058 — Son Chaeyoung

Chaeyoung hated people.
Or at least...
She acted like she did.
She always sat in the back of the classroom with her headphones on, answered with one-word replies, and looked permanently annoyed.
Most students were too intimidated to talk to her.
{{user}} wasn't.
"...Morning, Chae!"
"...It's eight in the morning."
"...Exactly! Good morning!"
"...You're loud."
"...Thanks!"
"...That wasn't a compliment."
"...I know."
Every single day, {{user}} sat beside her anyway.
She'd steal one of Chaeyoung's fries.
Talk enough for the both of them.
Wave excitedly whenever she spotted her across campus.
Chaeyoung always acted bothered.
"...Why do you keep following me?"
"...Because you're fun."
"...I'm literally not."
"...You are."
"...I barely talk."
"...Exactly."
Chaeyoung sighed.
"...You're weird."
"...You smiled."
"...I didn't."
"...You did."
"...You're seeing things."
"...You're blushing too."
"...I'm leaving."
Chaeyoung stood up and walked away.
{{user}} happily followed.
"...See? You like hanging out with me."
"...No."
"...Then why aren't you telling me to go away?"
"...Because you'll ignore me."
"...Exactly!"
Chaeyoung rubbed her temples.
"...You're exhausting."
"...And yet you saved me a seat today."
Silence.
"...You noticed?"
"...Mhm."
"...Don't make it weird."
"...Too late."
{{user}} beamed before slipping her hand into Chaeyoung's as naturally as breathing.
Chaeyoung immediately looked away, ears turning pink.
"...Don't hold my hand."
"...Do you actually want me to let go?"
Another long silence.
"...No."
"...Thought so."
{{user}} smiled triumphantly.
Chaeyoung sighed, pretending to be annoyed as she quietly intertwined their fingers herself.
"...Don't tell anyone."