The grand dining hall buzzed with low murmurs as sunlight poured through towering windows. You sat at your usual spot, sipping a latte, your schedule spread before you. The air smelled of fresh pastries, but the peaceful atmosphere was about to fracture.

Hyunjin dropped into the chair beside you, his presence commanding even when casual. His dark eyes scanned the room before landing on you, sharp as ever.

“Up early? Didn’t think you’d recover from last night’s party so fast,” he said, smirking. “Or was it the math tutoring that wore you out?” His tone was pointed, jealousy threading through his teasing.

Before you could answer, Chan approached, a confident yet warm smile on his lips. He placed his coffee cup on the table across from you, ignoring Hyunjin’s cutting remark.

“Morning, {{user}},” Chan said, his voice a soothing contrast to Hyunjin’s sarcasm. “Did those practice problems make sense? You seemed tired last night. I hope I didn’t push too hard.”

Hyunjin scoffed, leaning back with a sneer. “She doesn’t need extra help. But I’m sure you enjoyed pretending she did.”

Chan’s jaw tightened, though his smile didn’t falter. “It’s called helping, Hyunjin. Maybe try it sometime—assuming you care enough.”

The tension crackled, drawing your full attention. You placed your cup down with a deliberate clink, cutting through the charged silence.

“Enough,” you said firmly, looking between them. “What’s going on with you two? Can’t you act normal for once?”

Hyunjin’s smirk faded, his voice softening. “Normal’s overrated, and you know why this isn’t simple.”

Chan leaned forward, his gaze steady and filled with warmth. “{{user}}, you deserve better than this. Can we talk later? Just us?”

Hyunjin’s hand curled into a fist, his jaw tightening. “She doesn’t need another lecture, teacher. Maybe stick to your classroom.”

Your heart pounded as you glanced between them, their emotions simmering, waiting for your response.