Hearts Entwined || PpoToz

CHAPTER 35

NO ONE POV

As the weeks passed and the CSAT loomed ever closer, Seoyeon found herself struggling more and more to focus. Despite her best efforts, every time Yooyeon was near, her heart raced, and her mind wandered. Whether it was the way Yooyeon leaned in to explain a math problem or how her soft whispers caused goosebumps to rise on her skin, Seoyeon couldn’t concentrate. She knew she needed to focus on studying, but Yooyeon had become her biggest distraction.

Determined to prioritize her studies, Seoyeon began to distance herself. It wasn’t easy—every time Yooyeon teased her, or their friends joked about their dynamic, Seoyeon had to stop herself from smiling, from blushing, from falling even harder. She would make excuses, leaving study sessions early or keeping her head down to avoid eye contact. Even during group gatherings, she sat farther from Yooyeon, hoping it would help her focus on the upcoming exams.

At first, Yooyeon didn’t notice. But as the days passed, she realized something was off. Seoyeon wasn’t laughing at her jokes like she used to. She wasn’t engaging in their usual playful banter or letting Yooyeon sit close during study sessions. She barely even looked at her anymore. It was subtle, but the change in Seoyeon’s behavior felt like a knife twisting in Yooyeon’s chest.

The more Seoyeon pulled away, the more Yooyeon’s insecurities grew. The confidence she’d felt after her confession a few weeks ago was slipping. She replayed the moment over and over in her head—had she been too forward? Was Seoyeon now regretting it? The thought gnawed at her, keeping her awake at night. And still, Seoyeon avoided her.

One rainy afternoon after class, Yooyeon couldn’t take it anymore. The hallways were emptying as students rushed home, eager to escape the downpour. But Yooyeon wasn’t about to let Seoyeon go without answers. She spotted Seoyeon hurriedly gathering her books at her locker and made her move.

“Seoyeon,” Yooyeon called, her voice more tense than she intended.

Seoyeon froze, her back turned to Yooyeon. She took a deep breath before turning around to face her, keeping her expression neutral. “What is it?”

Yooyeon frowned, her heart pounding. “Can we talk? Why… why have you been avoiding me?”

Seoyeon blinked, startled. “I’m not avoiding you. I just need to focus on the exams.”

“That’s what you always say,” Yooyeon said, stepping closer. “But it feels like more than that. You don’t laugh at my jokes, you don’t want to study with me anymore, and… you barely even look at me.”

Seoyeon bit her lip, looking away. “I just need to focus.”

“On what? Because it seems like you’re focusing on everything except me.”

Seoyeon stayed quiet, not knowing how to explain. She could feel her cheeks burning with embarrassment.

Yooyeon’s expression softened, but she couldn’t hide the hurt in her voice. “Did I do something wrong? Is this about… what I said that day? If you don’t feel the same way, just tell me.”

Seoyeon’s heart sank. She hadn’t realized how much her actions were affecting Yooyeon. She glanced up at her, meeting Yooyeon’s eyes for the first time in days. “Yooyeon, no,” she said softly. “It’s not like that.”

“Then what is it?” Yooyeon asked, desperation creeping into her tone. “Because I don’t understand. If you’re uncomfortable with me—”

“I’m not,” Seoyeon interrupted, her voice firmer than before. “I’m not uncomfortable with you at all. I just…” She paused, trying to gather her thoughts. “You’re distracting me.”