One in a Million

Feelings

Continuation..

As they strolled through the quiet streets, Mina couldn't help but steal glances at Chaeyoung, watching how the streetlights cast a soft glow on her delicate features. It had been not a day since they had last seen each other, yet the warmth between them felt just as natural as before.

Chaeyoung let out a deep breath, stuffing her hands into the pockets of her coat. "You know, I was really nervous about tonight."

Mina tilted her head. "Why?"

Chaeyoung chuckled softly. "It’s been a long time since I have done this, Mina. I wasn’t sure if things would be awkward or if we’d even have much to talk about."

Mina nudged her playfully. "Turns out we can talk for hours."

Chaeyoung smiled at that, her shoulders relaxing. "Yeah."

They reached a small park, the empty benches inviting them to sit. The crisp night air was cool but refreshing, and the distant hum of the city made their little bubble of quiet feel even more intimate.

Mina hesitated before speaking. "Chaeyoung, I know your situation with your grandfather is difficult. If you ever need help... or just someone to listen, I'm here."

Chaeyoung’s gaze softened. "I know. And it means a lot, Mina. Sometimes it feels like I'm stuck in this world where I have no control over my own life. But tonight... tonight reminded me that I still have choices. Even if they’re small ones."

Mina reached for Chaeyoung’s hand and squeezed it gently. "Then let’s keep making small choices. One step at a time."

Chaeyoung looked at their joined hands, her heart swelling with gratitude. "That sounds like a good plan."

The moment stretched between them, comfortable and reassuring. Then Mina grinned. "You know, next time we hang out, you have to choose the movie."

Chaeyoung laughed. "Deal. But no romantic dramas. I draw the line there."

Mina pretended to be offended. "How dare you!"

They both laughed, the tension of the night melting away into the comforting rhythm of their conversation. As they sat there, sharing stories and laughter, the weight on Chaeyoung’s shoulders felt just a little bit lighter.

Little did they know, that night was just the beginning of something neither of them had expected. A rekindled friendship. A growing bond. And perhaps, something even deeper waiting just beneath the surface.

--

Park Seoul University

Chaeyoung found herself going to university more often than before. She told herself it was just to keep up with classes, but deep down, she knew there was another reason. Every morning, as she walked through the grand university halls, her eyes would subtly scan the surroundings, searching for a familiar figure.

Mina.

She didn’t know why, but lately, she had developed a habit of looking for Mina before heading to her mom’s office. It was as if seeing her, even for a brief moment, set the tone for her day. It wasn’t anything dramatic—just a quick glance, maybe a nod if their eyes met. But it was enough.

Her best friends, Tzuyu and Dahyun, had definitely noticed.

“You actually go to university now?” Dahyun teased one afternoon as they sat in the cafeteria. She poked at her meal with her chopsticks, glancing at Chaeyoung with an amused expression.

Chaeyoung rolled her eyes. “Of course, I do. I’m a student, you know.”

Tzuyu smirked. “Yeah, but you used to skip a lot.” She leaned in, lowering her voice. “Let me guess. It has something to do with Mina?”