Cross Ur Mind || Catnipz

C.Ur.M|11

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"What did Mrs. Lee say about Minji?" Dani kicked off the conversation.

It being Friday, we only had two subjects left: P.E. and Religious Education. We sat in the cafeteria, passing the time before our next class, Religious Education, started in 30 minutes.

"She's relieved she won't have to scramble for a replacement anymore—speaking of which, why did you agree, unnie?" Haerin raised an eyebrow, turning everyone's attention to me.

"I thought you'd say no when I asked. Why did you agree?" she asked, her curiosity piqued.

"Who else would if I didn't? Plus, it's a chance to gain some experience," I replied confidently.

Pfft—Lies, Kim Minji, lies. But it beats saying, 'Oh, I did it for Haerin.'

Way better.

"Well, you've just volunteered yourself for a hellish experience. Good luck, bro," Hanni chuckled, and I shot her a glare.

"But seriously, we've got your back. Need backup dancers for the talent portion? Count me in," Haerin offered warmly, and I thanked her, taking a sip of my juice.

"...Or would you prefer a kiss instead?"

I choked on my drink, coughing as if my life depended on it, while Dani and Hyein patted my back and Hanni burst into laughter.

"W- cough What-? cough" I struggled to regain my composure, while Dani teased with a smirk, "I guess that's your answer."

"I guess so," Haerin giggled.

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With 10 minutes until our next class, we headed back upstairs. The girls went ahead to the classroom, while Haerin and I paused at the bathroom.

She was washing her hands, and I nibbled on Pocky sticks by the door, waiting for her to finish.

"So who's going to be your partner?" she asked, drying her hands.

"Probably Jungwon. He said he's up for it if I'm his partner," I replied casually, biting into another stick.

"And if he declines?" Haerin queried, her eyes darkening slightly.

Ignoring the subtle shift, I shrugged. "I'll figure something out. Do you have someone else in mind?"

"I do, but two girls paired together might not sit well with the judges," she mused.

"I thought you weren't keen on it," I remarked, trying to lighten the mood.

"I wasn't, but how could I say no to you?" she replied softly, making me blush.

"You've got to stop doing that," I chuckled nervously, offering her a Pocky stick.

She hesitated, eyeing the snack in my hand and the one in my mouth. "Pocky?"

I raised an eyebrow, surprised by her directness after our earlier conversation about kisses. "Did you think I was joking about the kiss earlier?"

"Well, o-of course, why wouldn't you be?" I stammered.

Haerin closed the distance between us, her presence suddenly intense. "Why wouldn't I not be?" she murmured, closing in as I backed against the wall, feeling trapped.

"Haerin—"

"Why indeed?" she whispered, her hand gently gripping my trembling shoulder, freezing me in place. She leaned in, taking a bite of the Pocky stick in my mouth, her eyes locking with mine.