XO, YUNA ~ THE UNEXPECTED LOVE

008: CHUSEOK-PART 1

Yuna groaned as she stared at her phone, barely resisting the urge to toss it into her bag. Hyunjoo had texted her, reminding her about their "date" later that day.

It wasn't something she looked forward to—just another performance for the public eye. Ever since that article had come out questioning whether the so-called "royal couple" was growing distant, they had to keep up appearances. The whole arrangement had always been for show, but lately, it felt more suffocating than ever.

Walking beside her, Eunji glanced at Yuna's expression and arched a brow. " What's wrong?"

Yuna quickly smoothed her features into a polite smile. " It's nothing."

Eunji didn't buy it, her skeptical stare practically demanding the truth. Yuna sighed, knowing there was no escaping her best friend's persistence. " Well Hyunjoo just texted me, reminding me about our date tonight."

Eunji's lips pressed into a thin line. " Again? You guys just went out last two days ago."

" Apparently, that wasn't enough," Yuna muttered, shoving her phone back into her bag. " Some journalist thought we were 'losing our spark' and now we have to prove them wrong. The public must be entertained, after all."

She continued talking, not noticing the sudden stiffness in Eunji's posture. " I mean, I have so much to do—I have to send my audition video to LA, finish my homework, study for finals, and—" Yuna frowned when she realized Eunji had stopped walking. " Eunji?"

Following her gaze, Yuna found the source of her distraction—Hyunjoo and Madison talking by the glass window of the student lounge. Madison was laughing at something he said, lightly touching his arm. A smirk tugged at Yuna's lips as her mind pieced together Eunji's reaction.

" Why are you looking at me like that?" Eunji asked, narrowing her eyes.

Yuna merely giggled. " Nothing, let's just get to class."

" Hey! What's wrong with you?" Eunji muttered, clearly weirded out by her friend's sudden change of mood.

They entered the classroom just as the bell rang, signaling the start of class. But instead of just Professor Lee, Principal Lim walked in alongside him, commanding the students' attention.

" Chuseok is the Korean celebration of the good harvest," Principal Lim began. " A time to thank our ancestors for bringing us prosperity and to pay respect to those we have lost."

As she spoke, Yuna found herself lost in thought. She had lost someone dear to her last year—the person who had taken care of her growing up. The holiday had always been special, but now, it just felt hollow.

" We do that by going home," Principal Lim continued. " It is a very special holiday in our house because family is the most precious thing in the world, and we do not take it for granted. Enjoy your break, everyone. Have a good Chuseok."