Limerence JC

T E N

Jeonghan hurried through the crowded hallway, engrossed in his thoughts about the upcoming exams. Oblivious to the bustling students around him, he rounded a corner and, without warning, collided with a senior carrying a stack of textbooks. The senior, a tall and composed guy with a serious demeanor, met Jeonghan's eyes in a moment of intense eye contact.

"Watch where you're going!"

Jeonghan stumbled backward, wide-eyed, as papers scattered like autumn leaves. The senior, with a raised eyebrow and an air of authority, let out an exasperated sigh and crouched down to help gather the mess.

"Seriously, pay attention. This isn't a race."

Jeonghan, now flustered, met the senior's gaze once more, finding himself captivated by the intensity.

"I-I'm sorry, I was just thinking about the exams. My bad."

"Exams? That's no excuse for running people over. Slow down and focus, junior."

Jeonghan, feeling a mix of embarrassment and curiosity, nodded sheepishly while picking up his share of the fallen papers. The senior, although still irritated, couldn't help but notice Jeonghan's nervous demeanor and the brief but intense connection in their eye contact.

"Just be more mindful, okay? Don't let your grades turn you into a wrecking ball."

Jeonghan managed a faint smile, his eyes lingering on the senior's as they shared a moment of collision and a subtle connection amidst the bustling hallway.

The senior, after a momentary pause, extended a hand to help Jeonghan to his feet. Their eyes locked again, this time with a hint of acknowledgment.

"Take it easy, junior. Exams can be stressful, but crashing into people won't help."

Jeonghan accepted the hand, feeling a strange mix of embarrassment and gratitude as he stood up. The senior's stern expression softened slightly.

"I'm Coups, by the way. Senior. You are?"

"Jeonghan, a junior. Nice to meet you, Coups."

The older raised an eyebrow, a subtle smile playing on his lips.

"Just watch where you're going next time, Jeonghan. We wouldn't want a repeat performance."

Jeonghan chuckled nervously, sensing a newfound camaraderie.

"I'll do my best, Coups.Thanks for the advice."

As they gathered the last of the scattered papers, the older handed Jeonghan a few with a casual smile.

"Don't stress too much about exams. Take a breather, and maybe you won't crash into people."

Jeonghan couldn't help but smile back, appreciating the unexpected encounter and the unexpected advice.

"I'll keep that in mind, Coups. Thanks."

With that, they parted ways in the bustling hallway, each carrying a newfound understanding and a shared memory of a collision turned into an unexpected connection. As the days passed, Jeonghan found himself thinking more about Coups, the senior he had collided with in the crowded hallway. The initial intense eye contact and the subsequent advice lingered in his mind, sparking a curiosity that evolved into something more. Jeonghan started seeking out moments to bump into Coups intentionally, whether near the lockers or in the library. Each encounter left him feeling a mix of nervousness and excitement, and he found solace in the brief conversations that ensued. One day, while discussing a shared class, Coups flashed a genuine smile that sent a flutter through Jeonghan's chest. The realization hit him - he was falling for Coups. It wasn't just about the accidental collisions anymore; it was about the connection they were building. As the friendship deepened, Jeonghan grappled with the idea of confessing his feelings. He found himself rehearsing words in his mind, wondering how Coups would react. The thought of potential rejection kept him on edge, yet the magnetic pull toward Coups was undeniable. One afternoon, they found themselves alone in the courtyard, and Jeonghan couldn't ignore the fluttering butterflies in his stomach any longer.