Our Story Was BitterSweet

CHAPTER 6

 Solace Sunset

Chapter 6 

Ji-Eun's House 

Ji-Eun awoke to the sound of her cat Eun meowing as she stretched out on the sofa. 

"I'm off, Eun. Don't make a mess, okay?" she added, knowing her kitty buddy understood her words as she left for school.

Ji-Eun was on her way when she noticed Hee-Jin fumbling to knot her shoelaces. She couldn't stop laughing at the sight. 

"Can you help me, Ji-Eun?" Hee-Jin said, her chuckle infectious. 

Ji-Eun bent down and expertly tied the knots in Hee-Jin's shoes. The two pals strolled together towards their classroom, their shoes securely fastened.

As they entered the classroom, Ji-Eun noticed Sung-Chul and Tae-Yeon conversing about video games. Tae-Yeon's speech died off as Ji-Eun gazed at him, his cheeks blushing slightly. Sung-Chul couldn't help but extol Ji-Eun's praises, unable to control his admiration."Ji-Eun, you're so cool!" cried Sung-Chul, his appreciation clear in his voice. Ji-Eun flushed at the comment, feeling grateful. Tae-Yeon, who was seated close, couldn't stop staring at Ji-Eun, his heart racing a little quicker.

Ji-Eun sat down in front of Sung-Chul, feeling his attention on her. Hee-Jin took the seat in front of Ji-Eun, while Tae-Yeon took the seat next to her. Ji-Eun welcomed him joyfully, leading Tae-Yeon to fear briefly before responding."Good morning, Tae-Yeon," Ji-Eun remarked, smiling. Sung-Chul laughed at Tae-Yeon's startled reaction, evidently enjoying the drama that was developing in front of him.During recess, Ji-Eun decided to purchase herself an orange juice and sit on a nearby bench with Hee-Jin. She grumbled gently about her troubles in arithmetic class, finding relief in venting to her companion.

"I told you, you should have listened to me; I'm good at math," Sung-Chul remarked, proudly. Hee-Jin wasted little time in swatting his head around.

 "What do you mean good? You're literally on the summer class list alongside me!" she exclaimed, their cheerful banter filling the room.

During the humorous debate, Ji-Eun's attention was drawn to Tae-Yeon, who appeared to be having difficulty opening his yogurt container. She couldn't help but laugh at his situation. She set her orange drink aside and reached out to assist him.

"Here, let me help you, Tae-Yeon," Ji-Eun whispered, her voice full of compassion. Tae-Yeon's eyes met hers, thanks in his eyes as he accepted her help with a modest grin.

As the group of friends sat together, engrossed in their conversation, their voices filled the air, unaware of the approaching presence. Suddenly, a student from the council approached their table, wearing a disapproving expression on their face. The words that followed carried a tone of annoyance.

"You all are so noisy. Can you please keep it down?" the student scolded, their voice piercing through the lively atmosphere. Hee-Jin and Sung-Chul's ears perked up at the sound of the voice, recognizing it instantly.

"Nan Eun-Seo," Hee-Jin muttered under her breath, her face contorting with a mixture of anger and frustration. Sung-Chul's expression mirrored her sentiment. Eun-Seo was someone they both despised, someone who had caused Ji-Eun immense pain in the past.

Their attention was abruptly drawn to Eun-Seo as she boldly approached their table, her eyes fixed on Tae-Yeon. Ji-Eun noticed the interaction, a silent irritation brewing within her. She couldn't pinpoint whether her annoyance stemmed from Eun-Seo's presence or from how she seemed to be trying to capture Tae-Yeon's attention.