Knew You Were Trouble | KAZUJIN

Chapter 24: The carnival

The days had begun to bleed together in a familiar rhythm, with Yunjin and Kazuha quietly slipping into each other's lives. At school, they navigated the looks and whispers with unspoken understanding. They weren't official, and they didn't need to be—not yet. It was enough just to be close, enough to share fleeting glances across hallways and hold hands when no one was looking.

But today felt different. There was a strange, nervous excitement in the air. The cheer team had been talking non-stop about the upcoming winter carnival, a huge annual event that filled the school with decorations, games, and a celebratory buzz that everyone seemed to look forward to. For weeks, they'd been planning, selling tickets, setting up booths. This was the last big event before winter break, and everyone seemed determined to make it memorable.

Yunjin leaned against her locker, waiting as Kazuha approached from the other end of the hallway. Her face lit up when she saw her, and without thinking, she reached out to pull Kazuha into a quick hug.

Kazuha laughed, surprised but pleased, slipping into Yunjin's arms with ease. "You're unusually affectionate today."

"What can I say? I have a soft spot for you," Yunjin replied, grinning as she squeezed Kazuha a bit tighter. "Besides, it's almost winter break. Gotta get in all my hugs before then."

"Is that so?" Kazuha teased, tilting her head as she looked up at Yunjin. "Guess I'll allow it."

They laughed, their shared joy filling the space around them. Just then, Minji and Hanni appeared down the hall, both carrying boxes filled with decorations for the carnival setup. They stopped in their tracks, sharing a look before Minji raised an eyebrow at the two girls.

"Well, well, look who's finally acting like a couple," Minji smirked, earning a playful swat on the arm from Hanni, who shook her head but couldn't help smiling.

Yunjin chuckled, releasing Kazuha but keeping her hand casually entwined with hers. "Jealous, Minji? There's plenty of room in my heart for you, too."

Minji snorted. "I'll pass, thanks." But she shot Hanni a quick look, a hint of something playful and soft passing between them before she looked back at Yunjin. "Just don't get too wrapped up in each other and forget to help out at the carnival."

Kazuha laughed, nodding. "We wouldn't miss it. Besides, I think Yunjin promised to win me a giant stuffed bear."

Yunjin raised an eyebrow. "Did I now?"

Kazuha crossed her arms, feigning a stern look. "Absolutely. And I expect you to follow through."

"Oh, you're on," Yunjin grinned, giving her hand a gentle squeeze. "By the end of the carnival, that bear is going to be yours."

As the carnival setup got underway, the gym was transformed into a wonderland of lights, games, and winter-themed decor. Kazuha joined her cheer team to hang banners, while Yunjin and her basketball teammates set up a ring-toss booth nearby. Minji and Hanni were busy arranging prizes, and every so often, Yunjin noticed them exchanging glances, a soft blush creeping up on Hanni's cheeks whenever Minji teased her.

By the time everything was ready, the school gym had been transformed into a wintery, whimsical space. The booths were buzzing with excited students, and laughter filled the air. Yunjin managed to sneak away from her station, finding Kazuha among the crowd.

"Ready to win that bear?" she asked, giving her a playful grin.

Kazuha smirked. "Only if you're up for the challenge."

As the night wore on, Yunjin attempted several games, failing spectacularly at a few, but finally managing to knock down enough bottles in one of the booths to win the giant bear Kazuha had jokingly demanded. She handed it over with a proud smile, and Kazuha hugged it tightly, her laughter bubbling up as she looked at Yunjin with a warmth that left her breathless.