Whispers Of The Unseen

Chapter 17 - Minji's POV: She Thinks She's Made Of Candy

"What's this for?" I found myself staring at the lollipop that Haerin was holding between her fingers. The brightly colored, heart-shaped candy seemed like an unexpected offering, and I was curious about her intentions. Haerin had always managed to surprise me, her actions often defying predictability.

She grinned mischievously, her eyes holding a glint of amusement. "Consider it a reward for your patience," she replied, her voice carrying a playful undertone. The lollipop was a simple gesture, yet it held a certain weight in the context of our interactions.

I raised an eyebrow, intrigued by her response. "Patience, huh?" I mused, crossing my arms over my chest. "Is there something you're trying to say?"

Haerin's grin widened, and she held the lollipop up, her gaze locking onto mine. "Just that you've been surprisingly tolerant of my antics lately," she stated, her tone a mix of sincerity and lightheartedness. "And I thought you might enjoy a sweet treat for your efforts."

I regarded her for a moment, a mixture of emotions swirling within me. Her ability to read people was uncanny, and her gesture felt strangely significant. "Well, I appreciate the thought," I admitted, a small smile tugging at the corner of my lips.

She chuckled softly, the sound ringing in the hallway. "You're welcome, Professor," she said, emphasizing the title playfully.

I reached out, accepting the lollipop from her fingers. Our hands brushed briefly, and I felt a jolt of something unfamiliar—a connection that seemed to be deepening between us. "Thank you, Haerin," I replied, using her name with a sense of familiarity that I hadn't realized I had grown accustomed to.

She nodded, her eyes holding mine for a moment longer than necessary. "Enjoy it. And don't worry, it's not a trick or anything," she quipped, a sly smile on her lips.

I couldn't help but chuckle at her remark. "I'll hold you to that," I said, watching as she turned and glided away, her presence leaving a trail of intrigue behind her.

As I held the lollipop in my hand, I couldn't shake the feeling that this simple exchange held more significance than I could understand. It was a reminder that Haerin was full of surprises, and that each interaction with her was a unique journey into the unexpected.

I made my way to my classroom, knowing that the class was bound to start soon. Sliding into my seat at the desk, I held the lollipop Haerin had given me between my fingers. As I stared at the heart-shaped candy, a furrow formed on my brow.

It was odd, even for Haerin's unpredictable nature, to receive such a gift from her. The gesture felt strangely significant, making me wonder if there was more beneath the surface. Perhaps she was beginning to warm up to me, in her own unique way. The idea tugged at my thoughts as I turned the lollipop over in my hand, examining its vibrant colors.

The bell eventually rang, signaling the start of the class. Students began to trickle in, taking their seats and preparing for the lesson ahead. Placing the lollipop down on a tissue, I discreetly covered it to prevent any undue attention. The last thing I needed was to raise questions about a secret admirer or my own actions.

Throughout the class, I kept an eye on the candy, my mind drifting between the material I was covering and the thoughts that the unexpected gift had sparked. Haerin's actions were like a puzzle, each piece contributing to a larger picture that was both confusing and intriguing.

The class came to an end, and almost immediately, Haerin made her entrance into the classroom. She casually strolled over to my desk and took a seat, her presence demanding my attention. I stood up and walked over to the windows, drawing the blinds closed with a swift motion.