NOTES: 

Setting is so that the Yule Ball is now annual, and it takes place in the story.

Reader has glasses, doesn’t have contacts

Credits to @avalynlestrange for a part of her mood board, not mine.

“Y/N! Wait up for a second!”

You sighed, not out of dread, but slight amusement. Though you were a Ravenclaw, Pansy tolerated just one person outside her house, since you both have known each other your whole childhood.  You adjusted your glasses, moments before a disaster that would probably knock them off.

Despite your calm attitude, you laughed as Pansy tackled you in the vast courtyard, and you both stumbled on the cobbled stone footpath leading to different chambers. Once your glasses fell askew on the bridge of your nose, Pansy adoringly fixed them. You could identify her friends from Slytherin behind her. Though you all were in 5th year already, you were yet to be introduced to any of them, save for Draco Malfoy and Blaise Zabini, to whom you nodded in recognition, and had the gesture reciprocated.

“Honestly, Pansy. You might let the poor girl breathe for a second. She already seemed rather dazed as is. Maybe the expectation of being a decent Ravenclaw prefect is getting to her already?” A snide yet pretty voice spoke up. Daphne Greengrass, you believed. 

You bristled at her remark, yet tried to hide it for the fear that you’d lose control, instead opting for using your words. “I see we haven’t officially met, Greengrass.” You held out your hand like a mature person, expecting her to shake. She accepted your hand, and challengingly squeezed it, her emerald green nails pressing in your skin.

You squeezed her hand back, until you heard her knuckles crack. “I see that I cracked your knuckles for you. My bad, it might bloat a little. The carbon dioxide will cause gas bubbles under the skin, the area where it got released.” You tauntingly smiled, letting go of her hand, which seemed to slightly bruise where you touched it.  Daphne gasped at the sudden shock of pain, wrenching her arm away from you. 

You heard soft laughter behind her. Theodore Nott, Mattheo Riddle, and Lorenzo Berkshire, heartthrobs of Slytherin, perhaps the most handsome to be admitted into Hogwarts in a while. Many girls, especially those in Gryffindor, said it was a shame that their looks had been wasted into Slytherin.

You tried not to linger your gaze on them for the fear that they would find out about a small crush you have on a certain man with the initials T.N.

You couldn’t care less, in your opinion, what house they were in, anyways. Your eyes raked over them before glancing back at Pansy, who was smirking at your introduction to Daphne Greengrass. “Y/N over here, is probably the strongest and smartest person I know,” Pansy walked behind you, wrapping her arms around your waist and comfortably leaning her chin on your left shoulder. “She’s a black belt in 4 martial arts and she’s a topper, higher than that mudblood Granger.”

You cringed slightly at the insulting slur used to one of your friends, behind her back. 

Though your expression was disgruntled, you let her lean on you for her being one of your best friend’s sake. “Well, it was nice meeting you all. Well, most of you.” You glanced at Theodore, Mattheo, Lorenzo, and Astoria. “Just say Episkey and the ‘injury’,” you quote unquoted with your hands, “will disappear, if it even was there from the start.” you addressed Daphne, who was still in a rather sour mood. You say goodbye to Draco and Blaise before walking out of the courtyard.

Pansy decides to walk with you to your common room, leaving behind her group of friends. 

You could feel someone’s gaze lingering on you. When you turned around, you saw none other than Theodore Nott staring at you. When he noticed that you caught him, he adorably grinned, a dimple showing up on his right cheek. He waved to you, and once you waved back(smiling like an idiot), he jogged back to Mattheo, who waited for him. 

You saw Mattheo slap Theodore’s back, as if he was congratulating Theodore on something. Theodore sheepishly rubbed the back of his neck, and you could make out his red neck and ears from across the courtyard. You ducked your head in embarrasment when he looked back at you. God, you were so mortified he caught you looking at him. You pushed up your glasses carefully with your index and middle fingers, as if you could hide behind them.

Pansy noticed this and smirked, initiating the subject that's been on everyone's minds the past few days.

“I wanted to ask you about the Yule Ball. D’you have anyone to go with?” You shook your head. “Dunno, Pans. It honestly seems like a big waste of time. Besides, I’d probably only say yes to one person, and he’s always flocked by girls.”

Pansy’s eyes widened in shock. “You like someone?” You laughed, glancing at the bewildered excuse of your best friend. “It’s a secret.” Pansy had a smug grin slapped on her face. “I already know who it is. It’s most definitely Theodore.” Your eyes grew to the size of saucers. Were you really that obvious? Pansy giggles at your expression. “Don’t worry, N/N. It’s obvious he has a thing for you too.”

