Chapter Text
"He's a friend. He already has his own partner."
I repeated those words to myself over and over, trying to calm my racing heart.
"Ju! What are you doing over there? Come with me!"
I looked up at the familiar voice.
Oh no.
No, no, no.
Not him.
"Hi!" Book greeted me with a bright smile. "Why are you alone? Where's P'Mark?"
I forced myself to stay calm.
"He... well... Mark..."
Why couldn't I speak properly?
I cleared my throat.
The awkwardness made me want to run.
Run away from this place.
Run away from him.
"You're acting weird today. Are you okay?" he asked.
His hand reached toward my forehead.
"Yes!"
The answer came out far louder than I intended as I quickly stepped back, avoiding his touch.
Book froze.
"Oh..."
A flash of confusion crossed his face.
"I mean, okay... but..."
Before he could finish, someone suddenly appeared beside us.
A savior.
At least for me.
"Book! I thought you disappeared." His on-screen partner laughed before noticing me. "Oh, hello, P'Ju."
I offered an awkward smile.
"Come on, Book. We should go first. See you later, P'Ju."
Book didn't move immediately.
Instead, he looked at me.
For a second, it felt like he wanted to say something.
But in the end, he stayed silent and followed his partner.
Just like that.
I let out a breath I didn't realize I had been holding.
My knees felt weak.
Why am I acting like this?
What's wrong with me?
My gaze lingered on his retreating figure.
"Book..."
The name slipped from my lips in a whisper.
I shook my head and forced myself to look away.
Then I walked in the opposite direction.