In Hearts in the Hallway Kang Haerin Senior year at Hanlim Multi Arts High School begins like any other: filled with the usual stress of grades, friendships, and the ever-present tension with Marsh Danielle, her longtime rival. Danielle is the golde...
The days after the park meeting felt like a whirlwind. Haerin wasn't sure what had changed between her and Danielle, but it was clear that something was different. Something real. They still exchanged their usual sarcastic battle in class, but it no longer felt like a competition. There was a new understanding between them—unspoken, yet there—like a delicate thread connecting them that neither was ready to tug too hard on, but neither was willing to sever, either.
Haerin tried to process it all in her own way. She'd spent the last few days distracted, often staring off into space or losing herself in the pages of her textbooks, but her mind wasn't on the formulas or history dates. It was on Danielle. On her apology. On the way her eyes had softened when she admitted she'd been pretending, and how she'd felt an unexpected pull toward her when she finally let her guard down.
But even with all of that, Haerin was still wary. She wasn't sure where this would lead, or even if it would lead anywhere at all. Danielle had made it clear her wanted to be more than just rivals, but that didn't mean things would magically work out. They had history, and not all of it was easy. Besides, she wasn't sure if she was ready to open herself up to someone like her—the girl who had been her biggest enemy for the better part of a year.
But then came the moment she hadn't expected. -----
It was the middle of the week, a Wednesday, and Haerin was at her locker when Danielle appeared beside her. She was holding a paper bag from the Lawson, and her usual confident smile was there, but now it had a hint of something warmer.
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"Hey" Danielle said casually, as if it wasn't a big deal that she was standing there, speaking to her like they were old friends.
Haerin blinked, momentarily thrown off guard. "What's up" She raised an eyebrow. "What's in the bag?"
"Well," Danielle said, glancing down at the bag and then back up at her with a grin. "I thought we could do something a little... different. I owe you an apology. And I figured a snack good or two might make up for it."
Haerin couldn't help but smile despite herself. "You're bringing me snacks to apologize?"
"Hey, it's not just about the snacks," Danielle said with mock offense. "It's about the 'gesture'. Though I'll admit, the snacks are really good."
Haerin reached for the bag, pulling out a Apple Juice. —"Well, I won't say no to the Apple Juice."
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