"Shh, Jeonghan—hey, listen. Jeonghan!"

Seungcheol fanned his hands frantically under the table, desperate for the younger's attention. But Jeonghan remained resolutely indifferent, his gaze fixed on anything but Seungcheol. Around them, the room buzzed with activity, and no one else paid him any mind. Soonyoung's animated tale of how his tiger obsession began had the others captivated.

Seungcheol sighed heavily, his frustration mounting. Ever since Jeonghan met Mingyu, he had completely ignored Seungcheol's existence, which felt like slow torture. And all because of Mingyu's motor mouth! The man had twisted the truth into a ridiculous lie. A one-year relationship?! It hadn't even lasted three months!

Seokmin was no help either. Who knew where that man had banged his head, but he'd blurted out the same nonsense to Jeonghan. Now here Seungcheol was, trying to clean up a mess that wasn't even his fault.

"Jeonghan, I swear—he talked nonsense! It didn't even last three months. Trust me!"

Jeonghan finally turned to him, raising a single skeptical brow. Seungcheol seized the opportunity, reaching across the table to grasp his hand like a drowning man clutching a lifeline.

"Trust me," he pleaded. "Seokmin must've hit his head somewhere. We barely lasted three months, and Mingyu is dating my younger brother now, for Jisoo Christ's sake!"

Jeonghan's expression didn't soften. "And how am I supposed to believe you? You didn't even bother mentioning it before."

"He's not that important!" Seungcheol exclaimed, panic rising. "I didn't mention it because he's just a friend. A nice friend—no, no, just a friend! And my future brother-in-law!"

Jeonghan's other brow joined the first in incredulity. "Now he's gone from friend to nice friend? Which is it, Seungcheol?"

"No, no—" Seungcheol shook his head so aggressively it looked like it might fall off. "It's not like that! He's just a friend, I swear! He only joined this university because of my brother. That's why. Please, Jeonghan, you have to trust me!"

But Jeonghan just scoffed, crossing his arms as disbelief etched itself deeper into his features. "Now you're telling me your brother is in this university too?"

Seungcheol's eyes widened in horror. Crap. Why did I say that out loud?!

Mentally face-palming, he opened his mouth to explain, but before he could, a bright voice cut in.

"Jeonghan! I'm heading out with Jihoon for the project. See you tomorrow, okay? Bye!"

Blonde-haired chaos in human form waved enthusiastically before bouncing out the door, dragging an exasperated Jihoon along with him.

Wait—the project! Yes, the project!

Seungcheol latched onto the idea like it was divine intervention. "Jeonghan, about what I said—"

But Jeonghan was already standing, sighing as he slung his bag over one shoulder. "For the project, be here tomorrow at 9 AM. I don't want to lose grades because of you."

With that, he strode out, leaving Seungcheol sitting there, utterly frustrated and consumed by guilt.

"When will you ever leave me alone?" Jihoon snapped, slamming his locker shut with more force than necessary. His arms crossed tightly over his chest as he glared at Soonyoung, who leaned casually against the next locker, clearly unbothered.

The blonde shrugged, the picture of carefree indifference. "I don't know. Since I like you, I figure I'll keep hanging out with you." He grinned, slinging his bag over his shoulder. "Besides, Jeonghan has that weird friend who won't stop glaring at me. You're way more fun."

Jihoon's brow twitched. "Fun? You think this is fun?" He gestured to himself and the hallway, exasperation written all over his face. "You're the most annoying person I've ever met, Soonyoung. Every time I turn around, there you are—talking, laughing, existing too loudly."

"That's called charisma," Soonyoung said, utterly unfazed.

"It's called being a nuisance." Jihoon turned sharply on his heel and began walking away, but Soonyoung, quick as ever, followed close behind.

"Hey, come on!" Soonyoung jogged to keep up with Jihoon's brisk pace. "It's not like I'm hurting anyone. Plus, you're cute when you're mad."

Jihoon froze mid-step, spinning around so fast Soonyoung nearly ran into him. "I'm not cute."

Soonyoung leaned in with a smirk. "Says the guy who turns red every time someone compliments him."

Jihoon opened his mouth to retort but found himself at a loss for words. Instead, he grumbled something unintelligible under his breath and resumed walking.

Soonyoung fell into step beside him, unbothered by Jihoon's obvious irritation. "Anyway, about the project—you and I have to work on it, right?"

Jihoon shot him a side-eye. "You? I'd rather fail."

"Ouch." Soonyoung clutched his chest in mock offense, grinning all the while. "But seriously, what's the project about? Maybe I can help."

Jihoon sighed, slowing his pace slightly. "It's for advanced theory. I have to put together a presentation and write a report. And no, you can't help."

"Why not? I'm smart, you know."

"You don't even know what 'advanced theory' means."

Soonyoung opened his mouth to argue but paused, tilting his head thoughtfully. "...Fair point. But I could cheer you on! Moral support is important too."

Jihoon stopped walking again, turning to look at Soonyoung with an exasperated expression. "You're unbelievable."

"Thanks," Soonyoung said brightly.

Jihoon groaned, rubbing his temples. "Why do you even care? Don't you have other people to bother? Like Jeonghan's weird friend?"

Soonyoung's smile faltered for just a moment before returning, softer this time. "Because it's you, Jihoon. That's why."

For a split second, Jihoon's guarded expression cracked, a flicker of surprise crossing his face. He quickly masked it, huffing and looking away. "Whatever. Just stay out of my way tomorrow."

Soonyoung grinned, taking it as a win. "Sure thing, partner."