‣ staff room

@☼┊wen soohyuk ᵇ Hinata's grin widened as the older spoke, her playful eyes narrowing slightly as she stepped back, putting just a bit more distance between them. "You're really determined huh?" she teased, a light chuckle escaping her lips. Her fingers drummed lightly against the back of her hand, clasped behind her as she looked him over with an amused, almost challenging gaze. "Well, I guess I'll just have to make sure you don't get any good shots."

At his teasing response, she mimicked the raised eyebrow, her lips curling into a sly smile. "Oh don't worry," she said, her voice carrying a sense of lighthearted mischief. "I'll come bother you again tomorrow. Count on it." There was a softness in her tone, a playful sincerity that made it clear she enjoyed their back and forth. The teasing had become a rhythm for them both, one that she wasn't ready to let go of just yet.

But as he stood and clapped his hands together with finality, signaling the end of their time together, Hinata let out an exaggerated sigh, raising her hand to cover her face in mock despair. "Guess that's my cue to go huh?" She gave him an overdramatic look, the corners of her lips still lifted in that characteristic smirk. "I'll leave you to your 'important' things, Mister Wen."

Turning toward the door, she paused just before stepping out, her hand resting lightly on the frame as she glanced over her shoulder. Her gaze lingered on him for a beat, a playful glint in her eyes. "Don't get too comfortable without me," she said with a teasing grin, her voice carrying a fondness that almost made her words feel like a secret between the two of them.

And with one final, exaggerated wave of her hand, she stepped out the door and made her way down the hallway. She couldn't help but smile to herself, already looking forward to their next encounter. With a quick wave of her hand, she disappeared around the corner, heading back down the hall to catch some sleep.

( end )

@☁︎┊lan hinata ᵇ ²²⁰¹²⁵ He shrugged with a smile, her statement already enough to confirm his point. Swiveling his chair from side to side, his eyes followed her as she approached his desk. "Like I said, patience. I'll get the photo proof sooner or later." he said, shrugging again. His hands rested comfortably on his abdomen, elbows propped up on the armrests of his office chair. He was confident that his goal was within reach. After all, he was in it for the long haul. Patience was his strong suit.

Raising an eyebrow slightly as she poked him, his gaze lingered on hers. "Well, you do need to recharge yourself. You'll have to come bother me again tomorrow, right?" He chuckled softly, watching her step back. Though the day was winding down and they were about to part ways, he found himself oddly looking forward to tomorrow and for the next round of their playful sparring.

With that, Soohyuk stood up from his chair, clapping his hands together once as if marking the end of the day, for their time together, at least. "Run along now, Moondust. I've got things to take care of." he said, his tone shifting slightly more serious as he grabbed a few items from his drawer. He had some personal errands to handle before wrapping up his day.

@☼┊wen soohyuk ᵇ "Surprised a bratty Lan decided to appear?" Hinata teased, a silly grin lighting up her face as she stepped closer to his desk, her movements unhurried yet deliberate. She leaned in slightly, peering down at him with her hands clasped behind her back, her voice carrying a light hum. "I'll have you know, it's impossible to catch me drooling," she added, a chuckle slipping through her brims.

The other's smirk didn't waver and when he pointed out her decision to stick around, she let out a dramatic roll of her eyes. "Fine," she said with mock resignation, the corners of her lips curling into a playful simper. "I'll look forward to it, I guess. But don't think I'll let you win that easily, Mister Wen," she quipped, her tone laced with both amusement and challenge.

She shifted her weight slightly, her fingers unfolding as she reached out to give his hand a gentle poke. The touch was brief, almost fleeting, but enough to add a sense of closeness to the moment. Clearing softly, she straightened back up, clasping her hands once more behind her. "Too bad I can't stay longer," she murmured, her voice tinged with a hint of regret, though her grin stayed firmly in place.

"Somebody needs to go back and catch some zs," she added with a soft giggle, retreating a step as if to emphasize her point.

@☁︎┊lan hinata ᵇ ²²⁰¹²⁵ Soohyuk’s brow quirked in playful surprise. “You’re a Lan?” he repeated, as though the idea was inconceivable. “Who would’ve thought.” he added teasingly as he leaned back in his chair. Her antics, though far from the textbook definition of a Lan, were something he found amusing rather than concerning. After all, everyone interpreted the principles differently, and he wasn’t one to judge.

A smirk tugged at his lips as he shrugged nonchalantly. “Oh, you definitely drool, Moonshine. The only thing missing is proof.” His eyes followed her movements closely as she approached the desk, her deliberate strides catching his attention. He didn’t miss the glint of mischief in her expression, and it only deepened his amusement.

Her teasing challenge didn’t faze him. Instead, it fueled his playful demeanor. “You’re the one who insisted on sticking around me, remember?” he pointed out, tilting his head slightly. “Which means there’ll be plenty of opportunities for naps and for me to catch you in the act.” His smirk widened as he nodded slowly, as though he were already certain of the outcome. “Guess I just need a little patience and maybe…a camera for evidence.” He said, winking at her playfully then.

