Complexity

Wanna be with you

Sohyun POV

These past few days, I had spent a lot of time with Xinyu, mostly studying. Or more accurately, teaching her—because she asked. Though I had to admit, her intelligence was above normal. She still insisted on studying more, claiming she wanted to make Handong proud. She didn't want to be a burden.

Honestly, I didn't understand why Xinyu felt so indebted to Handong. It wasn't just her—Ningning was the same. Their interactions at home felt... off. Not like family. Like I'd said before, Xinyu was more like Nien than she was like Ningning or Handong. And though I knew Xinyu's surname was different from Nien's, it was also different from Handong's. But since Handong was her aunt, that much made sense.

But Ningning? Did she and Xinyu even have the same surname?

A few days ago, I had talked to Ningning when Xinyu was nowhere to be found. Her response had only left me with more questions.

"Let's just say I met her when she was seven years old."

"Was your family that busy that you put Xinyu in daycare for that long?"

"If you say so."

"That's not a very clear answer," I mumbled, thinking Xinyu wasn't around to hear me.

But I was wrong.

She was now lying on my lap, her head resting comfortably against me.

"What answer?" she asked, looking up at me with that same calm expression she always wore.

I hesitated for a moment before deciding to ask directly.

"Ningning said she met you when she was seven years old. Where were you before that?"

Xinyu's gaze shifted, something unreadable flickering in her eyes. Was that... worry?

"I can tell you all of this," she said, her voice softer than before.

"But not now. I need a high score. I'll tell you after the festival."

Festival?

She must've noticed my confusion because she quickly continued. "You must be wondering why I suddenly mentioned the festival when I could've just told you after exams. But I want to help with some student council tasks, and I also want to join some competitions. In the next few days, I'll be meeting Yooyeon, Nakyung, and the other student council members a lot. Kaede and Nien also invited me to a dance competition, so I want to join."

Oh. So that was it.

So why did I feel... jealous?

I didn't know what came over me, but before I realized it, I pulled my leg out from under Xinyu's head and bent it. I didn't even want to do that, but something inside me just—moved.

Xinyu tilted her head, amused.

"Are you jealous?"

What? How did she guess that so easily?!

I shook my head quickly and turned away from her, facing the other direction. I knew my reaction made it obvious, but I couldn't help it. My body moved on its own—without my permission.

Xinyu chuckled, shuffling the books on the bed. Then, before I could react, she wrapped her arms around me from behind and pulled me down with her. I gasped slightly, but she held on tight, keeping me locked in place.

The truth was, I didn't want to pull away.

"Just during the festival, okay?" she murmured while I scoffed to her words.

"Why are you asking for my permission? If you want to do it, then go ahead."

I wasn't sure what I was thinking, but I turned around to face her.

"Do you want to join the dance competition?" I asked.

She nodded, flashing me that smile—the one she always gave me when she wanted to make me melt. I sighed.

"Just don't wear anything too revealing, okay?"

For some reason, she avoided my gaze. I narrowed my eyes at her suspiciously before lightly hitting her shoulder.

"Xinyu."

"No promises," she teased.

"You need an outfit that matches the dance."

I pouted, knowing she was right, but I still didn't like it.

But honestly...

Who was I to tell her what to do?