HEART STRINGS | 지훈

7

Jinhee's pov

By the time exhaustion settled into our limbs, we decided it was time to head back to the dorms. The walk wasn't long, and Minji — ever the romantic — insisted we go on foot instead of calling a cab. I knew exactly why. She wanted more time with that Junkyu guy, and judging by the way she kept sneaking glances at him, I wasn't about to get in the way of that.

Being the amazing friend that I am, I agreed without complaint, giving her the perfect excuse to bask in his presence for a little while longer.

But that, unfortunately, meant I was left alone... with him.

Great.

Maybe if I ignored him, he'd return the favor.

3rd person's pov

The four of them strolled down dimly lit streets, the quiet hum of city life wrapping around them like a distant lullaby. Minji and Junkyu walked ahead, lost in their own little world — laughing, talking, completely immersed in each other. It was a scene right out of a romance movie.

But several steps behind them, the atmosphere was anything but romantic.

A heavy, uncomfortable tension hung between Jinhee and Jihoon like storm clouds ready to burst. Neither spoke, both pretending the other didn't exist, until the universe, or sheer bad luck, decided to intervene.

Someone jostled Jihoon as they passed by, sending him stumbling right into Jinhee. She staggered back, only to step directly into a puddle.

A cold, murky puddle.

Her shoes were ruined.

Jihoon, the absolute devil that he was, had the audacity to snort.

"You asshole," Jinhee snapped, shaking off the wetness with a grimace. "You did that on purpose, didn't you?"

Jihoon shrugged, barely suppressing his laughter. "You saw that someone pushed me. So, technically, not my fault."

"Oh, please. You always do this — act like you're never to blame. Just once, drop the arrogant act and admit when you mess up."

He raised his hands in mock surrender. "Fine. I admit it."

Jinhee blinked, surprised by his sudden compliance.

But then—

"I admit that I've been trying way too hard not to laugh at how stupid you look right now," he said smoothly, a smirk tugging at his lips.

Her jaw dropped. "You—"

"Bastard," she spat.

"Loser," he shot back without hesitation.

Jinhee groaned. "Just leave me alone."

Jihoon grinned, a lazy, infuriating kind of grin. "Whatever you wish."

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By the time they reached the dorms, Minji and Junkyu turned to bid their goodbyes, but Jinhee didn't even look at Jihoon. She just marched straight inside without a word, her wet shoes squelching against the floor. Jihoon, ever unbothered, rolled his eyes and walked into his own room.

Minji, oblivious to the battlefield that had taken place behind her, finally noticed Jinhee balancing on one foot, peeling off her damp shoes and placing them by the heater.

"Oh my God, what happened to you?" she asked, eyes wide with concern.

Jinhee exhaled sharply, rubbing her temples. "That idiot just had to ruin my Friday night. Seriously, what is his problem?"

Minji shrugged. "I dunno, but you two were bickering like a cat and a dog out there. I honestly thought you were about to start throwing punches."

"Trust me, I would love to wipe that cocky grin off his face."

Minji giggled, then sighed dramatically. "But... we have to admit — he is handsome."

Jinhee's head snapped up. "Minji."

"What? Am I lying?" Minji smirked. "And his friend is handsome too."

Jinhee narrowed her eyes, catching the faint pink tinge creeping up Minji's cheeks. It was so obvious.

"You like him, don't you?" Jinhee teased, crossing her arms.

"What?! NO! Jinhee, it's not—"

"Okay, Minji, whatever you say~"

Minji huffed. "I'm showering first." She turned to head into the bathroom, only to hear Jinhee sing behind her,

"Junkyu and Minji, sitting in a tree, K-I-S—"

"Shut up, Jinhee!"

Jinhee only laughed, watching Minji's flustered retreat. It was cute, watching her friend deny what was so obvious to everyone else.

But as the room quieted, Jinhee's smile faded.

She was happy for Minji, truly. Seeing her friend experience something so light, so easy... it was endearing. But deep down, a small part of her couldn't help but wonder — would she ever have that?

Would she ever meet someone who looked at her with unfiltered adoration?

Would she ever experience that breathless excitement, the kind that made your heart skip a beat and your stomach twist with anticipation? Could she ever feel the flutter of butterflies that will make her giggle like a schoolgirl?

Would she ever hold someone's hand and feel safe — like she belonged?  

She didn't know.

Maybe love wasn't something meant for her.