The lecture hall was loud…
Until Elisa walked in.
Not because she tried to get attention.
She never did.
But people noticed confidence.
And Elisa carried it like armor.
Her gaze scanned the room—
Then stopped.
Justin.
Leaning back in his chair… relaxed… watching her like this was the most entertaining part of his day.
That slow smile appeared.
The one she hated most.
"Late again," Justin said casually.
Elisa dropped her bag on the desk beside him.
"I'd rather be late than early enough to hear you talk more."
A few students nearby snorted.
Justin just rested his chin on his hand, studying her.
"You didn't deny hearing me."
She glared.
"You're loud."
"I was whispering."
"You whisper annoyingly."
Justin leaned closer.
Not touching.
Just close enough that she noticed.
"Then why are you still standing here?"
Her heartbeat skipped once.
Annoying.
She pulled the chair back harder than necessary and sat.
"Because moving would mean admitting you exist."
Justin laughed softly.
"Too late for that."
She opened her notebook.
Ignored him.
Focused.
Calm.
Composed.
Perfectly unaffected.
Justin tapped his pen once.
Then again.
Then again.
Slow rhythm.
Intentional.
Her eyebrow twitched.
"Stop that."
"Stop noticing."
She turned sharply.
He was watching her again.
Like always.
Like he noticed every small reaction she tried to hide.
Before she could reply—
The classroom door opened.
And someone new walked in.
Jason.
Neatly dressed. Relaxed smile. Confident stride.
He didn't scan the room like most people.
He walked straight toward them.
Elisa frowned slightly.
Why here?
Why them?
Jason stopped beside Justin first.
"Mind if I sit here?"
He didn't wait for an answer.
He sat on Justin's other side… then leaned slightly forward toward Elisa.
"So you're Elisa," he said warmly.
His voice was smooth. Friendly. Easy.
Too easy.
Elisa nodded once.
Polite. Distant.
"Yes."
Jason smiled like that was the most interesting answer in the world.
"I've heard a lot about you."
Justin snorted quietly.
"None of it good, I hope."
Jason chuckled.
"Oh, very impressive things."
His eyes stayed on Elisa.
"Top scores. Strong personality. Hard to approach."
Elisa crossed her arms.
"Then don't approach."
Jason leaned a little closer.
Lowering his voice slightly.
"But now that I have… it would be rude to leave."
Justin's pen stopped tapping.
Completely.
Jason casually reached out—
And gently adjusted a loose strand of Elisa's hair near her shoulder.
Light touch.
Brief.
Natural.
Intentional.
Justin's chair shifted sharply.
The sound was loud.
Too loud.
Elisa froze for a second.
Not because of Jason's touch.
Because she felt Justin looking at her.
Hard.
Focused.
Sharp.
Jason noticed.
Of course he noticed.
A small amused smile appeared.
"Something wrong?" he asked gently, glancing at Justin.
Justin leaned back slowly.
Relaxed posture.
Unbothered expression.
But his voice was flat.
"Don't touch what isn't yours."
Silence dropped instantly.
Students nearby pretended not to listen.
No one moved.
Jason blinked once… then smiled wider.
"My mistake."
He turned back to Elisa.
"But she didn't seem bothered."
Elisa opened her mouth—
Then paused.
Because Justin was still staring at her.
Waiting.
Like her answer mattered.
Like he needed it.
Heat rose in her chest.
Why did he care?
Why was he acting like this?
Why did that… bother her?
She lifted her chin slightly.
"I can speak for myself."
Justin's gaze didn't move.
"I'm listening."
Her heart beat faster.
Stupid.
Both of them were stupid.
Jason leaned back comfortably.
Watching them like a spectator enjoying a show.
"This is interesting," he murmured.
Justin ignored him.
Still looking only at Elisa.
"…Well?"
She turned away sharply.
"Neither of you are important enough to argue over."
Justin smirked slowly.
But his eyes softened slightly.
"Good."
Jason laughed quietly.
"Oh… I don't know about that."
He leaned closer to Elisa again.
Close enough that his voice brushed her ear.
"I think he cares more than he says."
Justin stood up instantly.
Chair scraping again.
Jason raised an eyebrow.
"Sensitive."
Justin looked down at him.
Calm.
Controlled.
But his jaw was tight.
"Move your seat."
Jason tilted his head.
"Why?"
Justin didn't answer.
He just held his gaze.
Silent pressure.
Elisa stood suddenly.
Both of them looked at her.
Annoyed.
Flustered.
Heart racing.
"I'm moving," she said sharply.
"If children want to fight over chairs, do it without me."
She walked two rows ahead.
Sat down.
Opened her notebook again.
Pretended to read.
Pretended her heart wasn't beating too fast.
Pretended she didn't feel both of their eyes on her back.
Behind her—
Justin sat slowly.
Silent.
Watching.
Jason leaned back in his chair, smiling faintly.
"So…"
He spoke quietly.
"This is going to be fun."
Elisa didn't turn around.
But she could feel it.
The tension.
The attention.
The strange heat in her chest.
And for the first time…
She realized something uncomfortable.
Justin teasing her was annoying.
Jason watching her was unsettling.
But Justin reacting to Jason…
That made her heart race the most.