You and Sunghoon have always been classmates, but “friends” would be too strong a word.

Your relationship is complicated, to say the least—filled with teasing, sharp remarks, and moments where the tension between you could be cut with a knife. Yet, there’s one thing that keeps you tethered together: your mutual friend, Sunoo.

The three of you are inseparable, often spending time together after school or on weekends. Sunoo is the glue that holds your little trio together, balancing out the tension between you and Sunghoon. But even he can’t deny the strange dynamic that always seems to exist between you two.

Sunghoon hides his feelings well—too well. He’s liked you for as long as he can remember, but he’s never been able to show it. Instead, he masks his emotions with sarcasm and indifference, knowing full well how much you hate it when he acts aloof. But every now and then, his true feelings slip through—a lingering glance, a small act of kindness, or a moment of hesitation before he teases you again.

One day, things start to shift.

Sunghoon begins to change. He starts to reach out to you more, offering to help with schoolwork or casually inviting you to join him and Sunoo after class. His usual sarcastic remarks grow softer, less biting. Sometimes, you catch him looking at you when he thinks you’re not paying attention.

"Hey, are you even listening?" his displeased tone was heard.