Chapter Text
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Love was quite complicated, messy in ways that Shine had always warned her about. Never give yourself over to love too easily, Shine would say, because it will either change you into someone you don’t recognize…or leave you aching for the rest of your life.
But that advice left Mizi with a question she could never answer. How was she supposed to know when she was ready? When was it worth laying her heart bare for someone, for all intents and purposes, who might just be another face in the blur of her usual everyday life?
“...You’re staring again.”
The voice cut through her muddled thoughts. Mizi snapped back to the present, blinking hard.
Had she been staring? Again? God, she hoped she didn’t look like a creep. But she couldn’t help it, her gaze practically moved on its own, dragging her toward the same classmate every time, the one that sat at the front and beside Luka.
From her right came a mocking groan. Mizi didn’t even need to look to know it was Ivan, her behemoth of a best friend, lounging back in his chair like he owned the classroom. His arms hung lazily behind his head, his mouth curling into that funny yet charming grin of his.
“Staring at my cousin again? What now? Planning on marrying her—”
Before he could finish, Mizi slammed her palm over his mouth, cheeks heating under the curious glances from nearby desks. She caught Hyuna smirking knowingly from across the room.
“Shut up, idiot,” Mizi hissed, though the crack in her voice betrayed her. “I…I just want to—d-date her first…” Her scowl might have looked convincing, but the warm pink flooding her face told a different story.
“Mizi. Ivan. Please answer question B.”
Both of them groaned as the rest of the class giggled.
...
“So,” Hyuna started, casually dribbling a basketball as though nothing in the world could bother her, “what exactly was so interesting that you two got caught by our dear ‘teach’?”
Ivan shot Mizi a sidelong glance, lips twitching. “Oh, nothing much. Little Miss troublemaker over here fell in love.” He jerked his thumb at her with a cheeky grin.
Mizi growled low in her throat. “Hey! I didn’t fall in love—! I’m just..admiring..From afar.” She folded her arms, eyes darting anywhere that wasn’t at either of them.
Hyuna and Ivan burst into laughter, doubling over. Mizi’s glare deepened until the sound of approaching footsteps made Ivan perk up.
“Look who it is! Till—!” Ivan began, but was immediately shoved back by the newcomer.
“Sup, guys.” Till eyed them suspiciously. “What’s so funny?” His gaze landed on Mizi, who was still trying, and failing, not to resemble or mirror a red tomato.
Hyuna, ever the instigator, couldn’t resist. “Nothing much. Just Mizi here crushing hard on our student council president.”
Till froze, then visibly shuddered.
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Mizi asked, eyebrows rising with curiosity. Beneath her embarrassment was a flash of defensiveness, if anyone so much as hinted at insulting Sua, she’d be ready for a fight.
Till, suddenly awkward, scratched the back of his neck. “Uh…well, don’t you think she’s…you know…a little scary?”
Ivan and Hyuna kept quiet, sensing the tension practically jumping from their pink-haired friend.
Mizi stepped forward, closing the gap until she was right in front of Till. Even though he had the height advantage, her grip on his shoulders was firm, her voice resolute. “Till. That’s the best thing about her.”
Till sighed. “I thought you were about to punch me.”
Ivan piped up without missing a beat, “If she did, I’d kiss it to make sure the pain doesn't last.”
“Gross,” Till muttered, but his eyes slid back to Mizi. “So. How are you planning on getting her attention, huh? Going straight for a confession?”
That hit harder than she expected. Mizi blinked, released her grip, and stepped back, her blush returning full force. “We barely even know each other! A-and I think she already has quite the impression of me…” Her head drooped, shoulders slumping.
“What does she mean?” Till asked, turning to Hyuna.
Hyuna grinned like she’d just remembered her favorite inside joke. “Ohh! Probably talking about that time she pranked our English teacher, and Sua was the only one who witnessed it.”
Mizi groaned, head dipping lower.
Ivan raised a finger like he was making a grand declaration. “Actually, I’m betting it’s the time she glared at that Acorn guy for staring at Sua, and the teacher thought she was bullying him. Sua witnessed that, too.”
Till chuckled. “Not even dating and you’re already jealous and possessive. Impressive.”
Mizi groaned again, more pitifully this time. “Hearing it out loud makes me think Sua probably hates me…how cruel…”
Ivan patted her shoulder in sympathy, while Hyuna’s eyes lit up with sudden inspiration, “I’ve got it! We just ask Sua’s closest companions what she thinks about you!”
The group paused, glancing between each other.
“Yeah, that could work—” Till started.
“I agree,” Ivan chimed in.
“Don’t decide without me—!” Mizi protested, but the spark of hope in her chest betrayed her.
And so, Mizi dreaded the idea but was quite excited as much as she tried hiding it. Perhaps this was what Shine was talking about, that you can't give into love so easily otherwise it'll change you completely.
It's just a huge problem that Mizi doesn't mind changing for Sua at all if it means she can get closer to her.
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