Knew You Were Trouble | KAZUJIN

Chapter 10: Confessions

The next day, Kazuha sat on the edge of her bed, the sunlight streaming through the window casting a warm glow on her worried expression. Her mind replayed the events of the party like a broken record—the laughter, the music, the way Yunjin had flirted so recklessly with other girls, and how she'd turned Kazuha down with that signature blend of indifference and charm. Kazuha felt like she was caught in a whirlwind, emotions swirling around her, but the biggest question loomed over her like a dark cloud: what did all of this mean for her relationship with Yunjin?

With a deep breath, she picked up her phone and texted Chaewon. They needed to talk. Kazuha had tried to brush off the feelings, but now she felt compelled to confront the chaos that was brewing inside her. Moments later, Chaewon replied, agreeing to meet at their favorite coffee shop after school.

As the afternoon sun began to dip, Kazuha made her way to the café. She spotted Chaewon sitting at a corner table, her brow furrowed as she scrolled through her phone. Kazuha felt a wave of relief wash over her; if anyone could help her make sense of everything, it was Chaewon.

"Hey!" Kazuha greeted as she slid into the seat across from Chaewon.

"Hey," Chaewon replied, her expression softening. "You look like you've been through the wringer. What's up?"

Kazuha sighed, pushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "I just... I don't know how to feel about everything that happened at the party. Yunjin was acting like she was still trying to win a popularity contest, and I can't help but feel like I'm just another trophy to her."

Chaewon nodded, her expression serious. "I get that. I've seen how she can be. Sometimes I think she gets so caught up in the game of it all that she forgets about what really matters. And it's not just you; it's everyone around her."

Kazuha felt a sense of comfort in Chaewon's words. "It just hurts because I thought we had a connection. I thought she liked me for me, but maybe I was just seeing what I wanted to see."

"Listen, Kazuha," Chaewon said, leaning in closer, "Yunjin has a complicated past. She's always been this way, juggling her need for validation with her real feelings. I think she cares about you, but she's also scared. Maybe you two need to talk about it, but I know that won't be easy."

Kazuha bit her lip, contemplating the weight of Chaewon's words. "And what about you? You and Yunjin... it seems like you two are close again. What's that been like?"

Chaewon hesitated, looking down at her coffee cup. "It's... complicated. I want to help her, but I also don't want to get hurt again. I want her to understand that there's more to life than being popular, that genuine connections matter more than the number of friends you have. I just need to find the right moment to talk to her."

"Speaking of talking," Kazuha said, "I think we should bring Sakura into this. She wasn't at the party, but she's really good at giving advice. And she might have a different perspective."

Chaewon nodded. "That's a great idea. She doesn't like parties, but she's been through her share of drama. Let's tell her everything and see what she thinks."

The decision made, the two girls headed over to Sakura's house after school. The familiar scent of baked goods wafted through the air as they entered. Sakura was in the kitchen, her focus completely absorbed in decorating a cake.

"Hey, Kkura! Can we talk?" Kazuha called out, leaning against the doorway.

Sakura turned, a smile breaking across her face. "Of course! You two want some cake?" She wiped her hands on her apron and came over to join them.

"Thanks, but we need to chat first," Chaewon said, her voice serious. "It's about Yunjin and Kazuha."

Sakura raised an eyebrow, sensing the weight of their conversation. "Okay, I'm listening."