[ At library ]
The library was unusually quiet, sunlight dripping through the tall windows, brushing over the dusty rows of books.
"I swear, you...." Irem's voice hissed from a few shelves away, "is that book really important? Ms. Kang always takes a round at this hour!"
You scoff softly, eyes scanning the titles as your fingers trail lazily across the shelves. "Relax, I'll be quick," you mutter, lips tugging in a smirk. "We've already bunked class...might as well make it worth it."
Irem peeks nervously around the corner, whispering louder, "You're insane… I'm serious, if she catches us..." But you aren't listening anymore. You move to the next shelf, eyes glinting when you finally spot it.
"Ah....finally!" you whisper with a small, satisfied giggle, reaching up for the book.
Except… it's just a little higher than you thought. You frown, stretching on your toes, fingers barely brushing the spine. You huff, try again...jump a little...but the book stays stubbornly out of reach.
"Y/N!" Irem whisper-yells, panic rising in her voice. You ignore her, still trying.
And that's when Irem freezes. Her eyes widen. "Oh no… Ms. Kang....she's here! You're crazy... I'm leaving! I'm not getting punished for this!"
Without waiting another second, Irem darts out of sight, footsteps fading fast.
You blink, confused, still reaching up, one hand resting on the shelf for support. "Irem?" you whisper, lowering your hand slightly. Before you can even think... A breath. Warm. Soft. So close it brushes against the skin of your neck. Your body goes still. Breath hitches. Eyes widen.
Then...a hand. Sliding right past yours. Large, pale fingers wrapping around the exact same book you've been struggling to reach. You stare at the hand in disbelief… then slowly turn. Your eyes meet his. Tall. Sharp jawline. Eyes unreadable. His face close enough that you can see the faint rise and fall of his chest...close enough that every breath seems to steal yours away. Expression blank...cold. Your pulse stutters.
He doesn't move. Doesn't blink. Just pulls the book down with effortless ease.. looking down at the book title. You blink in confusion, snapping out of that strange daze.
Wait… what? Why am I staring at him?
You quickly look away, your throat tight, pretending to adjust your sleeve before turning back with a small polite smile. Bowing slightly, you reach for the book still in his hand.
"Ah, thank you…!" you say softly, voice almost a whisper.
But when your fingers touch the book, he doesn't let go. You blink, surprised, eyes lifting from the book to his cold gaze. You force a small laugh, trying again, tugging lightly.
"Ah… come on, I know you helped me....now give it…"
But again....he doesn't move. His grip stays firm. You blink again, your patience thinning, straightening up a little before scoffing,
"Well, well?! What are you doing??"
He stays silent for a long moment, eyes unmoved, then finally speaks...voice calm, low, but cold as winter.
"Do you really think I helped you?"
Your jaw drops a little. "What....?!" You take a step forward as he turns away, already walking off.
"Hey! You....! Excuse me!! That's my book!"
You rush to block his path, placing your hand over the book again. "I saw it first!"
He stops, one brow twitching slightly as he looks down at the book in his hand, examining it slowly. "Really?" he murmurs. "I don't see your name written on it."
You frown deeply, glaring at him, but he's still calm, infuriatingly calm.
"When I'm done reading it," he adds smoothly, glancing up at you, "I'll give it back."
You blink, speechless. "Are you serious right now...?!"
He starts walking again, not even glancing your way.
"You don't have manners to talk to a girl?!" you shout quietly, trying not to draw attention.
He stops. Sighs, almost tiredly.
Then turns his head just enough to look at you...expression sharp, unbothered.
"You have two eyes," he says flatly. "Two ears. One mouth. One nose." His gaze drops, then lifts again, meeting yours. "Exactly like every other girl here. Nothing makes you special… right?"
Your jaw falls open, breath catching. "You.....what the hell...?"
He turns away again, about to walk off..
"Mr. Park! and Miss Kim!"
The voice slices through the library air, stern and furious. You freeze Ms. Kang stands at the end of the aisle, eyes narrowed.