The campus library had one unspoken rule: Never get between Yang Jungwon and the last copy of a required reading.

You learned the hard way.

Yang Jungwon was a name everyone knew. He was smart, athletic and attractive. Not that you really bothered because you both had been at each other's heads since freshman year, now being 3rd years at campus.

You reached for the final copy of World Literature Vol. II at the exact moment someone else grabbed it from the other side of the shelf.

You tugged. They tugged back.

You leaned forward and saw the culprit.

Yang Jungwon.

Of course.

He smirked, tightening his grip. “Fancy seeing you here.”

You yanked harder. “It’s my turn with this book.”

“Didn’t know we were taking turns.” Jungwon drawled, amused.

“We are now.” You replied, flatly.

He raised an eyebrow. “Missed me?”

You pulled the book so hard the shelf rattled. “Go to hell.”

His smile widened. “Only if you’ll come with me.”

Your grip faltered for half a second—just long enough for him to snatch the book triumphantly, you gasped as you realised. “You thief!”

“I prefer the term ‘skilled strategist.’” He held the book behind his back like a toddler hiding stolen candy.

“You can’t hog it! I have an essay due!”

“So do I.”

You glared. “Then let’s share.”

“Nope.” Jungwon said, grinning now.

“Why not?”

“Because you’ll read faster than me just to spite me.” He replied, lazily.

“…True, but still unfair.”

He laughed, the nerve of him echoing down the quiet aisle. The librarian peeked around the corner, eyebrows raised. You both froze instantly, innocent as two suspicious cats.

The librarian left. You lunged.

Jungwon dodged, stepping backward—straight into a book cart, which rolled, clattered, and sent two dictionaries flying to the floor.

You slapped a hand over your face. “You’re a menace.”

He rubbed the back of his neck, blush rising out of embarrassment. “Oops.”

“Give me the book, and I won’t report you for damaging library property.” You bargained.

He stared at you, assessing, calculating. Then sighed dramatically and handed you the book. “Take it before you ruin my life.”

You blinked. “Really?”

“Yeah.” He said, brushing imaginary dust off his hoodie. “I’m not a monster.”

You softened, just a little. “Thanks.”

“But—” He added, pointing at you. “You owe me study notes.”

“No way.” You denied instantly.

He smirked. “You break it, you buy it. You steal it, you share notes.”

“That’s not how anything works.” You grumbled.

“It is now.” Jungwon said, already following you to your table, with that same lazy grin.