Legend [YEONBIN] ✓

twenty-three ; yeonjun

I half expected Soobin to be absent again at school the next morning. When I saw his dark hair, I couldn’t hold back the smile of relief.

Other kids sat in small whispering groups, their eyes tracking to Soobin. I sighed and hoped the rumors of our “relationship troubles” would die down soon. It was taking everyone longer than normal to get over this gossip.

A shuffle of activity by the back door of the classroom drew my attention to Choi Lia.

She was hunched over, cradling a heavy object in her arms. Her friends rushed over, speaking in hurried whispers. One pulled out her phone and positioned herself in the corner, a prime viewing spot.

Lia homed in on her target with a leer.

Soobin sat with his head down, scribbling notes, oblivious.

I sprinted down the row as Lia held up a large jar, goo already dripping. I grabbed Soobin, cradling him under my body. Mung bean paste slid cold down my back, into my collar, down my shirt.

“Ya!” Lia yelled. “What’s your problem, Choi Yeonjun?”

The room was silent in the aftermath, everyone staring at the spectacle.

Lia still held the jar, unpoured mung bean paste sitting in the bottom. I yanked it away in case she got any ideas. “Get out of here before I call the teacher.”

“Why are you protecting her?” Lia asked. “Is she really your nam-chin?”

“Yeah, he’s my boyfriend. So lay off.”

The room paused, like no one knew how to react. It was the first time I had ever made the claim aloud.

Soobin stood up suddenly. The force banged his chair against the desk behind her. He glared at me, his eyes dark, unreadable. Then he swung past me and out of the room.