Chapter Nineteen: Late Night Study

The night continued to unfold, Alex found himself periodically stealing glances at the photo he had taken of Yue. The vibrant colors of the park's lights accentuated Yue's features, casting a warm glow that seemed to capture the essence of the moment. Hesitating for a brief moment, Alex decided to make that candid snapshot his phone wallpaper.

Later, when Yue noticed Alex gazing at his phone, curiosity gleamed in his eyes. "What's so interesting on your phone?" Yue asked, a playful grin curving his lips.

Alex, attempting to act nonchalant, flashed his phone screen briefly, revealing the wallpaper. "Just a picture I took at the park. It looked cool, so I made it my wallpaper."

Yue's gaze shifted to the image, and a subtle blush crept onto his cheeks. "Is that... me?" he asked, a hint of self-consciousness in his voice.

Alex chuckled, feeling a mix of embarrassment and satisfaction. "Yeah, it's you. You looked happy, and the lights made it kinda magical."

Unexpectedly, Yue's expression softened, and a genuine smile tugged at the corners of his lips. "Magical, huh?" he repeated, seemingly lost in thought.

Yue, although touched by Alex's sincere words, couldn't help but respond with a teasing smirk. "Cringey much?" he said playfully, giving Alex a gentle nudge. "it's not too bad."

Alex rolled his eyes, trying to maintain his composed demeanor. "Hey, I'm just stating the facts."

Yue chuckled, acknowledging the sentiment. "Alright, Mr. Wise Philosopher, let's not get too sentimental. I'm starving and I know you too so..... I'll cook"

Alex grinned, relieved to shift the focus away from his moment of vulnerability. "Sounds like a plan. Lead the way, Your Majesty," he said, using a mockingly exaggerated bow.

Yue raised an eyebrow but couldn't suppress a hint of amusement. "You're really pushing it with that nickname. Just follow me, peasant."

As the aroma of the sizzling kimchi fried rice, the enticing scent of Jjinmandu, the rich flavors of Tteokbokki, and the sweet fragrance of honey butter chicken wings filled the air, Alex found himself mesmerized. The kitchen became a stage, and Yue, the culinary artist, orchestrated a symphony of flavors with every skillful move.

In the midst of the cooking spectacle, Alex was lost in his own world, captivated by the dance of ingredients and the harmonious rhythm of Yue's culinary expertise. He watched intently as Yue wielded the spatula with precision, flipping and stirring the ingredients with a practiced finesse.

As Yue added the final touches, sprinkling sesame seeds and chopped green onions, Alex couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration. Yue's passion for cooking was evident, and the delectable spread he was preparing spoke volumes about his culinary prowess.

"Hey, earth to Alex!" Yue's voice broke through Alex's reverie, pulling him back to reality. "Are you planning to set the table, or do you want to eat standing in the kitchen?"

Blushing slightly, Alex snapped out of his daze. "Right, right. Setting the table. Got it," he mumbled, hastily grabbing plates and utensils. His gaze lingered on Yue for a moment longer before he composed himself.

As the table took shape, laden with an array of mouthwatering dishes, Alex couldn't contain his excitement. "Man, this looks amazing!."

Yue smirked. "Well I do have my tricks or it's just that...you.. can't.... cook"

Alex look at Yue "I'm complimenting you right now"

With that, they settled into a cozy mealtime routine, the clinking of utensils and occasional praises turning the simple dinner into a delightful feast. The conversation flowed effortlessly, punctuated by moments of shared laughter and genuine enjoyment.

The dim glow of their study lamps illuminated the room, casting a focused ambiance as Yue and Alex delved into the complexities of advanced math. Their late-night study session took an intriguing turn as they encountered an equation that sent ripples of challenge through their mathematical curiosity.

Yue, his hazel eyes fixed on the textbook, spoke up first, "Dude, check this out. We've got a blend of trigonometry, exponentials, and square roots all in one equation. It's like a mathematical cocktail."

Alex, with a quizzical expression, leaned in closer to examine the equation. "Yeah, it's like a mixtape of mathematical functions. But where do we even start?"

Yue smirked, "Let's break it down step by step. First, we've got sine and cosine doing their dance."

Alex nodded, "Right, so we've got sin ( � ) sin(x) and cos ( � ) cos(x) in the party. What's next?"

Yue pointed at the square root function, "Now we take the square root of all that, giving us a complex rhythm. And don't forget our special guest, the mathematical constant e e, making a cameo."

Alex chuckled, "This equation's got more twists than a plot twist in a K-drama. What's our endgame here?"

Yue tapped the textbook, "Our mission, should we choose to accept it, is to simplify this equation. Combine like terms, break down the functions, and maybe, just maybe, unravel the mystery hidden in this mathematical."

As they navigated through the intricate layers of the equation, their discussion evolved into a lively exchange of ideas. Yue's analytical approach collided with Alex's intuitive understanding, creating a dynamic synergy that transcended the confines of mathematical formalism.

The equations transformed into a canvas for their intellectual collaboration, blending the precision of mathematical notation with the improvisation of conversational banter.

