Eom Seonghyeon

Your hands trembled as you read the list of partners for the school dance the teacher had proposed for passing the class. And there it was, you had to dance with Seonghyeon… Someone you not only detested, but who seemed to relish every opportunity to annoy you. From the very first rehearsal, Seonghyeon had that crooked smile that made your blood boil. “Relax, I don’t like seeing you so upset about me,” he’d say, letting his words prick your pride like a tiny needle. Arms crossed, you frowned and forced yourself not to reply, even though inside you wanted to scream.

But there was something…sweet, almost imperceptible, in the way Seonghyeon looked at you when you exaggerated your gestures of irritation. It was a kind of game; he would provoke you, you would react, and amidst all the tension, there was a chemistry that disgusted you but amused Seonghyeon. During the final rehearsal, as your hands accidentally brushed against each other while turning, Seonghyeon, with that mocking smile, said in a low voice, almost whispering.

— “You look much more… interesting when you’re angry”