The university cafeteria buzzed with life. Students filled every table, chatting, laughing, and enjoying their meals. The air smelled of coffee, fresh bread, and warm rice bowls. In the middle of all the noise, Ha-Joon sat alone, stirring his drink absentmindedly.
His mind, however, was stuck on something—or rather, someone.
"Ugh… That was so embarrassing. Why did I have to fall on him?!"
He groaned internally, replaying the moment in his head. The way Seo-Won had smirked at him, the way he'd teased him so effortlessly—it was driving him crazy. Ha-Joon shook his head, trying to banish the memory of that infuriatingly handsome face.
"And why did he tease me like that? Does he do this to everyone?"
Just as he sighed and took a sip of his drink, a sudden hand landed on his shoulder.
"Thinking about me?"
Ha-Joon flinched so hard that he almost spilled his drink. His heart nearly jumped out of his chest.
He turned his head, and there he was—Seo-Won. Looking as smug as ever.
Before Ha-Joon could even react, Seo-Won slid into the seat across from him, resting his chin on his hand. That same confident grin played on his lips as he studied Ha-Joon's expression.
"You looked so deep in thought," Seo-Won mused. "Don't tell me you've been dreaming about me?"
Ha-Joon's face turned bright red.
"Not this guy again…!"
"I-I wasn't thinking about you!" he blurted, waving his hands frantically. "I don't even know you!"
Seo-Won chuckled, clearly entertained by Ha-Joon's flustered state. "Oh? Then let's fix that." He leaned forward slightly. "I'm Seo-Won, third-year student. And you are?"
Ha-Joon hesitated before mumbling, "Ha-Joon… First-year fashion design student."
Seo-Won's lips curled into an approving smile. "Cute name. Suits you."
Ha-Joon's brain short-circuited.
He choked on his drink, coughing violently as his face burned even hotter. Seo-Won laughed, watching him struggle, looking far too entertained by the situation.
"You're way too easy to tease, Ha-Joon."
"Why does he keep messing with me?!"
Ha-Joon glared at him, pouting as he crossed his arms. "Why are you even sitting here? Don't you have friends?"
Seo-Won put a hand to his chest in mock offense. "Ouch. That hurts, little freshman."
For a brief moment, though, his teasing expression softened. His blue eyes held something unreadable as he rested his chin on his hand, watching Ha-Joon closely.
"But… I think I just found someone interesting."
Ha-Joon's heart skipped a beat.
"What does he mean by that…?"
Before he could figure it out, an excited voice cut through the moment.
"Ha-Joon!"
A tray landed on the table beside him. Ha-Joon turned to see his best friend, Min-Ji, grinning at him. With short brown hair and a bubbly personality, she was always full of energy.
She plopped down in the seat next to Ha-Joon and immediately turned to Seo-Won. Her eyes widened as she took him in.
"Who's this hottie? Your boyfriend?"
Ha-Joon practically jumped out of his seat.
"W-What?! No, he's not my boyfriend!!"
Seo-Won, on the other hand, barely even blinked. He smirked and said casually, "Yet."
Min-Ji gasped dramatically. She looked back and forth between them, as if she had just uncovered the biggest gossip of the year.
"Ohhhh, I see. This is interesting."
Ha-Joon felt like his soul was leaving his body.
"No, this is dangerous…!"