Coincidence

Through the Looking Glass

I woke up with a heavy head, my vision blurry and my thoughts jumbled. My head ached so much that even the act of getting out of bed felt like a challenge. Somehow, I managed to stumble to the bathroom and stare at my reflection in the mirror. "Don't be ridiculous, it's just a guy," I scolded myself. "There are billions of boys in the world." But my heart whispered back, "None like him." I sighed, splashing cold water on my face, trying to wash away the memories that started creeping back in.

Flashbacks

My face went pale as Serena shoved her phone in my face, showing me a text that made my stomach drop. I stood there, speechless, unable to form a single word.

"Haha, someone told me he wouldn’t even look at me," Serena said with a dramatic laugh.

"Him asking you out doesn't mean you’re going to be a couple," I replied, my voice heavy with emotion.

"Oh, someone's jealous already. I guess I need to find a new dress then—I have to look good for our date." Serena smirked, her eyes gleaming.

End of flashbacks

"Ouch!" I was jolted back to reality by a pillow hitting me square in the face.

"Get up, sleepyhead, or we're going to be late!" my sister's voice rang out.

I shot her a glare as I packed my luggage. Why does she have to be so annoying? I grabbed my bags and headed out to the car. As I walked, I noticed Jaehun staring at me. Panic surged through me, and I quickly looked away, hoping he hadn’t noticed my swollen eyes. I got into the car, keeping my gaze fixed on the window. Mom said a final goodbye to Auntie before getting in the car too. All I could think was, I hope I never see him again.

~

Later, as I sat in my room nursing my headache, my phone buzzed with a notification from Yori.

"Are you home?"

I had come home yesterday, but I spent the day trying to get rid of my dark circles and puffy eyes. Don't ask me where I found the tips; I spent hours scrolling through reels on my phone. I wanted to apologize to Yori for not being there, but before I could finish typing, she sent another text.

"You don't need to apologize. Jaehun told me everything."

I froze. I had completely forgotten that they were connected on social media now. Oh no, I was in trouble. I exited the chat, only to see four new messages waiting for me. Should I reply? Absolutely not. Another notification from Yori popped up.

"Spill some tea with me, hmm hmm~~"

"Let’s not talk about him"

"Are you upset?"

"No."

"You don't seem okay."

"Leave it..."

I was sure Jaehun hadn’t told her everything yet. I’d explain it to her when I felt better.

"Wanna meet tomorrow?"

"When?"

"In the afternoon."