Curious Hearts

Chapter 20

In the morning, Ain entered the school and made her way to her locker. As she opened her locker door, she overheard a group of girls from her class giggling nearby.

"Did you hear about Jay and Ain?"

One of the girls, Minji, asked with a mocking tone.

"I still don't get what he sees in her."

Another girl, Sooah, snickered.

"Maybe he feels sorry for her. She's not exactly his type."

Ain tried to ignore them, pretending to be focused on the books in her locker. She didn't understand why they were so invested in her business or why they found pleasure in talking about her like that.

Minji continued..

"Honestly, I think she's just a distraction for him. Jay's too good for someone like Ain."

Ain clenched her jaw, shutting her locker door a bit too loudly, which caught their attention. The girls quickly quieted down, realizing she had overheard them. They exchanged glances, and Minji gave Ain a condescending smile.

"Hey, Ain."

Minji called out, her voice overly sweet.

"How's it going with Jay? I heard you two are getting pretty close."

Ain forced a smile.

"We're good, thanks for asking."

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Later that day, Ain in the library again, her favourite place to clear her mind. She sat at a corner table, trying to focus on her studies, but her thoughts kept drifting back to the conversation she overheard.

Suddenly, Jay appeared.

"Hey, how's your day going?"

"It's... okay."

"What's wrong??"

"Actually, I heard some girls talking about us. They said... some things that bothered me."

"What did they say??"

"They said you're too good for me, that I'm just a distraction. And that... maybe you feel sorry for me."

"That's ridiculous. Why would I feel sorry for you, Ain?? You're amazing."

"Do you really think so?"

Jay took her hand.

"I don't care what they say. I know what I feel, and I feel lucky to know you, Ain. Don't let their words get to you."

"Thank you, Jay. It's just... hard sometimes, you know?"

"I know.. but you're stronger than you think. And if anyone says anything else, just let me know.. okay??"

"Okay."

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During lunch, she saw Jay talking with Minji at the lockers. They seemed to be having a friendly conversation. She knew she shouldn't jump to conclusions, but the sight of them together brought back all the doubts she had been trying to suppress.

"Hey, you okay??"

"Yeah, just... tired."

She lied, not wanting to seem jealous or insecure.

"Okay, if you say so. I was just talking to Minji about a project, by the way. In case you were wondering."

"I wasn't... wondering."

"Sure you weren't?? But seriously, Ain.. you don't have to worry. I'm not interested in anyone else."

"Thanks, Jay. I guess I'm just overthinking things."

Jay laughed.

"Don't too much overthinking okay?? Hahaha, you're so cute, Ain."

"Shut up, Hahaha."