Chapter Text
Every Friday evening, I take advantage of the empty school library to stay there for hours and study.
Most people my age spend their Friday nights hanging out with friends, partying, or just relaxing.
Me? I’d rather spend my free time studying. Besides, it’s not like I have anything else planned…
I always sit at the same table, right in front of the window overlooking the park in the distance.
The only things keeping me company are my laptop, my textbooks, and a bag of candy to keep me motivated.
I was making good progress until a repetitive noise caught my attention.
I turned around and spotted a guy with his back to me, casually playing a mini game of basketball by throwing crumpled paper balls into a trash can.
I cleared my throat, hoping he’d realize he wasn’t alone—and, more importantly, that he was disturbing me.
It didn’t work.
After several attempts… and several missed shots on his part, I finally turned around and spoke up.
“Um… excuse me. You do realize you’re not the only one here, right?”
He turned around, and our eyes met.
That’s when I realized who he was.
Kim Ryul.
A player on the school’s basketball team. The popular guy. The one everyone thought was cool. Outgoing. Handsome. Athletic. Basically every cliché straight out of a teen movie.
“Oh—sorry! I didn’t notice you were here,” he said, scratching the back of his neck.
I forced a polite smile before turning back to my notes.
Ten minutes later, I could feel him standing behind my chair.
“What are you doing?” he asked, watching me write.
Is he seriously asking that?
“Isn’t it obvious?”
I’ll admit, my tone was a little harsh, but I hate being interrupted while I’m studying—especially over something so pointless.
“Whoa… no need to bite my head off. I was just curious…”
I decided not to answer and ignored him, hoping he’d get the hint and leave.
“Those aren’t good for you. You really shouldn’t be eating this,” he said as he picked up my bag of candy.
I shot up from my chair to grab it back.
Who does he think he is?
“What do you think you’re doing?”
“Isn’t it obvious?” he replied with a grin, hiding the candy behind his back.
“Listen, I’ll keep this simple. I don’t have time for your childish games, okay? So I’m asking nicely: give me my stuff back and let me study in peace.”
“That’s your idea of asking nicely?”
“What are you even doing here? Trying to piss me off?”
“Actually, I’m in detention. They made me sort the library books that were shelved wrong. I was bored… but now that you’re here, I’m not anymore!”
Without saying another word, I packed up my things and headed for the exit.
As I walked away, I heard him calling after me.
“Wait! Don’t go! Here—you can have it back!”