CHAPTER XXII

The campus buzzed with mid-morning energy, the warm sunlight weaving through the tree branches and dappling the ground in golden hues. Students crisscrossed the pathways, their laughter and chatter blending into a harmonious background. Among them, Sana and Ji-Hoon strolled side by side, their steps naturally synchronised.

Sana clung lightly to Ji-Hoon's arm, her touch gentle yet grounding. Her outfit radiated her signature elegance – an airy white blouse with delicate lace trim tucked into a high-waisted skirt, its subtle floral pattern and slight slit giving it a modern flair. A practical leather tote hung from her shoulder, carrying her sketchbook and essentials. She had tied her hair into a loose ponytail, soft tendrils framing her glowing face.

Ji-Hoon, meanwhile, exuded an effortless charm in a light gray sweater that hugged his lean frame. A dark olive-green bomber jacket rested casually on his shoulders, unzipped to reveal the soft texture of his sweater beneath. Slim-fit black jeans and pristine white sneakers completed the look, giving him a relaxed, youthful vibe. His black backpack hung loosely off one shoulder, the practical touch grounding his otherwise polished appearance.

Ji-Hoon's dark hair, tousled in a way that seemed both intentional and unintentional, caught the sunlight in soft waves. His gaze flicked to Sana as her laughter broke the air – a light, melodic sound that tugged a faint smile to his lips. He leaned closer, murmuring something into her ear, his voice low and intimate.

Her laughter spilled out again, this time a touch louder, and Ji-Hoon's chest swelled with quiet satisfaction. He tightened his arm around hers instinctively, his thumb brushing over her knuckles. It wasn't possessiveness – but a deep need to keep her close.

After breakfast at her apartment earlier, something had shifted between them, an invisible wall that neither had realised existed now crumbled. Ji-Hoon felt it in the way her laughter lingered in his mind, in the way her fingers against his arm seemed to anchor him.

Thoughts of Sana filled the quiet spaces in his mind, spaces that had once been crowded with noise he tried to drown out with work or the chaos at Nexus. Now, she was the quiet. The calm.

But it wasn't all good. He couldn't let her become an obsession. He couldn't own her – she was her own person. Yet, every time he looked at her, the overwhelming urge to take her, to hide her from prying eyes, was becoming harder to resist. His jaw tightened as he caught the occasional glance cast their way by passing students. The curiosity, the admiration – they were subtle, most of them polite enough to avoid staring outright, but Ji-Hoon felt every glance like a challenge. Sana was his. She didn't know it, but he'd already claimed her in his heart.

They'd better stay away.

"Ji-Hoon?" Her soft voice broke through his thoughts.

"We're already here," she said, her tone light but laced with a reluctance she couldn't quite hide.

Her hesitation made him smile, a small, indulgent smirk that spoke of trouble. He was suddenly tempted to skip the rest of the day, to take her somewhere they wouldn't be disturbed – somewhere he wouldn't have to share her.

"Let's have lunch together," he said instead. "Min-Seok will probably show up this time." His hand moved on its own, tucking a stray strand of her hair behind her hair.

Her eyes brightened. "Can I bring…a friend?"

"Of course. The more, the merrier." His smile widened. "And maybe she can help keep Min-Seok in check."

Sana giggled, and Ji-Hoon couldn't help but lean in. He planted a soft, lingering kiss on her forehead. "I have to go," he whispered, his voice low and warm. "Be good and think of me."

Her soft laugh sent warmth rushing through his chest. Rising on her toes, she kissed his cheek, her lips brushing dangerously close the corner of his mouth. "You too," she murmured.

Ji-Hoon froze for a moment, the faintest glint of something dangerous flashing in his eyes. For one maddening second, he debated pulling her back, claiming her lips in front of everyone. But he stepped back, exhaling sharply. "You're lucky," he said with a teasing smirk. "I don't want to give the gossip mill more fuel."

Sana laughed and wave as she headed toward the art building. Ji-Hoon watched her until she disappeared from view, his hand clenching briefly at his side before he turned and made his way to his own class.

…

Unbeknownst to them, someone had captured their stroll and affectionate exchange. The pictures were already circulating on the school forum under the headline: "The architecture School Prince and the Art Department Beauty: Hanseo's New Power Couple?"

The thread exploded with comments:

"OMG, they are so perfect together!"

"Why does he get someone like her? Ugh."

"Honestly, I ship it."

"I heard she's just a scholarship student. Doesn't add up."

"And what's wrong with being 'a scholarship student', hm?"

…

Sana entered the drawing room, her tote bag slung over her shoulder – her steps steady even as she felt the weight of dozens of eyes on her. These weren't the usual curious glances. They carried, something sharper – envy, judgment, fascination.

As she walked toward her seat near In-a, fragments of whispers reached her ears.

"I heard she's dating Park Ji-Hoon," one voice murmured.

"Really? What would a guy like him see in her?" Came the skeptical reply.

"Well, she is beautiful and talented," someone countered.

A scoff. "She's not the only beautiful woman on campus. And one exhibition doesn't make her special."

Sana kept her pace steady, her grip tightening on her tote. Their careless words cut deeply, but she refused to let it show. She would not give them the satisfaction.

Sliding into her seat beside In-a, Sana plastered her practice smile, the one that looked cheerful and unburdened. In-a's eyes sparkled with curiosity as she leaned closer. "Sana, is it true?" She whispered. "Are you and Senior Ji-Hoon really…together?"

Sana forced a light laugh, nodding. "Yes."

"Wow," In-a breathed. "I mean, I'm happy for you!" he's gorgeous, and you're – well, you're you! But…wow."

Sana played along, answering In-a's barrage of questions with matching enthusiasm. But as the professor entered and the room fell silent, the mask slipped.

"Ah, I really want to cry," she thought, staring blankly at her sketchpad.