You shrugged. “As if he does. If he asks me out for the ball, I’ll tell you.” Pansy groaned loudly. “UGH, Y/N. HE SO OBVIOUSLY LIKES YOU. Why else would he wave at you before leaving?” You reddened at the realisation that she saw you both. “Pansy, I’m telling you. He doesn’t like me.

As you neared your common room, you answered the riddle, and before you stepped through the door, you turned to look at Pansy.

“Instead of worrying about my relationship problems and ball dates, maybe ask Draco out before he gets taken by Astoria or Millicent Bulstrode, hm?”

Then, you entered the common room and shut the door behind you, leaving a blushing Pansy.

The next few days were uneventful, in which you noticed. At least until Pansy and her friends sat with you at lunch in the Great Hall. You glanced up warily at Daphne, Astoria, Blaise, Draco, and Pansy, who sat in front of you. 

“Where’s the rest of your little clique?”

Draco chuckles at that, pointing to one of the entrances near the left wing of the castle, where the three heartthrobs were being bombarded with confessions and proposals to take the fluttering girls out to the ball. You knew you shouldn’t be disappointed that Theodore Nott was smiling warmly and kindly as he apologetically refused every girl.

That smile was to die for anyways.

Pansy caught you eyeing him and gasped. “N/N, is it who i think it i-” You slapped a hand over her mouth before she spoke any further. “Shut up. Not a word.” Blaise and Astoria glanced curiously, but didn’t mention anything.

Daphne was also glaring at the girls surrounding Theodore, twisting her auburn locks with her signature emerald nails. “I hope they realise that  by the end of the day, he’s mine.” she said, referring to Nott. Pansy sharply said, coming to your defense, “He’s not yours, Daphne. Shut your fat mouth if you’re only going to spew nonsense.”

Daphne scowled, but shifted faces immediately as the three boys finally made way to you and Pansy. As Nott and Riddle sat on either side of you, Berkshire next to Riddle, Pansy smirked and wiggled her eyebrows a little like an idiot. 

“Are any of you going to eat?” Theodore spoke up, his voice deep and baritone. Your heart palpitates, hearing the tremor in it. You’ve never heard his voice before, and your blood pressure spikes abnormally. You clear your throat and butter some toast, goosebumps traveling up your arm as his hand brushed yours. Before you start to eat, you normally tie your hair back.

However, your hair tie was missing. You look for it in your pockets before sighing. “Does anyone have a hair tie I can borrow?” You mainly addressed the question to Astoria, Daphne, and Pansy. So what a shock it was when none other than Theodore Nott handed you one. It was sparkly yellow, like the cheap ones you might find at a dollar store. 

You glanced up confusedly at his oh so handsome face, and looked right back down before you turned red, which would alert Daphne and give Pansy a chance to tease you.  “Why-” He cuts you off.

“My little sister loves yellow. She normally ties her hair but always forgets her hair tie, so I keep extras on my wrist. Eventually, it became a habit, I suppose. You can keep it.” He offered a warm smile, and you immediately averted your gaze, shyly if anything. “Thank you,” you said, tying your hair back and eating your toast quickly. As everyone starts into idle chatter, Theodore asks you another question.

“Have you been asked to the Yule Ball yet?” His voice, god, his voice, was mellow, casual. 

You looked up, your cheeks stuffed like a hamster with bread, before shaking your head yes. Once you swallowed, you answered, “Two people, but I turned them down because I’d only go with one person. I might not even go to the ball, since that person is really popular and would never look twice at me.”

Theodore’s breathe hitches, looking down at you. Your e/c eyes seemed to pierce into his grey-green ones. They captivated him, for some unknown reason. “Well, if he is that untouchable, would you like to go to the ball with me?”

Your eyes widen, your lashes long and pretty. They were rather distracting to Theodore, who started turning slightly pink. Whoever wouldn’t say yes to you would probably be one of the biggest idiots that he’s ever heard of. Theodore caught his thoughts before they drift too much for his own good.

He comes back to his senses after hearing Pansy shriek and grab Daphne’s hair, the said blonde leaning across the table to yank yours. Theodore’s quick to intervene, snatching you away from Daphne’s grasp and into his chest, not realising the sudden slightly intimate notion that he initiated. “What the hell?” He’s shocked at the raging monster of his friend.

