Falling for Mr. Yoo

Chapter 3 : Chipping Away

Over the next few weeks, Jimin’s presence became an unavoidable part of Winter’s daily life. He sat next to her in class, greeted her in the halls, and even showed up in the library during her study breaks. No matter how many cold shoulders Winter gave him, Jimin always came back with that same confident smile, as if nothing could phase him.

And the strangest part? He never pushed too far. He never pried into her personal life or tried to force his way into her friend circle. He was just… there, always ready with a joke or a casual conversation, but never demanding more from her than she was willing to give.

At first, Winter found it irritating. But as the days passed, she found herself growing used to his presence. She hated to admit it, but Jimin had a way of making people feel at ease, even her.

One afternoon, during a particularly quiet moment in the library, Jimin broke the silence.

“Why do you do that?”

Winter looked up from her book. “Do what?”

“Keep everyone at arm’s length,” Jimin said, his tone more thoughtful than teasing this time.

Winter frowned, but Jimin held up his hands. “I’m not prying, I swear. I’m just curious. You act like you don’t need anyone.”

“I don’t,” Winter said, her voice firm.

Jimin nodded, as if he understood, but his eyes remained on her, filled with a kind of quiet curiosity that made Winter feel uncomfortable.

“Everyone needs someone,” Jimin said softly. “Even you.”

For a moment, Winter didn’t know how to respond. No one had ever said something like that to her before. But instead of opening up, she did what she always did—she shut down.

“You don’t know anything about me,” Winter said coldly, gathering her things. “Stop pretending you do.”

Jimin didn’t stop her as she left, but as Winter walked away, she couldn’t shake the feeling that his words had struck something deep within her—something she wasn’t ready to confront just yet.

TBC.