best worst match ➵ park jongseong

chapter 9

Chapter Nine: "Confusing Clarity"

Min Aeri's POV

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If anyone had told me a few weeks ago that I'd be spending my afternoons with Park Jongseong, I'd have laughed in their face. This is the same guy who thrives on annoying people, who makes it his mission to be the loudest voice in the room and somehow charms everyone except the people who actually have to work with him.

But now? Somehow, he's here, edging his way into my life in a way I never asked for. And the worst part is... I don't exactly hate it.

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Today at the community center, we're sorting through art supplies, trying to salvage the mess left behind by a group of kindergarteners. I'm frustrated, and he's not exactly helping. Every time I try to stack the paint bottles neatly, he messes them up again, making faces when I tell him to stop. It's like working with a five-year-old.

"You know, you could actually try to be helpful," I mutter, picking up another stray paintbrush.

He just grins. "And miss the chance to see you do all the work? No way."

I roll my eyes, but the truth is, part of me almost likes this banter. Almost. It's strange; when I look at him now, I don't just see my annoying rival. There's something else there, something that makes my stomach flip in a way I'm not prepared for.

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Later, we're painting a sign for the event. I'm focused, trying to make the letters as even as possible, when I realize he's watching me. Just... staring. And for a second, I can't breathe.

"What?" I ask, trying to sound annoyed but feeling my cheeks heat up under his gaze.

He shrugs, looking away a little too quickly. "Nothing. Just... you're really serious about this, huh?"

It's such a simple comment, but coming from him, it feels like something more. Like he's actually trying to understand me. And that scares me because no one usually does. I'm used to people just accepting that I'm "the serious one," the one who cares about grades and goals, who doesn't have time for distractions. But Jay... he doesn't let it slide.

As we pack up, he offers to walk me home. I should say no, tell him I can manage, but somehow the words don't come out. And as we're walking, it feels strangely... nice. Like there's a side to him I've been missing this whole time.

But as soon as I catch myself feeling that way, I mentally kick myself. This is Jay. He's annoying, cocky, and completely unserious. So why does he make me laugh? Why do I feel so... comfortable around him?

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Family Dinner (The Nightmare Continues)

At home, my mom is already waiting with a thousand questions. It's like she's waiting for me to slip up and admit I have a boyfriend.

"You're back late. Did something come up with your... project?" she asks, trying to sound casual and failing miserably.

"Yes, Mom, it's just a project," I say, hoping she'll drop it.

She gives me that look, the one that means she doesn't believe me for a second. "Well, if this 'project' is so important, maybe you should invite him over sometime. You know, to meet the family."

"Mom! It's not like that!" I say, feeling my face heat up. The last thing I need is for her to get ideas about me and Jay. Because, let's be clear, there's nothing between us. Just a project. Just friendly banter. Just... complicated feelings I can't make sense of.

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Late-Night Thoughts I Don't Want to Have

That night, lying in bed, I replay the day in my head, and it's honestly exhausting. Every look, every smirk, every moment of silence when he looked at me like he was about to say something important. It's all swirling around in my head, making it impossible to sleep.

Why does he have to be so confusing? Why does he make me laugh, make me feel seen in a way I've never felt before? And why, for the life of me, can't I stop thinking about him?

Just as I'm about to give up on sleep entirely, my phone buzzes with a message. It's from Jay.

Jay: "Guess we survived another day without killing each other. Progress?"

I smile, unable to help myself.

Me: "Don't get too comfortable. I'm still planning my revenge."

A few seconds later, my phone buzzes again.

Jay: "Bring it on. I'm not scared of you, Min Aeri."

I roll my eyes, but for some reason, my heart does this annoying little flip. I set my phone down, forcing myself to ignore the ridiculous smile on my face.

Because whatever's happening between us? It's definitely not something I'm ready to admit.

Not yet, anyway.

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End of Chapter Nine