The One I Love

12:00

Jennie bites back a scowl as she stands in front of the class.

Her group members stumble through their words and fumble with their notecards. The only one that doesn't make her want to burn down the building is Hanbin. He calmly gestures toward the presentation, cooly glancing at his notecards but never really needing them.

After class she gathers her things, trying not to seethe with anger. The only thing holding her together was the professor's promise of a separate group evaluation.

"Hey, Jennie." A classmate waves at her. She doesn't know her name, but she rarely knows anyone's name if they're not in the same department.

"Hi." Jennie smiles back, slinging her bag over her shoulder. She starts to walk out of the class, hoping the girl will get the hint.

"I was wondering, are you still dating Jung Jaewon?"

Her fake smile cracks. She couldn't possibly understand how that was anyone's business, much less a random girl in her class.

"Yes, I am."

"Ah, so you're not dating Hanbin, then?"

Jennie bristles. This girl had said his name too casually for her taste.

As if summoned, Hanbin appears before them. "Ah, Jen. You're leaving?"

She nods.

"Let's go together." Hanbin suggests. He notices the girl next to her and waves. "Goodbye, Ahreum. Have a nice day!"

"Who is Ahreum?" Jennie asks once they're out of earshot.

"You don't know her? She's everywhere."

Jennie shakes her head, letting Hanbin lead them through campus.

"Should we get lunch? Did you eat?"

"No, I haven't had anything. Let's get something delicious, I'll pay."

"Wow, Jennie, how do you always know the right words to say?"

She laughs as he ruffles her hair.

Still, there's a heavy feeling in her heart.

"When I told you about Hayi, there was something I left out." Jennie confesses once they've sat down at the restaurant and ordered. She said she'd take him anywhere but he insisted on a ramen place by the school. "The older boyfriend, I knew him."

"Hayi's boyfriend?"

"Yes, he was my childhood friend." She watches as Hanbin's expression softens in understanding. "He was also someone I loved. I tormented Hayi out of jealousy."

"Ah, I see."

The waitress comes with their food and sets it in front of them. Hanbin thanks her with a smile.

"I even slept with him, but he refused to leave Hayi." Her voice lowers to a whisper. Hanbin looks up at her in shock, but it quickly fades. "Aren't I a bad person?"

Hanbin begins to eat, but Jennie can't find her appetite.

"There's no such thing as a bad person or a good person in this world. You just wanted to be loved."

The waitress returns and Hanbin orders two beers.

"I want to fall in love with you." Jennie sighs. She swirls her chopsticks absently, finally taking a bite.

"You want to, not 'I have fallen in love with you.'" Hanbin clarifies through a mouthful of ramen.

"Is that mean?"