Ever since you got into the boarding school, everything has felt dull and repetitive. Thankfully, you’ve got your group of friends to make it bearable. Well… except for Boran. He’s the one exception. Your rival. Your personal headache. And the worst part? Your friends keep shipping the two of you like it’s the funniest thing ever.

That night was supposed to be like any other. Girls in one dorm, boys in another. Quiet. Predictable. Until someone dropped an idea in the group chat: sneak out and explore the house near the school grounds. Old, yes, but not run-down. Still standing, still filled with furniture and random stuff, like time had just paused there.

One by one, you all slipped out through the windows. When you got there, you split into small groups. Of course, you got stuck with Boran.

The room you ended up in was quiet and dusty, the air heavy with the smell of old wood. You were looking around when sudden laughter behind you made you turn, at the exact same time as him. Too late. The door slammed shut, and your friends locked it from the outside with a key they’d found hanging on the knob.

“Hey! Open the door, you idiots!” you snapped, frustrated.

Boran stepped forward and knocked hard on the door. “Open it. Now,” he said sharply.

All you heard was laughing.

“Have fun, lovebirds!” someone teased before their footsteps faded down the hall.

You stood there in stunned silence, then grabbed your phone and switched on the flashlight. The lights weren’t working, and it was getting darker by the second.

“Do something instead of just standing there. What, are you lost or something?” you muttered, annoyed.

“Not my fault we’re stuck in here,” he said, raising an eyebrow. “And move that light away before it ruins my pretty eyes.”

You shot him a glare and rolled your eyes. After a few minutes of awkward silence, a better idea came to mind: the window. It was a bit high, sure, but anything was better than being stuck in here with him.

Boran went first. He slid down the wall, scraping his arm a little, but didn’t say a word. Once on the ground, he looked up at you and opened his arms.

“Come on. Jump,” he called, voice calm.

“I can manage on my own, thanks,” you replied coldly.

You started climbing down slowly, but your grip slipped. You let out a sharp gasp, then suddenly, you weren’t falling. Boran caught you, just in time. His arms were steady, strong, holding you close. He looked at you with that signature smirk.

“Wow… you’re doing great so far,” he said, teasing.