𝐎𝐏𝐏𝐀 𝐍𝐄𝐗𝐓 𝐃𝐎𝐎𝐑!

04

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The atmosphere in the classroom was electric with excitement and anticipation as the students eagerly awaited the announcement of their grades. The tension was palpable, with each individual hoping that their hard work and dedication had paid off.

As the teacher stepped to the front of the class, a hush fell over the room. All eyes were fixed on the whiteboard, where the newly minted grades were about to be displayed.

With a flourish, the teacher picked up a marker and scrawled a message across the board:

"Bye bye 9th grade! And hi 10th grade!"

A cheer went up from the students, as they realized that they had all successfully progressed to the next academic level. Smiles, high-fives, and congratulatory embraces were exchanged, the overwhelming sense of accomplishment palpable in the air.

Sol's heart was racing with excitement as she hurried down the school hallway, eager to share the news with Sunjae.

"I did it!" she exclaimed to herself, her steps quickening as she made her way towards senior level.

However, as Sol rounded the corner, her elation was suddenly interrupted by a collision. She had been moving so quickly that she failed to notice the figure standing in her path, and before she could react, she found herself stumbling forward, her balance momentarily lost.

Sol braced herself for the impact, but to her surprise, instead of hitting the hard floor, she found herself steadied by a pair of strong hands. Blinking in bewilderment, she looked up to see the face of none other than Kim Taesung, the lead vocalist of the school's renowned band.

"Woah, there! Slow down, little one," Taesung said, his deep voice laced with amusement as he steadied Sol. "You alright?"

Sol's eyes went wide with recognition as the memory came flooding back. This was Kim Taesung, the school's resident heartthrob, who had confessed to her with a heartfelt song during the previous year's school festival!

At the time, Sol had been completely caught off guard by his bold declaration of affection. Taesung was known for being one of the most popular and sought-after students in the entire school, and the idea that he had chosen her, of all people, to be the recipient of his romantic overtures had left her feeling both flattered and overwhelmed.

And now, here they were, face-to-face once again. Taesung's eyes sparkled with recognition as he took in the sight of the girl who had been the first to reject his heartfelt confession.

"Oh, we meet again," he said, a hint of amusement in his voice. "You're the first girl who's ever turned me down, right?"

Sol felt her cheeks flush with a mixture of embarrassment and surprise. She had fully expected Taesung to perhaps feel awkward or even resentful towards her after that incident, but his tone was light and playful, almost as if he was genuinely curious about her.

As if he knows what's inside Sol's mind, Taesung held up a hand, silencing her. "No need to apologize," he said, his lips curling into a smile. "I was impressed by your honesty back then, and I still am. You're a refreshing change from the typical adoring fangirls I'm used to."

Sol blinked, taken aback by his words. Just as Sol was trying to gather her thoughts and respond to Taesung, a familiar voice called out to her from down the hallway.

"Sol-ah!"

Turning her head, Sol saw Sunjae hurrying towards her, a bright smile on his face. Sunjae's approach seemed to have caught Taesung's attention as well, and the two boys exchanged a brief, polite nod before Sunjae reached Sol's side.

Tilting his head slightly. "Aren't you supposed to be in the junior level? What brings you here, Sol-ah?"

"Oh, um, well..." she began, hesitating slightly before deciding to be upfront. "I actually came to see you. I have some good news to share with you."

Sunjae's eyes widened in surprise, and a playful grin spread across his face. "Ah, I see," he mused, his gaze darting towards the retreating figure of Taesung. "And I see you've brought a friend too?"

Sol felt her heart skip a beat as Sunjae's teasing tone registered. "He's not my friend!," she said quickly.

"..then boyfriend?," he asked, his tone dripping with amusement. "So, are you going to introduce your boyfriend to me?"

Sol's eyes widened in shock, and she felt her face flush an even deeper shade of red. "Boyfriend? No, no, oppa, it's not like that at all!" she quickly exclaimed, her voice nearly a squeak.

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"Aish, that Kim Taesung," she mumbled under her breath as she walked down the hallway, her brows knitting together in a slight frown. "He's giving Sunjae the wrong idea. I should just shut his mouth!"

"That little thin-

However, before Sol could dwell on the matter further, a familiar voice interrupted her thoughts.

"--That little thing what?"

Sol whirled around to find Taesung standing behind her, his arms folded across his chest and a mischievous grin plastered on his face.

"Are you really just going to avoid me after the incident?", He chuckled," and don't tell me you've forgotten that you owe me something, remember?"

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