Hearts Entwined || PpoToz

CHAPTER 9

NO ONE POV

The next morning, Seoyeon walked into class with Xinyu's advice replaying in her mind. She was determined to stick to the plan, to focus on herself, and to let go of the constant need to compete with Yooyeon. As she entered the classroom, she took a deep breath, mentally preparing herself for the day ahead.

Yooyeon was already at her desk, as usual, her expression calm and unreadable. Seoyeon had grown so accustomed to the silent competition that simmered between them that she almost felt a pang of emptiness as she resolved to ignore it. But she pushed the feeling aside, reminding herself that this was for the best.

Class began, and Seoyeon settled into her seat. As always, the teachers posed questions to the students, and Yooyeon's hand was the first to shoot up. She answered each question with her usual confidence and precision, but today, Seoyeon didn't rush to follow suit. Instead, she focused on her own notes, letting Yooyeon take the spotlight without any resistance.

Their classmates began to notice the change. Normally, Seoyeon would be quick to challenge Yooyeon, eager to prove herself. But today, she remained calm, unbothered by Yooyeon's dominance in the classroom. Whispers spread among the students, some casting curious glances at Seoyeon, wondering why she wasn't her usual competitive self.

Nakyoung, sitting a few seats away, looked particularly disappointed, her eyes darting between Seoyeon and Yooyeon as if waiting for the usual sparks to fly. But Seoyeon remained resolute, determined to follow Xinyu's advice and not let Yooyeon's actions dictate her own.

As the class went on, Seoyeon could feel Yooyeon's gaze lingering on her longer than usual. It was subtle, but it was there-a flicker of curiosity that Yooyeon couldn't quite hide. She could sense that something was different about Seoyeon today, and it was throwing her off balance.

During a lull in the lesson, Yooyeon finally turned to Seoyeon, her expression neutral but her tone laced with curiosity.

"Did you finally go to a therapist or something?" she asked, her voice low enough that only Seoyeon could hear.

Seoyeon felt a flare of irritation at the question. It was such a Yooyeon thing to say-direct, cutting, and oddly presumptuous. But she had promised herself that she wouldn't let Yooyeon get under her skin today. She took a deep breath, reminding herself of Xinyu's advice.

Instead of snapping back, Seoyeon simply shrugged, keeping her expression neutral. "Nope," she replied calmly, her voice even. She didn't offer any further explanation, returning her focus to her notes instead.

Yooyeon blinked, clearly taken aback by Seoyeon's lack of reaction. It was as if she had expected Seoyeon to rise to the bait, to retort with her usual sharpness. But Seoyeon remained unfazed, her resolve firm.

The rest of the class passed with Yooyeon occasionally glancing at Seoyeon, as if trying to figure out what had changed. Seoyeon could sense her seatmate's confusion, but she refused to give Yooyeon the satisfaction of a reaction.

As the bell rang and the students began to gather their things, Seoyeon felt a strange mix of emotions. On one hand, she was proud of herself for staying calm, for not letting Yooyeon's words get to her. But on the other hand, she couldn't shake the lingering irritation from Yooyeon's question.

As she walked out of the classroom, she caught sight of Nakyoung and Xinyu waiting for her by the lockers. Nakyoung looked puzzled, while Xinyu gave her an encouraging smile.

"So, how did it go?" Xinyu asked, falling into step beside Seoyeon.

"I ignored her," Seoyeon replied, though there was a hint of frustration in her voice. "But she asked if I'd gone to a therapist."