Shared Spaces & Hidden Desires ? Seungcheol

19 - Unsettled

The closer she got, the more her perfume wrapped around me—floral, with a subtle, intoxicating warmth beneath it.

Like flowers and lust.

Fuck.

Mingyu suddenly perked up. "Wait, you're going on a date? With who?"

A slow, cheeky smile spread across her lips. Before she could respond, Jeonghan chuckled, slapping Mingyu's arm. "Oh, you missed out."

"Wait, what? How did I miss that?! Was that why...?"

I forced my hands to stay still, but my fingers curled into a fist against my thigh.

Not this discussion again.

She tilted her head, eyes dancing with amusement.

"You said you had a greaaaat night and could care less... so care less, then."

Jeonghan mimicked Mingyu's tone, mocking him, which made her laugh.

Then her phone buzzed, and she glanced down at it.

"Right then. I'll leave you guys to it."

She brushed past me, her scent trailing behind her, suffocating me in the worst fucking way.

"Have fun with lover boy—but not too much!" Jeonghan called out.

She just waved a hand over her shoulder, stepping into the elevator without another glance.

The moment she was gone, Mingyu turned back to us, eyes darting between me and Jeonghan, looking utterly lost.

"What is going on?" he asked, clearly confused.

Jeonghan just smiled, sipping his coffee.

I said nothing.

Because I was barely holding myself together.

YN

Seungjae's hand rested casually on my thigh as he drove, his thumb absentmindedly tracing small circles against my skin. It was such a simple touch, but it sent a warm, tingling sensation through me.

"You look beautiful today," he said, glancing at me with that lazy smile of his.

I rolled my eyes, but I couldn't hide the small grin tugging at my lips. "I know."

He gave my thigh a small squeeze before returning his hand to the wheel.

I sighed dramatically. "So, what's the plan? You're just dropping me off and driving away like a heartless man?"

Seungjae chuckled, amused. "I was actually planning to walk you to class. But now that you mention it, should I just kick you out at the gate?"

I gasped, feigning offense. "Wow. And here I thought you were a gentleman."

"Oh, I am," he teased. "I just like seeing you all pouty."

I turned to face him, lips pressing into a pout on purpose. "Like this?"

His eyes flickered down to my lips for a split second before he cleared his throat, tightening his grip on the wheel. "You're dangerous, you know that?"

I smirked. "I have no idea what you're talking about."

By the time we pulled into campus, the morning sun cast a golden glow over the buildings, students buzzing around with their coffee cups and backpacks. Seungjae parked the car and quickly hopped out to open my door.

Ever the gentleman.

I stepped out, adjusting the strap of my bag, and he reached out to tuck a strand of hair behind my ear.

"Don't you just miss class?" he teased.

I groaned dramatically. "Not at all."

"Come on, let's get you inside before you decide to skip again."

We walked side by side, his arm draped lazily around my waist, making a few people glance our way. I wasn't used to this kind of attention—the kind that came from being with someone. It was... weird.

As we neared my lecture hall, he slowed his steps. "So, when am I seeing you again?"

I tapped my chin, pretending to think. "Hmm... I don't know. My schedule is very packed."

"Oh, is that so?" He smirked. "Should I be worried about competition?"

I gave him a teasing grin. "Maybe."

Seungjae let out a dramatic sigh. "Guess I'll just have to work harder to win you over."

I hummed. "That does sound like a good plan."

He suddenly reached for my hand, pulling me closer. "I like you, yn," he said softly, his tone playful but sincere.

For a moment, I didn't say anything. I just looked up at him, taking in the way his eyes held nothing but warmth. It was different.

Safer.

And yet, something deep in my chest ached.

I forced a small smile. "I like you too, Seungjae."

His expression brightened, and before I could react, he leaned in, pressing a quick kiss to my lips.

"See you later, love," he murmured.

My heart dropped.

Love.

The way he said love so easily made my stomach flip. I wasn't sure if I liked it or if it just reminded me too much of Seungcheol.