Bluff (BBANGSAZ)

XVI

Hanni’s POV

Months have passed, and somehow, I’ve learned to focus on myself. And guess what? I used to be 28th out of 30 in our class, now I’m sitting right in the middle. 15th. Not perfect, but it’s something. Something I earned.

Just two more months and we’ll finally be college students.

But my effort wasn’t just about grades. I worked on my mind, too. My sanity. My peace.

People say I’ve changed. Maybe I have. I used to go through flings like changing socks, three a month, minimum. Now? Just two a month.

Kidding.

No really, I've changed.

I don’t even feel attracted to anyone anymore. Not even a single flutter.

Maybe it’s because no one feels right if it’s not her.

And no matter how much I try to deny it, I’m still waiting. Waiting for something so painfully uncertain.

I joined the Music Club, finally giving in to something I’ve hidden for a long time. Turns out, it’s never too late until it really is. The first time I sang, the whole room paused. They didn’t expect me, the girl they used to call a heartbreaker, to sound soft. Calming. Sweet.

Now, I get to sing live during campus events. I don’t say this to brag, but I leave people speechless. It’s strange. I never imagined I’d be known for something like my voice.

People don’t call me a ‘playgirl’ anymore.

They call me ‘Honey Voice.’

And maybe that’s the only nickname I’ll let stick.

I was lying in bed when I heard footsteps approaching my room. I quickly threw a pillow over my face, pretending to be asleep.

“Hanni, Minji’s here.” My mom’s voice through the door.

My heartbeat went wild. Loud enough that I swear I could hear it in my ears.

Minji? What is she doing here? Why now? For Pete's sake just leave me alone.

I glanced at myself in the mirror. I looked exhausted, hollow-eyed. But I didn’t bother fixing it. It’s just her. Just Minji.

Still, my hands shook as I walked toward the living room.

My mom shouldn’t hear this.

“Follow me” I said, not even glancing at her.

I led her out to the garden. It’s quiet there. Safe, in a way.

“What are you doing here?” I asked, voice tight, not bothering to pretend.

“I just wanted to see if you're doing well, and I missed you”

My fists clenched. I didn’t even mean to. I just… I don’t know what to believe anymore.

Missed me? As a friend? Or something more?

“What do you want?” I pushed, trying to hold myself together.

I wanted to wrap my arms around her. Tell her I missed her too. But what would that even mean now?

Some feelings aren’t meant to be erased, only buried. Not because I want to forget, but because I have to.

“Jinni wants to date you.”

Silence. Deafening silence. It felt like my hearing gave out. Did I hear her right?

So that’s why she came? Not because she missed me but because someone else sent her?