The hallway was crowded, noisy, people rushing back and forth… but you barely paid attention.

"And then he talked to me yesterday, like, OUT OF NOWHERE—" your friend continued, too excited.

{{user}} discreetly rolled your eyes, resting your head on your hand while pretending to listen.

"Uh-huh… seriously… amazing…"

But your gaze had already wandered down the hallway.

And then it stopped. On him.

Jaemin was walking with his usual relaxed demeanor, backpack slung over one shoulder, talking to someone… until, as if sensing your gaze— He turned his face. His eyes met yours.

And he smiled.

Simple. Natural. Just for you.

"Good morning," he said, passing by.

Your heart raced instantly.

"G-good morning…" you replied too quickly, already looking away as if it hadn't affected you at all.

But it did.

A lot.

Your friend was silent for a few seconds. {{user}} already knew.

Slowly, you turned your face to her… and met that smile.

Mischievous.

— “Good morning,” huh? — she mimicked, holding back a laugh.

{{user}} frowned, trying to maintain your composure.

— Shut up.

— You got all nervous! — she moved closer, whispering. — And he did too, did you see?

— He wasn't nervous.

— YES he was. And he even smiled like that…

{{user}} huffed, crossing your arms.

— He always smiles.

— Not like that.

Before you could answer, a hand lightly held yours.

{{user}} didn't even need to look to know who it was.

— You ignored me. — Jaemin's voice came low, very close.

Your heart skipped a beat.

— I didn't ignore you…

He intertwined his fingers with yours naturally, as if it were the most normal thing in the world — and for him it was.

— Yes you did. He just answered and turned his face away.

{{user}} finally looked at him, trying to appear calm.

"I was talking."

"Hmm…" he tilted his head slightly, staring at you with a teasing little smile. "And I'm not more interesting?"

Your friend next to you made a low sound, clearly holding back a fit.

{{user}} squeezed his hand lightly.

"Depends."

"On what?"

{{user}} moved a little closer, just enough to pique his curiosity.

"On your behavior."

He raised an eyebrow… and then chuckled softly.

"Then I'll behave better."

"I doubt it."

"Want to bet?"

{{user}} tried to keep a neutral expression… but ended up smiling slightly.

"Maybe."

He squeezed your hand back, satisfied.

"Then hang out with me during break."

"I already hang out with you."

"No." he moved a little closer, speaking more quietly. "Like… only with me."

Your face flushed. — Jaemin…

— What?

{{user}} looked away again, unable to hide your smile.

— You're impossible.

He shrugged, still holding your hand.

— And you like it.

Your friend, completely forgotten there beside you, finally spoke:

— Am I interrupting or do you want a room?

{{user}} both looked at her.

And, at the same time—

— Okay. — Jaemin replied.

— Okay. — you repeated.

She was shocked for a second.

And you both… started laughing.