It All Started With A Creepy Mail ⚊ Yang Jungwon [#4]

✗ thirty nine ✗

⚊ chapter thirty nine

I was sitting on the bench in the school quad with Rei and Minji, enjoying the little break we had between classes. Minji was rambling on about hair changes again, her hands running through her dark locks as she babbled.

"I’m thinking of getting bangs," she said, eyes twinkling with excitement. "Maybe a little highlight too, you know? Something fresh for the new season!"

Rei, who was always more practical, raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure? Do you really think bangs would suit you? What if you end up hating them?"

Minji waved her hand dismissively. "Nah, bangs are in. I can pull them off. Besides, I think it’s time for a change. You’re always telling me I need to step out of my comfort zone."

I chuckled, tuning in to their conversation while absentmindedly running my fingers through my own hair. It felt so… untouched. Rei's gaze shifted from Minji to me, and her expression softened, curiosity written on her face.

"You know, Lian," she said, leaning back against the bench, "your hair is always so healthy. Have you done anything to it? No bleach or anything, right?"

I smiled, brushing a strand behind my ear. "Oh, no. I don’t really use any harsh chemicals on it. My grandma in the Philippines always made sure to oil it every week. She said it’s the secret to keeping it strong and shiny."

Minji raised an eyebrow, impressed. "Oiling it? That sounds like a lot of effort. I guess that explains why your hair looks like it does. It’s so glossy and soft." She pouted, brushing a hand over her own hair. "Maybe I should try that instead of all these hair dyes."

I grinned at her. "Maybe you should, but I don’t think you’ll give up your highlights anytime soon."

As we chatted, I noticed movement out of the corner of my eye.

There was Jungwon, walking around the quad with the other student council officers. He was talking to a few of them, but when his gaze met mine, his face lit up in recognition. He flashed me a quick peace sign, his smile warm and effortless, before turning back to whatever they were doing.

My heart skipped a beat, and I quickly looked away, a soft blush creeping up my neck. Minji didn’t miss it, though. She leaned in and nudged me, a sly grin on her face.

"Looks like someone’s got a little admirer," she teased, but before I could say anything, a familiar voice interrupted us.

"Almonds, anyone?" Chenle appeared out of nowhere, holding out a small container of almond cookies, looking far too pleased with himself. "My mom made them. She’s the best cook in the world."

Minji’s eyes practically sparkled at the sight. "Oh my gosh, Mrs. Zhong’s cooking? I’d sell my soul for those cookies," she said, grabbing a handful and stuffing them into her mouth.

I laughed, reaching for a cookie as well. Chenle’s mom did make the best snacks, no contest.

As we munched on the cookies, I noticed Hera and Soodam sitting at the other bench, their heads leaning in close together. They were whispering, giggling over something, then casting curious glances over at our group.

Hera's blonde hair gleamed in the sunlight, while Soodam, ever the quiet but also a bad one, seemed to be soaking in whatever Hera was saying. They kept looking at us, their smiles growing as if we were some sort of entertainment.

My stomach tightened as I caught their eyes. They weren’t being subtle about it. The way they kept watching us—it felt... uncomfortable. I didn’t like how they looked at us, like we were a joke.