@☼┊wen soohyuk ᵇ "I guess I can be a good Lan and do my homework then," Hinata remarked with a light tsk, her voice carrying a playful lilt as she shifted to lay on her side. Propping herself up slightly, she brushed her blonde hair back, the silvery strands catching the faint light. Her gaze settled on the professor, taking in the smirk tugging at his lips. She rolled her eyes in feigned annoyance, though her expression betrayed the flicker of amusement she couldn't quite suppress. She couldn't help but marvel at how he always managed to maintain that air of quiet confidence.

At his suggestive remark, her brow arched slightly, her gaze sharpening with playful curiosity. She eyed him for a moment, the corner of her lips twitching upward before she chuckled softly and shook her head. "Are you seriously suggesting I test whether I drool, sir?" she teased, her tone light yet challenging as her words hung in the air.

Sliding gracefully off the couch, she padded toward the desk, her movements fluid and deliberate. She stopped at the edge, leaning lightly against it as her head tilted to the side, her eyes locking onto his with a glint of mischief. "Because if that't the case, you might need to do a little more convincing."

@☁︎┊lan hinata ᵇ ²²⁰¹²⁵ “Nine.” Soohyuk confirmed with a nod, his gaze flickering to her as she checked her phone. A quiet chuckle escaped him at her remark. “Well, you could always use the extra time tonight to catch up on homework or binge some movies.” he suggested with a casual shrug, his chair beginning to swivel lazily from side to side, more out of habit than necessity. It was good to see she’d gotten some rest, even if it was just a short nap.“And just so you know,” he added with a faint smirk, “I’m always an early bird.”

At her playful accusation, his brow arched slightly, and he leaned forward against his desk, one arm propped casually on its surface as his gaze locked with hers. “You drooling would’ve been something.” he teased, his tone light, “but no, I was sitting here, appreciating the rare quiet moment.” The corners of his lips then tugged upward as his smirk deepened, his chin now resting on his hand as he studied her with a spark of amusement in his eyes. “Though now you’ve got me curious...” he continued, his voice dropping to a playful lilt. “Are you the type to actually drool in your sleep? Guess I’ll need you to stick around more often to find out, don’t you think?”

@☼┊wen soohyuk ᵇ Hinata blinked slowly, her lashes fluttering as her gaze settled on the other. A faint smile tugged at her lips at the nickname, though she chose not to comment on it just yet. "Nine?" she murmured, her voice still laced with the haze of sleep. She reached into her back pocket, retrieving her phone and unlocking it to check the time. A small sigh escaped her as the screen confirmed his words. "Great," she muttered under her breath, leaning back against the couch, "I'm probably not going to sleep properly after this."

Setting her phone aside, Hinata turned her head toward him, tilting it slightly to mimic his posture. Her eyes glimmered with subtle amusement as she locked her gaze with his, her lips curving into a soft simper. "Yeah," she said lightly, "I guess since you woke up before I did, you've earned the title of the early bird this time."

Her gaze lingered on his face for a moment longer before she straightened up, running a hand through her hair and adjusting her posture. "So," she began, her tone teasing as a playful curiosity danced in her expression, "did you really sit there the whole time or were you secretly hoping I'd wake up with drool all over my face?"

@☁︎┊lan hinata ᵇ ²²⁰¹²⁵ Soohyuk turned his head at the sound of her voice, a soft smile tugging at his lips as he saw her awake. "Hello, Moondust." he greeted gently, the name slipping out as naturally as if he'd always called her that. It suited her after all with the soft, silvery glow that surrounded her reminding him of moonlight, calm and otherworldly, much like the serene aura she carried even now.

Leaning back in his chair, he glanced briefly at his watch in response to her question. "A little past nine." he said, his tone warm but teasing. "Still enough time to get home and sleep properly, don't you think?" His gaze gaze returned to her, unable to suppress the faint chuckle that escaped him.

There was something endearingly childlike about the way she looked now with her movements unhurried, her expression soft and tranquil, as if she'd just woken from the kind of deep, dreamless sleep most people rarely experience. "Had a good nap?" He couldn't help ask, his head tilting ever so slightly to the side, his gaze fixed at her.

@☼┊wen soohyuk ᵇ The glow remained steady, wrapping Hinata in its silvery embrace as she stirred on the couch. Her brows knit briefly, her lashes fluttering open to reveal eyes still heavy with sleep but calm— unfazed by the faint, ethereal light surrounding her. She blinked slowly, as though brushing away the lingering remnants of her dreams.

Sitting up, she stretched her arms above her head, the glow pulsing faintly in rhythm with her movement. It was a sight that might have startled anyone else, but to Hinata, it was second nature. The soft shimmer of light that followed her had always been there, a quiet, constant presence she neither questioned nor feared.

Her fingers combed through her hair as she glanced around the room, taking in the dim office illuminated only by her glow. Letting out a small sigh, she leaned back against the cushions, the steady rise and fall of her breathing matching the serene stillness of the space.

The glow cast faint, shifting patterns on the walls, dancing like ripples of moonlight. Hinata’s gaze lingered on the gentle display, her thoughts unhurried as her body slowly shook off the weight of sleep. The quiet around her felt comforting, wrapping her in a moment of rare tranquility.

