Shout Out To Mr. Foxy! ⚊ Kim Sunoo [#7]

✗ four ✗

⚊ chapter four

The echoes of the gym’s applause still rang in my ears as I walked out into the hallway. I tried to process what had just happened. The past week had been a whirlwind of unexpected gestures from Kiara, each one more elaborate and attention-grabbing than the last.

If someone had told me a week ago that I’d be standing here, feeling this strange mix of embarrassment and contemplation, I would’ve laughed it off.

My friends were relentless. Ni-ki and Jungwon were the worst. Every time I looked their way, they were either snickering or nudging each other with knowing glances.

“Sunoo’s got it bad,” Ni-ki would tease, elbowing me playfully.

Jungwon wasn’t much better. “Looks like someone’s got a fan club,” he’d chuckle.

Heeseung, though, took it a step further. As the gym had erupted in applause for Kiara’s performance, Heeseung had turned to me with wide eyes.

“Man, Kiara has a voice like a Disney Princess,” he’d said, a look of genuine admiration on his face. “I didn’t know she could sing like that!”

That comment had stuck with me. A Disney Princess?

The thought was both flattering and overwhelming. I mean, I’d known Kiara was cheerful and persistent, but hearing her sing with such grace had been a revelation.

It wasn’t just about the grand gestures anymore; it was about her genuine charm and warmth.

But the real pressure wasn’t just coming from my friends.

It was also coming from home. Sunhee, my little sister, had been almost annoyingly excited about the whole situation.

“Kiara’s amazing!” she’d exclaim. “I’d love for her to be my sister-in-law!” She’d say it with such enthusiasm, it was hard to ignore.

Then there was Dahyun, who had a more subdued reaction. She’d told me with a bemused smile that we’d received a parcel of chocolates for our parents, some sunflowers for her and Sunhee, and, to my horror, a love letter for me— all from Kiara.

She’d handed me the letter with an amused glint in her eye.

“She’s certainly making her feelings known,” Dahyun said. “You should read it.”

I hadn’t opened the letter yet. It felt like I was avoiding the inevitable, but I knew I couldn’t delay forever. Maybe it was because I didn’t want to face what was inside, or maybe it was because I wasn’t sure how to react.

All I knew was that Kiara’s persistent efforts had left me feeling conflicted.

I’d seen her smile so brightly throughout the week. It was infectious, but it also made me question my own feelings. Did I really see her as more than a friend? Or was I just overwhelmed by her attention and the pressure from everyone around me?

The final straw was the assembly. I watched as Kiara sang that heartfelt song with such sincerity, her voice echoing through the gym. She’d given me a small keychain, a gesture that was both sweet and overwhelming.

As she walked off the stage, my friends had been quick to shower me with more teasing. They were relentless in their support, but it only added to my confusion.

I found a quiet spot in the hallway, away from the buzzing crowd. I took out the letter from my pocket, staring at it for a moment. It was a simple envelope with my name written in Kiara’s bubbly handwriting. Taking a deep breath, I opened it and unfolded the letter.