The young lecturer (Huh Yunjin x fem reader)

Chapter 19

Y/N's POV

"Damn, you guys flirt with each other now?" Kazuha teased, her mischievous grin widening.

My cheeks flushed, and I couldn't help but feel slightly embarrassed that Kazuha being aware of what had happened between Miss Jen and me, the other day at the park. I had shared the encounter at the park with her, and now I was mentally kicking myself for it. It wasn't that big of a deal, right? But the memory lingered in my mind, refusing to fade away.

As I tried to push aside the thoughts that had taken root in my brain, my heart suddenly raced, and I gasped in shock at my own realization.

"Heck, no way I'm in love with her," I whispered to myself, desperately trying to convince myself otherwise. "It's just a silly crush. Yeah, that's it."

Despite my attempts to convince myself otherwise, the undeniable truth lingered in the air. The spark with Miss Jen had ignited something within me, something I couldn't easily dismiss. I was caught in the whirlwind of emotions, and there was no denying it anymore.

"Tsk, 'silly crush'. Yeap, that's what you call it now but trust me Y/N, sooner or later..." I couldn't help but roll my eyes at Kazuha's teasing. She always had a way of picking up on things, even the ones I hadn't fully processed myself.

"Thanks, Kaz," I replied sarcastically. "But seriously, it's not like that. I just found her interesting, that's all."

Kazuha shot me a knowing look. "Sure, baby. Whatever you say. Just remember, I'm here for you, and I won't say 'I told you so' when you realize it's more than just a silly crush." she playfully said with her significant eye smile while patting my head.

I understood that Kazuha meant well, but I wasn't ready to accept that my feelings might be deeper than I thought.

As Kazuha and I parted ways, I made my way lazily to the campus field to continue training Somi and Kim Chaewon, both of whom were newcomers to the team. It was a relief that nothing had happened between Chaewon and me so far, a fact I was genuinely grateful for.

"Maybe she had changed. I don't know but it's good if she did."

However, it was hard not to notice Somi's protectiveness whenever Chaewon was near me. "Perhaps I'm delusional?"

With a weary sigh, I longed for the day to come to an end so I could finally return home and find some much-needed peace.

The sun hung low on the horizon, casting long shadows across the empty campus field. As I made my way toward the field, the silence was broken by a sudden, spine-tingling shout.

"BOOOOOOO!!" Somi's  voice echoed across the campus field, sending a shiver down my spine as I reached the open area.

My heart raced, and I clutched my chest dramatically, playing along. "You scared the life out of me! You better start saving for my hospital bills."

Somi grinned mischievously. "Anything for you, babe."

I raised an eyebrow, caught off guard by the term of endearment. Before I could respond, a familiar figure approached us.

Chaewon raised an eyebrow, her smile sly. "Babe? Are you two lovebirds now?"

I rolled my eyes in annoyance. "Tsk, why do you care, Kim?" I said, my voice dripping with sarcasm as I side-eyed her.

I brushed off her comment, choosing to focus on the task at hand. Exiting the bleachers, I made my way down to the softball field, determined to prepare it for the upcoming game.

The late afternoon sun painted long shadows across the field, warming my skin as I made my way to the lush green expanse below.

I held the cool metal whistle in my fingers, took a deep breath, and blew it loudly to get the two's  attention and signaling them to make their way to the field to start their training sessions.

-time skips-

"Alright, both of you put in exceptional effort today. You're dismissed," I declared, concluding our training session with a sense of pride in my voice.

"Thank you so much for today, dear Coach Y/N," Somi expressed her gratitude, a warm smile lighting up her face, which in turn made me chuckle.

"Tsk, you're both improving. Go change, I'll wait," I said with a hint of satisfaction, a routine we followed at the end of each training session.

With that, she headed towards the changing room, her steps echoing through the bleachers. I turned to leave, but noticed another figure standing beside me, a slight hesitation in her posture. I couldn't quite understand what she wanted.

"Is there anything you need from me?" I inquired, slightly raising my eyebrows in curiousity.

"Could we have a moment to talk?" she inquired, her eyes revealing a blend of nervousness and resolve.

"Mhm, but make it quick. I have limited time and I'd rather not spend it on unnecessary things or...you." I sarcastically replied, not wanting to waste too much time on it.

Her voice trembled as she managed, "Oh..."

I met her gaze, my brows raised expectantly. "If you're not ready to explain, then I'll leave."

Her breath hitched, and she finally confessed, "Umm... I know I hurt you before, and I initially came for revenge. But the truth is, I want to apologize. It's okay if forgiveness isn't on the table, but I realize now how foolish I wa-"

"How can I trust you?" I interjected, not giving her a chance to finish.

She met my eyes, sincerity etched across her face. "I can turn myself in, if that's what it takes for you to trust me."

I watched her closely, searching for any sign of deception. There was a sincerity in her expression that caught me off guard. 'Don't let your guard down, Y/N,' I reminded myself. 'This is why you've been hurt before.'

"Yes, please do. At least then you'll be out of my sight," I replied, my tone sharp. It was the only response I could think of, just trying not to let my guard down too much.

From the look on her face, it's clear that my response caught her off guard. Although a part of me urges forgiveness and a second chance, I know I'm not ready to grant it just yet.

"Y/N.." Somi's voice, tinged with concern, calls out as she emerges from the changing rooms, making her way towards me. "Hey, let's get going. Kazuha's waiting for us at the cafeteria."

"Mhm.." I offer a simple reply before turning on my heel to distance myself from Chaewon.

"You knew, didn't you?" I asked the girl beside me, keeping my gaze forward.

"Knew what?" she questioned, confusion was evident in her voice.

"It's okay if you know about this just tell me the truth, you knew...right?" This time, I locked eyes with her.

"hmm.. I'm sorry for leaving you alone with her earlier." She shot me an apology.

"No need to apologize for something that wasn't your fault," I replied nonchalantly.

She gave a little nod, and we both headed toward the cafeteria. As we got there, I saw her deep in conversation with two people, definitely Sakura, and I'm not quite sure who the other person is.

"Y/N!! SOMI!!" Kazuha's voice echoed through the cafeteria. "Hey guys, meet Sakura and Eunchae," she presented each of them with a warm introduction, then turned to us, "And this right here is Y/N and Somi."

"Hey!" Somi and I chimed in unison, waving a friendly greeting.

We talk for a bit to get to know each other until it's time for all of us to part ways and get home.