As her senses sharpened, she became aware of another presence. Turning her head, she noticed the professor seated at his desk, his gaze distant as he looked out the window. Her lips curved into a soft yawn as she raised a hand to rub her eyes, her movements languid and unbothered.

"Mmm hey," she murmured, her voice warm but thick with sleep. She tilted her head, her expression serene, the glow casting a soft halo around her features. "What time is it?"

Her question, though simple, broke the silence with a quiet ease, her tone carrying no urgency— just the calm curiosity of someone slowly waking to the world around them.

@☁︎┊lan hinata ᵇ ²²⁰¹²⁵ Soohyuk had just moved from the window, his footsteps quiet as he approached the couch, intending to gently wake her. But before he could, a subtle shift in her posture caught his attention. His gaze fell on her hand as it twitched, then his eyes widened slightly as he saw the faint silvery glow beginning to shimmer around her. He stopped, finding himself crouching down, the intention to wake her forgotten for a moment as he watched in awe.

Soohyuk watched quietly, watching Hinata's peaceful form, the faint glow surrounding her capturing his attention. His breath caught for a moment, his gaze lingering on the ethereal light as it wrapped around her like a protective veil. He’d seen many things in his time, but this was... different. It was as if the very essence of her was reaching out. His eyes softened, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips as he watched the glow shimmer around her, making her seem almost otherworldly. There was something about the way it moved, the way it pulsed with her breathing that made him feel as though he was witnessing a side of her that no one else had seen. Reaching out slowly, he brushed a lock of hair away from her face, the soft glow dancing around his fingers as he did. His touch was gentle, as if not to disturb her delicate slumber. "You're more than you show, aren't you?" he murmured softly, almost to himself. For now, he would allow her this space, let her rest and be.

With a final glance at the glowing figure of Hinata, Soohyuk rose quietly, content to wait. He made his way to his desk and eased into his chair, his gaze lingering on her briefly before drifting toward the window, and into the quiet expanse of the night.

@☼┊wen soohyuk ᵇ Hinata shifted slightly, her brows knitting together as if her dreams were pulling her deeper into some unknown memory. A faint murmur escaped her lips, too soft to make out but laced with a fragility that didn't match her usual fiery demeanor.

Her hand twitched against the cushions, as though instinctively reaching out, brushing the space where the professor had been laying moments before. The soft motion gave away more than she ever would while awake— a quiet need for warmth, for comfort.

Her breathing slowed again, steady and calm, but her expression remained conflicted. Even in sleep, there was a tension in her— an unresolved battle lingering beneath the surface.

Then, almost imperceptibly at first, a faint silvery glow began to shimmer around her. It started at her fingertips, the light tracing delicate lines along her skin before spreading outward, enveloping her in a soft, ethereal aura. The glow, like moondust come to life, pulsed gently with her breaths, casting faint ripples of light across the couch and onto the walls.

Her blonde hair caught the glow, strands shimmering as though woven with threads of moonlight. The gentle luminescence softened her features, easing the tension in her brow as if the glow itself sought to soothe her restless dreams. As the glow settled into a steady rhythm, Hinata shifted again, her hand curling loosely against the cushions, the light dancing faintly around her like a protective embrace.

@☁︎┊lan hinata ᵇ ²²⁰¹²⁵ "Hmm." Soohyuk murmured softly, choosing not to engage further in their playful banter. The fact that Hinata had willingly settled beside him was already proof enough that, in some way, he could handle her even if the idea of a leash was far fetched.

His hand, which had been resting loosely around her, moved instinctively to cradle the back of her head. The action was almost absent minded, protective even, as he adjusted slightly to ensure she was comfortable. His lips brushed faintly against her forehead, a fleeting, unconscious gesture of care before sleep finally claimed him.

Hours passed, the office falling silent and dim as the day turned into night. Soohyuk stirred, his eyes slowly opening as he woke from an unusually peaceful nap. He blinked several times, his vision adjusting to the darkness of the room. For a moment, he was disoriented, but the warmth pressed against him quickly reminded him of the situation.He glanced down, his gaze falling on the still sleeping Hinata nestled against him. A low chuckle escaped his lips, the sound soft and amused. Even the feisty "brat" of a student had succumbed to slumber.

Carefully, he shifted, pulling away from her without disturbing her rest. He stood and stretched, running a hand through his disheveled hair as he stifled a yawn. Turning to check his watch, he noted it wasn’t too late, but the darkened office and quiet campus suggested most of the students had already gone home. Soohyuk wandered to the window, glancing out at the school grounds below. A few stragglers were still making their way across the courtyard, their voices faint in the distance. Turning back to the couch, his gaze lingered on Hinata's peaceful form. "Should I wake her up?" he muttered to himself, weighing his options. Letting her sleep seemed kinder, but leaving her there all night? That wouldn’t do either. Crossing his arms, he leaned against the window, a faint smile playing on his lips as he deliberated on what to do.

@☼┊wen soohyuk ᵇ Hinata let out a small huff, her eyes narrowing at his comment about the leash. "A leash? You think you could handle me like that?" she teased, her voice light but with a hint of softness as she shifted to get more comfortable.

