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Jiwon let out a frustrated sigh as she scanned her surroundings, her eyes searching for her phone. But it was nowhere to be found. She hadn't used it since the incident, and now she needed it desperately. Her mind racing, she retraced her steps, trying to recall where she last had it.
A sudden realization dawned on her - she had left it in the storage room. Beomgyu had gone out, and she had been meaning to head to Aera. But now, this phone mishap had thrown a wrench into her plans.
With a groan, Jiwon slowly stood up, her right leg protesting with a sharp sting at the sudden movement. She winced, pausing for a moment to collect herself. As she made her way towards the door, her steps were deliberate and cautious.
Jiwon's cautious approach to the door was abruptly halted as it swung open with unexpected force. The sudden movement caught her off guard, and the door's edge struck her forehead with a dull thud. She recoiled, wincing in pain as her hand instinctively rose to cradle the tender spot.
Eunseok stood in the doorway, his eyes widening as he took in Jiwon's startled expression and the hand cradling her forehead. For a fleeting instant, panic flickered across his face, his brow furrowing in alarm.
"Are you okay?" he asked, his voice laced with genuine concern, though tinged with awkwardness.
Eunseok hesitated, unsure how to react, before tentatively reaching out to gently inspect Jiwon's forehead. His touch was cautious, as if seeking permission.
Jiwon's initial shock began to dissipate, replaced by a mix of surprise and discomfort. She hadn't expected Eunseok to appear, especially not with such concern etched on his face. Their past interactions had been complicated, and this sudden display of empathy caught her off guard.
As Eunseok's fingers brushed against her skin, Jiwon felt a flutter in her chest. She hadn't anticipated this gentle side of him, and it left her uncertain. Eunseok's eyes locked onto hers, filled with a deep concern that made her heart skip a beat. For a moment, they simply stared at each other, the tension between them palpable.
Jiwon's eyes narrowed, her brow furrowing in suspicion as she gazed at Eunseok. "What.." she swallowed, her voice momentarily caught in her throat, before speaking again,
"what are you doing here?" Her tone was laced with wariness, reflecting the unease that had settled within her. The unexpected encounter had caught her off guard, and she struggled to make sense of Eunseok's sudden appearance.
Eunseok's gaze darted around the room, his neck scrabbing awkwardly as he struggled to respond. His usual composure seemed to have deserted him, replaced by an endearing awkwardness.
"I... uh..." he stuttered, finally meeting her gaze. His eyes locked onto hers, filled with a genuine concern that made her heart skip a beat. "Do you need something?" he asked, his voice low and hesitant.
Jiwon's expression twisted into a wry smile as she processed Eunseok's question. His offer, though well-intentioned, felt out of character, and she couldn't help but wonder what had prompted this sudden display of concern.
"I don't think I need anything now" she said, her tone dripping with sarcasm, a defense mechanism she often employed to mask her true emotions. Eunseok nodded curtly, his "Okay" barely audible, before turning to leave.
However, he paused, his back still to Jiwon, as if hesitant to break the fragile connection between them. The tension lingered, heavy with unspoken emotions, as Jiwon pondered the sincerity behind Eunseok's words. His awkwardness was palpable, a stark contrast to his usual composure, and she couldn't help but feel a spark of curiosity.
Jiwon's hesitant voice cut through the tension, "Wait"
Eunseok spun around, his eyes locking onto hers with an unsettling intensity. The air was thick with unease, their history of animosity making every interaction a minefield of awkwardness. For a fleeting moment, they simply stared at each other, the silence between them palpable.
"Yes?" Eunseok asked gruffly, his tone betraying a hint of impatience. His expression was guarded, revealing nothing of his true emotions. Jiwon's words tumbled out in a rush, "I think I do need something. My phone - I left it at the storage room."
The request seemed simple enough, yet the tension between them made it feel like a monumental ask.
Eunseok's nod was curt, his expression a mask of obligation rather than genuine concern. Before Jiwon could elaborate, he pivoted on his heel and strode away, leaving her words dangling.
"It's near the pharmacy section-"
Eunseok's muttered "oh" was accompanied by the sound of his retreating footsteps. Jiwon's eyes narrowed, her lips twisting into a wry, annoyed smile.
"Thank you?" she said, her tone heavy with sarcasm. The exchange was stilted, their mutual discomfort palpable. Eunseok's hasty departure and Jiwon's hesitant gratitude only underscored the tension between them.
Was he genuinely concerned for her well-being, or was guilt driving his actions? The memory of their past encounter lingered, where she had saved him from harm. Did he feel responsible for her injury, and was this his way of making amends?
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