The moment Tahee stepped further into the campus—
She felt it.
A gaze.
Sharp.
Unavoidable.
"…Why do I suddenly feel like I'm being evaluated?"
Her steps slowed slightly.
Then—
She turned.
And met him.
A boy stood not far away.
Well-dressed. Composed.
A faint, polite smile on his lips.
But his eyes—
Cold. Calculating.
"…Ah. Politician type."
He walked toward her.
Unhurried. Confident.
Like he already knew the outcome.
Jungkook noticed instantly.
His expression remained calm—
But his gaze sharpened.
The boy stopped in front of Tahee.
"Kim Tahee."
His voice was smooth. Controlled.
Tahee tilted her head slightly.
"…He talks like he's already judging me."
Outwardly, she smiled politely.
"Yes?"
"I've heard a lot about you."
"…All bad, I'm sure."
A faint pause.
"Interesting things," he added.
Tahee raised a brow.
"…That doesn't sound reassuring."
Students nearby had started watching.
Quietly. Carefully.
Jungkook stepped a little closer.
Not interrupting—
But clearly present.
The boy's gaze flickered to him briefly.
Then returned to Tahee.
"As expected," he said softly.
Tahee frowned slightly.
"…Expected what?"
He leaned in just a little.
Not enough to cross the line—
But enough to lower his voice.
"Your thoughts…"
A pause.
"…are very loud."
Silence.
Tahee froze.
Just for a second.
Then she laughed lightly.
"You're joking."
"…Why does everyone keep saying weird things today?"
The boy didn't laugh.
Didn't react.
He just watched her.
Closely.
As if waiting for something to slip.
"My name is Asher," he said finally.
"…Of course it is. Sounds like trouble."
Asher's lips curved slightly.
"Let's get along, Tahee."
Polite tone.
Sharp intent.
Then—
He stepped back.
Turning away as if the conversation meant nothing.
But Tahee's gaze lingered on him.
"…Hmm."
Her head tilted slightly.
"…Calm, sharp, dangerous…"
A pause.
A slow smile appeared.
"…Not bad."
Silence.
Jungkook stilled beside her.
Tahee didn't notice.
"…Actually… very not bad."
Her eyes followed Asher for a moment longer.
"…That face… that voice… the way he talks…"
Another pause.
"…If he comes closer next time, I might actually flirt back properly."
Someone nearby choked.
The air shifted.
Jungkook's hand clenched—
Just slightly.
His expression didn't change.
Still calm.
Still unreadable.
But his eyes—
Darkened.
Tahee crossed her arms lightly.
Still thinking.
"…Jungkook is dangerous…"
A pause.
"…But this one… is interesting."
Silence.
Cold silence.
Jungkook slowly turned his head toward her.
His gaze sharp.
Focused.
Then—
He stepped closer.
Closing the distance between them.
Tahee blinked.
"…Why is he suddenly so close again?"
Jungkook looked ahead calmly.
As if nothing had changed.
But his voice—
When he spoke—
Was quieter.
Colder.
"Careful who you find interesting."
Tahee froze slightly.
"…What?"
She turned to him—
But he had already walked ahead.
Like nothing happened.
Leaving her standing there.
Confused.
"…Did I miss something again?"