Curious Hearts

Chapter 17

As Ain go to her locker, she was greeted by her best friend, Minji.

"Well, someone looks like they had an interesting weekend."

Ain blushed.

"What do you mean?"

"Oh, come on. You've been smiling to yourself since you walked in. Did something happen between you and Jay?"

"Maybe... we had a good time, that's all."

"I knew it! You two would make such a cute couple!"

Ain laughed, but before she could respond, she noticed a group of girls giggling nearby. They seemed to be whispering and occasionally glancing in Jay's direction. Ain felt jealous as she saw Jay standing by the classroom door, talking to a girl she recognized from another class—Sooyoung, one of the most popular girls in school.

She tried to shake off the sudden feeling, telling herself it was nothing. But, as she watched, she couldn't help but feel a twist of jealousy in her heart.

Minji followed Ain's gaze and nudged her.

"Looks like someone else is interested in Jay."

Ain rolled her eyes, trying to sound casual.

"It's not like that. They're just talking."

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Later, during lunch, Ain sat with Minji and a few other friends. But every time she glanced over at Jay's table, there was Sooyoung. Still sitting next to him and still smiling too much. Ain tried to ignore it, but she felt a sting in her chest every time Jay laughed at something Sooyoung said.

Minji noticed Ain's distracted gaze and nudged her again.

"Are you okay? You seem... off."

Ain forced a smile.

"I'm fine. Just.. thinking."

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"Ain?"

She turned to see Jay walking toward her.

"Hey, I was looking for you."

"Oh, hey Jay. What's up?"

Jay titled his head and noticing the tension in her voice.

"I wanted to ask if you're okay. You seemed a bit distant during lunch."

She was feeling— the jealousy, the confusion but she didn't want to seem childish. Instead, she forced a smile.

"I'm fine. Just.. tired, I guess."

"You sure? You can tell me if something's bothering you."

Ain sighed and finally deciding to be honest.

"It's just.. I saw you with Sooyoung earlier, and I guess I felt.. a little weird about it."

Jay shocked.

"Weird? As in.. jealous?"

"Maybe a little."

"You don't have to worry, Ain. Sooyoung was just asking for help with some history notes. That's all."

"Really?"

"Yes, really. Besides, there's only one person I'm interested in getting to know better right now.. and that's you."

Ain's heart swelled at his words and she felt the last of her jealousy melt away.

"Okay.. I'm sorry for overreacting."

Jay shook his head.

"You don't have to apologize. I'm glad you told me how you feel."

"Thanks, Jay."

"So, Ain.. about that arcade date we talked about..?"

"I'm still up for it."

"Yes! I can't wait."