Between the Lines | Riize Wonbin

Chapter 23: Unexpected Encounters

Juhee's return to university felt like stepping into a whirlwind. The past few days of isolation had provided her a refuge from the chaos of her home life and the complications with Wonbin, but they also left her feeling detached from the world around her.

As she navigated the bustling hallways, her mind was preoccupied with her studies and the emotional turmoil that loomed over her. She focused on keeping her head down, determined to avoid any encounters that might lead to unwanted conversations-especially with Wonbin.

Lost in her thoughts, she didn't see the tall figure approaching until they nearly collided.

"Whoa!" Seunghan exclaimed, catching her arm just in time to steady her. "Careful there!"

Juhee looked up, momentarily surprised by his warm smile. "Thanks," she said, brushing her hair back nervously. "I wasn't watching where I was going."

"Yeah, I get that. It's easy to get distracted with all this going on," he said, glancing around at the busy hall. "Are you okay? You seem a bit... preoccupied."

"Just a lot on my mind," she replied, trying to sound casual.

"Same here," he said with a light laugh. "It feels like we're all just trying to keep our heads above water, right?"

Juhee nodded, feeling a strange sense of comfort in his presence. She recognized him from around campus but had never really spoken to him before. "Yeah, exactly. It's been a bit overwhelming."

"Anything in particular on your mind?" he asked, genuine curiosity in his tone.

"Just the usual stress of school, I guess," she replied, choosing to keep it vague. "Trying to manage everything."

"Totally get it. If you ever need to take a break or grab a coffee, let me know. Sometimes a little distraction helps," he offered with an easy smile.

"Thanks, I appreciate that," she said, feeling a hint of relief at the friendly interaction.

As their brief exchange came to an end, Seunghan waved goodbye and continued on his way, leaving Juhee with a sense of lightness she hadn't felt in days.

But as she resumed her day, the weight of her other worries pressed back in. Each time she thought of reaching out-whether to Jaehyun or Wonbin-she hesitated, the fear of confrontation holding her back. Instead, she buried herself in her studies, hoping that losing herself in academics would help her forget the mess of her feelings.

The hours dragged on, and despite the momentary comfort of her conversation with Seunghan, the ache of loneliness crept back in. She made a conscious effort to avoid Wonbin and Jaehyun, retreating into the safety of her textbooks and assignments.

The isolation began to take its toll, and with every class, she felt more and more distanced from the people around her. Yet the more she tried to keep them at bay, the more the storm inside her swirled, begging for resolution.