Today, the boys' basketball training finally resumed after a hiatus. As usual, I sat on the side benches after school, occasionally studying or watching them play until Scoups and I could head home together.
During their practice, I received a text from Hokuto asking to meet him outside near the art rooms. Curious, I left my things behind and ventured out to find him, assuming he wanted to discuss our report.
"Hey," I greeted him as I approached.
"Hey, listen, I have something I feel I should let you know," Hokuto said seriously.
"Sure, what's up?" I replied, sensing a change in his demeanor.
"These three weeks have been amazing with you, Ara, and I really like hanging out with you," he confessed, stepping closer and leaning against the wall, leaving little space between us.
Just as he moved closer, preparing to lean in, I felt a sudden rush of air and heard a familiar voice.
"Ah," came a soft groan from nearby.
I turned to see Jeonghan squatting near the art rooms. My concern immediately shifted. "Hey, are you okay?" I asked, rushing to him.
"My stomach hurts," he said softly, looking genuinely uncomfortable.
"Hokuto, I'm sorry, but I'll catch up with you tomorrow?" I said, turning back to him.
"Yeah, sure. Take care of your friend," he replied, disappointment clear in his voice.
"Come, Jeonghan, I'll bring you to the nurse's room," I said, helping Jeonghan with one arm around my shoulder.
Jeonghan's POV
As I watched Ara and Hokuto talking, a strange feeling churned in my gut. When he moved closer to her, it became too much. I didn't even think; I just acted. I had to do something to interrupt them, so I pretended to have a stomach ache and groaned loudly.
"Ah," I said, making it sound convincing.
Ara turned instantly, concern flooding her face. It worked. She rushed over to me, completely distracted from Hokuto.
"Hey, are you okay?" she asked, her voice full of worry.
"My stomach hurts," I mumbled, trying to look as pitiful as possible.
"Hokuto, I'm sorry, but I'll catch up with you tomorrow?" she called back to him.
"Yeah, sure. Take care of your friend," he said, clearly disappointed.
She put one of my arms around her shoulder and helped me up. "Come, Jeonghan, I'll bring you to the nurse's room."
As we walked away, I couldn't help but feel satisfied. I knew what I did was low, but seeing Hokuto lean in like that had driven me crazy.
"Hey, Ara," I said, trying to lighten the mood. "Thanks for saving me from that intense heartburn. It was almost as bad as the time I ate your cooking."
She rolled her eyes but smiled. "Oh, shut up. My cooking isn't that bad."
"Says the girl who once served charcoal as chicken."
"I was experimenting!" she laughed.
"Sure, sure," I teased, feeling a bit more relaxed. "By the way, did you notice Hokuto's face when you rushed over to me? Classic."
"Jeonghan, focus on getting better, not on mocking people," she chided playfully.
Ara's POV
"Come on, Jeonghan. We'll get you to the nurse," I said, supporting his weight as we made our way down the hallway.
"Thanks, Ara," he said softly.
"No problem. What are friends for?" I replied, trying to keep the mood light despite my lingering concern for him.
As we walked, I couldn't help but think about Hokuto's confession. It was sweet, but I didn't feel the same way. My mind kept drifting back to Jeonghan and the weird tension between us lately. Today's incident added to the confusion.
We finally reached the nurse's office, and I helped Jeonghan onto a bed. "You stay here and rest. I'll let the nurse know you're not feeling well."
He nodded, giving me a small, grateful smile. "Thanks, A. I owe you one."
I smiled back. "Just get better, okay?"
"So what's up with you and Hokuto?" Jeonghan asked as he sat down on the couch, trying to sound casual.
"Nothing, he just confessed, but I was going to reject him until we heard your voice," I said nonchalantly.
"Oh, you were?" he asked, his tone a mix of curiosity and relief.
"Yeah, dude, I have no feelings for him," I replied.
"Oh, just checking. You two looked pretty cozy recently," he teased.
"Please, we're just friends," I smiled.
"Anyways, I'll get you some warm water and have the boys bring our stuff here," I said, standing up to leave the room.
Narrator's POV
As Ara left the room, Jeonghan couldn't help but smile to himself. There was a sense of relief knowing that Ara didn't reciprocate Hokuto's feelings. But just as quickly, he reminded himself that Ara was his academic rival. He needed to keep his emotions in check.
Jeonghan leaned back on the couch, replaying the conversation in his mind. The way Ara had dismissed Hokuto's confession so easily filled him with a strange sense of satisfaction.
When Ara returned with a cup of warm water, Jeonghan straightened up. "Thanks, Ara."
"No problem. Just rest up," she said, handing him the cup.
As she sat down beside him, the comfortable silence between them felt charged with unspoken words. Jeonghan glanced at Ara, who seemed lost in her thoughts.
"So, about the exams," Jeonghan began, trying to steer the conversation back to familiar territory. "Ready to get beaten again?"
"In your dreams, Yoon," Ara shot back, a playful glint in her eye.
"Just you wait. I've been preparing," Jeonghan smirked.
"Yeah, yeah. We'll see," Ara laughed, feeling the familiar banter ease the tension.
As they continued to chat, the lines between rivalry and friendship blurred. For now, they were content in each other's company, leaving the complexities of their relationship for another day.
YOU ARE READING
Reputation
Romance"You know what's the most attractive thing about you?" I whisper into his ear, my voice barely a breath. "Your brain." "I know, love, that's why I can keep you entertained," he replies softly, his grin filled with promises that send shivers down my...