“That bitch thinks that she can go with you to the Yule Ball? Has she gone mad? You’re mine!” Daphne shrieks, causing many onlookers to gaze at your little group. Theodore silences her with a look. Why does she hate someone that she doesn’t even know? 

You look up, noticing you’re in Theodore’s arms, and blush slightly, detangling your body away from his. “If she doesn’t want me to go with you, I can just let you go with her. I don’t want to cause any problems.” You cast a blaming glance at Pansy, who shrunk a little under your gaze and offered a sheepish smile. “Besides, you guys are closer anyways, I assume.”

Theo shook his head, quick to deny any thoughts you might have of him and Daphne being involved romantically. Why did he care so much about what you thought? “Are you sure? I’ll go with you, if you really mean it.” Theodore nodded. “I’d really like it if you’d go with me. Please?” 

You nod, bashfully hiding your face, and you push up your glasses nervously. You hugged Pansy goodbye and said your farewells, hurrying off from the table before causing any further drama. Theodore rushes after you.

“Wait!” 

You pause, turning to face him, his hands running through his hair, flexing his arm veins. You reddened slightly and looked at your feet, scowling. “What happened?” He huffed, slightly out of breathe from sprinting after you.

“I’ll pick you up 15 minutes before the ball starts, yea? I’ll wait outside your common room.”

You nodded. “Alright. Do you want me to get a dress in a specific color to match with you or anything?” To this query, he shook his head. “No, I’ll be wearing dark grey. Just wear whatever you like.” A pause occured, as if he’s debating to say what’s on his mind. “...you’ll look pretty in anything.” With that, he left you blushing in a crowded hallway, walking away with hands in his robe pockets.

You smiled to yourself. The Yule Ball was tomorrow, and you couldn’t wait for your date.

Unfortunately, you forgot the annoying part was letting Pansy, Cho Chang, and Astoria into your dormitory to glam you up for the ball. While you didn’t mind makeup, nor dresses, it was a bit overboard. Astoria did your hair, Cho your makeup, and Pansy fitted your dress to your body.

The bodice was lacy and red, fitting to your curves. The dress was slightly v-necked, and corseted at the top. The skirt flows in a beautiful bell, red ruffles cascading layer upon layer. The straps were off shoulder, and rubies adorned the neckline and waist stitches, forming a belt of some sort.

Your makeup was simple, but stunning. Cho had done an excellent job at it. Your glasses were switched for thin, ruby wired frames, encrusted with mini ruby gems at the rim in the corners. Meanwhile, Astoria did your hair so it flowed in loose curls, highlighting the shiny parts. A red ribbon twisted through one lock near the front. 

To put it simply, you were drop-dead gorgeous.

The other girls were too. Though Cho didn’t get along well with Astoria and Pansy, they were complimenting each other’s dresses too.

The others leave first, whispering good luck to you, giggling about how Theodore will be flabbergasted at your beauty. Those remarks weren’t as reassuring as they were worrying, because what if he thought your glasses were weird? What if your hair wasn’t how he hoped it to be? You pushed those thoughts out of your head. The girls said you looked beautiful, which was all you needed. 

You mustered up the courage to go downstairs, and stepped out your door, where Lorenzo, his stunning Hufflepuff date, and Theodore were waiting. The girl gasped and immediately complimented you, to which you returned the word to her. When you turned nervously to Theodore, his cigarette was on the floor, his hand limp with shock. His lips were parted, as if he wished to speak but couldn’t find the words.

“I— you— wow. You— look gorgeous.” He was wearing a dashing suit, and his hair was in loose curls. For some reason, he looks especially handsome at this moment. His suit tightened around his biceps when he shifted his arm and put out his cig. You averted your gaze, blushing. His necktie was loose, so once Lorenzo and his date left to go to the ball early, you stepped closer to Theodore. 

“Theo. Can I fix your tie?” you quietly ask, unusual to your normally bored and rude demeanor. Theodore flushed at the name, but nodded. You brushed your hands carefully around his neck, adjusting the necktie till it was snug and proper into his suit. The hair tie he gave you was on your wrist, contrasting to your red dress, which he noticed and smiled softly.

A shiver ran down his spine, as your fingers grazed his bare neck, and he slowly lowered his hands to your waist. Your breathe hitches, but you say nothing until your job is done. Theodore holds out his arm, and you take it with ease. 

As you both enter the ballroom, whispers start. The main heartthrob of Slytherin, with the beloved Ravenclaw who was everyone’s friend? No better chance to start rumors.