The warmth of his presence, however, quickly made her lose the fight against sleep. Her body melted into his, and with a quiet sigh, she let her head rest gently on his chest. The faint rhythmic rise and fall of his breathing soon calmed her, and her eyelids grew heavier by the second.

She didn't resist any longer. With one final shift, she relaxed fully, her arm still draped around him, and let the pull of sleep take her. It wasn't long before her breathing deepened, signaling that she had drifted off into a peaceful, quiet slumber.

@☁︎┊lan hinata ᵇ ²²⁰¹²⁵ "Better than tying you up with a leash, don’t you think?" Soohyuk replied, his voice low and calm, already teetering on the edge of sleep. A soft smile tugged at his lips as Hinata finally gave up resisting and settled into their position. He hadn’t anticipated her playful compliance. He actually expected her to fight back, to make a scene. But this? Her exaggerated acceptance and comical pats on his back? It was far more amusing.

The unexpected warmth of her arm wrapped around him and the gentle rhythm of her hand patting his back made him chuckle, a sleepy sound that faded into the relaxed stillness of the room. He didn’t move, finding her antics oddly soothing instead of irritating. "Glad you realize just how exhausting it is to deal with you." he murmured, his voice trailing off into a soft hum of contentment. His body relaxed completely against hers, his breathing evening out as he added, "Now let me sleep."And just like that, he drifted off, his expression peaceful, his guard completely down, something he never does for someone who have claimed to sleep with one eye open.

@☼┊wen soohyuk ᵇ Hinata froze for a second, her eyes widening slightly as she found herself suddenly pulled into his space, her body lightly pinned between him and the couch. The warmth of his arm draped casually over her only amplified the absurdity of the situation. She blinked rapidly, her brain scrambling to process what had just happened.

Recovering quickly, she tilted her head, her wide eyes narrowing into a squint— a mixture of disbelief and amusement coloring her expression. "Wow," she drawled, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "Is this your master plan, Sir? To trap your poor, innocent student like this? Truly diabolical."

She wriggled a little, testing the waters, but he didn't budge. "You're unbelievable," she muttered, shaking her head even as a small smirk tugged at the corners of her lips. After a few moments of half hearted attempts to squirm free, she finally let out an exaggerated sigh of defeat.

Shifting slightly to make herself comfortable, she wrapped one arm around him in an exaggerated, almost comical gesture of acceptance. Her other hand began patting his back gently, as though soothing a cranky baby.

"There, there, Professor. Did you need a nap that badly?" she teased, her voice adopting a mockingly sweet, maternal tone. "I hope this helps you sleep better, poor thing. It must be so exhausting keeping up with a brat like me." She couldn't stop the laughter that bubbled up, the ridiculousness of the situation amusing her far more than it should have.

@☁︎┊lan hinata ᵇ ²²⁰¹²⁵ Soohyuk's chuckle was soft, but there was something knowing behind it. "Trust me." he replied with a tone that was both reassuring and amused, "I'll make it through whatever you have up your sleeves." It wasn't arrogance, but rather the steady confidence of someone who had weathered far worse. Hinata's persistence was refreshing, a contrast to the weight of his own experiences.

His eyes glinted with amusement as she leaned in closer, and her teasing question about napping on him brought a raised brow and a mischievous smirk to his lips. He could feel the playful challenge in the air, and a sense of amusement swirled within him. "Fine." he muttered, his smirk turning into something more playful and teasing. Without warning, his long arm shot out toward her, closing the gap between them in an instant. He grasped her wrist, pulling her gently but firmly toward him.

Before she could protest, the young female was trapped between his body and the back of the couch, his face mere inches from hers. He leaned back comfortably, one arm draped casually over her as if nothing out of the ordinary had happened. "Comfortable enough, Ms. Hinata?" he asked with a faint, almost smug smile, his eyes drifting to a close as if he were settling in for a nap. He let the silence hang for a beat, clearly enjoying the situation.

@☼┊wen soohyuk ᵇ Hinata raised an eyebrow at his words, her teasing smirk faltering for just a moment as his tone shifted. She caught the weight behind his statement, a glimpse of something darker lurking about. For a second, she considered pressing him, but the faint smile that followed told her he wasn't going to let her in that easily.

Instead, she decided to keep things light, stepping closer to the couch and tilting her head to meet his gaze. "You sound awfully confident, Sir," she said, her voice lilting with mock suspicion. "Are you sure you would survive me haunting you? I can be pretty persistent, you know."

Her fingers brushed against the back of the couch as she leaned down slightly, her eyes narrowing playfully. "And about that nap," she continued, her smirk returning, "you didn't really answer my question. Should I just make myself comfortable right here?" She tapped the armrest pointedly before giving him a mischievous look. "Or should I really take you up on the offer and nap on you? You did say you would rather keep me here, after all." Hinata straightened up, crossing her arms as she waited for his reaction, her playful tone masking the curiosity that lingered.

