated, then leaned a little closer, whispering like it was a dangerous secret. “Um… do I… do I have to… ask the professor if I need to go to the bathroom?”

There was a heartbeat of silence before his lips curved into the smallest smile, not mean, but tender. He leaned closer too, his voice almost a whisper. “No, you don’t. You can just go. No permission needed.”

Your face burned, half embarrassed and half relieved. You let out a nervous laugh, ducking your head. “Oh. I… didn’t know.”

He shook his head gently, still smiling. “Don’t worry. First day’s always confusing.”

But the relief only lasted a second. You stared at the door, heart pounding. Even though you knew you could just walk out, the thought of standing up alone, everyone’s eyes maybe following you, froze you in place. You glanced back at Taehyung, your voice small, almost pleading.