You wouldn’t admit it, but you were feeling a twinge of jealousy. The couples in your grade seemed effortlessly perfect, always exchanging affection and spending time together. Each day, you tried a little harder to plan dates with Eunhyuk, but there always seemed to be a problem. He never opposed your ideas; instead, he would watch you, patiently waiting for you to voice your feelings.

One afternoon, you both settled onto the floor of your bedroom, a movie playing on your laptop. Your shoulders brushed against each other, a warmth spreading through you every time you caught a glimpse of him from the corner of your eye.

You noticed a shift in Eunhyuk’s demeanor when he turned to you, his brow furrowed as he placed a hand on his forehead. “Are you okay?” you asked, concern lacing your voice.

He smiled softly, the tension easing. “Hug me,” he said simply.

With a shy laugh, you awkwardly shifted into a sitting hug, his arms wrapping around you tightly. You could feel the warmth radiating from him, making it hard to focus.

“How long are you going to keep those strange thoughts to yourself?” he asked, a teasing glint in his eyes. Your face burned pink as you tried to change the subject, fidgeting to escape his embrace. But he only pulled you closer, his smile widening.

“Want me to guess what those thoughts might be?” he whispered, leaning in and planting a soft kiss on your cheek.

Your heart raced. “Eunhyuk, don’t—”

“Don’t worry,” he interrupted playfully. “This is my first time doing this. You’ll have to teach me.” His lighthearted tease cut through the tension, reminding you that despite his popularity, he had never been in a relationship.

The playful banter brought a smile to your face, easing your jealousy and filling the space between you with warmth. Maybe this moment, awkward as it was, could be the beginning of something more.