@☁︎┊lan hinata ᵇ ²²⁰¹²⁵ Soohyuk smirked faintly, keeping his eyes closed as he countered her jab. "Nap with me, and you'll see that I don’t snore at all." he retorted. He crossed his arms over his chest, shifting slightly to find an even more comfortable position on the couch. And with a small, playful sigh, he added, "Like I said, I’d rather have you here than running around causing trouble for someone else. Saves me the headache."

Even as he felt her approach, the faint sound of her footsteps and the soft nudge against his leg, he kept his eyes shut. Her presence didn’t unsettle him. Still, he couldn't resist the urge to respond, his tone taking on a more serious edge this time. "Trust me, Ms. Hinata.." he began, his voice quieter but firmer, "I’ve been through far worse things to know to keep an eye open even while sleeping." The weight of his words lingered in the air, a rare glimpse into the layers beneath his usual lighthearted demeanor, giving way to something heavier, something real.

He finally cracked one eye open, his gaze settling on her with a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips, softening the moment. "But if you do come back to haunt me later, I’ll be ready." He said, the playful Soohyuk resurfacing just as quickly as he had disappeared.

@☁︎┊lan sehun ᵃ "True." Kang agreed with a soft chuckle, shaking his head in amusement. Without realizing it, he'd learned to navigate his misfortunes by finding the positives in them whenever he could. He then hummed softly, affirming Sehun’s words. "At this point, I might even consider this jacket a lucky charm, despite the circumstances." A gentle smile graced his lips as he gave the jacket a light pat, the sentiment clear in his expression.

Taking another sip of his tea, Kang nodded confidently. "I would love to give you a demonstration when the circumstances are more fitting, and of course, I’d need my tea set for that." His smile brightened as he leaned forward slightly. "Do let me know when you’d have the time for it, and I’ll make sure to prepare. It’s not every day someone shows interest in something like that." he added, his tone warm with a hint of excitement.

At the mention of gadgets, Kang raised his hands in mock surrender. "I’m not tech savvy, so I wouldn’t be surprised if gadgets just malfunctioned in my presence. Mind you, it took me quite a while to figure out my smartphone." He nodded slowly, his gaze distant as if recalling the grueling months of getting used to it.

Placing his empty tea cup back on the table, Kang smiled softly. "And lately, I’ve started to believe that spontaneity is key. I’ve found that overplanning rarely works out as intended." And when Sehun mentioned "hope," Kang let out a soft chuckle, carefully pulling out his phone. He unlocked it to reveal his wallpaper, showing a small, potted succulent plant. "This is Hope," he said, his tone light yet affectionate as he set the phone on the table for Sehun to see. "To be honest, she’s been teaching me a lot since I got her." Kang’s smile deepened as he looked at the image, then back at Sehun. "Apart from my occasional tea ceremonies, I’ve found myself quite busy taking care of her. I guess it’s fate that she came into my life when she did." His voice held a note of sincerity as he concluded, "Like you said earlier, sometimes the smallest things end up making the biggest impact, right?"

@☼┊wen soohyuk ᵇ Hinata tilted her head, watching him settle into the couch like he owned the world— or at least his little corner of it. Her lips twitched into a mischievous smile, and she crossed her arms, leaning against his desk as if she had all the time in the world.

"Nap here? With you snoring loud enough to shake the walls? No thanks," she teased, rolling her eyes dramatically. Her tone was light, but there was a flicker of something softer in her gaze as she looked at him sprawled out, unguarded.

She tapped her fingers lightly against the desk, considering his words. "Stick by you the whole day? You'd like that, wouldn't you, Sir?" Her voice dropped into a mockingly sweet tone, though the glint in her eyes gave away her playfulness.

With a quiet sigh, she finally pushed herself off the desk and took a step closer, her shadow falling over him. She nudged his leg lightly with her foot— not enough to hurt, just enough to get his attention. "Don't get too comfortable. I might just come back and haunt you later, Sir."

@☁︎┊lan hinata ᵇ ²²⁰¹²⁵ Soohyuk's lips curled into a small smile, his gaze steady as he regarded her. "Is that a compliment, Ms. Hinata?" he replied, his voice carrying a hint of amusement. Whether her words were genuine or just another attempt to rattle him, he couldn’t tell, but he found her admission oddly endearing either way.

Her subtle reaction when he grabbed her leg didn’t escape his notice. It was an unusual crack in her otherwise bold and unyielding demeanor, and it intrigued him. He’d expected her to double down, to push the limits further just for the sake of it. Yet here she was, obedient, if only for a moment. That was new.

"Like I said, you can stay, perhaps nap too or leave. My office door is open to whatever you choose to do." he added, leaning back on the couch. He stretched out comfortably, draping an arm over the armrest and propping his head up with his hand, his legs now fully stretched out along the couch.

He quirked a brow as he glanced at her again. "Here I was thinking you’d stick by me for the whole day." he teased, a soft chuckle escaping his lips. It was a playful jab, but carried a subtle acknowledgment of her presence and the dynamic they shared. Closing his eyes, he let the tension of the day slip away, though he remained attuned to her movements. "Be sure to close the door when you decide to leave, hm?" he murmured, his voice softer now, as though he was already halfway to sleep.

