once friends, now more

Chapter 10

Jungeun's pov:

Right after Sarang left the room, I was about to lose myself in my thoughts until my phone buzzed beside me. I picked it up, my heart racing at the sight of an unknown number flashing on the screen.

"Hey, you feeling better?" the message read.

I tilted my head, curiosity piquing as my fingers hovered over the screen. "Sorry, who is this?" I typed back, a mix of caution and anticipation swirling in my mind.

A moment later, the response came through. "It's Jiyoon."

My heart skipped a beat. I had deleted Jiyoon's number after everything that had happened, but it seemed Jiyoon had held on to mine. My emotions tangled as I recalled the chaos of the day and how she had stood up for me.

With a deep breath, I replied, "Oh, hii! Yea, I'm okay, I guess. Just a bit shaken up."

After a brief pause, my phone buzzed again. "I see... then maybe would you like to go on a walk with me? Get some fresh air to clear your mind."

"Sure, I'd love that!" I replied, feeling a small sense of relief. "Okay, I'll come pick you up in a bit," Jiyoon said. "Just stay at home and get ready."

Third person pov:

As they walked side by side, the evening air was cool and refreshing, a welcome change from the chaos of the day. Jiyoon occasionally glanced at Jungeun, who was quietly observing her surroundings, taking in the sights and sounds of the neighborhood.

"Hey." Jiyoon said softly, breaking the silence. "I know today was really rough. If you need to talk about it, I'm here."

Jungeun looked at her, appreciating the concern in Jiyoon's eyes. "Thanks, but I think I just need some time to process everything." she replied, managing a small smile.

Jiyoon nodded, determined to lighten the mood. "Okay take your time, gongju-nim~"

"Yah, don't call me that." Jungeun crossed her arms, a sulky pout forming on her lips.

Jiyoon chuckled, recalling how she had stood up to Jiyeon. "But did you see how I beat Jiyeon up like your knight in shining armor? That was so cool of me."

Jungeun side-eyed Jiyoon and lightly knocked the playful girl's head with her fist. "Aigoo... You received a three-month cleaning duty, and you still can joke? Seriously, would you get rid of that temper? You haven't changed since middle school, have you? Stop using violence, it'll only get you in worse trouble."

Jiyoon's eyes dropped to the ground, mimicking a solemn puppy getting scolded by its owner. "Araseo..."

As they continued walking, Jiyoon's playful demeanor returned. "You know, I think I might need an honorary title after today. Like, 'Jiyoon, the Brave,' or something equally dramatic."

"Jiyoon. Enough." Jungeun shushed her before she could go on with feeling more proud after today. 

Jiyoon then signalled that her lips were zipped but her eyes still gleaming with mischief.

Jiyoon's pov: 

While we walked in silence after all the yapping I did, I couldn't help but stare at Jungeun's face. The more I looked, the more I felt pulled in. Her sharp eyes, so expressive yet hard to read, made me want to observe them for as long as possible. And her lips, naturally pouted, were irresistibly adorable. 

What is this feeling? Do I like her? 

My chest tightened at the thought, a mix of excitement and nerves. I wasn't sure how, but being near her felt... right. I wanted to keep making her smile, to see those eyes soften just for me. The way she'd gently scolded me tonight, trying to keep me out of trouble, left me feeling oddly warm. She wasn't just someone I wanted by my side, I wanted to be someone she could rely on, someone who could be more than just a friend.

I quickly glanced away before she noticed me staring, my cheeks heating up as a quiet realisation settled in. Maybe... just maybe... there was something deeper here, something I never quite felt before. But as I walked beside her, a smile tugged at my lips, and I knew one thing for certain.

I didn't want this feeling to go away.