THE HEIRS

Chapter 8

The next day.

Yunjin returns to the university on her own, feeling a tinge of guilt for leaving Chaewon behind, despite Chaewon's insistence that she not skip any more classes. As a top student, Yunjin's academic prowess allows her to catch up easily on any missed coursework, alleviating any concerns about falling behind.

Taking her seat and diving into an assignment, Yunjin settles in while awaiting the arrival of her friends, having arrived 15 minutes earlier than her usual schedule. Her dedication to her studies and punctuality reflect her commitment to academic excellence and responsibility towards her education.

Yunjin's friends, Nic and Ela, arrive at the university after receiving Yunjin's text about her early arrival.

"Hey, Miss Punctual," Ela greets the tall girl with a bright smile.

Yunjin looks up from her assignment, returning the smile. "Hey besties!" Yunjin exclaims, the three of them high-fiving each other.

Their cheerful and energetic way of greeting each other after a few days of separation reflects the strong bond of friendship that unites them, setting a positive tone for their time together.

"How are you? We missed you, buddy," Nic inquires with genuine concern, expressing their appreciation for Yunjin's presence.

"Yeah, you almost missed the game. You're so lucky the game is today," Ela chimes in, mentioning an event that piques Yunjin's curiosity.

The camaraderie among the friends is evident in their thoughtful inquiries and shared excitement, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for their reunion.

"I'm good. I thought I might return next week, but I was forced to come today. But what game are you talking about?" Yunjin asks, intrigued by the mention of a game.

To her surprise, both her friends gasp in shock.

"You forgot? It's a friendly match with your girlfriend's classmates," Ela exclaims, her excitement palpable as she mentions the upcoming match. Ela, aware of Yunjin's stellar performance as a skilled player who often leads their class team to victory, eagerly anticipates the upcoming friendly competition.

"My girlfriend?" Yunjin's confusion is evident as she processes Ela's words. As she ponders this unexpected revelation, Yunjin is left wondering about the girlfriend that Ela claims she has, a revelation that catches her off guard.

"Bestie, it's all over our campus now. Ever since you left her class that day, everyone has been talking about you and Chaewon sunbae!" Ela reiterates, shedding light on the rumors and discussions circulating among their peers regarding Yunjin and Chaewon's interactions.

Yunjin blinks in confusion, grappling with this unexpected revelation. The recent incident where she assisted Chaewon when she fainted in class now takes on a new significance in the context of the campus gossip.

The sudden scrutiny and attention from their classmates leave Yunjin feeling a mix of stress and uncertainty, unsure of how to navigate the newfound spotlight on her relationship with Chaewon.

Yunjin's best friend, Nic, sits beside her, sporting a pout that conveys a hint of playful teasing. "If you're really dating Chaewon sunbae, I have the right to be upset with you, right? Because you didn't tell me anything about it," Nic remarks, playfully expressing a sense of faux hurt at potentially being left out of the loop on Yunjin's supposed relationship with Chaewon.

Yunjin, who has always been open and transparent about her relationships with Nic, now finds herself in a situation where the rumors have taken on a life of their own, leading to misunderstandings among friends.