@☁︎┊lan kang ᵃ sehun couldn’t help but smirk at kang’s remark about unasked-for skill sets, the playful glint in his eyes making his amusement clear. ' well, as long as you’re living with it gracefully,' he teased, leaning back in his chair with an easy, relaxed posture. ' not everyone can claim mastery over such a… specific talent. '

the mention of the jacket drew his gaze, and sehun found himself studying it briefly, noting how kang’s expression softened as he spoke about it. ' it must’ve been with you through a lot,' sehun said quietly, his tone slightly more serious now. ' it’s funny, isn’t it? how certain things carry memories, even when they’re just… things.' he gestured loosely toward the jacket, a small smile playing on his lips as he added, ' guess that makes them more than just things, though. '

when kang shifted to tea, sehun’s smile widened, his interest piqued by the other’s enthusiasm. ' tea making as a skill, huh? ' he asked with a raised brow, his tone both teasing and genuinely curious. ' guess I’ll have to take your word for it unless you’re planning to offer me a demonstration.' he chuckled lightly, but there was a spark of interest in his eyes. he could tell that tea was more than just a beverage to kang - it was an experience, maybe even a ritual, and sehun found himself unexpectedly intrigued.

as kang laughed about the projector incident, sehun chuckled along, shaking his head. ' well, whether it was sabotage or fate, at least the projector gave us a good story out of it,' he quipped, his grin widening. ' though I’ll admit, imagining you intimidating technology is a bit of a stretch. maybe you’re just cursed when it comes to gadgets?'

when the conversation turned to holiday plans again, sehun leaned forward slightly, resting his forearms on the table as he listened. the mention of the ski trip brought a spark of interest to his face. ' a ski trip, huh? that sounds like a great way to spend the holidays, ' he said sincerely. ' though I know what you mean about plans falling apart. they always seem to have a mind of their own, don’t they?' he tilted his head, a thoughtful look crossing his features as he considered kang’s backup plan.

' learning more about your friend, hope,' sehun repeated, his voice light but with a teasing edge. ' that sounds like the kind of plan you can’t go wrong with. who knows? maybe hope will surprise you.' he took a sip from his cup, his gaze flicking to jang with a small smile that was both playful and earnest. ' and if not, you’ve always got tea-making skills to fall back on. that’s a solid plan b in my book. '

@☼┊wen soohyuk ᵇ "Because you're interesting, Sir," Hinata admitted, her voice soft but confident, her head tilting slightly to the side as she studied him. There was a certain glint in her eyes, playful yet sincere, as if she was daring him to react to her bold statement.

Her teasing demeanor faltered for a brief moment when his hand suddenly caught her leg, halting her playful nudges. The unexpected contact made her jolt slightly, her body stiffening as her eyes darted to his hand and then to his face. The subtle shift in his tone wasn't lost on her— it wasn't harsh, but it carried a quiet authority that demanded obedience. Hinata swallowed lightly, nodding almost instinctively, a small gesture of compliance that seemed out of character for her usual rebellious antics.

As his grip loosened and he leaned back, Hinata let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding. Her gaze followed him intently as he rose from his chair and made his way to the couch, plopping down with a huff that seemed to declare he was done dealing with her for now. She watched him settle in, his relaxed posture almost comical against the backdrop of their earlier exchange.

"No way I'm sticking around while you're snoring away," she said with a faint smirk, her voice light as she hopped off his desk. She dusted off her shorts with a quick pat, more out of habit than necessity, her movements fluid and unhurried. "Maybe some other time~"

@☁︎┊lan hinata ᵇ ²²⁰¹²⁵ Soohyuk raised an eyebrow at her playful antics, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his lips. She certainly had a knack for getting under his skin, and it seemed she was enjoying every minute of it. He let the first push of his chair go without a word, allowing the movement to pass without any reaction. It wasn’t the first time she’d tried to annoy him, and he knew well enough that letting her have her fun kept her occupied.

"I reckoned you have more people to bother, but it doesn’t seem like it, hm?" His eyes met hers, and for a moment, the playful edge to her teasing was met with a more serious gaze. "Funny enough, keeping an eye on you and having you here reassures me more than having you run around on your own." His words hung in the air, but they were not a complaint. Soohyuk had his own reasons for wanting her close, even if she was an endless source of amusement. She was unpredictable, and he couldn’t help but feel some sense of control when she was right there, within his reach.

When she pushed the chair again, this time with more force, Soohyuk’s patience snapped. The movement made his head spin slightly, and his hand instinctively shot out, grabbing her leg with firm but gentle restraint to stop the chair from rocking any further. His voice was firm as he looked up at her, not with anger but with quiet authority. "Would you be so kind as to not do that?" He said, his tone not a request but a mild command, his hand still holding her leg for a moment before it loosened. He shook his head slightly, trying to shake off the dizziness before offering her a soft smile. His demeanor shifted then, his earlier irritation melting away as he adopted a more relaxed stance.

"Well, you can linger here if you want. I might need my afternoon nap though." With that, Soohyuk stood up, tossing the empty lollipop stick into the trash can by his desk. He stretched briefly before moving over to the couch, sinking into it with comfort.

