Chapter Text
Kim Juun had a problem.
A very specific problem.
The problem was currently sitting two desks away from her, spinning a pen between her fingers while staring out the classroom window like she didn't have a single worry in the world.
Choi Jiwoo.
Juun sighed dramatically and dropped her forehead onto her desk.
"What's wrong with you?" A-na whispered.
"Nothing."
"You've been staring at Jiwoo for ten minutes."
Juun immediately sat up. "I have not."
"You literally looked offended when she turned around."
"I was not offended."
"You looked like someone stole your lunch."
Juun crossed her arms and looked away. A-na only laughed.
The truth was embarrassing.
Juun liked Jiwoo.
A lot.
More than a lot, actually.
The problem was that Jiwoo seemed completely unaware.
Not uninterested.
Just... oblivious.
Last week, Juun had waited thirty minutes after volleyball practice because Jiwoo had mentioned she needed help carrying equipment.
Jiwoo had smiled brightly and said, "You're the best, Juun."
Then she'd spent the entire walk home talking about a stray cat she'd seen.
The week before that, Juun had bought Jiwoo her favorite strawberry milk.
Jiwoo had accepted it happily.
Then she'd bought Juun one in return because "friends should share."
Friends.
The word haunted Juun.
The bell rang, pulling her from her misery.
Students immediately began gathering their things.
Jiwoo walked over.
Juun's heart instantly forgot how to function.
"Juun."
"Yeah?"
Jiwoo smiled.
The kind of smile that should honestly be illegal.
"Are you free after school?"
Juun nearly fell out of her chair.
"Yes."
The answer came far too quickly.
Jiwoo blinked.
"You didn't even ask why."
"I trust you."
A faint pink color touched Jiwoo's ears before disappearing.
Juun almost short-circuited.
"Oh," Jiwoo said softly.
For one glorious second, Juun thought maybe—just maybe—something was finally happening.
Then Jiwoo ruined it.
"I need someone to help me study."
Juun wanted to launch herself into the sun.
"Study."
"Yeah." Jiwoo grinned. "You're smart."
Of course.
Study.
Not a date.
Not because Jiwoo wanted to spend time with her.
Just because she needed help with chemistry.
Wonderful.
"Sure," Juun managed.
"Thanks!" Jiwoo said.
Then, without warning, she reached over and fixed a strand of Juun's hair that had fallen into her face.
The touch lasted less than a second.
Juun stopped breathing.
Jiwoo, meanwhile, seemed completely normal.
"See you later."
And then she walked away.
Just like that.
Leaving Juun frozen in place.
Her friend, Jeong Leean, or Ian; immediately appeared beside her.
"What happened?"
Juun stared at the doorway.
"She touched my hair."
"And?"
"And?"
Ian rolled her eyes.
"Juun, that's not exactly a marriage proposal."
"You don't understand."
"No, I understand perfectly." She laughed. "The real question is whether Jiwoo understands."
Juun groaned.
That was exactly the problem.
Jiwoo treated everyone kindly.
She smiled at everyone.
She remembered everyone's favorite snacks.
She checked on people when they looked sad.
She made everyone feel special without even trying.
How was Juun supposed to know if any of it meant something?
Meanwhile, on the other side of the hallway, Jiwoo paused.
For a moment, she glanced back toward the classroom.
Toward Juun.
A small smile appeared on her face.
Then she shook her head and continued walking.
Completely unaware that Kim Juun was currently fighting for her life over a two-second interaction.
Or perhaps—
Completely unaware that she was the reason Juun's heart had been restless for months.