𝐑𝐈𝐕𝐀𝐋𝐒

3

The photography classroom was filled with students chatting and setting up their equipment. The teacher began taking attendance, making her way down the list of names.

The teacher continued down the list, calling out names as the students raised their hands in response.

"Sim Jaeyun?"

"Here!"

"Nishimura Riki?"

"Present."

"Park Eunju?"

Eunju raised her hand, feeling a pang of anxiety as the teacher's eyes settled on her.

She silently cursed herself for feeling so nervous. It was just attendance, and she was one of the top students in the class. There was no reason for her heart to be beating so fast.

As the teacher continued down the list, Eunju tried to focus on her thoughts and calm her racing heart. She glanced around the classroom, taking in the faces of her classmates.

Her eyes landed on Niki, who was seated a few desks away. He was leaning back in his chair, his camera hanging from his neck. As if sensing her gaze, he turned his head and looked directly at her.

Eunju quickly averted her eyes, a flush of heat spreading across her cheeks. She could feel Niki's gaze on her, and she silently cursed herself for being so easily flustered.

The teacher finished taking attendance and began explaining the lesson plan for the day. Eunju tried to focus on her words, but her thoughts kept drifting back to Niki, who was still watching her with a small grin on his face.

—

The photography teacher announced, "Alright, for today's lesson, we'll be going outside to the school garden to take some photographs. I'll be assigning partners for this task. Please pay attention."

The students sat up, a murmur of anticipation running through the class. Partner assignments were always a cause for interest and often led to intriguing combinations.

The teacher began pairing students up and announcing the partnerships. Eunju's heart skipped a beat as her name was called along with Niki's. She tried her best to keep her expression neutral as she turned to look at Niki, who was wearing a smug grin.

Niki sauntered over to her desk, leaning against it nonchalantly. "Looks like we're partners, nerd," he said, his grin widening.

Eunju swallowed her annoyance and replied, "Yes, it looks like it." She tried to maintain a cool demeanor, despite the fluttering in her stomach. Being partnered with Niki was the last thing she wanted.

Niki chuckled and crossed his arms, clearly enjoying her discomfort. "Don't look so thrilled," he teased. "We have to take pictures together now."

Eunju clenched her jaw, resisting the urge to snap at him. "I'm aware," she replied, her voice tight. "Let's just get this over with."

Niki's smirk only widened at her response. "Oh, come on, nerd," he teased. "Where's that fire you were showing me earlier? I was hoping for more banter."

Eunju bit her tongue, determined not to rise to his bait. "I prefer to concentrate on the task at hand, rather than engage in pointless banter."

Niki rolled his eyes, clearly disappointed by her lack of reaction. "You're no fun," he grumbled. "But I guess we should start taking pictures then, huh?"

Eunju nodded silently, grabbing her camera and standing up. She felt Niki's eyes on her as they made their way to the garden entrance, and she could practically feel the smugness radiating from him.