@☼┊wen soohyuk ᵇ Hinata stretched her legs lazily, the tip of her shoe grazing the polished edge of Soohyuk's chair. With a calculated push, she sent it swiveling slightly from side to side, the motion slow and rhythmic. Perched comfortably on the edge of his desk, her legs dangled freely, her presence taking up more space than her small frame seemed capable of.

Flipping her phone open, she glanced at the time, her brows lifting in feigned surprise. With a soft, exaggerated sigh, she tilted her head, her lips curling into a playful pout as her gaze shifted back to him. "You're already trying to shoo your favorite brat student away? How mean," she teased, her voice carrying that familiar mix of mock hurt and teasing bravado. Her doe eyes glinted with mischief as she leaned forward slightly, her phone now resting forgotten beside her on the desk.

She stretched her arms overhead, shrugging lightly as though she was entirely unbothered by his growing exasperation. "A little bit longer until class is over, I guess," she added, her tone casual, almost lazy. Her fingers toyed idly with the edge of a nearby paper stack, the faint crinkle of the pages filling the silence. "Unless, of course, you're so desperate to kick me out. Then, well..." She trailed off, a sly grin tugging at the corner of . "I'll just find somewhere else to be. But honestly, wouldn't you miss me?" She pushed at his chair again with her foot, this time with a little more force, watching with undisguised amusement as it rocked slightly on its axis.

@☁︎┊lan hinata ᵇ ²²⁰¹²⁵ Soohyuk chuckled softly, shaking his head at her playful teasing. "Well, any company is still company." he said, his tone light as he watched her work. "By all means, do come back. Just give the door a good nudge, but make sure to knock before coming in." he added, flashing her a knowing smile.

He returned to his magazine, flipping through the pages casually. To an outsider, it looked like a regular National Geographic with its iconic yellow border, glossy pages showcasing wildlife and breathtaking landscapes. But anyone who truly knew him or dared to pry would suspect otherwise. Nestled between the regular articles was a carefully modified section, tailored to his more niche interests. This hidden part contained provocative, humorously scandalous editorials and outlandish satire, which is far from the publication's usual tone. Soohyuk chuckled softly under his breath at the absurdity of the content, but his attention shifted back to her words as she spoke. "Well, I might miss you. Who knows? We'll never know until that day comes, hm?" he said, giving her a soft smile. He figured she'd get bored eventually and leave him be. The future was uncertain, but he preferred to enjoy the present and that was bantering with his favorite brat student.

As she closed her sketchpad, Soohyuk followed suit, letting his own reading material rest on the desk. "It's never certain with you, is it?" he remarked with a teasing grin. "I'll be honored when that day comes." He placed the magazine back in the drawer and leaned back on his chair, eyeing her with a raised brow. "Now, are you done turning my office into your personal art room?" he asked, casually playing with the lollipop stick now that the candy had been finished.

@☼┊wen soohyuk ᵇ Hinata smirked as her pencil danced over the paper, shading the intricate details of the eye. "Sounds like you're not complaining at all," she remarked, her tone teasing as she paused to blow an invisible strand of hair away from her face. The lollipop between her lips shifted slightly as she spoke, the candy stick bobbing with her words. "Should I bother you more tomorrow? I'm getting pretty good at it."

Her focus returned to the sketch, darkening the edges of the pupil to make it sharper, more vivid. The eye on the paper seemed almost alive now, staring back at her with an intensity that matched her own. She tilted her head, examining her work, before letting out a satisfied hum. "Fine you can called me brat then. Whatever keeps you happy, Mister Wen," she added, her voice dripping with playful defiance. "But fair warning— I might go extra brat on you. Wouldn't want you to think I'm getting soft."

Her hand moved deftly across the paper again, refining the subtle highlights in the iris, the faint gleam giving the eye an almost glassy appearance. She smirked to herself, a quiet moment of pride flickering across her face before she spoke again.

"Glad to know it not bad, oh great art critic," she murmured, her tone light but tinged with sarcasm. Her pencil paused briefly as she leaned back, placing one hand on the desk for balance. The lollipop shifted to the corner of as she cast a sly glance toward the drawing. "But let's not pretend you wouldn't miss me if I actually focused on 'real work'," she quipped, her voice playful but confident. "Annoying you is way more fulfilling than anything I could pull out of your precious to-do list."

She tilted the sketchpad slightly, her gaze flicking to the eye on the page. "You say 'keep at it' like I need your encouragement," she mused, spinning the pencil between her fingers idly.

Finally, she closed her sketchpad with a soft snap and leaned back slightly, one brow arching as she placed the pencil behind her ear. Her expression was as smug as ever, mischief dancing in her eyes as she tap her fingers idly on the closed sketchpad. "Maybe I'll sketch you next."

@☁︎┊lan hinata ᵇ ²²⁰¹²⁵ “Guess I’m the only one willing to deal with you in the first place.” Soohyuk shot back smoothly, shrugging as if to punctuate his words. He leaned back a little further in his chair, letting the lollipop rest at the corner of his mouth as his eyes flicked to her sketchpad momentarily before returning to her face. “But hey, I must be doing something right if you keep coming back to bother me.” He gestured vaguely with the stick of his lollipop, his tone shifting to one of mock seriousness. “And admit it, lollipops are universally acknowledged as little bits of joy. It’s not just me.” His lips curled into a playful smile, his cheeky demeanor never far behind.

