People Watching ★ 𝐒𝐮𝐧𝐒𝐮𝐧

20: The Great Library Standoff

Sunoo paced the library, tapping his foot nervously as he glanced at the clock on the wall. He had promised Hanna he'd help her with the study session, but he also knew what that meant: Sunghoon. The very thought sent a shiver down his spine.

After the dramatic scene of his shoe lace—an Oscar-worthy performance in social avoidance—he had hoped to keep some distance from Sunghoon. But here he was, trapped in a sea of books with a front-row seat to the chaotic emotional rollercoaster that was Sunghoon.

As if summoned by his thoughts, Sunghoon sauntered in, looking effortlessly cool as usual, his dark hair slightly tousled. Sunoo felt a rush of frustration as Sunghoon waved to him. "Hey, I see you're practicing your pacing technique. Olympic level?"

Sunoo scoffed, rolling his eyes. "Yeah, I'm auditioning for the next track and field event. It's called 'Avoiding You.'"

"Nice name, but I think I'll take first place," Sunghoon shot back, grinning as he settled into the chair across from Sunoo. The mere sight of him sent Sunoo's heart into a tizzy. It was infuriating how Sunghoon seemed completely unaware of the havoc he wreaked on Sunoo's emotions.

"Great, now we can both be gold medalists in this ridiculous competition," Sunoo retorted, trying to keep his tone light but feeling the weight of their simmering tension in the air.

Just then, Hanna burst into the library, arms laden with snacks that looked like they could fuel an army. "Guys! I brought everything! I figured we could study and feast like kings!" She beamed, oblivious to the tension brewing between them.

Sunoo shot her a grateful look, relief flooding through him. "Perfect timing, Hanna! Because I was about to faint from... from all this intense studying." He gestured dramatically to the vast array of textbooks around them.

"Faint? From studying? Who are you trying to fool? You'd probably faint from the lack of snacks!" Sunghoon chuckled, teasing him effortlessly.

Sunoo narrowed his eyes at him. "I'll have you know I could definitely survive without snacks—if it meant avoiding you."

"Sure, and I bet you could also survive without air," Sunghoon shot back, his smirk infuriatingly charming.

Hanna set the snacks down on the table, her laughter cutting through the bickering. "Okay, you two, enough! Let's just eat and study before I get a heart attack from all this tension." She opened a bag of chips and handed it to Sunoo. "Here, this should help."

Sunoo accepted the chips, grateful for the distraction. As he munched on the salty snacks, he caught Sunghoon looking at him, his expression thoughtful. "You know," Sunghoon began, "I never figured you for a chip connoisseur."

"Yeah, well, I like to keep my talents hidden," Sunoo shot back, trying to sound nonchalant, but he could feel the heat creeping up his neck. "And let's be real; I'm a culinary genius with chips. You'd be surprised at the things I can create."

Sunghoon laughed, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Like what? A chip sandwich? Or maybe chip nachos? Such a visionary."

"Please," Sunoo replied, rolling his eyes but unable to suppress a smile. "They call me the Picasso of potato chips."

"More like a potato-head," Sunghoon teased, leaning back in his chair with that infuriatingly charming grin that made Sunoo's heart race.

After a few rounds of witty banter that had Hanna giggling uncontrollably, she leaned forward, excitement lighting up her eyes. "Okay! How about a study challenge? Whoever can get the most work done in thirty minutes gets to choose the next hangout activity!"

Sunoo glanced at Sunghoon and suggested, "That's boring. How about we play a game like 'Who can avoid each other the longest'?" Sunghoon chimed in and said, "I think it would be more fun to play a game like 'Let's see who can answer the most questions correctly about themselves.'