The third wheel

Distracting thoughts

JUNS POV!
Haruki's hand brushes mine under the desk, a casual movement that sends an electric jolt up my arm. I glance sideways at him, pretending to be interested in the math notes in front of me, but my mind's not even close to focusing on algebra right now. Not with him sitting so close, looking so damn composed while I'm here feeling like my skin is on fire.

He's taking notes, his expression serious, his hair falling into his eyes in that way that drives me crazy. Every now and then, he pushes it back with his hand, and I swear it's like he's doing it on purpose, knowing how it affects me. I shift in my seat, trying to ignore the way my thoughts are spiraling, but it's useless.

I sneak another glance at him. His eyes are trained on the board, focused and intent, and I can't help but feel a rush of warmth in my chest. He's always like this—calm, collected, like nothing fazes him. It makes me want to mess with him, to see that serene mask crack. And maybe I want to see how far I can push him before he stops being so composed.

I shift in my seat, feeling the familiar rush of adrenaline. I tap my pencil against the desk, slowly inching my hand closer to his leg. Just a little. Not enough to be obvious, but enough to make him notice. I see his eyes flicker down for a split second, then back up to the board.

A small smile tugs at the corner of his lips, and I know he's noticed. My heart skips a beat. He doesn't react, though, doesn't even glance my way again. Always so in control. But that tiny smile tells me everything I need to know.

God, he makes it so hard to concentrate.

I lean back in my chair, tapping my pencil rhythmically as I stare at the teacher. I can feel Haruki next to me—every small movement, every breath. It's like he's the only thing my mind can focus on. I bite my lip, trying to keep my thoughts from wandering into dangerous territory, but it's a losing battle.

The memory of the last time we were alone together flashes in my mind—his lips on mine, his hands in my hair, his breath warm against my neck. I feel my face heat up just thinking about it. Haruki has this way of getting under my skin, of making me feel things I can't control. It's intoxicating and infuriating at the same time.

I shift in my seat again, trying to will my mind back to the lesson, but all I can think about is what it would be like to reach over and slide my hand up his arm, to watch him break that calm facade for just a second. To see the way his eyes would darken, the way his breath would hitch.

I catch myself before my hand actually moves and let out a slow breath. Focus, Jun. Focus.

The bell rings, jolting me out of my thoughts. I snap my head up as everyone starts packing their things. Haruki moves smoothly, gathering his books with practiced ease. I follow his movements, feeling like I've just spent the last hour in some kind of daze.

As he stands up, he glances at me, and for a split second, our eyes meet. There's something in his gaze—something knowing, teasing, like he's been aware of my struggle this whole time. He tilts his head slightly, that tiny smile returning, and my heart skips a beat.

"Class was interesting, wasn't it?" he says casually, slinging his bag over his shoulder. His voice is perfectly neutral, but there's an edge to it, a hint of amusement that makes me want to both kiss him and punch him at the same time.

"Uh, yeah. Super interesting," I mumble, standing up quickly. My face is probably ten shades of red, but I try to play it off.

He chuckles softly, the sound sending a shiver down my spine. "You seemed a bit... distracted."

"Me? Distracted? No way." I force a grin, hoping it looks convincing, but from the way his eyes crinkle at the corners, I can tell he's not buying it.

He leans closer, his breath warm against my ear. "You're not very good at hiding things, you know."

My heart pounds, and I freeze, feeling every nerve in my body light up at his proximity. "I—what are you—"

He pulls back, his smile turning into that serene, unreadable look again. "We should head to our next class."

I stare at him, my mind spinning, trying to figure out if he's teasing me or just playing it cool. With Haruki, it's always hard to tell. He starts walking, and I quickly fall into step beside him, my thoughts still racing.

As we make our way down the hallway, I try to collect myself. It's like this every day—Haruki driving me to the brink of insanity with his subtle touches, his teasing words, his infuriating calmness. And the worst part? I love every second of it.

I glance at him again, watching the way his hair catches the light, the way he moves with that effortless grace. I want to reach out, to touch him, to see that serene mask crack just for me. But I know I won't. Not here. Not yet.

But the day's not over. And I can't stop the grin that spreads across my face at the thought of all the ways I might push his buttons before it is.