DILEMMA

8

"Kim Minji..." You muttered softly. Minji gazed back at you, anticipation and nervousness evident in her eyes.

"I-I'm not trying to come between you and Beomgyu," she stammered. "I really think you two are perfect together." Her smile was strained, trying to hide her inner turmoil.

As you observed Minji, you noticed her trembling hands betraying her anxiety. When she caught you looking, she quickly concealed them behind her back.

She braced herself, ready for rejection.

"Thank you, Minji," you replied with a gentle smile.

"I appreciate your feelings towards me. You're a wonderful person, and I believe there's someone special out there for you, but it's not me."

Minji forced a nervous laugh, struggling to find the right words. A solitary tear rolled down her cheek.

"Thank you," she managed to say before turning away, wiping away her tears as she hurried off.

You stood there, feeling a mix of emotions unsure whether you had inadvertently hurt her or provided her with closure.

Minji understood the situation, respecting your relationship and acknowledging her boundaries. Despite the initial pain, her eyes revealed a sense of relief when she received your gentle rejection.

Yet, a part of you couldn't shake the feeling that you may have caused her some pain.

~

Mina sat on a bench on the school rooftop, enjoying the fresh air. As she contemplated her next steps after completing her work and fixing the leaking issue on her latest work.

She examined her hands.

The cold breeze caressed her skin, triggering memories of a time when she had felt the same chill while holding someone's neck tightly. The image of that girl struggling for breath still haunted her.

Feeling a surge of adrenaline, adrenaline to kill.

Mina rose from the bench and began to wander around the rooftop. Below, students engaged in various activities, oblivious to her presence.

Her gaze is fixated on a group of friends—

You, Lisa, and Jisoo— sharing jokes and laughter.

She could hear the sound of your laughter even from a distance.

Lost in observing you, she inadvertently appeared like a predator eyeing its prey.

Startled by her own intensity, Mina turned away and headed towards the door leading back to her classroom. However, she froze upon hearing familiar voices on the other side.

"C'mon, just kiss her already." One voice urged.

"I can't." Another voice responded hesitantly.

"You're such a bore." A third voice chimed in. "It's just a peck. No one's around to see it."

Amid the cheering and laughter, a girl's voice beckoned. "Come here, little boy."

Recognizing the voice, Mina whispered to herself.

"That's Beomgyu."