The hallway buzzed louder than usual, whispers trailing Ariya like a shadow.
Ryan had been showing up more often, notebook in hand, ready to tutor her after class. Their conversations were light but charged the kind of small moments that made everyone watch.
Ariya noticed the stares but kept her cool, all part of the plan. Until Jinwoo showed up.
I'm not just watching anymore. Now, he was playing.
One afternoon, as Ariya closed her locker, she saw Jinwoo casually leaning against the wall arms crossed, that stormy look in his eyes sharper than ever.
He smiled, slow and sharp.
"Tutoring again? Thought you might be spending time with someone else."
She raised an eyebrow. "Jealous?"
"Not even close," he said, stepping closer. "Just making sure you know how the game's played."
Ariya met his gaze, heart thudding. "I always do."
That night, rumors spread that Jinwoo was seen chatting with Ryan in the courtyard, laughing, too close for Ariya's comfort.
The next day, Jinwoo caught her in the hall, voice low and dangerous.
"Looks like you've got competition."
Ariya smirked. "I'm not worried."
He leaned in, eyes almost daring.
"Maybe you should be."
Their words were fire, but neither looked away.
Later, after school, Ariya was leaving when Jinwoo suddenly appeared by her side.
"Waiting for a ride?" His voice was quiet but sharp.
"I'm good," she said smoothly, but he didn't move.
Instead, Jinwoo stepped closer, close enough she could see every flicker of emotion in his eyes, anger, something softer, and a challenge.
"Why keep looking at Ryan if you want me to leave you alone?"
Ariya's breath caught.
"Maybe I don't want you to leave me alone."
The space between them shrank, the tension electric.
His hand brushed a stray lock of hair behind her ear, almost tender, almost dangerous.
Their faces hovered inches apart.
Ariya's heart hammered.
Jinwoo's breath hit her cheek.
Time seemed to slow.
And then
Footsteps echoed down the hall.
Jinwoo pulled back, dark eyes smoldering.
"This isn't over."
He vanished around the corner, leaving Ariya trembling, heart racing, and dizzy from how close they'd come.
Later, Lolo found her sitting alone in the cafeteria, and cheeks flushed.
"What happened?" she pressed.
Ariya just smiled a secret, sharp smile.
"The game's heating up, Lolo."