The usual vibrance in YN's demeanor was missing as she walked into college with Bora. Her eyes were puffy, the result of a restless night filled with conflicted thoughts. She clutched her bag tightly, her steps slower than usual.
Bora, always observant, frowned. "Muffin, you've been off all morning. You need to move on...
YN barely glanced at her, giving a noncommittal nod. "Hmm."
"That's not an answer. Come on, talk to me," Bora pleaded, looping her arm through YN's.
YN didn't respond, her gaze fixed ahead. Whenever Bora tried to press further, she received the same detached replies-a nod, a shake of her head, or a soft "Hmm."
Bora sighed. "Fine, but you're not off the hook.
Jimin stepped out of his car, his eyes instinctively scanning the campus. And then he saw her-YN, walking toward the main building with Bora.
She looked... drained. Her usual spark, the one that always lit up his mornings, was gone. The way she kept her head low, the faint puffiness around her eyes-it made his chest tighten with guilt.
He stood frozen, his hands clenching into fists at his sides.
"What did I do to her?" he muttered under his breath.
Students brushed past him as he stayed rooted in place, his gaze never leaving YN until she disappeared into the building.
YN sat at her desk, Bora beside her, whispering occasional questions to her. But YN's responses were the same-soft hums, faint nods, or absent shakes of her head.
Her mind was elsewhere, tangled in emotions she couldn't untangle.
Jimin sat at his usual spot, restless. His mind replayed the image of YN's dull expression over and over. He barely noticed when someone plopped down in the seat beside him.
Ji-Won: "Morning, baby."
Jimin turned his head sharply, glaring at her. "Don't call me that."
Ji-Won pouted, leaning closer. "Don't be like that, Jiminaaa. Your mom says you've been moody lately. I think you need some cheering up."
Jimin leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. "I don't need anything from you, Ji-Won. Go sit somewhere else."
She laughed, brushing off his tone. "Why are you so cold today?"
"Jimin just looking at Yn."
Ji-Won noticed his distraction and followed his gaze, a smirk forming.
Ji-Won leaned closer to Jimin, flashing him a coy smile. "Oh, I see what's got you distracted. Is it that girl?"
Jimin's jaw tightened, his voice low and firm. "Ji-Won, mind your own business."
But Ji-Won wasn't one to back down. She sneered, her voice dripping with disdain. "Raise your standards, baby. She's not even pretty enough to get distracted over."
The words struck YN like a blow. She froze, her hand tightening around her pen. Bora immediately reached for her, squeezing her hand again.
"Don't listen to her, Muffin," Bora whispered fiercely. "She's just a bitter, jealous hag."
YN didn't respond, her eyes fixed on her notebook as tears threatened to spill. She didn't want to cry, especially not here.
Jimin's glare darkened, his voice sharp. "Ji-Won, you're going too far."
Ji-Won smirked, clearly enjoying the chaos she was creating. "Oh, come on, Jimin. She's already upset today. It's fun to push her buttons."
That was the last straw. Jimin stood abruptly, towering over her. "Shut up, Ji-Won. Don't you dare say another word. And don't ever touch me again."
His tone was icy, cutting through the classroom noise. Ji-Won blinked, startled by his outburst but quickly masked her surprise with a pout.
Jungkook entered the room and took the seat on Jimin’s other side, effectively sandwiching Jimin between him and Ji-Won.
Ji-Won: “Hey, Jungkook.”
Jungkook didn’t even spare her a glance, instead focusing on pulling out his notebook.
Ji-Won’s POV: This moron is so irritating. I’m only being nice because he’s Jimin’s friend.
She flipped her hair dramatically before turning back to Jimin. “Baby, can we go on a date after class? I’ll make it worth your while.”
Jimin groaned, leaning back in his chair. “Stop being so clingy.”
Unbothered, Ji-Won pouted. “Why are you acting like this when you didn’t leave me alone this whole weekend?”
Jungkook, who had been silent until now, finally spoke up, his tone dripping with sarcasm.
"Ji-Won, I think you’re dreaming about going on a date with him. Better stay in that dream because it’s the only place it’s ever going to happen."
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