Ice Cream | NoMin

Chapter 24

When Jaemin and Jeno arrived at the dean’s office, they were told he’d already left due to an emergency, leaving both of them curious about what he might have wanted to discuss.

Afterward, Jaemin headed to the student council office with Eric by his side, but he couldn’t help glancing over his shoulder, catching Jeno’s gaze before they went their separate ways.

"Jaemin!" Jeno called after him, making Jaemin pause. Eric stopped beside him as well. "I’ll see you tomorrow!"

Jaemin didn’t turn or nod in response. Instead, he glanced slightly to the side, a soft sigh escaping his lips. He looked straight ahead again, steeling himself, before walking forward with Eric.

"Something's definitely wrong here." Eric whispered as he looked at Jaemin and Jeno back and forth.

Jeno stayed rooted in place, his eyes fixed on the hallway where Jaemin had walked off with Eric until they completely vanished from view. He let out a soft sigh, his mind swirling with thoughts. He didn’t know how Jaemin had figured out what he was about to say, but he was certain Jaemin hadn’t heard everything. Jeno had so much more to tell him, and he’d been ready to do it now.

"Maybe it’s not the right time yet," Jeno murmured to himself, the words barely audible as he glanced toward the empty corridor. "But I’ll make sure you hear it, Jaemin. Every word."

Just as he turned on his heel, ready to head home, a tap on his shoulder made him pause. He turned to find Bae Jinyoung, Jaemin’s seatmate, standing there with a mischievous grin.

"Hey, Jeno. Have you seen Jaemin?" Jinyoung asked casually.

Jeno raised an eyebrow, already suspicious. "Why are you looking for him? Did you do something bad?"

Jinyoung gasped dramatically, placing a hand on his chest. "What? Me? No way! I just need to remind him about our plans after his council duties."

Jeno’s brows furrowed. "Plans? What kind of plans?"

Jinyoung’s grin widened as he shrugged nonchalantly. "Just plans. Nothing special," he said, the playful tone in his voice making Jeno’s stomach twist.

Without waiting for a response, Jinyoung waved and turned to leave. "Guess I’ll find him myself then. See you around, Jeno."

Jeno stood there, stunned, watching Jinyoung’s retreating figure. His hands clenched into fists at his sides and he's not even aware of it, a faint scowl tugging at his lips. Plans? With Jaemin? I didn't know that they were close? He couldn’t help but feel uneasy, his heart beating faster with a mix of frustration and something he didn’t want to name just yet.

Sure, they were seatmates. But Jinyoung had always been the guy who skipped class more often than not, and even when he did show up, he barely exchanged words with Jaemin.

So why does it seem like they’re suddenly so close now?

"I'm feeling ridiculous again," Jeno muttered under his breath, shaking his head as he ran a hand through his hair in frustration. He glanced at the darkening sky, realizing it was time to head home. His mom would likely be back soon, and she'd start worrying if he wasn’t there.

With a determined sigh, he began walking toward the main gate. But just as he was about to step further away, Jeno froze in his tracks. His feet rooted to the ground, he slowly turned back to glance at the school building.

Why did he feel like he shouldn’t leave yet?

Something about the way Jinyoung had spoken nagged at him. The guy sounded so confident, like he and Jaemin were closer than Jeno believed. But how? Jinyoung was barely around, and when he was, he and Jaemin didn’t seem to talk much—at least, not from what Jeno had seen.