Chapter 7: A Thin Line

Karina hated how unsettled she felt after that encounter.

She was used to people complimenting her, challenging her, even underestimating her-but Heeseung? He had a way of getting under her skin, not just with his words but with the way he looked at her, like he saw something she didn't want to admit was there.

And what frustrated her the most? She didn't completely hate it.

Later That Night - AESPA's Dorm

Karina lay on the couch, scrolling through her phone, trying to distract herself. It wasn't working.

Winter walked in, eyeing her suspiciously. "You've been staring at your screen for an hour. Are you actually reading something, or are you just using it as an excuse to ignore your feelings?"

Karina didn't even look up. "I don't know what you're talking about."

Winter smirked, plopping down beside her. "Right. And I'm a solo artist."

Karina sighed, finally locking her phone. "I just-" She hesitated. "Heeseung is annoying."

Winter grinned. Bingo.

"So you admit he's on your mind?"

Karina groaned. "That's not what I meant."

Winter leaned her head on the couch dramatically. "Denial is such a beautiful stage."

Karina rolled her eyes. "Even if I was thinking about him, it's only because he keeps pushing my buttons."

Winter hummed, looking unconvinced. "And you never wondered why?"

Karina hesitated.

Had she?

She thought it was just competitiveness at first, but now-now it felt different. Like their tension wasn't just about winning. Like it was a game they were both playing, waiting to see who would break first.

Winter nudged her. "If he's really just annoying, then why do you care so much?"

Karina didn't answer.

Because the truth was, she didn't know anymore.

Meanwhile - HYBE Dorms

"You're seriously still thinking about her?" Jay asked, kicking back on Heeseung's bed.

Heeseung sighed, rubbing his temple. "I never said that."

Sunghoon, lying on the floor, laughed. "You didn't have to."

Heeseung exhaled, lying back on his pillow. "She's just... different."

Jay and Sunghoon exchanged a glance.

"Different how?" Jay asked.

Heeseung didn't answer right away. He thought about the way Karina's eyes challenged him, how she never backed down, how she made him feel like he was constantly on the edge of something he couldn't name.

Finally, he muttered, "I don't know yet."

But deep down, he had a feeling that whatever this was-it was only going to get more complicated.