𝑩𝒂𝒃𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆, 𝑰'𝒍𝒍 𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒍𝒆𝒕 𝒊𝒕 𝒅𝒊𝒆

[39]

Chanmi had spent the entire night thinking about Sooheon.

It wasn’t new—he’d always lingered in the back of her mind, a quiet presence she couldn’t ignore. She knew, deep down, that he wasn’t interested in her. That he’d never given her a single sign. But wasn’t it better to try? To at least tell him how she felt rather than regret it forever?

The thought settled in her chest as she stared at the ceiling, unable to sleep.

Tomorrow. Tomorrow, she would confess.

---

The next morning, the air felt different. Lighter.

Namra and Sooheon arrived at school together, their shoulders brushing as they walked through the gate. They weren’t exactly giggling, but there was an ease to them—small glances, soft smiles, a comfort that was impossible to miss.

Chanmi’s fingers curled around the straps of her bag. Her heart clenched.

She wasn’t dumb. She knew what this meant.

But still… she wanted to try.

Sooheon was hers too, wasn’t he? At least, in some way?

He was her friend. Someone she looked up to, admired. And maybe, just maybe, if she voiced her feelings, something would change.

When they reached the lockers, she took a deep breath and stepped forward.

“Sooheon.”

He turned to her, his usual relaxed expression in place. “Huh?”

She hesitated for a second. “Let’s talk for a minute.”

Namra, who had been pulling books from her locker, glanced between them before looking at Sooheon. He met her eyes for a brief second, but Namra didn’t say anything. She simply gave a small nod, then turned back to her locker.

Sooheon followed Chanmi as she led him a little away from the crowd, near the row of lockers where students rarely lingered.

Jaebom, who had been walking by, stopped near the corner, unnoticed.

Chanmi took a deep breath. This is it.

“Sooheon…” She looked up at him. “I like you.”

Sooheon blinked, his posture stiffening slightly.

Chanmi forced a smile. “I’ve liked you for a long time. I know you might not have noticed, and maybe I don’t seem like the type to feel this way about someone, but… I do.”

Sooheon’s throat felt dry.

“I know we’re friends, and I really like that, but… I was hoping we could be something more.” Her voice wavered slightly. “If not, I understand. But I wanted to be honest.”

Silence stretched between them.

Sooheon’s jaw tightened. He could see it now—the faint hope in her eyes, the way she was trying to stay composed.

He had always seen Chanmi as a friend. Nothing more, nothing less. And now, standing in front of her, he felt… guilty.

Uncomfortable.

He ran a hand through his hair, exhaling. “Chanmi…”

Her eyes flickered, as if bracing herself.

Sooheon met her gaze. “I’m in a relationship with Namra.”

The words hit like a brick.

Chanmi’s breath hitched.

“I’m sorry.” Sooheon’s voice was calm, steady, but there was something in it—something firm. “I never wanted to lead you on. I just… I only ever saw you as a friend.”