Hearts Entwined || PpoToz

CHAPTER 33

In class, Seoyeon struggled to concentrate on the lesson. Every time she tried to focus, Yooyeon would find a way to distract her, whether through physical contact or sweet comments. It was a constant battle for Seoyeon to maintain her composure, and her face was perpetually flushed red.

At one point, as Seoyeon was trying to read through her textbook, Yooyeon gently tapped her on the shoulder, causing her to flinch. Seoyeon looked up, only to find Yooyeon grinning mischievously.

"You're looking a bit red, Seoyeon," Yooyeon whispered playfully. "Everything okay?"

Seoyeon, caught off guard and feeling a bit embarrassed, stammered, "I-I’m fine. Just a little warm."

The teacher, noticing Seoyeon’s flushed face, paused their lecture and looked concerned. "Seoyeon, is everything alright? You seem a bit flushed."

Seoyeon, her face turning an even deeper shade of red, quickly responded, "I’m okay, thank you."

Yooyeon, barely containing her laughter, leaned closer and whispered, "You’re so cute when you’re flustered."

Unable to focus and feeling overwhelmed, Seoyeon’s mouth went dry. She tried to gather her thoughts, but Yooyeon’s comment had left her momentarily speechless.

Yooyeon took advantage of the moment, playfully poking Seoyeon’s cheek with the tip of her pen. "You’re really cute when you blush," she said softly.

Seoyeon’s heart raced at the unexpected compliment. She tried to respond, but her words tangled in her throat. Her eyes widened, and she glanced around the classroom, hoping no one else had noticed the interaction.

Yooyeon’s smile widened as she watched Seoyeon’s reaction, clearly enjoying the effect she had. She leaned back in her seat, content with the silent but effective teasing.

As the class continued, Seoyeon tried to refocus on the lesson, but Yooyeon's playful gestures and sweet comments kept breaking her concentration. The rest of the class seemed oblivious to the growing tension between them, but Seoyeon was acutely aware of every little thing Yooyeon did.

Despite the distraction, Seoyeon couldn’t help but feel a mix of frustration and warmth. Yooyeon’s teasing was relentless, but it also made her heart flutter in ways she wasn’t quite prepared to handle. The balance between irritation and affection became increasingly blurred as the day went on.

•••

After school, the hallways were slowly emptying out as students trickled home. Seoyeon was packing up her things, her mind wandering as she remembered Yooyeon’s constant teasing throughout the day. She couldn’t help but feel her heart race every time Yooyeon leaned in too close, her words lingering longer than they should have.

As usual, Yooyeon appeared by her side, ready to walk Seoyeon home. It had become a routine of theirs, and despite the countless times Seoyeon told herself not to overthink it, she couldn’t shake the butterflies that always stirred in her stomach when they were alone together.

“Ready to go?” Yooyeon asked, slinging her bag over her shoulder with that casual smile of hers.

Seoyeon nodded, though her heart was thumping in her chest. They started their walk in silence, the cool afternoon breeze brushing past them.

As they neared the usual corner that led toward Seoyeon’s house, she broke the silence, her voice soft but filled with curiosity. “Aren’t you worried about getting home late? Won’t your father be mad?”

Yooyeon shrugged nonchalantly, her tone light but with an undertone of something more serious. “I don’t really care. Besides, I’d rather spend time with you.”

Seoyeon’s face immediately flushed, and she turned her head to avoid eye contact, unsure how to respond. They continued walking, but the silence between them felt heavier now. Yooyeon’s words lingered in the air, making Seoyeon’s thoughts race.

After a while, Yooyeon started teasing her again, her voice playful as she leaned in slightly. “You know, Seoyeon… you’re kind of cute when you’re flustered.”

Seoyeon couldn’t take it anymore. She stopped walking, her chest rising and falling with nervousness, her heart beating wildly. “Why do you always tease me like this?” she blurted out, turning around to face Yooyeon directly.

Yooyeon froze, surprised by the sudden confrontation. She opened her mouth to speak, but Seoyeon wasn’t done. “You’re always teasing, always saying things that… that make me feel—” She stopped, her voice wavering, unable to find the right words to finish her sentence.

Yooyeon, seeing the seriousness in Seoyeon’s expression, finally dropped her playful demeanor. Her smile faded as she looked at Seoyeon with an intensity she rarely showed. “You really want to know why?” she asked softly.

Seoyeon nodded, still flustered but determined to get an answer.

Yooyeon took a deep breath before stepping closer to Seoyeon, the air between them thick with tension. “Because,” Yooyeon started, her voice lower, more serious than Seoyeon had ever heard it, “I like you.”

The words hung in the air, and Seoyeon’s eyes widened in shock. Her breath caught in her throat, and she could hardly believe what she had just heard.

Seeing Seoyeon’s reaction, Yooyeon continued, this time with more confidence. “I’m serious, Seoyeon. I like you. That’s why I tease you, why I want to spend time with you. I just… didn’t know how to say it until now.”

Seoyeon’s mind was spinning. She had never expected Yooyeon to confess like this, not after all the teasing and rivalry they had shared. She stood there, speechless, trying to process what Yooyeon had just said.

“Say something,” Yooyeon urged, her voice soft, her usual cocky demeanor replaced by genuine vulnerability.

“I…” Seoyeon stammered, still trying to find her voice. “Are you… are you being serious?”

Yooyeon smiled, though it wasn’t the usual teasing smirk. It was softer, more genuine. “Yes, I’m being serious.”

Seoyeon couldn’t say a word. Her heart was pounding too fast, her face burning with embarrassment, and her mind was a mess of conflicting emotions. She didn’t know what to do or how to respond.

Without waiting for Seoyeon to speak, Yooyeon gently took her hand, her touch sending a wave of warmth through Seoyeon’s body. “Come on, I’ll walk you the rest of the way home,” Yooyeon said quietly.

Seoyeon allowed herself to be led, her mind still reeling from the confession. She was too shocked to argue or protest. They walked the rest of the way in silence, but this time, the silence between them was different—charged with an unspoken understanding.

When they finally reached Seoyeon’s house, Yooyeon stopped at the gate, still holding Seoyeon’s hand for a brief moment longer before letting go. “Goodnight, Seoyeon,” she said softly, her voice still carrying the weight of her confession.

Seoyeon stood there, still in shock, watching as Yooyeon turned and walked away. Her heart was still pounding, her mind still spinning. She couldn’t believe what had just happened.

Yooyeon liked her. Yooyeon had actually confessed to her.

Seoyeon turned to her front door, her hand trembling as she reached for the handle. As she opened the door and stepped inside, she couldn’t help but glance back at the spot where Yooyeon had stood just moments ago. Her thoughts were a whirlwind, but one thing was clear: nothing between them would ever be the same again.