SECRET EMBRACE | Jeonghan X Joshua | JiHan

ELEVEN

The next morning, Joshua arrived on campus with a sense of determination he hadn't felt in years. He had spent the night strategizing, replaying every encounter with Jeonghan in his mind.

If Jeonghan wanted to push him, Joshua was going to push back—not with aggression, but with wit and composure.

As he approached the lecture hall, Vernon met him at the entrance, concern etched on his face. "You good?" Vernon asked, his voice low

Joshua adjusted the strap of his bag and gave a faint smile. "Better than ever."

Vernon raised an eyebrow. "That's.... not the answer I was expecting"

Joshua chuckled. "Let's just say I'm done playing the victim in Jeonghan's little games."

Vernon didn't argue, but his skepticism was evident. "Just... don't let him get under your skin again, alright?"

----

Jeonghan was already in the lecture hall, seated casually in the middle row with Mingyu beside him. His legs were stretched out under the desk, exuding his usual air of effortless confidence. his eyes were trained on the doorway.

When Joshua entered, their eyes met immediately. Jeonghan's lips curled into his signature smirk as if he had been waiting for this moment.

Joshua didn't look away. Instead, he walked straight to an empty seat, two rows behind Jeonghan, and sat down. He made sure his movements were deliberate, and calm, as if he were completely unbothered. a silent message: You don't intimidate me.

Mingyu noticed the exchange and leaned over to Jeonghan. "He doesn't look fazed today."

Jeonghan tilted his head, intrigued. "Interesting."

After some time, the lecture began, but the atmosphere in the room was anything but ordinary. Joshua could feel Jeonghan's gaze on him throughout the class. It wasn't overt, but it was persistent—a subtle challenge that hung in the air.

When the professor called for group work, fate—or perhaps sheer mischief—placed Joshua and Jeonghan in the same group, along with two other boys.

Joshua didn't react outwardly, but internally he braced himself as Jeonghan sauntered over with an unmistakable glint of amusement in his eyes

"Looks like we're partners," Jeonghan said smoothly as they gathered around a table.

Joshua met his gaze, his expression unreadable. "Looks like it."

The other students in the group exchanged nervous glances, clearly aware of the tension. But Jeonghan seemed to thrive on it, leaning slightly closer as they discussed the assignment.

"You're good at physics, right?" Jeonghan asked, his tone almost mocking. "Maybe you can teach me something."

Joshua smiled faintly, but his eyes held a sharpness that Jeonghan hadn't seen before. "I'd be happy to. If you can keep up."

Mingyu, seated at a nearby table, stifled a laugh. "This is going to be fun," he thought.

----

After the lecture, Joshua packed his things quickly, intent on leaving before Jeonghan could say or do anything else. But, predictably, Jeonghan was already waiting by the door, leaning casually against the frame.

"You're in a hurry," Jeonghan remarked as Joshua walked past him.

Joshua paused, turning slightly. "Some of us have things to do, unlike others"