Rival | Kim Seungmin

Relax

A week later

Seungmin pov

"Didn't you say you'd brainstorm ideas for our project? Now you're just lying around having ice cream?" I asked Yeeun as I watched her take a bite of the ice cream bar.

She shrugged as she continued enjoying the dessert slowly. "You gotta relax Seungmin, being laid back is really calming for one's life. Don't be such a nagger," she replied.

"Don't you think you're relaxing a bit too much?" I raised a brow as she stopped eating for a moment.

"Nope," she shook her head before continuing, "I'm still acing all the exams and my rank has stayed consistent. I think I'm fine," she nodded, seeming content with herself.

Seeing her like this was strange, but I think I could get used to it. Definitely better than being on edge and getting screamed at. Suddenly, a thought crossed my mind. "Hey, Yeeun. Does that mean you don't see me as your rival anymore?" I looked at her full of expectation and she hummed in thought.

She pulled out another ice cream bar before tearing open the wrapper and shoving it in my mouth. "Is that all you ever think about?" She asked as she walked away from me.

I took hold of the stick of the bar before turning to go after her. "Where are you going?" I asked her as I followed her to the kitchen.  I took a bite of the bar as I watched her rummage through her cupboards.

She was reaching for a cup but her fingers merely grazed it since she wasn't tall enough. I chuckled before walking over to help her bring the cup down. I handed it to her with a soft smile and she quickly snatched it from me before scurrying away. Cute.

She cleared her throat as she sat on the couch, avoiding me. Her fingers lightly tapped against the cup and her eyes wandered about while she occasionally took small sips. A smirk found it's way to my lips as I thought of something. I walked over and sat next to her, making sure there was a comfortable amount of space between us. I then cleared my throat and glanced at her.

"Yeeun, do you perhaps...like me?" I asked in a low whisper, drawing out the latter.

She began choking on the liquid as she put it down and looked at me in disbelief. Once she calmed down she turned away. "What are you talking about? Of course I like you. We're friends."

I shook my head. "No, no, not like that. I mean, do you have a crush on me," I leaned towards her and she happened to turn her head to me, causing our faces to be inches apart. Her cheeks burned a crimson red as she quickly stood up.

"Kim Seungmin! I think we should take a rain check. Yes! Let's brainstorm another day. Please see yourself out, if not you can wait until Wonhyuk arrives," she said as she shuffled towards the staircase before she fled up the stairs.

The next day

Today we agreed on going to Seungmin's house to work on our project. I was leaning against the wall, waiting for him outside the locker room after baseball practice.

"Hello princess," I turned my head to see Hyunjin giving me a small wave as he leaned on the wall beside me.

"Is your arm all better now?" I asked as I looked his injured arm.

He nodded. "All thanks to you, it's getting better. I won't be needing to see the doctor anytime soon," he flashed a smile at me, making me feel relieved.

I thought about whether I should bring up the conversation we had last time, but I wasn't sure what to say anyways. I tugged on the straps of my backpack as I wondered what was taking Seungmin so long.

"Hyunjin! Let's go, you're going to be late to your appointment idling around like that," Coach Oh surprised us as he shouted from down the hall.

My brows furrowed. "I thought you said you wouldn't be seeing the doctor anytime soon?" I questioned and he looked away as he rubbed his nape nervously. As he was about to speak, Coach Oh appeared behind him.

"Hyunjin, you can talk later, we have to go," he said as he placed his hand on Hyunjin's shoulder. He then turned to me. "I'm sorry to cut your conversation short Yeeun, but Hyunjin's injury recently got worse so the doctor scheduled a few follow up appointments for him."

"No worries, I understand," I shook my head and he gave me a smile before turning Hyunjin away.

"What did you do to make your condition worse?" I heard Coach Oh ask as they walked away.

So he lied to me. He must've gotten worse from helping me. How should I make it up to him?

I was so deep in thought I didn't realize Seungmin had came out of the locker room. "Hello? Earth to Yeeun," he Seungmin called as he waved his hand in front of me.

I shook away my thoughts and looked at him. "What has you so deep in thought you didn't even realize I was here?" He asked as he motioned for us to start walking.

"It's nothing, I was just zoned out for a bit. Sorry about that," I slightly chuckled and he nodded although it was obvious he didn't believe me.

We arrived at his house and he told me to make myself comfortable while he took a quick shower. I complied and began looking around his room. Everything was neatly organized, each book on the shelf clear of dust. About 20 minutes had past and I was dozing off in his desk chair when I heard him calling my name.

I shook off the sleep and stood up before walking toward the source of the voice. I left his room and found myself standing in front of his bathroom in confusion. "Why did you call me?" I asked as I knocked on the door.

A moment later he perked his head out and chuckled in embarrassment. "Yeeun, do you mind getting me a towel? It seems my mom was running them through a wash today and I didn't realize it."