Complexity

About you

Sohyun POV

"But seriously, eonnie. You're not someone who would do anything related to fighting. You're a music producer, a diligent student, and a peer tutor. Why are you suddenly trying to learn how to fight?"

"Simply put... because I want to make sure the people around me are safe. Me, my family, my friends—everyone I love."

"...Including Xinyu, eonnie?"

"Of course. Including her."

I can't lie anymore. Everyone already suspects the worst, or maybe the best, between me and Xinyu. Something romantic. And I'm terrified. My family problems, those bullies who probably won't let me go that easily... I don't want to drag Xinyu into my misery. Let it stay mine alone.

"Wait." Chaewon stops me just as I'm about to kick the punching bag again.

"You said 'including Xinyu,' eonnie?"

"Yeah. What's wrong with that?"

She goes silent. Too silent. Then she quickly brushes it off with a shake of her head, pretending it's nothing. But I know she's hiding something. The question is—what? And why?

For almost a month now, I've been practicing with Chaewon in secret. No one knows. Well... maybe someone does. Hayeon sometimes drops by Chaewon's place, either to hang out or to pick her up for band practice. It's not that I don't trust Hayeon with secrets. I just hope she'll keep quiet about this. Especially to Xinyu.

But I think Xinyu is already suspicious. She notices I've been coming home late. Yes, I'm still staying at her place. Why? Because I'm terrified of going back to my mother and brother. The fact that my mother showed up at school during the festival... that was my worst nightmare.

And Xinyu isn't blind. She's seen me return exhausted, as if I'd gone through something heavy. I'm not the kind of person who gets tired easily, and we both know that. She's also noticed I go straight to bed after school. The girl who usually studies until late now just collapses on the bed without even opening her notes.

She must have noticed.

Xinyu POV

"Oh, you're early," I say when I see Sohyun stepping inside the house.

"Early? I'm basically home hours after you."

"Yeah, but you're usually later than this. You always miss dinner these days."

It's true. Lately, Sohyun only comes home after dinner, barely saying a word before locking herself in her room. I have my suspicions, but I can't quite figure out what they should be about. It's all too... random.

"You're not doing anything out of your range, are you?" I ask casually, watching her flip through her books.

But she freezes. Instantly. Like the words hit something.

...Got you. There's something here.

"You're not meeting them again, are you?"

"'Them' who?" she asks.

"The bullies." My tone hardens. I don't care what it takes, I'll do anything to keep her safe.

But her expression shifts from fear... to confusion.

"Bullies? You think I'd want to meet them again?" She lets out a small laugh, shaking her head.
"I'm not that stupid, silly."

"Then what is it?"

"It's just... something I need to take care of."

I still feel it, something's off. But I force myself not to push her. For now.

"Alright then... do you want dinner now, or later?"

"I'm thinking now. It's been a while since I've had dinner with you, hasn't it?"

It is