our crossed paths | jww.

sixteen.

"What the hell..." Jiwoo groaned, waking up with a pounding headache. It didn't take long for her to realize—she'd ended up drunk again last night.

"Shit... did I pass out again?" she mumbled, blinking as she took in her surroundings.

She wasn't in her bed, but sprawled on the couch in her living room, wrapped snugly in her soft yellow blanket.

How had she even managed to get here?

Reaching for her phone, she unlocked it, eyes immediately drawn to the conversation still open on her screen.

A chat with Wonwoo.

Wonwoo: Then I won't let you go, Jiwoo. This time, it's me. I'll hold on.

Her breath hitched, a blush creeping across her face as she stared at the words.

Jiwoo quickly covered her mouth, her mind racing.

Did Jeon Wonwoo really say that to her?

"Wake up, Kang Jiwoo. This isn't a dream, right?" she whispered to herself, her fingers trembling as she scrolled down through the messages.

It wasn't just that. There were more hints scattered through the conversation—about jealousy, possessiveness, even that flirty kid she'd mentioned.

Wonwoo had... reacted.

Was he really jealous?

Could he have been drunk too? He did have a drink last night... right?

The more Jiwoo thought about it, the more her headache worsened. "Ugh... there you go again, Kang Jiwoo. Drinking when you know your limits." She sighed, rubbing her temples.

Just then, her phone pinged with a new message.

Wonwoo: Are you awake? How are you feeling?

Jiwoo froze, staring at the screen.

He messaged her first thing in the morning?

Before she could even respond, another message popped up.

Wonwoo: You've definitely woken up. You've read my messages.

A small smile tugged at her lips despite the hangover.

Jiwoo: Aha, good (not-so) morning to you too, Wonwoo.

Wonwoo: That bad, huh? The hangover's hitting you hard, isn't it?

Jiwoo: Ugh, yeah. Drunken Jiwoo and hungover Jiwoo are a terrible duo.

Wonwoo: Drunken Jiwoo might actually be one of my favorites, though.

Jiwoo almost choked on her own breath, eyes widening as she reread his words.

What did he just say?!

Jiwoo: Stop. It's so embarrassing... I'm sorry for whatever nonsense I said or texted.

Wonwoo: Don't be.

Wonwoo: I meant everything I said too.

Her headache seemed to be clouding her ability to fully process his words, but that last message sent her heart racing again.

What exactly did he mean...??

Before she could figure it out, another message came through.

Wonwoo: If you don't mind... I'm downstairs. At your apartment.