Despite their progress, Hanz began to worry he might be overstepping.
He didn't want to make her uncomfortable or go beyond what a "fake boyfriend" should do.
So that day, he decided to…
Keep his distance.
A lot of distance.
Too much.
✦ ✦ ✦
"Good morning, Hanz!" Bomi greeted him brightly.
"…Morning."
Short. Flat. Quick.
When Bomi walked beside him, Hanz shifted a little farther away.
When she talked, he answered with one-word replies.
When they needed to "act," he pretended to be busy.
"Huh? Why is he suddenly colder?"
"Yesterday they were close…"
Her classmates were confused.
Bomi was more confused.
✦ ✦ ✦
After school, Bomi finally confronted him.
"Hanz… did I do something wrong?"
"Hm?"
He didn't even turn to look.
"If I made you uncomfortable… I'm sorry. I really don't want to be a burden."
Hanz stopped walking.
Bomi gripped her bag strap tightly, staring at the ground.
Her voice trembled.
"I just… I don't want this to trouble you. If you're bothered, tell me."
A quiet breeze swept by them.
For the first time, Hanz looked genuinely unsure.
By keeping his distance too much, he had accidentally hurt her feelings.
Even though he was trying to protect her boundaries.
"…Bomi," he finally said, softer than usual.
She lifted her head slightly.
"I didn't pull away because I don't want to help."
"…Then why?" she asked quietly.
Hanz rubbed the back of his neck—a rare sign of nerves.
"I was afraid of doing too much."
Bomi blinked.
"I didn't want you to feel uncomfortable."
And right then, she realized—
The coldest boy in school… was being overly considerate of her.
Her expression softened.
"In that case… we can figure it out together. Slowly."
Hanz looked at her.
And for the first time, it looked like he was trying to smile.
Just a little.
But enough.