Unseen Softness (🌸)

1 0 0
                                    

Sooyoung was infamous at Stella's high school as the quintessential "bad girl." She skipped classes, smoked, partied hard, and got into more than her fair share of fights. Everyone knew her reputation, and it didn’t stop there—she was openly lesbian, which only added to the rumors and intrigue that surrounded her. But beneath that tough exterior, there was one secret vulnerability, one soft spot that no one else would ever see. That spot was reserved for Stella.

Despite her rebellious ways, Sooyoung harbored a quiet affection for Stella that she never fully understood, nor did anyone else. One afternoon, as Stella passed by the locker room, she caught a glimpse of Sooyoung leaning in the corner, cigarette in hand. The bad girl exhaled a cloud of smoke, then breathed it back in as though it was a momentary escape from the world. Her head tilted back toward the ceiling, her expression softened in a rare moment of peace—a side of Sooyoung that only someone like Stella could notice.

Pausing for a moment, Stella observed Sooyoung through her glasses, intrigued by this unguarded moment and wondering what thoughts were hidden behind those usually defiant eyes.

Sooyoung remained oblivious to Stella’s presence nearby, casually taking another deep drag from her cigarette, the smoke curling around her like a shield. Stella couldn’t help but steal a glance, her eyes tracing over Sooyoung’s features. The slight dark circles beneath her eyes suggested nights of missed sleep, but instead of diminishing her allure, it only enhanced it—adding a certain edge to her beauty. Her cold, intimidating expression was typical of the “bad girl” image, but something about it drew Stella in.

As Sooyoung's gaze shifted, her eyes landed on Stella. For a moment, she froze, her usual icy demeanor melting just slightly. Her eyes widened in recognition, and the hardness of her face softened in a way only Stella had ever seen.

“...Stella, didn’t see ya there,” Sooyoung said, her voice low and smooth, a tone laced with warmth she reserved just for her.

Caught off guard, Stella quickly gathered herself, a faint blush dusting her cheeks as she smiled warmly at Sooyoung, appreciating this rare glimpse of vulnerability. "Hey, Sooyoung," she greeted softly, stepping closer, "I hope I'm not interrupting anything."

A subtle smirk tugged at the corner of Sooyoung’s lips as she leaned against the wall, her sharp gaze locking onto Stella. The intensity in her eyes darkened slightly, and as Stella took a step closer, there was a brief flicker—a quick glance at Stella’s lips before her eyes darted back up to meet Stella's again. The moment was charged, heavy with unspoken tension.

“Not at all,” Sooyoung replied coolly, her voice effortlessly smooth as she exhaled another ring of smoke that drifted lazily into the air. “Just takin' a smoke break,” she added casually, her eyes never leaving Stella's, the playful smirk still lingering on her lips.

Stella returned Sooyoung's gaze, the atmosphere between them palpable, and asked curiously, "Are you alright? You look a bit tired.”

A sigh escaped Sooyoung’s lips, a hint of vulnerability peeking through her usual nonchalant facade. She took another drag from her cigarette, the smoke clouding her expression for a moment before she exhales it out into the air.

“Just been a rough night, I guess.” Sooyoung admitted, her eyes lingering on Stella, a mix of exhaustion and something unidentifiable in her gaze. She then leaned against the wall again, her face turned slightly away from her, as if guarded but still wanting Stella's attention in a subtle way.

Stella nodded sympathetically, her hazel eyes filled with concern. "Want to talk about it?" she offered gently, leaning against the adjacent locker, mirroring Sooyoung's posture.

Writer's fantasies 🎀Where stories live. Discover now