𝑫𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒔𝒍𝒚 / 𝑮𝒐𝒏𝒈𝒇𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒛

𝑪𝒉 : 𝟑 𝑰 𝒅𝒊𝒅𝒏'𝒕 𝒑𝒆𝒈 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒂𝒏 𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒊𝒔𝒕.

The days following the debate were a whirlwind of tension and unspoken words. Taesan and Leehan's rivalry had become the talk of the campus, their every interaction scrutinized by curious eyes. It seemed that fate, with its twisted sense of humor, was determined to throw them together at every turn.

One afternoon, Taesan found himself in the art studio, seeking solace in the quiet space. He had always found peace in painting, the brushstrokes a way to channel his thoughts and emotions. As he worked on his latest piece, the door creaked open, and he heard footsteps approaching.

"Didn't expect to find you here," Leehan's voice broke the silence, laced with a hint of surprise.

Taesan didn't look up. "What do you want, Leehan?"

Leehan walked closer, his eyes scanning the canvas. "I didn't peg you for an artist."

Taesan's grip on the brush tightened. "There's a lot you don't know about me."

Leehan chuckled softly. "Clearly. But then again, you don't seem too interested in getting to know me either."

Taesan finally looked up, his eyes meeting Leehan's. "Why would I? You're nothing but a distraction."

Leehan's smile faded, replaced by a steely determination. "Maybe because there's more to me than you think. But you're too busy judging to see it."

Taesan set his brush down, his patience wearing thin. "And what exactly am I supposed to see? Another pretty face with no substance?"

Leehan's eyes flashed with anger. "You think you're so much better than everyone else, don't you? Hiding behind your books and your art, pretending you're above it all."

Taesan stood up, his voice rising. "At least I don't need a crowd to validate my existence. I don't need to be the center of attention to feel important."

Leehan took a step closer, their faces inches apart. "And I don't need to hide behind a wall of arrogance to protect myself. Maybe if you let your guard down for once, you'd see that."

The air between them crackled with tension, their breaths mingling in the charged silence. For a moment, neither of them spoke, the weight of their words hanging heavy in the air.

Later that evening, Taesan found himself in the library, trying to drown out the day's events with the comfort of his textbooks. But his mind kept drifting back to Leehan, their heated exchange replaying in his head.

As if summoned by his thoughts, Leehan appeared, his presence impossible to ignore. He walked over to Taesan's table, his expression unreadable.

"Mind if I sit?" Leehan asked, his voice softer this time.

Taesan sighed, closing his book. "Do I have a choice?"

Leehan sat down, his eyes searching Taesan's. "Look, I know we got off on the wrong foot. But this constant fighting... it's exhausting."

Taesan met his gaze, the anger in his eyes replaced by a weary resignation. "So what do you suggest? We just pretend to be friends?"

Leehan shook his head. "No. But maybe we can try to understand each other. At least make an effort."

Taesan leaned back in his chair, considering Leehan's words. "And why should I believe you?"

Leehan's eyes softened. "Because I'm tired of fighting. And I think you are too."

Taesan studied him for a moment before nodding slowly. "Fine. But don't expect miracles."

Leehan smiled, a genuine warmth in his eyes. "That's all I ask."

As they sat in the quiet library, an uneasy truce forming between them, Taesan couldn't help but feel a flicker of hope. Maybe, just maybe, there was a chance for something more than animosity between them.