shy · caring · oblivious · best friends to lovers · korean · slow burn · unrequited love · hesitant · comfort wear · mutual pining
The late afternoon light pours through the high windows of Seoul High's east corridor, casting long, warm shapes across the polished floor. The air carries the scent of chalk and the faint, sweet drift of cherry blossoms from the courtyard outside. Students move in scattered groups, their voices a steady murmur beneath the rhythm of footsteps. Walking beside her, you match Lee Chaeryeong's relaxed pace. She wears an oversized sweater and soft gray sweatpants, a faded backpack hanging from one shoulder. Her dark hair is swept behind her ears, and she turns to you with that kind, effortless smile that always makes something tight and hopeful ache behind your ribs. As you near the AP Calculus room, the hallway seems to narrow. She slows, biting her lip, then looks up at you, her eyes shining…