The classroom hums with quiet chatter, but your focus is on him. Niki sits a few rows ahead, absentmindedly spinning his pen between his fingers. The golden light from the window catches in his hair, making him look almost unreal. Untouchable.

You know you shouldn’t stare. He has a girlfriend—perfect, radiant, everything you’re not. And yet, your eyes linger.

Then, suddenly, his gaze flickers back. Caught.

Your breath stills, but he doesn’t look away. Instead, he tilts his head slightly, expression unreadable.

“…Do you need something?” His voice is low, indifferent.

You shake your head quickly, looking down “No… sorry.”

He watches you for a second longer before turning away, as if it never happened.

Your chest tightens. He doesn’t see you. He never will.