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 next few days felt like a turning point. Haerin and Danielle had an unspoken understanding between them, an invisible thread of connection that was slowly growing stronger. Though the uncertainties still lingered in the back of Haerin's mind, she felt a little lighter, a little more certain that what they were building wasn't just a fleeting moment.
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It was Friday afternoon again, and the school buzzed with the usual Friday energy—students excited for the weekend, teachers ready for a break. Haerin stood at her locker, gathering her things for the day, when she felt a tap on her shoulder.
She turned to find Danielle standing there, holding a small coffee cup in her hand, a teasing grin on her face.
"Care for a caffeine fix?" She asked, her grin widening as she held out the cup toward her.
Haerin laughed lightly, taking the cup. "You're a lifesaver. How did you know I needed this?"
"I just know you too well," Danielle replied with a wink, though there was a warmth in her eyes that made Haerin's heart skip a beat. She still wasn't entirely sure how things had shifted so quickly between them. It had been gradual, with the late-night conversations and the small moments that had gradually built up into something more.
But now, as she took the cup from she, she realized something had changed for good. Danielle had become a constant in her life, one she wasn't sure she wanted to live without anymore.
So, any big plans for the weekend?" Danielle asked, leaning against the locker beside her as they walked down the hall together.
Haerin paused for a moment, considering. "Not really. I was thinking about spending the weekend catching up on some homework, maybe binge-watching some Netflix shows I've been putting off. You know, the exciting stuff."
Danielle laughed. "Sounds 'thrilling' Maybe I'll join you. I'm pretty sure I have a few episodes of that show I 'definitely' haven't been ignoring."
Haerin raised an eyebrow, a playful smile tugging at her lips. "Oh, so you're just going to invite yourself over?"
"Hey, I can't help it if your weekend plans just happen to match mine perfectly," Danielle said, her tone light, but her eyes searching hers with a hint of something deeper. "Unless you don't want me there."
"I didn't say that," Haerin replied, her voice quieter now, the teasing edge softening. "It's just... we've never really hung out outside of school lately. It's different."
Danielle paused, her smile fading slightly, though there was still a warmth to her expression. "I get it. I'm not trying to rush anything. I just... I guess I like spending time with you, Haerin ."
