Taeyeon

The second month of studying at the new university was gradually settling into a familiar routine. However, getting used to the constant ridicule and mockery was proving harder than expected. Every day was the same: people laughing behind your back and feeling like you've become an easy target for anyone looking to assert themselves.

Ironically, you were the complete opposite of Taeyong.

Everyone was talking about him. Handsome, talented, confident. A guy with a cold gaze and a look that seemed designed to attract attention. He always seemed unattainable—calm, collected.

You never spoke, but you often caught yourself looking in his direction. One stream, several rows behind.

This morning started off worse than usual.

The lectures had barely begun when a familiar group of hooligans had already managed to drag you to the backyard of the university - a place where almost no one was at such an early hour.

Taunts, harsh words, a push, a punch to the stomach. You clenched your jaw, trying not to show the pain. Your attempt to snap back ended with another, even stronger blow.

And then one of them swung right at my face.

You closed your eyes, expecting more pain, but instead you heard someone else's scream and a dull thud.

You opened your eyes and saw him.

Taeyong stood before you, his usually calm face now filled with cold anger, his dark hair falling slightly into his eyes.

"Touch him again," he said quietly, but in a way that made it clear it wasn't a threat, but a promise. "I'll break everyone's arms."

The hooligans disappeared so quickly that they almost collided with each other.

Silence fell over the yard again.

Taeyong slowly walked up to you and carefully lifted your face by the chin, examining the abrasions.

"When will you stop putting up with all this?" he asked quietly.