Our Love Story

2. Protective?

Rumors about a stunning new student begin to circulate in the school, creating a buzz that draws curious students to their classes just for a glimpse of her. Some even make excuses during lessons, sneaking glances through the door to catch a sight of her. The whispers are persistent, and soon, they reach Soohyun.

It had been a week since he last saw her.

"Soohyun sunbae! Soohyun sunbae!!" His so-called fans swarm around him the moment he enters the hallway. His expression remains stoic, not even a flicker of amusement crosses his face, though it had been a week since he had last been at school due to the bowling tournament. Word of his win had already spread, igniting excitement.

"Yak! Kim Soohyun!!" A familiar voice cuts through the crowd. He sees Somin waving energetically, while Haein and Jiwon stand beside her. Jiwon seems timid, casting her gaze downward, her hands fidgeting as if unsure what to do. Despite her silence, something about her quiet presence tugs at him. A small smile pulls at his lips. Without sparing a glance at his admirers, he jogs over to them.

"Chukae!" Somin playfully punches his arm, while Haein smirks, extending his fist for a congratulatory bump.

"Congrats, bro!" Haein grins, handing him a small paper bag, with Somin following suit. It was their little tradition—celebrating each other's victories with thoughtful gifts.

"Gomawo," Soohyun murmurs, his fingers brushing the gifts—but then, a third hand appears, timidly holding out another paper bag.

He turns his gaze to Jiwon, who still keeps her head lowered, her voice barely a whisper. "Chukae, Sunbaenim."

Soohyun is momentarily taken aback. Her shyness, the way she avoids his eyes, stirs something in him. She's different. He can sense it.

"For me?" He points to himself, his voice softening, drawing her eyes up to meet his for the first time. Her face flushes slightly as she nods.

"Y-yes... You helped me a lot during my first day, and... congratulations on your win," Jiwon stammers, offering a small, nervous smile that barely reaches her eyes. She only did this because Somin had, but now standing in front of Soohyun, she feels small, her gratitude wrapped in awkwardness.

Soohyun's heart softens. "Gomawo, Jiwon-a." His smile this time is broader, more genuine—something that doesn't go unnoticed by Haein and Somin. Normally, he would politely refuse gifts from anyone outside his circle, but this time, he takes Jiwon's offering with a warmth that surprises even him.

Somin and Haein exchange knowing glances.

"Jiwon, Somin said you have a photoshoot after school; is that right?" Haein casually asks, though his true intention is to gauge Soohyun's reaction. He doesn't miss the quick glance Soohyun throws at Jiwon.

"Ne. Just a simple photo shoot," Jiwon replies shyly, fidgeting with her sleeves.

"So you're a model?" Soohyun asks, now fully focused on her. The intensity of his gaze makes Jiwon blush deeper.

"Ne... just a part-time model," Jiwon answers, her voice a bit shaky. She never imagined this conversation happening, especially not with Soohyun, whose mere presence seemed to cause her heart to race.

"Ya... She's signed under the same brand as you," Somin chimes in, lazily sipping her milk. Soohyun's brows furrow at the revelation.

"The same brand?" His surprise is genuine. He hadn't expected that, and the news unsettled something inside him—was it excitement or protectiveness? Maybe both.

"So, that means we're having a photoshoot together this evening?" Soohyun pulls out his phone to confirm the details. Jiwon's eyes widen as she stares at the screen.