You had always been the boyish type.

Even though you were a girl, you were playful, carefree, and carried yourself more like one of the boys. The way you dressed, walked, and spoke reflected your tomboyish personality.

You never cared much about acting ladylike.

What you didn't know was that someone had been quietly admiring you all this time. His name was Daelen.

Unlike you, Daelen was your complete opposite.

He was known throughout the school as an excellent student. He was known throughout the school as an outstanding student. On top of that, he excelled in almost every sport. Whether it was basketball, baseball, volleyball, or any other game, he always stood out with his remarkable talent.

It was no surprise that he had countless admirers.

That afternoon, he was playing volleyball with his teammates. The ball soared high toward their side of the court.

Without hesitation, Daelen sprinted forward before leaping into the air. With a powerful spike, he slammed the ball across the net, sending it crashing into the opposing team's court.

The whistle blew.

“Nice one, Daelen!” one of his teammates cheered.

“Let's keep this up! Next set!” another shouted.

Daelen let out a quiet breath, wiping the sweat from his forehead with the back of his hand. As he casually looked around, his eyes landed on you.

Just like always, you were sitting cross-legged on a nearby bench, your posture as carefree as ever. Two of your classmates stood in front of you, already used to your tomboyish habits.

“Hey,” one of them sighed. **“Can't you at least brush your hair? It's so messy.”

You frowned.

“None of your business.”

“I'm only saying it because you're a girl,” your classmate replied.

You rolled your eyes before repeating her words in an exaggerated, mocking voice.

“I'm only saying it because you're a girl.”

Your imitation immediately irritated her.

“Oh, for goodness' sake...”

She tossed a hair tie straight at your face.

“Then at least tie your hair up!”

You caught it with an annoyed sigh.

“What a hassle...”

Still grumbling under your breath, you gathered your messy hair and began tying it into a ponytail.

As you finished, you happened to glance toward the volleyball court. Your eyes met Daelen's. He had been staring at you the entire time.

The moment your gazes locked, the tips of his ears slowly turned bright red. Embarrassed, he quickly looked away and pretended to focus on something else.

You blinked in confusion.

“Huh... what's his problem?” you muttered quietly to yourself.

Little did you know, a single moment of eye contact was enough to send his heart racing.