almost ; sowoo

and

【 present day 】

it was a special day for jiwoo. her face adorned a huge smile as she prepared for the day. she practically leaped out of her bed this morning, though it was no surprise since her excitement woke her up early.

today, somin was coming back to her town. they had organized a gathering with previous schoolmates. she hasn't seen somin for months. even though jiwoo had known somin for her whole life, she was still anxious and nervous to see her best friend.

"jiwoo!" a smile appeared on the former's face even before she could react to the caller. "somin~ how have you— kyaaa!"

jiwoo found herself in the arms of her favourite person. engulfing jiwoo in a big hug, somin couldn't stop the happiness from showing on her behaviour. nothing felt better than the solid warmth and sense of protection from jiwoo.

as for jiwoo, the scent of sweet vanilla and somin almost drove her crazy. she ached so much to see somin for countless days, weeks and months. now she's finally here, it felt like returning to home after a long time.

but of course, she knew she was in the wrong home. somin wasn't hers. with a heavy heart, she had to pry somin off and released her grip on the latter. somin's face was etched with the brightest and warmest smile, her eyes wrinkling into crescents. as long as somin was happy, jiwoo would feel comforted.

"come on, let's go!" somin grabbed jiwoo's hand and headed towards the chalet that their classmates booked. matthew followed behind the girls silently. as somin went on and caught up with other friends, jiwoo wandered around the area to discover and familiarize herself with the place. she had felt piercing eyes watching her movements ever since she was with somin.

"hey," a tap on jiwoo's shoulder made her spun around. matthew was looking at jiwoo with a solemn expression.

what's happening? he has never looked so serious yet upset at the same time.

"yah matthew, are you okay?" jiwoo asked in concern.

matthew seemed to hesitate for a moment. in the end, he shook his head and gestured jiwoo into a guest room. an awkward silence filled between them. neither spoke. jiwoo noticed matthew's shaky hands and slightly red face.

"is there anything up with somin that i should know? you look very worried" jiwoo spoke. matthew nodded after a little while, then scratched his head before replying, "yes, it's quite complicated and sad actually. you might want some time by yourself after i tell you all these," matthew paused, before looking straight into jiwoo's eyes.

" keep this away from her.
you do know that
somin likes you, right? "