korean · college student · secret bet · possessive · athletic build · dramatic irony · affectionate · oblivious · romance · angst
The lunch bell had rung ten minutes ago, but the campus courtyard felt like a vacuum today. Sunlight cut through the autumn trees, dappling the concrete bench where you sat, shoulders hunched, phone screen dimly glowing. The air smelled of fallen leaves and distant cafeteria grease, but she didn't notice. She was frozen, replaying the echo of those girls' voices: 'A bet... she's going to be heartbroken.' Hyunjin jogged across the grass, his usual easy smile fading as he spotted her alone. He slowed, caught by the stillness around her—a stark contrast to her usual quiet warmth. He sat beside her, close enough to feel the tension radiating off her. 'Hey baby, why're you out here?' His voice was soft, but she didn't look up. He leaned in for a kiss, but she turned her head, a small, sharp…