The Deep End

Ripples in the Current

The following days felt like a blur, as if Leehan were drifting in some unknown current. No matter how hard he tried to keep his distance from Taesan, their paths crossed at every turn. It was inevitable, like the tide crashing against the shore, pulling him back in no matter how far he swam away.

And Taesan, as always, was right there.

"Hey, babe," Taesan's voice broke through Leehan's thoughts as he walked into the class on Monday morning, still reeling from the events of the weekend. "Miss me?"

Leehan winced at the familiar nickname, his blood boiling with frustration. He had told him a million times to stop calling him that, but it never worked. It never would. Taesan had this way of getting under his skin, of making his skin burn and his heart beat faster with just a single word.

"I told you to stop calling me that," Leehan bit out, not even bothering to look at him as he walked past Taesan to his desk.

Taesan chuckled, a low, rich sound that made Leehan's stomach twist in ways he refused to acknowledge. "You know, I think I like it when you get all worked up like this. It makes you so much more... interesting."

Leehan sat down at his desk, trying to ignore Taesan as he settled into the chair beside him, clearly making himself comfortable. "Just leave me alone, Taesan," he muttered, doing his best to focus on the book in front of him.

But Taesan wasn't letting up. Not this time.

Leehan felt the weight of Taesan's gaze on him, like a heavy pressure, pushing him into the ground. He couldn't escape it. Not when Taesan was always there, always so present in a way that made it impossible to ignore him.

"Is something wrong, love?" Taesan's voice was softer now, more insistent. "You've been avoiding me lately."

"I'm not avoiding you," Leehan snapped, his patience wearing thin. "I just don't want anything to do with you."

"That's funny," Taesan said, his tone amused. "Because if you didn't want anything to do with me, you wouldn't be sitting right here, would you?"

Leehan's fists clenched, and he fought to keep his voice steady. "You're not worth my time."

"Oh, but I think I am," Taesan replied, leaning in just a little too close. "You wouldn't be so worked up if you didn't care."

Leehan turned sharply, finally meeting Taesan's gaze. The intensity in Taesan's eyes nearly knocked the breath out of him. There was something raw, something dangerous in that look, and for the first time, Leehan felt the full weight of Taesan's presence.

"I don't care about you," Leehan said, but even as the words left his mouth, he knew they were a lie. It wasn't just the physical attraction, though that was undeniable—it was the way Taesan made him feel alive in a way no one else ever had. The way his attention consumed him.

But Leehan couldn't admit that. Not now, not ever.

Taesan's smirk widened, and he leaned back in his chair, clearly enjoying the effect he had on Leehan. "Keep telling yourself that, babe," he said, his voice low and teasing. "But we both know the truth."

Leehan looked away, his mind racing. This is a game to him, he thought bitterly. And I'm just some pawn.

But even as he tried to distance himself, the truth was undeniable: he was falling for Taesan.

It was getting harder to ignore it now. Every word, every look, every touch from Taesan made his heart race, his mind spin. Leehan didn't want to feel this way. He couldn't feel this way. But he couldn't stop himself from wanting more.

And Taesan seemed to sense it, always pushing, always prodding, like a predator toying with its prey.

Later that afternoon, during a break, Leehan found himself alone in the class, trying to clear his head. He stood by the window, staring out at the road  , wishing he could escape his own thoughts. But then, as if summoned by his very thoughts, Taesan appeared in the doorway, leaning casually against the frame.

"Feeling lonely, love?" Taesan's voice was light, but there was an underlying tension there, like he was waiting for Leehan to crack.

Leehan didn't turn around. "What do you want?"

"You, obviously," Taesan said, taking a few slow steps toward him. He stopped just behind Leehan, close enough that Leehan could feel the heat of his body, his presence almost suffocating. "Tell me you don't want me."

Leehan's breath hitched, and for a moment, he was frozen. He wanted to say no. He wanted to deny everything. But the words wouldn't come. He couldn't lie. Not when Taesan had already wormed his way into his heart, into his thoughts.

"I don't want this," Leehan said, but his voice cracked, betraying him.

Taesan chuckled softly, his breath warm against Leehan's ear. "You don't have to say it, love. I know."

Before Leehan could respond, Taesan moved even closer, his hand brushing against Leehan's arm. The contact was electric, and Leehan's heart raced at the simple touch.

But it wasn't just the touch that made his pulse spike—it was the way Taesan seemed to own the space between them, the way he knew the effect he was having on Leehan.

"Stop," Leehan whispered, but there was no conviction in his voice. He didn't want this. He didn't want to be this person, this weakling who couldn't even stand up to Taesan. But the attraction was undeniable. The pull was irresistible.

"Tell me you don't want this," Taesan said again, his voice now a husky whisper, his lips brushing against the back of Leehan's neck.

Leehan closed his eyes, trying to block out the way his body reacted. "I don't."

But the words felt empty. The truth was right there, hanging in the air between them. And for the first time, Leehan realized that he wasn't just lying to Taesan—he was lying to himself.