"When Loves Started"..

part-18

Days turned into weeks, and Eun Ae's feelings for Joon Woo only grew stronger. But Beom Seok seemed determined to keep them apart, always finding ways to distract her or change the subject whenever Joon Woo's name came up.

Meanwhile, Joon Woo's absence from school had become a mystery. Some classmates claimed he had gone abroad, saying he would return in a week. But that week turned into two, and then three, with no sign of Joon Woo.

Eun Ae couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness every day. She missed Joon Woo's bright smile and kind eyes. She wondered if he was okay, if he was thinking of her too.

Beom Seok noticed her melancholy and tried to cheer her up, but even his efforts couldn't lift the gloom that had settled over her. She felt lost and alone, her heart aching for the one person she couldn't have.

As the days turned into weeks, Eun Ae began to realize that her feelings for Joon Woo went beyond friendship. She was falling in love with him, hard and fast. But with him gone and Beom Seok's disapproval looming over her, she didn't know what to do with her emotions.

As the teacher continued to explain the details of the village trip, Eun Ae's friend, Yoon Ah, noticed her subdued expression. "Hey, what's wrong?" Yoon Ah asked, nudging Eun Ae with her elbow. "You don't look happy about the trip."

Eun Ae sighed, turning to Yoon Ah. "I was just thinking about Joon Woo," she admitted. "I wonder if he'll be back in time for the trip."

Yoon Ah's expression turned sympathetic. "I know you miss him, but try to focus on the fun we'll have on the trip, okay?"

Eun Ae nodded, forcing a smile onto her face. "You're right. I'll try to enjoy it."

Yoon Ah grinned. "That's the spirit! We'll make sure to take lots of photos to send to Joon Woo, so he won't feel left out."

Eun Ae's heart skipped a beat at the mention of Joon Woo's name, but she tried to brush off the feeling. She was determined to make the most of the trip and not let her longing for Joon Woo get her down.

The next day, Eun Ae arrived at the bus, her heart racing with excitement. She had been looking forward to this trip for weeks, and she couldn't wait to get away from the city for a while. As she entered the bus, she scanned the seats, looking for a place to sit. That's when she saw him - Joon Woo, sitting by the window, looking as handsome as ever. Her heart skipped a beat as she made her way towards him, a smile spreading across her face.

But just as she was about to reach him, she saw Beom Seok, her best friend, waving at her from across the aisle. "Eun Ae, over here!" he called out, patting the empty seat beside him.

Eun Ae's heart sank. She had been so looking forward to sitting with Joon Woo, but she couldn't ignore Beom Seok's friendly gesture. She hesitated for a moment, then made her way over to Beom Seok, trying to hide her disappointment.

"Hey, Beom Seok," she said, forcing a smile onto her face. "I didn't know you were sitting here."

Beom Seok grinned. "I saved you a seat. Come on, sit down."

Eun Ae sat down beside him, trying to make the best of the situation. She glanced over at Joon Woo, who was now looking at her with a hint of a smile. She felt a pang of regret, wondering what could have been if she had sat with him instead.

As the bus pulled out of the school parking lot, Eun Ae couldn't help but steal glances at Joon Woo, who was sitting across from her. Beom Seok noticed her gaze and his expression turned cold.

"Eun Ae, let's focus on the trip, okay?" Beom Seok said, his voice firm but controlled.

Eun Ae nodded, feeling a pang of guilt. She knew Beom Seok didn't like Joon Woo, and she didn't want to upset him.