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 week that followed their conversation at the diner felt like a slow but steady shift. Danielle and Haerin had finally broken through the walls they had both spent so long building. It wasn't a huge, life-changing moment, but it was enough. The tentative feeling of uncertainty that had clouded their interactions for months now felt... manageable. Even comfortable.
At school, they no longer avoided each other or overthought every conversation. Their exchanges were easy, like slipping into a familiar rhythm. And though they hadn't officially labeled what they were—'together' or 'just friends' or 'something more'—the boundaries between them were beginning to blur in a way that felt natural.
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But Haerin wasn't quite ready to let go of the past. It was like a faint echo that followed her around, reminding her of all the times she'd gotten hurt before. She wasn't used to being vulnerable, wasn't used to letting someone in. She'd built walls around her heart for a reason—because it was easier to protect herself than to risk getting hurt again.
Still, she found herself looking forward to her time with Danielle. Her presence was like a safe harbor—comforting, warm. They'd started spending more time together outside of school. Sometimes, they'd go for walks at the park, their conversations meandering from school gossip to deeper topics they'd never dared discuss before. And sometimes they would just hang out at one of their places, watching movies and eating takeout, the casual intimacy of it all making Haerin feel something she couldn't quite name yet.
--- It was a Monday evening when Danielle texted her asking if she wanted to grab dinner. Haerin had been curled up on her bed, buried in homework, but she smiled at the notification. She hadn't expected to see her tonight, but she liked the spontaneity of it.
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[Haerin: "I'm in. Where to?" ]she typed back.
[Danielle: "How about the old pizzeria on 5th? I've been craving their garlic bread"]
Haerin laughed.
[Haerin: "You always crave garlic bread."]
[Danielle: "It's my weakness. And maybe yours too. I'll meet you there in 20?"]