You got a little flustered, and leaned closer to Theodore. “Theo. D’you want to go to Pansy and Draco? They’re waving us over.” You smile and wave to Pansy, who looked half drunk as she excitedly waved back at you. Theodore couldn’t help but think you look so pretty, in your attire, and with that beautiful smile adorning your face.

Why hadn’t he introduced himself to you sooner?

After mingling with Pansy’s friends and briefly with your friends, you drag your poor date onto the dance floor, as a slow dance song plays. You looked up, entwining your hand in his, and placing the other on his shoulder. “Theo, can you dance?” Theodore smirked, placing a large hand on your waist and nodding. 

“Of course I can.” His voice made you melt, and you blushed furiously. Honestly, you were going to become a tomato permanently if this continued, especially with how much you’ve blushed the past few days. Theodore seemed to notice his effect on you, and grinned, leaning down to your ear. “Does my voice make you red?”

You scowl, and slap his shoulder jokingly. “Shut up.” You nudged up your fancy red glasses, gazing into his eyes. “I can’t help it.” Theodore shivered at your intense gaze, his throat bobbing up and down. You also noticed this and laughed as he twirled you around. “You also have a weak spot, Theo.” The way you said his name ignited something warm in his chest, something inexplicable.

He smiled, brushing his thumb over the hair tie he gave you. “Everyone has something, Y/N.”

You leaned your head on his chest, right under his necktie. “Don’t I know that.”

You could see Pansy hyping you up, and Mattheo, Draco, Lorenzo, and Blaise smirking and whooping at Theodore, who buried his face in the crook of your neck. “Hide me, please.” You laughed and moved the hand from his shoulder into his hair, combing your fingers carefully. 

He looked away, lifting you with ease to the beat. You looked so pretty, as if you were floating in the air as he lifted you. His arms tightened around your waist, and as the song came to an end, he was hugging you, and you were hugging him with your arms around his neck.

You sat on the couch, your knees pulled up to your chest as you stared blankly at the wall. The day had been a blur—full of words that were hard to process, emotions that were overwhelming, and the sinking feeling of an empty space where someone you once cared about used to be. You had just broken up with your partner, and everything felt so raw.

The silence of your apartment was deafening. You felt like you were suffocating under the weight of your emotions.

Just as your mind began spiraling, there was a knock at the door. You wiped your eyes, hoping it wasn’t who you feared it might be. When you opened the door, there stood Bang Chan—your best friend, your constant source of comfort. He had his usual warm smile, but you could see the concern in his eyes when he looked at you.

"Hey," he said softly. "I brought some food. You good?"

You forced a small smile, stepping aside to let him in. “I’m fine... I just... it’s been a rough day.”

Chan nodded, his gaze never leaving your face as he set the food down on the counter. “I’m here, okay? Whatever you need.”

He always knew what to say. Chan had been there for you through every high and low. You hadn’t even realized how much his presence comforted you until now, when you felt like your world was falling apart.

He sat next to you on the couch, his arm resting lightly on the back of it, but he didn’t push. He just waited for you to speak, knowing you needed time.

"I didn’t want it to end," you whispered, voice breaking. "I really thought they were the one. But... now I feel like everything is crashing down."

“I get it,” Chan said gently. “Breakups are hard. They suck, honestly. But... sometimes, things don’t work out because they’re not meant to. It doesn’t mean you’re any less worthy of love. It just means the right person hasn’t come along yet."

His words, simple as they were, held so much weight. His voice was steady and reassuring, making you feel like you could breathe again. Slowly, you leaned your head against his shoulder, too tired to hold back the tears anymore.

"I don’t know what to do," you murmured, your voice thick with emotion. "I don’t even know who I am without them."

“You’re still you,” Chan said softly, his hand resting on yours. “And you’re enough. You always have been. You don’t need anyone to complete you. You’re whole on your own.”

You squeezed his hand, the comfort of his presence grounding you in a way you hadn’t expected. "I’m lucky to have you, Chan," you said, your voice steadying slightly. "You’ve always been there for me."

He smiled warmly, but you could tell there was something more in his gaze. It wasn’t just the usual concern—it was a softness, a tenderness that lingered just a little too long. But before you could think about it too much, he reached over and gently brushed a tear away from your cheek.

“You don’t have to be sorry for anything,” he said quietly. “I’m here for as long as you need me. You don’t have to go through this alone.”

