criminal love; jungwon

6

The school was transformed into a wonderland for the Winter Festival. Strings of fairy lights twinkled overhead, casting a warm glow over the courtyard. Booths lined the paths, each decorated with colorful banners and festive ornaments. The scent of hot chocolate and roasted chestnuts filled the air, mingling with the sound of cheerful chatter and holiday music.

Jungwon stood at the entrance, hands buried deep in his pockets. He wasn’t one for festivals, but today was different. Today, he was here for Nanhee.

“Jungwon!” Nanhee’s voice called out, cutting through the crowd. He turned to see her weaving her way toward him, a bright smile lighting up her face. She wore a knitted hat and a scarf that matched, her cheeks flushed from the cold.

“You came,” she said, slightly out of breath.

“You told me to,” Jungwon replied, a small smile tugging at his lips.

Nanhee grinned. “Come on, I need your help.”

She led him to the art club’s booth, which was a flurry of activity. Paintings, sketches, and crafts were displayed on easels and tables, each piece more vibrant than the last. Nanhee’s work was front and center: a breathtaking mural depicting a winter landscape, full of life and color.

“It’s beautiful,” Jungwon said, genuinely impressed.

Nanhee’s eyes sparkled with pride. “Thanks. But we’re short on hands. Can you help me set up?”

Jungwon nodded without hesitation. Together, they arranged the displays, hanging garlands and adjusting signs. Nanhee gave instructions, and Jungwon followed, their movements in sync.

As the festival officially began, students and teachers wandered from booth to booth, admiring the artwork and sampling treats. Nanhee stayed busy, explaining her pieces to curious onlookers. Jungwon stayed close, helping where he could and fending off the cold with a cup of hot chocolate Nanhee insisted he take.

“Jungwon,” Nanhee called after a while, her eyes scanning the crowd. “Can you watch the booth for a bit? I need to check something.”

“Sure,” he replied, settling into her spot.

He watched as she disappeared into the crowd, his gaze lingering longer than he intended. Being here, helping her—it felt right. For once, he wasn’t invisible.

A familiar voice broke his thoughts. “Look who’s suddenly useful,” Chahyeon sneered, approaching with his usual smirk.

Jungwon tensed but didn’t respond. He wasn’t going to let Chahyeon ruin this.

“She really has a soft spot for you, huh?” Chahyeon continued, leaning in. “Wonder how long that’ll last.”

Before Jungwon could react, Nanhee returned, her presence cutting through the tension like a knife.

“Is there a problem here?” she asked, her voice calm but firm.

Chahyeon held up his hands in mock surrender. “No problem. Just saying hi.” With that, he walked away, leaving a bitter chill in his wake.

Nanhee turned to Jungwon, concern etched on her face. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine,” Jungwon muttered, staring at the ground.

Nanhee sighed, placing a hand on his arm. “Don’t let him get to you. He’s not worth it.”

Jungwon nodded, feeling the warmth of her touch. For the rest of the evening, Nanhee didn’t leave his side. They worked together, laughed together, and as the night drew to a close, Jungwon realized something.

For the first time in a long while, he felt like he belonged.