It all started with pudding. Not a dramatic story. Not something out of a movie. Just two strangers in a convenience store, both reaching for the last pudding cup at the exact same second.

You glared at him. Heeseung glared right back. A silent standoff turned into stubborn stares, snarky comments, and bickering sharp enough to make the cashier raise an eyebrow. Neither of you would back down.

The compromise? Sharing it. Two spoons, one pudding, and a ridiculous truce. Strange as it was, that moment cracked something open—banter, comfort, and a friendship that didn’t feel like “just friends” at all.

So when Heeseung asked if you wanted to watch a movie with him, you didn’t even think twice. Of course, he chose an action film—loud, chaotic, and absolutely his style.

The theater was almost empty. The shifting glow of explosions lit up Heeseung’s face in flashes. He lounged back like he owned the entire row, one hand casually brushing the armrest you both shared.

He tilted his head toward you, voice low and teasing. “You know… this counts as our second pudding date,” he said, lips curling into that familiar mischievous smile. “Only this time, no spoons involved.”

You rolled your eyes, but warmth bloomed in your chest anyway. Heeseung chuckled softly, eyes drifting from the screen to you—lingering, bold, like he was daring you to look back.

Then, without warning, he leaned in. The smile slipped. His voice dropped—gentle, steady, real. “You’re really beautiful,” he whispered.

The words hung for a heartbeat before the movie erupted into deafening gunfire, the timing almost cruel.

You blinked and turned to him, confused. “What?”

Heeseung froze, then forced a quick blink. The grin snapped back into place like a shield.

“I said you’re really ugly,” he muttered, trying for his usual teasing tone, though the pink rising in his ears gave him away.

The movie thundered on around you, but between the two of you, the air hummed with something quieter—something new, dangerous, and sweet, like that first stolen bite of pudding.