The days that followed were filled with moments just like this. Chan would show up with your favorite snacks, make you laugh with his ridiculous jokes, and patiently listen to you when you needed to vent. His presence was like a warm blanket, slowly covering the hurt that still lingered inside you.

One evening, a few days after the breakup, you found yourself sitting on the balcony of your apartment with Chan, the city lights twinkling below. You were both wrapped in blankets, the cool night air brushing against your skin. The quiet was comfortable, and for the first time since the breakup, you felt at peace.

“I can’t believe it’s been a week already,” you said, looking out over the city. “I feel a little better, though. I think... I think I’m starting to heal.”

Chan turned toward you, his gaze soft but unwavering. “I’m glad. I’ve always known you were strong, but it’s okay to lean on others sometimes.”

You smiled, turning your body toward him. “I’ve been leaning on you a lot lately,” you said, and his eyes seemed to light up at your words.

“I don’t mind,” Chan said with a small smile, but there was a slight shift in his tone. His voice was more vulnerable now, like he was letting something out that he had been holding back. “I actually... I really care about you. More than you know.”

Your heart skipped a beat, and you suddenly felt like the ground beneath you had shifted. The words hung in the air between you two, and you could see the sincerity in his eyes.

“I care about you too, Chan,” you said quietly. “But I always have. You’re my best friend.”

Chan took a deep breath, his fingers lightly brushing against yours. “I know. And I’ve always treasured that. But lately, I’ve been feeling something more. Something that’s hard to ignore.” He paused, his voice barely above a whisper. “I think I’ve loved you for a long time now.”

Your chest tightened, a flood of warmth spreading through your body as the realization hit you all at once. It wasn’t just you who had been feeling this way. Chan had always been there for you, not just as a friend, but as someone who cared in a way you hadn’t fully understood before.

“I think... I love you too,” you whispered back, your voice shaking slightly. It was strange, how the words felt both terrifying and relieving at the same time.

A soft smile spread across Chan’s face, and he took your hand in both of his, holding it gently. “I’m glad you feel that way. I don’t want to rush anything, but I just wanted you to know... I’m here, for all of it. Whether it’s heartbreak or happiness, I want to be by your side.”

You were sitting at your favorite café, a warm cup of coffee cradled between your hands. The sunlight filtered through the windows, casting soft rays across the wooden tables. You always came here when you needed to think, but today, your mind was filled with thoughts of him—Hyunjin.

Ever since the first time you'd met, he had been nothing short of captivating. With his dark, expressive eyes, and a smile that could light up the whole room, he had quickly become someone you looked forward to seeing every day. Yet, there was something about him that intrigued you the most—his undeniable romantic nature.

You had seen it in his actions, the way he looked at people, always so hopeful, like he believed that love could conquer all. It wasn’t just the way he treated you, although his kindness was always evident. It was the little things—the way he would find any excuse to write you poems, always shyly handing them over as if they were just thoughts that spilled from his heart. His gestures were always delicate, sincere, and brimming with a certain purity that made your heart flutter.

Today, as you sipped your coffee, you noticed him walking in, his head down, but there was a certain lightness to his step. He had that air about him, like he was on the brink of something big, like his heart had been filled with words he couldn’t quite keep to himself anymore.

"Hey," he greeted you, his voice soft but warm. His hands were behind his back, and you couldn’t help but smile as he stepped closer.

"Hey, Hyunjin. What’s up?" you asked, raising an eyebrow.

He grinned, that familiar gleam in his eyes. “I’ve been working on something,” he said, pulling out a small folded piece of paper from behind his back. “I—I wanted to give this to you.”

You took the paper from him, your curiosity piqued. As you unfolded it, you found the words scrawled in beautiful, almost lyrical handwriting:

_"In the quiet of the night,

I’ve found my heart.

A rhythm that beats for you,

A melody that starts and ends with you.

Like a poet, I search for words,

But nothing seems to capture

What you mean to me."_

You looked up, eyes meeting his, and for a moment, the world seemed to pause. Hyunjin was staring at you, his cheeks faintly pink, as if he was waiting for your reaction. He looked so vulnerable, his heart laid bare in front of you.

“Hyunjin,” you whispered, feeling your own heart racing. “This is beautiful. I... I don’t know what to say.”

His smile widened, a little nervous but still filled with that same hopeful light. “You don’t have to say anything. I just wanted you to know. I think... I think you’re really special.”

You stood up, unable to resist any longer. You reached out and gently cupped his face, feeling the warmth of his skin beneath your fingers. “You’re special too, Hyunjin. More than you know.”