Their study session became more than just an academic pursuit—it became a shared journey into the world of abstract symbols and interconnected concepts. As they unraveled the layers of the equation, the room resonated with laughter, the occasional "aha" moment, and the rhythm of mathematical discovery.

In the early hours of the morning, with the equation simplified and a newfound appreciation for the beauty of mathematics, Alex and Yue realized that their late-night study sessions were more than just a quest for academic excellence.

As Yue and Alex entered the classroom, a palpable shift in energy swept through the space. Whispers buzzed like a swarm of bees, and curious glances turned into full-on stares. The entire class seemed to be caught in the wake of a shared realization.

One student leaned over to another, whispering, "Hey, isn't that Alex and Yue? What are they doing together?"

The other student, eyes wide with surprise, responded, "Yeah, they're always together. But, like, today feels different, you know?"

Word spread quickly, and soon the entire class was abuzz with speculation. The speculation, however, was laced with a mix of confusion, curiosity, and a touch of envy.

A girl in the back row muttered, "Why are they so close? I heard they're always hanging out together outside of school too."

Her friend shrugged, "Maybe they're just really good friends. But seriously, why is everyone acting like they've never seen them together before?"

Near the front of the class, a group of students huddled together, shooting covert glances at Alex and Yue. One of them dared to voice the unspoken question, "Do you think they're, like, a thing?"

The others exchanged uncertain glances before one brave soul replied, "Nah, they're probably just friends. Friends can hang out, right?"

Meanwhile, Yue remained unfazed by the attention, his eyes fixed on the textbook in front of him. Alex, on the other hand, could feel the weight of the collective gaze.

Amidst the subtle chaos of the classroom, Alex and Yue found solace in the language of mathematics. Unbeknownst to them, their conversation about math began to draw the attention of their curious classmates.

Alex, with a furrowed brow, whispered to Yue, "Hey, I was trying to solve that trigonometric equation last night, and I got stuck. Can you help me out?"

Yue, always composed, leaned in to take a look at Alex's notebook. Their faces were now so close that the ambient whispers of the classroom faded into the background. Students nearby couldn't help but glance in their direction, intrigued by the proximity of the two friends.

One classmate elbowed another, nodding towards Alex and Yue. "Look at them, acting like they're the only ones in the room. What's with the math discussion?"

The other student squinted, pretending to focus on their own work but stealing glances at the duo. "I don't know, but it's like they've built a force field around them. No one else exists in their world."

As Alex and Yue delved deeper into their math discussion, their gestures and animated expressions became a spectacle for the onlookers. The pair seemed oblivious to the growing audience, engrossed in the elegance of equations and the beauty of mathematical solutions.

A hushed murmur began to spread across the room, fueled by speculation and intrigue. Some students started pretending to work on their assignments while discreetly observing the unfolding scene.

A girl in the back whispered to her friend, "Is it just me, or are they actually enjoying math? Who does that?"

Her friend smirked, "I don't know, but it's kind of fascinating. Math has never looked so... interesting."

Meanwhile, a group of boys exchanged sly glances. "Is Yue tutoring Alex? Or is it the other way around? Either way, it's weirdly captivating."

Haoran, along with a couple of other friends, cornered Alex with inquisitive expressions, curiosity burning in their eyes. "Hey, Alex, what's the deal with you and Yue?" Haoran asked, a sly grin playing on his lips.

Alex, trying to downplay the situation, chuckled nervously. "Oh, come on, guys, we're just friends. Nothing more, nothing less." However, as he spoke, he subconsciously leaned onto Yue's shoulder, a gesture that spoke volumes.

The observant eyes of their friends didn't miss this subtle interaction. Haoran's grin widened, and he exchanged knowing glances with the others. "Just friends, huh?" he teased, nudging Alex playfully.

Yue, who was engrossed in his own thoughts about the math problems, looked up when he sensed the attention directed at them. The scene unfolding before him was not lost on his perceptive gaze. Alex's nonchalant attempt to label their relationship as mere friendship clashed with the obvious closeness they shared.

The classroom buzzed with whispers, the rumor mill now fueled by this apparent contradiction. The classmates, always eager for a dose of gossip, couldn't resist discussing the dynamics between Alex and Yue.

"Did you see that? They're definitely more than friends."

"I knew it! Nobody leans on someone like that if they're just buddies."

"Alex is trying to play it cool, but we all see what's happening."

Haoran, embracing the role of the unofficial spokesperson, reveled in the drama. He turned to Alex, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "You know, actions speak louder than words, buddy. You might want to reconsider the 'just friends' stance."

Alex, feeling the weight of the situation, shot Yue an apologetic glance. "Sorry, Yue. I didn't mean to drag you into this."

Yue, unfazed by the brewing gossip, simply shrugged. "It's fine. Let them talk. It doesn't bother me."

The classroom continued to hum with speculation, each passing minute adding another layer to the intrigue. Alex's attempt to downplay their connection had inadvertently transformed their friendship into the focal point of the class's attention.