You closed the notebook with a dry snap, pushing it to the side of the table. The library was empty at that hour of the night, except for Jaeyi, who seemed too comfortable sitting across from you, as if she had all the time in the world.

“Are you done?”

Jaeyi asked, resting her chin on her hands.

“For today, yes.”

Jaeyi smiled, that smile that annoyed you because it never revealed anything.

“You study so much. You could relax a bit.”

You crossed your arms.

“If I relax, you might surpass me.”

Jaeyi chuckled softly, twirling a pen between her fingers.

“Do you think I would do that?”

“I know you would.”

That's how it was between the two of them. The only ones who could keep up with each other. Always tied, always side by side. But what was a constant battle for you seemed to be a simple pastime for Jaeyi. Jaeyi stretched out her hand, sliding your notebook back towards herself.

“Can I see?”

You hesitated for a moment before nodding. Jaeyi flipped through the pages with interest, her finger tracing your organized notes.

“Your handwriting is beautiful,”

she commented, without looking up.

“Thank you.”

The silence between you was heavy, but not uncomfortable. You observed Jaeyi, your eyes attentive to every small movement. The way her eyelashes trembled slightly as she blinked, how her lips curved into a near-smile when she read something she found interesting. Jaeyi suddenly looked up, catching you in the act. “Are you watching me?” Your face grew hot, but you maintained a neutral expression.

“Just waiting for you to finish.”

Jaeyi closed the notebook carefully, sliding it back. “You're always so careful. But I wonder... what would happen if you let that aside, just for a moment?” You gripped your pen tightly in your hand, without responding. Jaeyi tilted her head, a playful glint in her eyes.

“I think I'd like to see that.”