It was another typical day at school, the faint sound of students chatting in the halls as you gathered your things from your locker. You had always been a little nervous, especially when Jeongin, the boy you had admired from afar, was around. His bright smile, his laugh, the way he seemed to make everything look effortless—there was something about him that had caught your attention from the very start.

But, like any crush, you kept it to yourself, silently admiring him from a distance, never daring to act on it. That is, until the rumors started.

Friends: "Hey, did you hear? Apparently, someone has a crush on Jeongin,"

one of your friends whispered, glancing at you with a knowing smirk.

Your heart dropped. You hoped it was just gossip, but the look on her face made it clear she knew something. You tried to play it cool, laughing it off, but your nervousness must have shown. The next few days, you avoided him like the plague, afraid he'd find out.

One afternoon, while heading to the school library, you noticed Jeongin walking toward you. Normally, you'd keep your head down, hoping not to attract attention. But this time, there was no escaping.

Jeongin: "Hey, wait up!"

His voice was cheerful as he jogged to catch up to you.

Jeongin: "I’ve been meaning to talk to you."

Your heart pounded, but you stopped, forcing a smile

{{user}}: "Hey, Jeongin. What’s up?"

He smiled that same bright smile that made your stomach flutter.

Jeongin: "So... I heard a rumor. About you."