Hidden Desires [Park Jimin X Character]

Chapter 5

______________________________________

The afternoon passed in a thick silence for Mae. She wandered the empty corridors as the day ended, her gaze fixed on the floor, replaying the scene in her mind.

A soft sigh escaped her as she tried to shake off the memory, feeling foolish for even hoping she could reach him.

"Mae! Slow down!" called a familiar voice, snapping her out of her thoughts. She paused, forcing a faint smile as she turned to see Minji jogging up to her, slightly out of breath.

Mae couldn't help but chuckle at Minji's gesture. "Hey, Minji," she greeted, feeling her friend's arm loop around her shoulders as they began walking down the hallway together.

"Sorry I missed lunch with you. Something came up, and I had to run," Minji said apologetically, glancing over at Mae with a gentle smile.

Mae shook her head, brushing it off. "It's nothing, really. Don't worry about it."

A comfortable silence settled between them until Minji's face lit up with excitement. "I heard you were chosen for the exhibition!" she burst out, eyes bright. "That's amazing, Mae! Not everyone gets a chance like that."

Mae's lips curled into a soft, modest smile. "Yeah, I was surprised myself. Mrs. Lee recommended me to the organizers." Her voice was quiet, still processing her own disbelief, but Minji's genuine enthusiasm filled the air with warmth.

"That's incredible! I mean, Mrs. Lee rarely singles anyone out like that," Minji marveled, her gaze shining with admiration.

As she chatted, Mae found herself smiling, her worries momentarily forgotten in the comfort of her friend's encouragement.

They stepped outside, greeted by the gloomy stretch of sky hanging low with dark clouds. The air was thick with the promise of rain, and a cool breeze hinted at the approaching storm.

Minji looked up, narrowing her eyes as concern flickered across her face. She noticed Mae doing the same, her gaze held captive by the ominous clouds as the wind played with her hair.

"It's definitely going to pour soon," Minji murmured, casting a worried glance at Mae. "You'll get soaked if you try to walk to the bus stop in this."

Mae smiled at her concern, her heart warmed. "Don't worry. I came prepared," she replied, pulling a purple umbrella from her bag and twirling it playfully in front of Minji.

"Oh, smart move. Saw the forecast, did you?" Minji laughed, her shoulders relaxing.

She was about to say something else when a loud clap of thunder cracked through the sky, making them both jump slightly. The first raindrops began to fall, soft at first, then more steadily.

Mae quickly popped open the umbrella, holding it over both of them. "You should get going, Minji. It's only going to get heavier," Mae urged, nudging her gently.

Minji glanced back over her shoulder at a guy waiting a little ways off who motioned for her to come over.

She gave Mae's shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "Alright, but text me when you're home safe, okay?" Her expression softened as she offered Mae a warm smile before jogging off into the rain.

Mae watched her retreating figure, slowly disappearing down the way, a faint smile lingering on her face as she stood there, sheltered under her umbrella.

The rain fell steadily now, tapping against the stone pathways of the campus as Mae walked along, shielded by her umbrella.

Small puddles pooled around her steps, the chill seeping through her sleeves where they were exposed. She pulled her arms close, feeling the cold nipping at her skin.