Bluff (BBANGSAZ)

XI

Hanni's POV

Sullyoon. She's the only kid I know in the playground, the only kid who keeps bothering me just to be friends with her. Maybe she's not that bad?

She's kind and cheerful, but sometimes she annoys me. I couldn't quite describe what she sees in me and why she chooses me to be her best friend. Maybe it's because we are still too young for her to think properly.

We're like a pair of slippers, you can't use one without its partner. She's the person I never expected to be close with for a very long time. Some say that people come and go, but she doesn't.

I know her more than anyone else. If my mom told me that we're twins, I wouldn't be surprised because we look like one. Not by appearance, but by the way we stick together since birth.

The thing I hate the most is seeing her cry. That's why I punch those kids who are bullying her. How could they bully such a beautiful and kind girl? Maybe they're jealous?

I promise myself that I will always protect, help, and be by her side as long as I live.

From grade school until second grade, no one could ever separate us.

I always listen attentively to her. This is the first time I've seen her be in love. Her eyes are shining while telling a story about her crush. She can't stay still and keeps blushing. She's definitely in love, and I couldn't be happier.

Jinni. Jinni. Jinni. I couldn't count how many times she mentions Jinni in a day. There's not a single day that Jinni is not our topic of conversation. Well, she has good taste. Jinni is kind and a dance machine. She can literally make your jaw drop when she dances. She's one of my friends in the dance club. I never wonder why Sullyoon is head over heels for her.

It's been months, but my friend still hasn't confessed. She keeps asking me about Jinni - if she's okay, if she attended practice, if she ate, and if she's single.

Well, I wanted to help her since Jinni and I are closer. I frequently give Jinni a letter with Sullyoon's name on it, or a gift, and many more. I became a way to their friendship. But Sullyoon doesn't have the courage to face and talk to her.

"Sullyoon, it's Valentine's. Why don't you give it to her yourself? I'm sure she'll be happy knowing that someone like you admires her," I encouraged her and showed my most genuine smile.

"What if I get rejected? I'm afraid, Hanni," she said and looked down.

"No, you're not going to be rejected. Just confess what you truly feel, who knows, maybe she's just also waiting for you."

"Okay, thank you, Pham. I don't think I can do all of this without you," she hugged me tightly as I hugged her back.

"I've always got your back."

Today is Valentine's Day. Sullyoon is anxious and keeps pacing back and forth. Last night, we rehearsed what she's going to say in front of Jinni. I think she just made a perfect confession. I'm a hundred percent sure that Jinni feels the same way. I observed how she smiled when she read and accepted the gifts and letters from Sullyoon.

"You can do it. Don't be nervous, okay?" I held Sullyoon's shoulders, trying to calm her down. The chocolates and letters are now in her hands, just waiting for the perfect timing to be given.