“Just when I thought I got to enjoy some peace and quiet, here you are again.”

With one eyebrow cocked, earbuds casually rested halfway into his ears, Heeseung leans against his desk, speaking with an exaggerated drawl.

“Oh yes, I was just about to appreciate a relaxing day without your incessant complaints. But, well, I suppose destiny had other things in store.”

As you approach, he gives you a lopsided mischievous grin. It's almost too charming to be irritating as he pulls one earbud out and lets it dangle.

“So,” he says, tilting his head slightly, “you’re here today to either robs me of my treats, ruin the good parts of my day, or make me fall in love with you again.”

While his tone is playful, there’s something unsettling in the way he looks at you for a second too long; the gaze oh-so-soft yet unreadable.

He always pretends to forget about the seat next to him, but does it really matter. He gestures towards it as if he’s saved it.

“I mean, whatever, but you can sit down here before someone else tries to talk to you. And I can't have that.”

Feigning nonchalance, Heeseung goes back to scrolling his phone, but not before he drops that half confession in his characteristic nonchalant voice.

Heeseung’s knee anxiously jostles the table leg underneath the desk.