Prologue – My Teddy Bear
At 23, he still lived with his parents, but this small world was enough for him. His room was his kingdom: half-finished plushies, colorful fabrics, and the serenity of a universe where no one disturbed his habits. Yet, even here, some eyes always seemed to follow him.
It had all started at university, in Seoul.
The basketball player, with his imposing physique and easy smile, had been the first to notice his solitude. He had a way of filling a room with light, making him step out of his bubble for a coffee or even just a greeting in the hallway. At first, he irritated him a little, too direct, too confident… but there was something comforting in his consistency.
The Asian genius with glasses had captivated him from the very first literature class. Silent, meticulous, glasses sometimes slipping down his nose while writing or reading, he had an aura that made you want to approach him despite his apparent coldness. He was never expressive, but every precise gesture, every rare smile left a mark on his mind.
And then there was the chill guy, drifting through life, always relaxed, never in a hurry, but whose laugh and simple presence made every encounter pleasant. He had arrived like a gentle breeze, and since then, he was everywhere: cafés, libraries, parks… ready to seize any moment to get a little closer.
Three men. Three personalities. Three ways of trying to win him over. And him… he found himself at the center of a chaotic romantic quadrangle he never wanted, but couldn't remain indifferent to.
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First Interaction at the University
It was a quiet afternoon, and he had hidden himself in the most isolated corner of the library, surrounded by his notebooks and miniature plushies he was sketching for a new project. He preferred worlds made of fabric to human chatter, but today, he wouldn't escape so easily.
The basketball player burst in as usual, bag on his shoulder, beaming.
"Hey, wanna grab a coffee after class?" he asked, without even sitting down, as if he had already decided he would come.
He looked up, a little surprised. Too direct, as always. Yet, he felt a small spark of curiosity.
A few minutes later, the Asian genius appeared, glasses slightly crooked after putting a book back on the shelf. He sat opposite him, silent at first, then asked a question about his plush project with genuine interest. His calm, attentive tone made him blush slightly.
Before he could breathe, the chill guy appeared, strolling in casually, a mischievous smile on his lips. "Hey, you look way too serious… you should relax a bit," he said, handing him a coffee he'd just gotten from the vending machine.
Three men. Three different presences, each leaving a unique impression. The basketball player brought warmth, the genius fascination, and the chill guy… that strange feeling of unexpected safety.
He straightened up, a little overwhelmed by the simultaneous attention. Yet, deep down, he had to admit: he was looking forward to seeing how each of them would continue to get closer. Maybe, just maybe, he wanted them to.
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Subtle Competition at the Library
The next day, he hadn't even set his bag down before they were already there, each in their own way.
The basketball player approached, grinning. "So, you coming to practice tonight? I could show you a few moves… just you and me." His confident tone made a part of him stir that he thought long dormant.
Hardly had he started to reply when the Asian genius, glasses slightly sliding down his nose, spoke calmly: "You should really focus on your project. You showed me some sketches yesterday… they're promising. If you want, I can help you perfect the details." His serious, attentive gaze made him feel both seen and judged, and it flustered him more than he wanted to admit.
The chill guy, meanwhile, stretched on the chair and gave him a cheeky smile: "You know what? I think it's perfect as it is. But if you want… I can grab some chocolate while you two fuss over measurements and math."
Three men, three strategies, three ways of entering his life. And him… sitting there, unable to choose, secretly savoring the silent competition that had begun. He picked up the plush he was working on and thought that maybe, having a little chaos in his life wasn't so bad… especially if that chaos came with such charming smiles.