When she offered her name, Soohyuk inclined his head slightly in acknowledgment. “Hinata.” he repeated, his voice softer for a moment, as if testing the weight of it. “It’s a beautiful name, I’ll give you that. But I think I’ll stick with calling you Brat, if you don’t mind.” he added with a teasing smirk, one brow raised in challenge. “It suits you.”

Her playful resistance to sharing her sketch earned only a slight quirk of his brow. Unbothered, Soohyuk opened his desk drawer and pulled out a magazine, flipping to a random page of National Geographic. “Suit yourself.” he murmured, turning the page with a casual air, his demeanor as nonchalant as ever. But when Hinata finally relented and tilted the sketchpad toward him, Soohyuk glanced up, his eyes sharpening with genuine interest. He leaned forward slightly, letting the magazine rest on his lap as he took in the intricately detailed eye on the paper. “Not bad.” he said, his tone lacking the usual sarcasm, though a hint of teasing lingered at the edges. “If only you put this much focus into doing actual work instead of annoying me, we’d be golden.”

Satisfied with his jab, he leaned back again, twirling the lollipop stick idly between his fingers. “Keep at it, though.” he added offhandedly, gesturing with a slight nod toward her sketchpad.

@☼┊wen soohyuk ᵇ Hinata continued sketching, her lollipop tucked into the corner of , the sweet orange flavor lingering more as she worked. "The only person dealing with me right now is you, Mister Wen," she remarked, her tone playful as her eyes stayed focused on the sketchpad. Her pencil paused briefly as she glanced at him, a teasing glint in her gaze.

"Don't flatter yourself too much, Sir," she said, pulling the lollipop out of with a soft pop. Twirling it lazily between her fingers, she smirked. "It's just a candy. Let's not make it bigger than it is."

When he called her Young Miss, she rolled her eyes, her tone turning mockingly stern. "And stop calling me that. It's getting old." She paused, letting the teasing edge in her voice settle. "Hinata. If you must know. Lan Hinata."

When Soohyuk finally leaned back into his office chair, twirling the lollipop between his fingers with that signature air of nonchalance, Hinata finally shifted. She uncrossed her legs and turned her body to face him fully, placing one hand on the edge of the desk for balance. Her posture was relaxed, but her expression carried a spark of mischief.

"None of your business," she muttered, her grin widening at his curiosity. After a moment, she relented just a little, offering, "Random sketches." At his direct question, she leaned back slightly, popping the lollipop back into as if considering how much to reveal. Finally, she tilted the sketchpad toward him slightly, revealing a detailed close up of an eye. The shading was intricate, every detail from the reflections in the iris to the delicate sweep of the lashes carefully rendered.

@☁︎┊lan hinata ᵇ ²²⁰¹²⁵ Soohyuk tilted his head slightly, a small smirk tugging at his lips as he watched her antics. Her playful grin and quick retorts made it hard not to be entertained. Leaning back against the couch, he rested his elbow on the armrest, the lollipop shifting lazily between his teeth. "A compliment, an observation, or maybe just a warning for whoever else might have to deal with you." His gaze followed her as she leaned forward to grab a lollipop, mirroring his habit. "Though I must admit, you seem to have the technique down. They do say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery." he teased, gesturing toward her with his lollipop before popping it back in his mouth.

When she pulled out her sketchpad, his brows lifted slightly, intrigued by her sudden shift to art. "Age appropriate?" he echoed with a dry chuckle. "I'll take that as you being jealous of my impeccable ability to find peace amidst chaos." His tone was playful but carried an air of mock superiority, his expression unbothered as always. The sound of her pencil scratching against the paper filled the room, and Soohyuk found himself glancing occasionally at her work. Her focused expression was a stark contrast to her earlier cheekiness, but her words kept the playful energy alive.

"Favorite brat student, Yes." he repeated, his smirk deepening. "Well, someone has to keep things entertaining around here, I suppose. You've certainly proven to be... memorable." His eyes flicked to hers briefly when she looked up, catching her challenging gaze. She was right, she had a way of making it impossible to dislike her, even if she was a handful.

At her final remark, he let out a low laugh, shaking his head slightly. "Careful with that confidence, Young Miss, you might just outshine everyone else here." He leaned forward slightly, resting his chin on his hand, his dark eyes sparkling with mischief as he added, "But if you're sticking around for the long term, I expect some creative chaos to keep me entertained. Don't let me down, favorite brat." He then pulled the lollipop from his mouth with a soft pop as he pushed himself up from the couch and strolled over to where she sat with her sketchpad. His curiosity got the better of him, and he leaned in slightly, his eyes narrowing with interest.

"What are you sketching?" he asked casually, his tone light but tinged with genuine curiosity. He tilted his head, trying to catch a glimpse of the paper but without waiting for her answer, he made his way to his desk, settling into his office chair. Leaning back lazily, he propped one elbow on the armrest and twirled the lollipop between his fingers, his gaze still fixed on her.