Creating US [2JIN] LOONA

Chap 13

The following morning, Heejin was still thinking about her conversation with Ryujin. Her mind felt heavy as she walked through the school hallways. She hadn't told anyone about what Ryujin shared, not even Chuu. Ryujin didn't want anyone to know yet, and Heejin was determined to respect that.

As she entered the classroom, she spotted Chuu waving at her from their usual table. Heejin forced a smile and headed over, trying to appear normal, though her thoughts were far from it.

Just as Heejin took her seat, a familiar voice called out from the doorway.

"Morning, Heejin."

Heejin turned to see Hyunjin, looking as cool as always with her sharp gaze and effortless style. She smiled, though it didn't reach her eyes. "Morning, Hyunjin."

Hyunjin raised an eyebrow, sensing something off. "You okay? You look... distracted."

Chuu, who had been playing with her food, leaned in curiously. "Heejin, are you still thinking about the Ryujin thing?"

Before Heejin could stop her, Chuu had blurted it out. Hyunjin's gaze sharpened, her attention now fully on Heejin. "Ryujin thing? What's going on with her?"

Heejin cursed internally. She hadn't planned on telling anyone, especially not Hyunjin. "It's nothing," she said quickly, trying to wave it off.

Hyunjin didn't buy it for a second. "Doesn't seem like nothing."

Heejin hesitated. She didn't want to break Ryujin's trust, but she could feel Hyunjin's intense gaze on her. Just then, the bell rang, signaling the start of class. Saved by the bell.

"We'll talk later," Hyunjin said, her tone making it clear she wasn't dropping this.

Heejin nodded, relieved for the temporary reprieve. She knew Hyunjin wouldn't let it go easily, but for now, she could at least focus on class.

---

Later that afternoon, Heejin found herself walking toward the bike racks after school, planning to head home early. She needed some time to think. As she approached the bikes, she spotted two familiar figures standing together, talking in hushed voices.

Ryujin and... Hyunjin.

Heejin stopped in her tracks, her heart thudding in her chest. She hadn't expected to see them together. Hyunjin had her arms crossed, looking serious, while Ryujin leaned against her bike, her expression unreadable.

Heejin ducked behind a nearby pillar, watching the two of them from a distance. She couldn't hear what they were saying, but Hyunjin's body language was tense, and Ryujin seemed unusually quiet. They were close enough that it looked like a private conversation

One that Heejin wasn't meant to overhear.

After a few moments, Hyunjin turned abruptly and walked away, her face set in a determined expression. Ryujin remained where she was, staring at the ground, lost in thought.

Heejin felt a strange knot form in her stomach. Why was Hyunjin talking to Ryujin? And why did it feel like something important had just happened?

Before she could figure out what to do, Ryujin spotted her. Their eyes met across the empty courtyard, and for a second, neither of them moved. Then Ryujin pushed off her bike and walked over to her.

"Heejin," Ryujin said, her voice calm but guarded.

"Hey," Heejin replied, trying to act natural. "What were you and Hyunjin talking about?"

Ryujin hesitated for a second, then shook her head. "Nothing important."

Heejin didn't believe that for a second, but she knew better than to push. If Ryujin wanted to tell her, she would. Still, something about the way Ryujin and Hyunjin had been talking nagged at her.

"You sure?" Heejin asked, trying to keep her tone light.

Ryujin nodded. "Yeah. Don't worry about it."

But Heejin couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. And from the way Hyunjin had stormed off, she had a sinking suspicion that whatever was going on involved more than just a rumor.

---

That evening, as Heejin sat in her room, her phone buzzed with a message from Hyunjin.

Hyunjin:"We need to talk. Meet me tomorrow after school. It's about Ryujin."

Heejin stared at the message, her heart racing. Why was Hyunjin suddenly so involved in all of this? And what did she know about Ryujin that Heejin didn't?

The more she thought about it, the more uneasy she felt. Something was happening, and it seemed like everyone around her knew more than she did.

Tomorrow, she'd get answers. One way or another.