trouble ¦ lee jeno (UNDER REWRITING)

ch ; 11

.・。.・゜⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽ 11 ☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅・゜・。.

The first rays of dawn peeked through Seojin's window, pulling her from sleep. Monday had arrived, ushering in Neo University Week, and with it, a mandatory attendance check at 7:30 AM sharp. Determined not to miss a single point, Seojin jolted out of bed, eager to tackle the day.

Her morning routine flowed with practiced ease. She showered, dressed in a crisp blue shirt and white-washed jeans, and meticulously replaced the bandage on her side. The throbbing pain had lessened considerably, but a dull ache lingered, a constant reminder of the previous day's events.

Grabbing her tote bag with all the essentials, Seojin made her way downstairs, her mind replaying the chaotic scene from friday. Jeno, the ever-aloof boy, taking the brunt of the falling poles to shield her – it was a sight she couldn't shake. A mix of admiration and a curious flutter in her chest swirled within her.

As Seojin entered the kitchen, the familiar aroma of freshly brewed coffee greeted her. Her mother, already bustling about preparing breakfast, looked up with a smile.

"Good morning, sleepyhead. Ready for a busy week?" her mother chirped, placing a plate piled high with pancakes in front of Seojin.

Seojin grinned, taking a generous bite of the fluffy goodness. "Morning, Mom. As ready as I'll ever be for a mandatory attendance check at 7:30 AM."

Her mother chuckled. "Well, at least there's free food involved, right?"

Seojin laughed, a comfortable warmth spreading through her. Breakfast with her mom, even with the early start, was the perfect way to begin the day. They chatted about Seojin's plans for the week, the upcoming events, and of course, the incident with the falling poles.

"Did you hear anything about the boy? What's his name again?" her mother asked, a hint of concern in her voice.

Seojin shook her head. "Jeno. No, not yet. But they took him to the clinic, so hopefully, he's alright."

A pang of worry hit her. She truly hoped Jeno's injury wasn't serious. He might have been a mystery wrapped in an enigma, but his selfless act had earned her respect, and perhaps, something more.

Finishing her breakfast, Seojin grabbed her things and headed out the door, the weight of the unknown and the promise of a new week settling over her.

-

As she reached the NCU campus, a wave of activity greeted her. The air crackled with excitement as students buzzed around, tents adorned with bright colors dotted the field, and music thrummed from a nearby stage. Seojin, caught in the whirlwind, barely registered the mandatory attendance check.

The opening ceremony for Neo University Week, held inside the coliseum, was a blur of speeches, musical performances, and cheering crowds. Seojin, however, found herself isolated, perched on a lonely bench while scrolling through pictures on her phone. The vibrant campus atmosphere felt muted through the screen. Despite the bustling energy, Seojin couldn't deny a pang of loneliness.

She missed Mark. His usual presence, while often understated, was a reassuring constant. Now, with him undoubtedly swamped with student council duties for the week, a quiet emptiness settled over her.