Love in the Halls [Lee Donghyuck]

Chapter 25: Reacquainting with Reality

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The first day back to school after exams brought a mix of excitement and anxiety for Narae. She had resolved to focus solely on her studies, pushing aside the lingering feelings she had tried to ignore. Her anticipation for the new semester was palpable, but she hadn't expected the surprise waiting for her.

When she walked into her first class, Advanced Functions, her mind was focused on the upcoming exam reviews. The classroom buzzed with the usual chatter as students found their seats. Narae made her way to her usual spot near the front, hoping for a clear view of the board. As she settled in, she noticed a familiar face slipping into the seat beside her.

Haechan. She blinked in surprise, her eyes narrowing as she processed the unexpected sight. Her brows furrowed as she took in the realization that he was now in this class—Advanced Functions, a class she had assumed was beyond his academic reach.

Haechan, noticing her stare, smirked. "Surprise, surprise. Didn't think I'd be in this class, huh?"

Narae's initial shock gave way to a cool, guarded expression. "I didn't expect you to be here. This isn't exactly an easy class."

Haechan leaned back in his chair, stretching his arms casually. "Haha. Don't worry, though—I'm not here to make things difficult for you."

"Right," Narae replied, her tone clipped. "Just don't expect me to be thrilled about it."

As the class began, Haechan's presence became a constant, albeit unwelcome, distraction. He kept glancing over at Narae, a mischievous glint in his eye. His attempts at casual conversation were met with minimal responses. He leaned over during the lecture and whispered, "How's it feel to have me as your academic rival?"

Narae shot him a sharp look. "I'm not here to play games, Haechan."

Haechan chuckled softly. "I'm just teasing. Lighten up."

The pattern continued through Physics, where Haechan's presence was equally disconcerting. He sat behind her, often leaning forward to catch her attention. During a group discussion, he tapped her shoulder and quipped, "Hey, if you need help with those equations, I'll gladly help."

Narae turned to him, her eyes cold. "I think I've got it covered. Thanks."

The classroom buzzed with the usual chatter as students settled into their seats. Narae slipped into her spot by the window, the familiar surroundings offering a brief respite from her whirlwind of thoughts. The English lesson was a welcome distraction, and she was determined to focus on the upcoming assignment.

Haechan strolled in, his usual confidence evident as he took his place two rows in front of her. He tossed a casual glance back at her, a smirk playing on his lips as he saw her already buried in her notes.

Heejin, sitting beside Haechan, immediately leaned in to strike up a conversation. Her voice was cheerful as she greeted him, and Haechan responded with his usual laid-back demeanor. They exchanged a few jokes, and Heejin's laughter rang out, drawing the attention of others around them.

Narae noticed how Haechan seemed entirely at ease, engaging in a light-hearted chat with Heejin. He wasn't paying much attention to her, which suited Narae just fine. She focused on her textbook, glancing occasionally at the clock as she awaited the start of the lesson.

The teacher walked in, and the room quieted down. Narae tried to ignore the background noise of Lia's occasional giggles and Haechan's low murmur of responses. She took out her notes, her mind already swimming with ideas for the essay assignment.

After class, Narae gathered her things quickly. Haechan was surrounded by his friends, and Heejin was still chatting animatedly. Haechan glanced her way once more, but this time his expression was more neutral, lacking the usual teasing edge.

As Narae walked out of the classroom, she couldn't help but feel a twinge of relief mixed with a hint of confusion. The dynamic in English class was different from what she had anticipated. Haechan wasn't the same constant presence she had braced herself for. Instead, there was a noticeable distance, which left her feeling unexpectedly unsettled.

In Art, Narae was surprised to find Mark and Renjun waiting for her. They greeted her with their usual warmth. Mark grinned as he sat down next to her. "Back to the grind, huh?"

Narae nodded, trying to shake off the tension of the previous classes. "Yeah. Seems like things are going to be different this semester."

Renjun, who was setting up his art supplies, looked up with curiosity. "Different how?"

"Let's just say I didn't expect to be sharing so many classes with certain people," Narae said, casting a sidelong glance at Mark.

Mark followed her gaze and chuckled. "Ah, Haechan's making his presence known. How's that going for you?"

Narae rolled her eyes. "Let's just say it's... distracting."

Mark laughed. "He can be a handful, but he means well. You'll get used to it."

By the end of the week, Narae had gotten accustomed to Haechan's presence, though she remained distant and focused. Her interactions with him were curt, her attention mainly on her studies and the adjustments she had to make. Despite her efforts to stay emotionally detached, she found herself slightly more aware of his presence—an unwelcome but undeniable reality.

As the week drew to a close, Narae walked through the school hallways, glancing over at Haechan in the distance. She couldn't help but reflect on how her routine had shifted. Her attempts to keep things professional and impersonal seemed to be a constant struggle against the reality of their shared classes.

Her interactions with Haechan remained limited to brief exchanges and occasional banter. While she worked diligently to maintain her focus, the presence of Haechan in her academic life had undeniably altered her daily rhythm.

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