CUPID'S LAW ♡ NEVER FALL IN LOVE (l. heeseung)

⁰⁹ BEFORE THE STORM

Heeseung regretted every minute of his morning, replaying his encounter with you repeatedly like a broken cassette player, until he felt almost dizzy. He didn't mean to come off so harshly, yet whenever he saw you, he just wanted you to remain in his view until he himself was forced to leave. He remembered the expression in your eyes and how they grew almost fearful. Somehow it made him feel as if he was in the wrong, as if he were the one to blame for your shaking legs. Initially, he was intrigued by your lack of interest and aloof attitude towards him, but now it only bothered him, crushing his dignity firmly with no sense of remorse. It was almost as if you despised his presence and would go to extreme lengths to stay clear of the boy.

But that didn't explain the goosebumps that ran up your neck when his breath fanned your lips.

Much to his disfavor, the boy's phone buzzed continually in his back pocket. His father had been pressuring him to attend a special guest lecture to make up for his lack of efforts in his other classes. He had been dreading it for the entire week, and he knew skipping would only earn him a mouthful. Some lecture about some "intriguing discussions about the human mind, darker drives and psychological analysis." He had no interest whatsoever, and the only thing driving him was the party at the end of the dreadful week. Slinging his bag over his shoulder, he made his way down the looping brick hall, leading him to the lecture hall with the purple plush seats. He didn't care too much since he would probably sit near the back and doze off behind some committed student who actually attended to learn. Waving lazily to the girls who stared at him with googly eyes, he felt almost sick of doing the same thing. No longer did he find it fun to watch a random girl squirm at the fact that they were acknowledged by the school's infamous rugby captain. Instead, he found it tiring. He had grown weary to the customs of winking at every passing person. Their excitement clearly did not phase him in the slightest anymore.

The lecture hall was rather silent, opposite of what he thought it'd be like. The only thing he was expecting was over excited students who were too passionate about the subject and enjoyed blabbing constantly about it. He expected everyone to fit the prototype he had created in his head during his tread over. Instead of conforming to his thoughts, most people were in their own seats, scrolling through their phones. Sighing, Heeseung slowly made his way up the stairs. His arrival earned a few slight gasps from a few of the younger students, but he ignored them, focusing on gaining a perfect spot for his little nap.

That was only until he saw you with your head down, buried in your arms. You were wearing the same berret. He chuckled, carefully approaching you, making sure he didn't make a sound. Maybe this lecture wouldn't be too bad and maybe he could apologize for what had occurred this morning.

"Hey miss cupid, didn't know I'd find you here." Heeseung spoke softly, giving you a soft tap on your head. "Didn't know you were interested in dark psychology. But at the same time, I feel like it's very fitting." Settling his bag on the small pull out table attached to his seat, he wrapped his arm around your chair as he watched you groan slightly, lifting your head.

"Excuse me? Who's miss cupid?" Yeeun lifted her head, only to face the last person she expected to sit next to her. "Wait, oh my... um hi! Hi Heeseung."

Heeseung's face dropped immediately. "Oh, I'm sorry. I thought you were someone else." Removing his arm, he quickly shifted uncomfortably, clearing his throat in the process. How could he have mixed you up with someone who didn't look remotely like you? It was the hat, the fucking hat. He cursed under his breath repeatedly, resting his head on his palm, attempting to distract himself from the embarrassment. He had really just sat in the most evident spot, where the professor could spot him in a single second. Maybe if his mind wasn't flooded with thoughts of you, he'd make a rational decision and analyze the person in front of him first. Why the fuck was he so desperate?

"Oh, did you mix me up with someone?" Yeeun tapped the boy on the shoulder, shaking him out of his daze. Her smile faded when she saw the boy squint at her, shaking his head as he frowned. Did she do something? Why did he look so uninterested? Didn't Yn say that the hat might help her out?

"Yeah, I guess. Sorry, it's my fault. I should've looked more carefully." He spoke, forcing a smile to wave off the girl's concern.

Yeeun couldn't be happier to see the boy smile again. Her cheeks grew hot as the pair held eye contact for a few seconds. "Oh well, um," she began. "My name is Yeeun. Hopefully next time you won't get me mixed up with someone else."

"Oh yeah, uh sure."

"I've heard of you before," Yeeun spoke, this time in a softer tone. "You're the captain of the rugby team, right? I really enjoyed watching you play last year. This year I didn't have the chance to attend any of your games because of my busy schedule, but I will for sure make time. Speaking of time, I have time this weekend but sadly there's no game this week. I wish I had come last time. My friend went, and she said you—"

"Wow, that's interesting, well I mean there is a party this week. I guess you could come." Heeseung intervened, his tone lacking any sort of enthusiasm. He knew what this was. Another one of those girls trying to appeal to him; kiss up to him so they could get some special invitation from him. Or the other option; they wanted to get in his pants. There was no in-between and Heeseung was sick. How many times had he experienced the same conversation in the past four years? Previously, he might've flirted back, but somehow he was absolutely turned off by Yeeun's advances.

"Oh my god, really? A personal invitation from you?" Yeeun's expressionbrightened, along with her smile.

Heeseung shot her a forced lazily grin. "Yeah, just give me your number. I'll text you the address and time." She was so excited and for what? He didn't understand how an invitation could influence someone this greatly. They had parties almost every two weeks. Had she never gone to one? Offering his phone to the girl, he sat back, watching Yeeun type in her number ecstatically, fingers slightly quivering. He already knew. She found interest in him, and he couldn't help but feel bored at that revelation.

"I'll be sure to come." Yeeun giggled softly, returning Heeseung's phone. "I might bring a plus one. Is that okay?"

"Yeah, anyone is welcome. Do whatever you wish."

And the rest of the lecture went swiftly. Heeseung could see the girl next to him steal glances at him now and then. He could see the twinkle in her eyes and how they shined when her gaze landed on him. She most definitely enjoyed his company, unlike someone he knew. But he couldn't say the same.

Upon dismissal, Heeseung didn't spare a single glance at Yeeun before barging his way through his row, attempting to get to the doors as quickly as possible. Still left in a daze, Yeeun felt the giddy jumping in her stomach as she watched the boy's broad shoulders squeeze through the jumbling crowd. She liked him even more now. The handsome, tall and kind Lee Heeseung, who was kind enough to invite her to his party.

Heeseung felt void of emotions. His body felt numb and his expression remained blank as he slammed the lecture door, leaving Yeeun's sight. His surroundings were blurred out by his thoughts that swarmed and suffocated him.

Why did he feel no joy in seeing people swoon over him?

Why was this morning's incident still stuck in his head like super glue, permanent and unremovable, that only a painful amount of scrubbing, scratching and rinsing could remove? Heeseung was unable to get his mind off you, and he didn't have the energy to wash away his feelings when his thoughts blocked his freedom.

The realization of his feelings was something new to him.

But Heeseung feared acceptance.

His hands automatically swiped at his phone, dialing the first number on his contact list.

"1"

He needed a distraction.