A Little Closer | SEOWON fromis_9

Chapter 2

Chapter 2: Close Encounters

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It had been a few days since Seoyeon first saw Jiwon in the halls. They barely knew each other, but Seoyeon couldn't help but notice her whenever she passed by. Jiwon wasn't like most people at Hybe High. She had this magnetic, unpredictable presence that drew attention, even though Seoyeon got the sense that Jiwon didn't necessarily want it.

Seoyeon's mind wandered as she sat in her usual library spot on a Wednesday afternoon, her history notes scattered across the table. Outside, a drizzle tapped against the window, a soothing backdrop to her study session. The library had always been her sanctuary a place to hide away, focus, and just be and just be able to sleep. But today, she found herself struggling to concentrate, her thoughts floating to things outside her textbook.

A loud thud suddenly broke through the library's quiet, startling her. She looked up just in time to see Jiwon, of all people, awkwardly navigating her way through the library entrance. Her oversized backpack was slung over one shoulder, with a few papers sticking out and a look of mild irritation on her face as she scanned the tables.

Seoyeon quickly looked down, pretending not to notice, but it was too late. Jiwon's eyes lit up as she spotted her, and she made her way over, her footsteps anything but quiet."Hey! Lee Seoyeon, right?" Jiwon asked, her voice carrying a little too well in the library's silence.

Seoyeon nodded, trying to hide her surprise. "Yeah. And... you're Park Jiwon..sunbaenim..?"

"That's me!" Jiwon said with a grin, plopping into the chair across from her without waiting for an invitation. She looked around, clearly out of her element. "Gotta say, not usually my scene, but desperate times and all that."

Seoyeon raised an eyebrow, glancing toward the librarian who shot them a glare. "Desperate times?"

Jiwon chuckled, her voice barely a whisper now. "Yeah, I'm hiding from this intense project partner who thinks we're running a science fair or something. Thought maybe they wouldn't think to look for me here." She leaned in, lowering her voice even more. "Actually, I don't think I've ever really been in here before."

Seoyeon gave a small smile. "It's... a quiet place. Not really where I'd picture you."

Jiwon's eyes twinkled with amusement. "What, because I'm loud?"

Seoyeon shrugged, feeling a bit flustered but managing to meet her gaze. "A little, yeah."

Jiwon laughed quietly, a low sound that somehow suited the stillness of the room. "Can't argue with that," she said, then looked around with genuine curiosity. "But you're right. This place is kinda peaceful. I never thought I'd be the kind of person who'd... want quiet. Feels weird, doesn't it?"

Seoyeon tilted her head, a bit surprised. "Not really. Everyone needs it sometimes, even loud people."

Jiwon smirked, letting out a little scoff. "Huh. Guess you might actually get it."They lapsed into a comfortable silence, Seoyeon pretending to read her notes and Jordan staring out the window, watching the rain. Every few moments, Seoyeon would sneak a glance at her, wondering why she stayed. She'd half-expected Jiwon to jump up and leave after a few minutes, but instead, she seemed perfectly content to just sit there, watching raindrops trail down the glass.