𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐋𝐘 𝐑𝐔𝐍𝐍𝐄𝐑 ║𝔰𝔲𝔫𝔧𝔞𝔢 × 𝔰𝔬𝔩

개의 위협

After school

As Sol sat across from Taesung in the café, she took a deep breath, steeling herself for the conversation ahead. When he asked what she wanted to talk about, she hesitated for a moment before speaking. "Well, let's break up," Sol said bluntly, her words hanging heavy in the air. Taesung's expression shifted from confusion to disbelief as he processed her words. "What? Why?" he exclaimed. Sol explained her reasoning, citing the upcoming college entrance exams and the need to focus on her studies without the distraction of a relationship. But before she could continue, Taesung scoffed dismissively, his words dripping with condescension. "Whether you date or not won't change your results," he retorted arrogantly. "Dumb stays dumb."

Sol's eyes narrowed in anger at his callous remark. "Ya, Kim Taesung!" she shouted. Taesung let out a scoff, "Why? am I wrong?". Sol, not knowing what to say. Indeed, taesung was right. But maintaining her composure she said "Anyways, let's end this relationship here", and with that she stormed out of the cafe. 

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As Sol barged into the club, her eyes scanning the dimly lit backstage area until she spotted Sunjae preparing for his performance. With a sense of urgency, she approached him, her voice urgent as she spoke. "I told you not to perform anywore," Sol exclaimed, her frustration evident. "We have exams coming up, Sunjae. You can't afford to be distracted." Sunjae's patience wore thin as he listened to her tirade, his own frustrations bubbling to the surface. "Why are you meddling in my business these days, Sol?" he snapped, his tone tinged with irritation. "It's none of your concern."

But Sol refused to back down, scrambling to find a reason that would convince Sunjae to abandon his performance. "Does your mom know about this?" she blurted out, her mind racing for an explanation. Sunjae shook his head, his expression incredulous. "No, why would she?" Thinking quickly, Sol seized upon her lie, hoping it would be enough to sway him. "I saw her nearby," she lied, her voice trembling with desperation. "Maybe she got wind of your performances here. You should leave before she finds out." Sunjae hesitated, his disbelief warring with his growing concern. But ultimately, he chose to trust Sol's words, his instincts telling him that there might be some truth to her warning. With a resigned sigh, Sunjae abandoned his plans to perform and followed Sol out of the club. 

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As Sol and Sunjae ran away from the club, they spotted a ice cream seller. Both of them being exhuasted from the running looked at each other as if their minds were communicating with each other. They both nodded and went to the ice cream seller. 

As Sol extended her hand to pay for the ice cream, Sunjae swiftly intervened, pulling out money from his pocket and handing it to the ice cream seller before Sol had a chance to protest. Puzzled by his actions, Sol couldn't help but ask, "What was that?". Sunjae simply shrugged, a small smile playing at the corners of his lips. "Of course I wouldn't let a girl pay," he replied casually. Sol, impressed by his chivalrous gesture, could only respond with an astonished "Oh." 

As they settled onto a nearby bench, Sunjae couldn't help but question Sol's earlier insistence that he not perform. "Why don't you want me to perform?" he asked, genuine curiosity coloring his tone. Sol sighed, her gaze drifting away as she struggled to articulate her thoughts. "I just want you to do well on the upcoming exam," she explained. Sunjae's brow furrowed in confusion as he regarded her. "Why are you worrying about me?" he asked, his voice soft with genuine curiosity. Sol's cheeks flushed slightly as she met his gaze. "Because I'm your fan," she admitted sheepishly. "I mean, I'm a fan of your music. But I really want you to succeed in the exam."

Sunjae's lips twitched into a small smile at her confession, but he quickly masked his emotions as he turned towards her. "You listened to my song 'First Gaze'?" he asked, a hint of pride coloring his voice. Sol nodded enthusiastically. "Yes, I did. It's really good," she replied earnestly. Sunjae's smile widened, but then faltered as he realized something. "Does that ring a bell to you?" he questioned, his expression turning serious. Confused, Sol shook her head. "No, not really," she admitted. 

It was then that Sunjae's realization struck him like a bolt of lightning. Sol didn't remember their first encounter, when he had given her the food his mom had made. She didn't remember the boy who lived upstairs all these time, who wouldn't miss a chance to look at her while she never really bothered to even notice him. 
 
But just as he was about to get lost in his thoughts, Sol's gentle reminder pulled him back to reality. "Sunjae, your ice cream is melting," she said, her voice breaking through his reverie. 

Embarrassment colored his cheeks as he quickly moved to rectify the situation, grabbing a napkin to catch the melting ice cream before it could make a mess. "Thanks for the reminder," he mumbled sheepishly, his gaze flickering away from Sol's knowing eyes. 

As Sol and Sunjae walked home together, Sol's mind became clouded with thoughts of fate and the future, she was suddenly jolted from her reverie by the sound of a dog's yelp. Startled, she turned to see a small dog yelping in pain, its tail likely accidentally stepped on by her. Without a moment's hesitation, Sunjae grabbed Sol's hand, his reflexes kicking in as they both sprinted away from the angry dog. They ran as fast as they could, the sound of barking fading into the distance as they put distance between themselves and the canine threat. As they finally came to a stop, their breaths coming in ragged gasps, they both realized that they were still holding hands. Blushing furiously, they quickly released each other's hands, their cheeks flushed with embarrassment at the unexpected intimacy. 

"Okay, bye," Sunjae mumbled awkwardly, turning to leave. But before he could go far, Sol spoke up, her voice breaking the awkward silence. "Wait, where are you going? Isn't your home upstairs?" she asked, her eyes twinkling with amusement. Sunjae's cheeks turned an even deeper shade of red as he realized his mistake. "Oh, right, yes," he stammered, feeling utterly embarrassed by his absentmindedness. With a sheepish grin, he quickly turned and ran upstairs, eager to escape the awkwardness of the moment while Sol laughed at his actions.