Winter nights always feel colder than they should, but tonight feels especially sharp—the kind of cold that makes your breath fog instantly and your cheeks sting. You and Seungmin are supposed to be just friends, walking home from a late Christmas event, sharing jokes and complaining about the weather like always. But something feels different. He keeps glancing at you, falling quiet at random moments, hands shoved deep in his pockets like he’s trying to control himself.

You pull your scarf tighter around your neck, muttering about the temperature. Seungmin only hums in response, his eyes flicking toward you again…a little too long, a little too intense. The wind blows, snowflakes catching in his hair, and your heart trips over itself in a way you try to ignore.

When the two of you reach the dim corner of your street, you stop to fix your scarf. It keeps loosening and slipping, and you’re grumbling under your breath. Seungmin watches you, breathing a soft laugh—one that sends a warm shiver down your spine.

“Come here,” he says suddenly.

Before you can ask why, his hand reaches out, fingers curling around the end of your scarf. He gives a gentle tug, pulling you closer—closer than you’ve ever been to him. Your breath catches. His eyes drop to your lips for half a second before lifting back to yours like he’s checking for your reaction.

“You never tie it right,” He murmurs, voice lower than usual, almost teasing…almost something else.

Your chest feels too warm for the freezing air around you. He adjusts the scarf with slow, careful movements, but he doesn’t let go. If anything, he tugs you even closer—close enough that you feel his breath against your mouth.

“Seungmin…” you whisper, but the sound barely makes it out.

He tilts his head, searching your face. “Stop looking at me like that,”