He blinked, surprised by the sudden gesture, but then his expression softened, his eyes soft and warm.

"I think," you continued, "you've been looking for the right words. But Hyunjin, the truth is, you don’t need any more words. All I need is you."

A beat of silence passed between you, and in that moment, you both knew.

It was a Thursday evening, just another night where the campus was quieter than usual. Most of the students had gone home for the weekend, but not you. Your finals were creeping closer, and you had buried yourself in a corner of the library with a cup of coffee that had gone cold hours ago.

Across the room, Bang Chan sat hunched over his laptop, a stack of textbooks around him like a fortress. He looked completely absorbed in his work, headphones on, probably listening to music or working on his own project for one of his classes. You’d seen him around the library before. You were both regulars here, but in a sea of students, you’d never dared approach him.

You had noticed him the first day of freshman year—his presence was hard to miss. Bang Chan wasn’t just one of the popular kids; he was different. It wasn’t just his looks, though he was undeniably attractive, but something about the way he carried himself—calm, thoughtful, effortlessly cool—had captured your attention.

The two of you had exchanged glances now and then, brief moments of eye contact during class or while passing each other in the halls, but nothing beyond that. You didn’t know him well enough to talk to him, and you certainly didn’t think he noticed you the way you noticed him.

But the thing was, you had started to realize something. There was a spark in his eyes when you caught him looking at you from across the room. You didn’t imagine it—at least, you hoped you didn’t. Every time your eyes met, a rush of heat spread across your chest, and you quickly looked away, hoping your face didn’t betray you.

Tonight was no different. You looked up from your textbook and caught him staring at you again. His expression was unreadable, but his eyes were intense, almost thoughtful. Your heart skipped a beat, and you immediately turned back to your work, biting your lip nervously.

*Get it together,* you told yourself. *It’s just Bang Chan. It doesn’t mean anything.*

But then, after a few moments, you heard the sound of a chair scraping against the floor. You glanced up, and to your surprise, he was walking toward you.

You froze. Was he...?

"Hey," he said, his voice warm and calm, a slight smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "You mind if I sit here?"

Your breath caught in your throat as you scrambled to respond. "Uh, no, of course not."

He slid into the seat across from you, setting his laptop down. The space between you both suddenly felt so small, the air heavy with unspoken words. He didn’t seem nervous, but you certainly were.

For a moment, neither of you spoke. You just exchanged awkward glances, both too shy to initiate a conversation but too intrigued to look away.

"I, uh, I see you here a lot," he finally broke the silence. "You’re always so focused."

You laughed softly, feeling your cheeks flush. "I guess I have a lot to catch up on. Finals are coming up."

He nodded, his eyes flicking down to your open textbook. "Same here. I’ve been pretty stressed with all the projects lately. But..." He paused, glancing at you with a slight grin. "I have to admit, I’m kind of glad I ran into you tonight."

Your heart pounded. "You are?"

"Yeah," he said, leaning back in his chair, casually adjusting his headphones around his neck. "I’ve been wanting to talk to you for a while now. I just... didn’t know how to start."

Your breath caught in your throat again. The words you had always wanted to hear, the ones you thought you could never say out loud—he had just said them for you.

"Really?" You asked, incredulity clear in your voice.

"Yeah," he chuckled softly, looking sheepish. "I always see you here studying, and I keep thinking... I should say something. But I’m kind of shy. I don’t know if you noticed, but I’m not exactly the best at making the first move."

Your mind was racing, the butterflies in your stomach threatening to burst. "I... I didn’t know you noticed me."

He smiled again, this time more genuinely. "How could I not? You’ve always been there. And I don’t know... I guess I just wanted to get to know you. Maybe... we could study together sometime?"

The world seemed to stop for a moment as you processed his words. He was asking you—Bang Chan was asking you to study with him, to spend time with him. It was everything you had dreamed of but never allowed yourself to hope for.

"That sounds... nice," you said, your voice barely above a whisper.

A smile spread across his face, brighter than any moment before. "Great. I’ll take you up on that. Maybe after finals, we can grab coffee or something? I know a place not too far from here."

You nodded eagerly. "I’d like that."

The two of you sat in companionable silence for a while longer, the unspoken tension between you slowly easing away. Every time your eyes met, the corners of his lips would twitch up, and you couldn’t help but mirror his smile. There was an understanding now, something that had been there all along, hidden beneath the surface.