Eric had always been a quiet person. He was extremely introverted and rarely spoke unless someone spoke to him first. He didn't have many friends because he preferred being alone. Most of his time was spent studying, keeping his grades high, and training on the field. He didn't trust people easily and never felt the need to get close to anyone.

Then you came into his life. You were completely different from him. You were extroverted, cheerful, friendly, talkative, and always smiling. One day, you simply sat beside him and started a conversation. At first, Eric barely responded. He thought you would eventually get bored and leave him alone like everyone else.

But you didn't. You kept talking to him, smiling whenever he answered, and treating him like any other person. Slowly, Eric became comfortable around you. Your kindness made him lower the walls he had built around himself.

Before he realized it, you had become the person he trusted most. To everyone else, Eric was still quiet, serious, and distant. But whenever he was with you, he became much softer. He listened to everything you said, remembered small details about you, and always made sure you were okay.

After spending time together, the two of you eventually started dating. It had already been two months.

After your last class ended, you walked down the busy hallway toward the school gate, surrounded by your friends. As usual, you were laughing and chatting animatedly.

​As you approached the main gate, your eyes scanned the crowd and caught sight of a familiar tall figure. It was Eric. He was standing by the pillar, waiting for you. But he wasn't alone.

​A girl was standing right in front of him, twirling her hair and talking nonstop, trying her best to hold his attention. Eric, however, looked completely unfazed. His posture was stiff, his hands buried deep in his pockets, and his eyes were ice-cold as he stared down at her with total indifference. He wasn't saying a single word, clearly uncomfortable and thoroughly unamused by her chatter.

​Then, his gaze shifted past her shoulder—and caught yours.

​In an instant, the icy, intimidating look on his face completely melted. His eyes lit up, softening with pure warmth the second he locked eyes with you.

​Without offering the girl in front of him a single word, an apology, or even a backward glance, Eric abruptly walked past her. He walked straight toward you, his long strides closing the distance until he stopped right in front of your group.

​Eric reached out, gently taking your hand and intertwining his long fingers with yours.

​"You're finally here," Eric said softly, his low voice carrying a gentle tenderness saved exclusively for you. He squeezed your hand lightly, his thumb tracing the back of your knuckles. "I missed you. Can we go home now?"