Frozen Memories➔ps.ff

Chapter 7

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It was just another school day for Sarang, now a junior in high school, and the pressure was on. With a big figure skating competition coming up in four months, her days were packed with both school and practice. 

After a particularly intense study session, she decided to take a quick break and headed out of her classroom to use the bathroom. As she stepped into the hallway, she nearly bumped into someone.

"Oh, hey Yeji! What are you doing here?" Sarang greeted Sunghoon's little sister, quickly recognizing her. Yeji, still in middle school, was smiling brightly.

"Hi, unnie! I came to find my science teacher. By the way, I was going to come to your house later," Yeji said, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

Sarang tilted her head curiously. "Oh? Why's that?"

Yeji continued, "So, I have my ballet show on Friday, and I've been really indecisive about what to wear. I still haven't bought a dress yet, and I was wondering when you'd be free to help me pick one out."

Sarang smiled warmly, thinking of her packed schedule. Practice every day after class, midterms approaching—but there was no way she could say no to Yeji. 

Ever since Sarang had become friends with Sunghoon, she'd also grown close to Yeji. Despite the age gap, they were like best friends, doing all sorts of girly things together. For Sarang, who didn't have a close female friend, Yeji filled that role perfectly. 

Yeji, on the other hand, looked up to Sarang like an older sister, someone she respected and loved deeply. They even occasionally teamed up to tease Sunghoon, much to his dismay.

Sarang's mind was racing with her commitments, but she quickly responded, "How about we go today? Are you free?"

Yeji's face lit up with a big smile. "Absolutely! I know you're busy, and Sunghoon would probably kill me if he knew I was bothering you... You have practice after class today, right?"

Sarang smiled at her and shook her head. "It's no problem if I skip today's practice, Yeji. Besides, this is important. It's for you," she said with a grin. "And we haven't had one of our girly shopping days in forever—going around, talking about everything, spilling all the tea, right?"

Yeji hugged her tightly. "Thank you, unnie! I've missed hanging out with you. Let's meet after school."

They quickly made plans on where to meet before Yeji dashed off to finish her errand. After class, Sarang made her way to their agreed meeting spot. On her way, she ran into Sunghoon.

"Hey, I'm not going to practice today. Tell Ms. Do that I'm not feeling well, so I left early," she said as they walked together.

Sunghoon looked at her with concern. "Are you not feeling okay?"

Sarang shook her head. "I'm fine, I just have plans."

Now he looked at her suspiciously. "What plans?"

"I'm meeting up with Yeji. We have somewhere to be," she replied casually, still walking beside him.

Sunghoon sighed, annoyed. "I told her that you're busy. Oh my God, Yeji..." he muttered, exasperated.

Sarang side-eyed him playfully. "What do you mean? I can meet her anytime. Plus, I still have plenty of time for practice. Her show is on Friday; she needs my help," she said, scoffing at his overprotectiveness.

He sighed again, his annoyance clear. "Whatever, you guys are annoying."

Sarang looked at him and teased, "Just say it if you want to come along with us. Stop pouting like a child."