8. Friends don’t kiss each other.

"You're really something. This place is huge, and you still managed to walk right past it. It's a good thing you didn't get too lost!" Kimhan scolded me fiercely as we stood inside a fast-food restaurant. He seemed quite annoyed. In the end, I had to take him to the police station, where the officer looked at us with pity before sending a subordinate to escort us to the optician's shop.

"Sorry, sorry, sorry," I apologized for the umpteenth time. "But are you sure you don't want me to pay for the glasses?"

"It's fine. It was my fault for leaving my glasses there. Who would've thought you'd come barging in like that... It's lucky those guys were willing to listen. The main character charging into enemy territory—it's a miracle you didn't get beaten up."

"I was worried about you," I admitted honestly. At that moment, I was terrified too. Fortunately, Shin pretended to be in pain and asked me to take him to the nurse's office.

"I thought you wouldn't want to see me anymore."

"It's not like that. I just didn't know how to approach you."

"Well, consider this a good opportunity then."

"Haha, I guess you're right." I took a bite of my burger. Since Kimhan wouldn't let me pay for his glasses, I treated him to fast food instead.

"But are you sure you want to talk to me again?"

"Huh? Why wouldn't I?" I asked, puzzled. "Talking to you is great. What's the problem?"

"..."

Kimhan didn't seem pleased with my response. He looked away for a moment, then turned back with an intense gaze that made me feel both hot and cold.

His expression seemed to be weighing two options: either kick me flat on my face or grab me and kiss me. Wait, why am I even thinking about kissing?

"You're making a mess."

His deep voice snapped me out of my thoughts. I realized I was still holding my burger mid-bite, with ketchup dripping all over.

"Oh, good thing it didn't stain my shirt." I sighed in relief, taking the napkin Kimhan handed me to wipe my fingers.

"You're always like this…"

"Huh?" I glanced up at him as he sat back, arms crossed, staring at me.

"Sometimes I wonder if you're really clueless or just pretending to be."

"Huh?"

"Am I not being clear enough?"

"Huh? Huh? Huh?"

He sighed heavily and leaned closer, reaching out a hand.

"You've got ketchup on your cheek."

He wiped the ketchup off my cheek with his finger and then licked it off, still staring at me. Kimhan, who was always so sharp and charming, never used his allure on anyone—until now. And it was directed at me!

My face turned red instantly, and I felt my breath hitch. Knowing my face and ears were probably beet red, I quickly looked away.

"Idiot, don't do that. You're making me nervous," I mumbled. Luckily, he had chosen a spot out of sight, or he wouldn't have dared to do something so bold.

"Seems like you're not that clueless, Kanthee."

"Hey, Kimhan, I've got to tell you, you're terrible at making jokes. Cut it out. It's not funny."

His perfectly arched eyebrows furrowed slightly, indicating his displeasure.

"Do I look like someone who jokes around?"

"No."

"Then you should know I'm not joking."

"But with me? Why? You wouldn't kiss me just as a friend, would you?"

"Friends don't kiss each other."

I was stunned into silence. My mind was in a whirl.

Kimhan, who always stood out no matter where he went, admired by nearly everyone at school—even his glasses had become a trend—this Kimhan?

"Why me? Why does it have to be me?" I asked once the question slipped out. Kimhan remained silent for a moment, not because he was thinking, but because he was waiting for me to be ready to hear the answer.

"Do you remember the first time we met? When you got lost on the first day of school?"

I nodded. Who could forget such an embarrassing moment?

"When I heard there was some idiot lost on the first day, I was annoyed. I thought you must be some troublemaker, a rebel, or something that would be a hassle for me. But when you mistook me for a threat and jumped in to help someone you thought was in danger, I was stunned. Who would've thought that someone as small as you would be so brave to intervene in a situation involving someone much bigger and stronger? But you didn't back down and held onto me tightly…"

As he spoke, his eyes seemed to drift away, recalling the memory vividly.

"I'd never met anyone like you. You're reckless, clumsy, and disorganized. But you never judge people by their appearance. You never hesitate to act even when you know you might fail. That impressed me. Since that day, you've been on my mind constantly. What are you up to today? Are you lost again? Are you in trouble? Watching over you became a part of my life. I was furious and upset when I found out you were going to play Snow White. Even if it was just a play, the thought of someone else kissing you drove me crazy. I wouldn't let anyone kiss you, even if it was just acting."

"But I'm a guy."

"It's not about being a guy or a girl. It's about me and you. And I know that the person in front of me right now is the one I love the most. That's all that matters."

"But I... I..." I stammered, feeling more confused and surprised by Kimhan's confession than anything else. I felt embarrassed and my heart raced when I saw his smile, and I thought others probably felt the same. But love? I wasn't sure. I'd never felt love for anyone before.

"I figured it might be too soon, but I couldn't help myself then," Kimhan said, seeing my expression. "Are you mad that I kissed you?"

I shook my head. "I was shocked, but I'm not mad."

"Do you hate me?"

"If I hated you, would I be sitting here with you?"

"Then... do you think you could ever love me?" His final question left me stunned, pressing back against my chair. His sharp eyes looked at me as if trying to read my mind, making me even more flustered.

"Wha— What kind of question is that? Look, your fried chicken and fries are getting cold. Hurry up and eat!" I avoided answering by focusing on my burger, taking a big bite. Could I ever love Kimhan? Damn it, why did he have to ask such a hard question?

"I'm going to kiss you for real."

"What!?"

"I'll kiss for real, unless you stop me. And you must know there's a reason to stop me. Think it over. How do you really feel about me?"