Minseo got out of the car and bid Mark a quick goodbye since the latter was in a rush to go to the studio. As she set foot inside the main lobby, she instantly heard a high pitch scream calling out her name.

Turning her head to the source of the sound pollution, her eyes met six familiar boys and someone she is positive she never met before. Slightly widening her eyes, she headed towards their direction with a surprise expression.

"Chenle? Jisung? What are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be at the prep school for college?" Yes, Mrs Zhong did sign up both of them for that, much to their displeasure. She said something along the lines of being prepared for the real world and to be more matured.

Chenle flicked her forehead at her question. "If we have already enter college, why should be there?" It took Minseo a solid minute to understand what he meant.

"So you're saying-" "Yup, we're officially college students now! And official members of NCT." Chenle beamed before realizing something. "Oh, also this is Sungchan. He's a close acquaintance back in high school but now he is in our circle, guess we're gonna be friends."

Minseo glanced at the giant beanstalk who is the same height as Jisung and flashed a bright smile. "Well hello then. Hope you will feel comfortable enough soon!" She said, knowing how hard it is to fit in with new people.

Sungchan smiled back shyly. "Thank you." He said barely audible. Minseo assumed he is still trying to adjust to the new environment. She then turned her head to the brown haired boy who is also towering her. "Well hello there my child. I'm sorry for not greeting you earlier."

Jisung widened his eyes and swiftly look around, glad that no one other than their circle heard that. "Don't say I'm your child in public! I already have Jaemin hyung to handle about that." He hissed. Minseo held back her laughter and nodded, dismissing Jaemin's offended gasp.

"Noted tall chicken." Jisung grumbled under his breath on how people should stop giving him nicknames as he followed Chenle who said they had go to the office first as they hadn't take their schedules yet with Sungchan beside him.

Chuckling, Minseo and the other 00 liners started walking to their first class. As they conversed, she learned that Jisung wasn't suppose to be in the same grade as Chenle but somehow he managed to help the younger to skip a grade. Talking about having a smart friend.

When they departed from Jaemin, Donghyuck and Renjun, she finally began to notice how quiet Jeno has been. Well, he is technically a quiet person but she never witness him being this quiet.

Her hand tugged on Jeno's sleeve which made the male to look her way. "Pup? Why have you been so quiet?" Trying his best to ignore the giddiness he's currently feeling, Jeno feigned a puzzled expression. "Quiet? I have been always been quiet." He respond.

"Yeah but not this quiet. I'm worried. Did I do anything wrong?" She asked, as she doesn't want him to have any untold concerns. Jeno purse his lips. How is he supposed to tell her that he's being petty over the fact she focus on the others more than him? She would think he is too clingy for no reason.

"Its nothing. I'm just thinking about our upcoming exams." He lied through his teeth, quietly wincing as he doesn't like to lie to people who are important to him.

She didn't seem convinced but didn't push it. "Why should you be thinking about it. I'm supposed to be the one worrying here Mr Excellent in Everything." She rolls her eyes which made him chuckle.

"I still need to study even if I'm as smart as you claim I am." She wave her hand in a dismissive manner. "Yeah yeah whatever." She suddenly still, which stop Jeno's tracks. "Minseo?" He called out in confusion.

"Can you give me a hug?" She suddenly blurt out. He was taken aback but did it nonetheless. Minseo then buried her head in his chest. To say he is flustered is an understatement. Little did he know she was as red as a beetroot too.

"Why so sudden?" He asked. Through her muffled answer, he could understand that it was a random feeling she needs to fulfill from time to time. She usually asks hugs when Mark, Donghyuck or Jaemin is around since they don't mind to do it for her. But for some reasons she had the urge to ask him today.

"Just ask me for hugs anytime if you want." He said as he let her go, although he doesn't really want to since he is already comfortable. She could only nod since she is still embarrassed for being so shameless. "You're very comfortable and warm. I would hug you all day if I could." She said honestly. She then wish she didn't when Jeno choked on air.

"Th-thanks I guess?" He just wants to hit himself for stuttering. Then an idea struck him and asked. "Question though, do you like a clingy boyfriend? Since we are somehow in the context." Minseo didn't know which part of it is in the context but answer nonetheless.

"I do actually. But if its a bit too much I might ask him to tone it down a bit." Jeno bit his lip, contemplating before thinking 'its now or never' and shoot his shot.

"What if I told you I was being quiet because you didn't pay attention to me until everyone left?" Minseo cooed at how Jeno couldn't even look at her while saying that. "Then I'm sorry Jeno. Next time I'll pay more attention to you even more okay big baby?" She said pinching his cheeks.

"I didn't mean it that way..." he mumbled as they went to their seats. He's happy that Minseo would do that but he wants her to see it in a more serious way. But it seems like Minseo sees him as a kid after he said that.

Unknown to him, Minseo heard what he mumbled. And understand what he meant. But maybe testing the waters won't hurt right?