Falling for Mr. Yoo

Chapter 2 : Unavoidable Encounters

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Winter liked to keep to herself. She stuck to her routine—library during breaks, quiet lunches alone on the rooftop, and studying after school. It was a system that worked for her, and she intended to keep it that way.

But Yoo Jimin wasn’t going to make that easy.

The next day, Winter arrived at the library for her usual quiet time, only to find Jimin sitting at the very table she usually occupied. He was casually flipping through a book, completely at ease, as if he’d been there a hundred times before. Winter frowned, debating whether to find another seat, but her stubbornness won out. She approached the table.

“You’re in my spot,” she said flatly.

Jimin looked up, surprised for a moment, before his trademark grin returned. “Your spot, huh? Didn’t see your name on it.”

Winter crossed her arms. “There are plenty of other tables.”

“True,” Jimin agreed, leaning back in his chair. “But I like this one. Good lighting, quiet... and a nice view.” His eyes flickered toward her briefly.

Winter’s patience was wearing thin, but before she could retort, the librarian shot them both a warning look. She wasn’t about to cause a scene, so she sat down across from him, silently fuming. Jimin just chuckled and continued flipping through his book.

Minutes passed, and Winter tried to focus on her own reading, but she could feel Jimin’s presence. He wasn’t even doing anything; it was just the audacity of him sitting there, invading her space.

“So, what’s your deal?” Jimin suddenly asked, his voice quiet but curious.

Winter glanced up, annoyed. “Excuse me?”

“I mean, you don’t talk to anyone. You barely even looked at me when I introduced myself. You’re like a ghost around here,” Jimin said, leaning forward slightly. “I’m just curious.”

Winter narrowed her eyes. “I don’t owe you an explanation.”

“True again,” Jimin said with a shrug. “But people are interesting, you know? And you… you’re kind of a mystery.”

Winter clenched her jaw, refusing to engage further. The last thing she needed was this guy prying into her life. She kept her head down, ignoring him for the rest of the period, but Jimin didn’t seem to mind. He just sat there, occasionally glancing at her, as if waiting for her to open up.

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After School

Winter thought she was finally free of him when the final bell rang. She gathered her things quickly, determined to leave school before Jimin could bother her again. But fate, it seemed, had other plans.

As she stepped outside, she spotted Jimin leaning against the school gate, chatting with some of his new admirers. He had effortlessly integrated himself into the student body, laughing and joking with people as if he’d been there for years. Winter rolled her eyes and walked faster, hoping to avoid him.

No such luck.

“Winter!” Jimin called out, waving at her. “Heading home?”

Winter ignored him, picking up her pace, but he jogged over, falling into step beside her.

“Wow, not even a hello? Cold as ever,” Jimin teased, hands in his pockets as he walked next to her.

“What do you want?” Winter asked, exasperated.

“Nothing, just figured I’d walk with you. You know, desk partners and all,” Jimin said casually, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

Winter shot him a sideways glance. “I’m not interested in being friends.”

“That’s fine,” Jimin said, unfazed. “I’m persistent though. You’ll warm up to me eventually.”

Winter scoffed. “Doubtful.”

“Hey, I’m a fun guy,” Jimin said with a grin. “You should give me a chance.”

Winter’s steps faltered slightly at the sincerity in his tone. She had dealt with boys trying to flirt with her before, but there was something different about Jimin. He wasn’t just trying to impress her or annoy her—he genuinely seemed interested in getting to know her, which threw her off.

“Well, you’re wasting your time,” Winter said, picking up her pace again.

Jimin’s grin didn’t falter. “I’ve got plenty of time.”

TBC.