Absolute Social Temperature

between Seongwoo and Jihoon. Yet, in that silence, something had shifted. Jihoon had begun to speak a little

a faint, almost imperceptible nod of approval, or when he'd linger for a few extra

oo was sketching out a final diagram for their presentation, and Jihoon was typing up the last of their research notes.

ing over the keyboard. He looked up, meeting Seongwoo's gaze briefly befo

ngwoo asked, trying to

presentation. How do you think people will react?" He spoke qui

urprised. "What do you mean

the edge of the keyboard. "Never mind," he muttered, but there was a tightness

woo pressed gently.

nally spoke, his voice was quiet, almost hesitant. "People usually... judge," he said, his words carefull

as armor he'd learned to wear, a way to protect himself from the opinions and judgments

judge. But that doesn't mean we have to let it bother us. It's just a

at Seongwoo without that guarded, distant expression. "That's... ea

Jihoon. We're here to learn, not to impress anyone. If peo

lief in his eyes, as if Seongwoo's words had eased a weight he'd been carrying alone. They returned t

masked by his usual calm, almost detached demeanor. Seongwoo took the lead in presentin

araderie between them. As they reached the exit, Seongwoo noticed Jihoon hesitating, his gaze

of students with a mixture of curiosity and sympathy

ightening. "Not really," he replied, his voice t

push. Instead, he smiled, hoping to ease the tension. "Well, if if ever change your mind, I'm aro

the corners of his lips. It was so quick that Seongwoo almost missed it

would have expected. Jihoon had a quiet presence that was oddly calming, and Seongwoo felt a strange comfort

ihoon with a small smile. "Want to grab something to eat? I know a place nearby that has g

ack. "I.. don't usually eat out,

said, grinning. "Consider it a cel

xit, as if weighing the decision. Finally, after a

ngwoo couldn't help but feel a sense of quiet contentment. Jihoon seemed more relaxed than usual,

demeanor giving way to a rare moment of openness. There was a faint smile on

ly, his tone light, "You're not

f surprise in his eyes. "Is th

It's just... I'm glad I got to know you.

he simply nodded, his expression thoughtful. They finished their meal in silence, but Seongwoo couldn't shake the

ation, as if something unspoken hung in the air between them. Jihoon walked beside him, his steps measu

realized that he wanted to