GIRL CRUSH. (Eng Ver)

Heartstrings and Hope: The Beginning of Longing

 Jai navigated her sophomore year with a heart quietly tethered to one person: Saeran.

Saeran was the embodiment of effortless cool and natural charm, a star athlete whose presence on the soccer field drew admiration from all corners of the school. Her tousled hair and easy smile seemed to cast a spell over everyone, but for Jai, it was more than just a spell—it was a magnetic pull she couldn't resist.

From afar, Jai watched Saeran with a mixture of admiration and longing. She stole glances during lunch breaks, when Saeran's infectious laughter rang out across the cafeteria, or during after-school practices, where Saeran's lithe figure moved with grace and determination on the field.

Jai admired not just Saeran's athletic prowess, but also her kindness and genuine warmth. Saeran had a way of making everyone feel included, whether it was cheering on classmates during pep rallies or quietly supporting friends through tough times.

Yet, Jai kept her feelings carefully guarded, tucked away like a secret treasure. She feared that revealing her admiration would disrupt the easy camaraderie they shared as classmates and teammates. Instead, she savored each stolen moment, each accidental brush of hands in crowded hallways, and each shared smile across the room.

As weeks turned into months, Jai found herself drawn deeper into Saeran's orbit, her admiration blossoming into something more profound. She began to notice the small details—the crinkle of Saeran's nose when she laughed, the way her eyes sparkled with determination during intense soccer drills, and the genuine warmth in her voice when she offered encouragement to teammates.

One crisp autumn afternoon, with the scent of fallen leaves and the promise of impending winter in the air, Jai found herself standing near the bleachers after school. Saeran had stayed behind for extra practice, and Jai lingered, watching from a distance as Saeran dribbled the ball with effortless skill.

Lost in her thoughts, Jai didn't notice Saeran approaching until she was right beside her, a bead of sweat glistening on her brow and a curious smile on her lips.

"Hey, Jai," Saeran greeted warmly, her voice breaking through Jai's reverie.

Startled but inwardly thrilled, Jai managed a smile in return. "Hey, Saeran. Great practice today."Saeran chuckled softly, a sound that made Jai's heart flutter. 

+NEXT DAY+

 Jai hurriedly gathered her books and dashed down the hallway towards her next class. The halls were crowded with students bustling to their lockers or chatting with friends, creating a lively backdrop to the typical afternoon rush.

Lost in her thoughts, Jai rounded a corner just as Saeran emerged from a classroom door. In her haste, Jai didn't see Saeran until it was too late. With a startled gasp, she collided squarely with Saeran, the impact sending both of them stumbling backward.

Books and papers scattered across the floor in a chaotic flurry as Jai's heart raced with embarrassment. She managed to catch herself against the wall, her cheeks flushing with heat as she glanced up at Saeran, who was also trying to regain her balance.

"Oh my gosh, Saeran, I'm so sorry!" Jai exclaimed, mortified by the clumsy encounter.Saeran chuckled softly, though her own cheeks were tinged with a hint of amusement. "It's okay, Jai. No harm done," she reassured, bending down to help gather the fallen books and papers.

Jai's heart fluttered at the sight of Saeran's warm smile, her fingers brushing against Jai's as they both reached for the same book. Heat rushed to Jai's cheeks again as she fumbled to gather her belongings, her mind racing with a mix of embarrassment and the closeness she felt with Saeran.

"Thanks," Jai murmured, finally managing to gather her things into a somewhat coherent pile.

Saeran straightened up, her gaze meeting Jai's with a playful glint in her eyes. "Are you in a hurry or something?" she teased lightly, her tone gentle and teasing.

Jai laughed nervously, feeling a twinge of relief at Saeran's good-natured response. "Yeah, I... um, I didn't mean to run into you like that," she admitted sheepishly, shifting her weight from foot to foot.

Saeran's smile softened, her expression warm and understanding. "It's okay, really. Just watch where you're going next time," she teased gently, handing Jai the last of her scattered papers.

Jai nodded, grateful for Saeran's easygoing nature. "I will, definitely," she replied earnestly, tucking her books securely under one arm.

As they stood in the hallway, the sounds of students rushing past and laughter echoing in the background, Jai felt a strange mix of emotions—embarrassment, yes, but also a burgeoning sense of camaraderie and connection with Saeran. Despite the awkwardness of their collision, she couldn't deny the thrill of being so close to someone she admired so deeply.

"Thanks again, Saeran," Jai said sincerely, meeting Saeran's gaze with a shy smile.

Saeran nodded, her smile widening. "Anytime, Jai. See you around?"

"Yeah, definitely," Jai replied, her heart skipping a beat at the thought of seeing Saeran again.

With a final wave, Jai turned and hurried down the hallway towards her next class, her mind buzzing with the memory of their brief yet impactful encounter. She couldn't help but replay the moment over and over in her mind, a mix of embarrassment and a growing sense of fondness for Saeran.

As she settled into her seat in the classroom, Jai couldn't shake the smile from her face. Despite tripping over her words—and over Saeran's classroom—she knew that their unexpected collision had brought them closer in a way she hadn't expected. And as the lesson began, Jai found herself eagerly anticipating the next time their paths would cross, grateful for the chance to stumble into Saeran's world, even if it was just for a fleeting moment.