The Deep End

Beneath the surface

Kim Leehan clutched his books tightly as he made his way through the bustling halls of Seoyeon High. Keeping a low profile was second nature to him now—head down, steps swift, avoid unnecessary attention. It worked, most days. But then there were the days when Taesan decided Leehan was his target.

Today, it seemed, was one of those days.

As Leehan rounded the corner to his next class, he froze. There he was: Han Taesan, leaning against the row of lockers, his friends gathered around him, each one laughing at some joke Leehan couldn't hear. But he felt Taesan's eyes on him, that sharp, unblinking stare that sent a shiver up his spine.

The laughter died down as Taesan's gaze lingered on him, and one by one, his friends turned to look as well. Leehan's pulse quickened, but he forced himself to keep his face neutral. Ignoring them was his best defense—until Taesan stepped forward, blocking his path.

"Going somewhere, Leehan?" Taesan asked, his voice smooth and casual, with just the slightest edge of mockery.

Leehan's jaw tightened. "I'm going to class."

Taesan let out a small chuckle, folding his arms as he leaned in closer. "In such a hurry? Or are you trying to avoid me?"

"Believe it or not, I have better things to do than think about you." The words slipped out before he could stop himself. He cursed internally, bracing for Taesan's reaction.

Taesan's lips twitched, amused rather than offended. "Is that so? Funny. I figured I'd be your main priority." He took a step closer, invading Leehan's personal space. "After all, you're always running away from me, love."

Leehan's cheeks burned at the nickname, the unexpected word catching him off guard. "Don't call me that."

Taesan raised an eyebrow, his smirk widening. "What, don't like 'love'? Should I try something else?" His eyes gleamed with mischief as he tilted his head, looking Leehan up and down. "How about... babe?"

Leehan's heart pounded, both from anger and something else he couldn't quite name. He took a step back, clenching his fists. "Just get out of my way, Taesan."

But Taesan didn't move. Instead, he leaned in, his voice dropping to a whisper. "Or what, babe?"

The word made Leehan's skin prickle, but he refused to back down. "I don't have time for your games," he said, his voice steadier than he felt.

Taesan's smirk softened slightly, and for a fleeting moment, there was something almost... genuine in his expression. But then, just as quickly, his taunting smile returned. "Games? Oh, Leehan, this is hardly a game." He straightened, reaching out to flick a strand of hair off Leehan's forehead with a casual touch that felt far too intimate. "It's just... fun."

Before Leehan could react, Taesan's friends started laughing again, their mockery piercing through his thoughts. He gritted his teeth, feeling trapped, but he couldn't let them see how much this affected him. He forced himself to meet Taesan's gaze one last time, hoping his glare would convey what words couldn't.

But Taesan only laughed softly, a low, knowing chuckle that sent a chill down Leehan's spine. "See you around, babe," he said, giving him a wink before turning to join his friends.

Leehan stood frozen, feeling a mix of anger, embarrassment, and confusion swirl within him. His skin still tingled where Taesan had touched him, and he hated himself for it.

As he finally made his way to class, he couldn't shake the feeling that today was only the beginning. Taesan had already singled him out, but this was different. This felt more personal, as if Taesan was pushing buttons Leehan didn't even know he had.

And yet, there was something in Taesan's eyes—something dark, yes, but also something that made Leehan's heart skip in a way he wasn't sure he wanted to understand.

One thing was clear: Han Taesan wasn't finished with him. And for reasons he couldn't explain, that thought terrified him more than anything else.