Serendipity (Ryeji)

Sleepover

ᴇᴀʀʟɪᴇʀ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ᴅᴀʏ

After coming within close distance to Yeji at school in their first class, Ryujin didn't have it in her emotionally to see the brunette in their next one. Just being near the student, being able to hear her voice, she couldn't handle the pain that came with it.

Ryujin knows it's her fault, knows she's the one who left, knows she owes Yeji an explanation, but she can't help it. Yes, she's aware she shouldn't have disappeared on Yeji without warning, but she's nearly prepared to do it again. Her feelings are too much to handle. So, she does what she believes is best for herself and asks her closest friends to help her find a way out of this self-inflicted dilemma.

Chaeryeong doesn't approve the idea of skipping class. So, to avoid getting scolded, she scratches that off the list, not willing to see an angry Chaeryeong. As an alternative plan, Heejin offers to speak with their coach, schedule an 'urgent' meeting, one that would take up the entirety of the block. Thankfully, Coach Moon agrees due to their game next week.

Accompanied by Heejin and Hyunjin, all three athletes went to inform their teacher about their reason of absence. Somehow, it hasn't crossed her mind that class has already began, and when she takes a peep through the window on the door, she catches a glimpse of the one person she's trying to avoid. The sight causes her heart to sink a little in her chest. Instantly, she feels wrong for leaving without a heads up. They still haven't spoken since then, but a part of Ryujin is convinced Yeji isn't even worried. After all, they've just reconnected recently.

Oh, how wrong she was.

Like a coward, she continues to take the easy way out and stays in the hall while the latter two go in and inform their teacher about their whereabouts. Hesitantly, she peeks into the classroom with her hood over her head, the edge of the fabric nearly covering her eyes, just in case they so happen to make eye contact. Confrontation is the last thing she wants.

While she had the opportunity, the pink-haired girl takes a deep breath, admiring the beauty from a distance as she's always done, a smile forming against her will. If she knew how to fight it, she would, but regardless, there's no denying the truth. Yeji was beautiful back then, and she still is now, if not, somehow more. Ryujin watches the brunette squint her eyes, attempting to read what's on the board, so she chuckles softly. Unfortunately, the classroom door swings open, interrupts her innocent thoughts, and nearly knocks her over.

"Careful, Hyunjin!" Heejin immediately scolds their teammate. "You almost hit her!"

"Almost doesn't count~ " Hyunjin counters. Just like clockwork, the two began playfully arguing, mocking each other every chance they get. Ryujin merely laughs it off, not bothered by the door nearly hitting her. Rather, she's thankful that her focus has shifted, and she finds the two fighting like a married couple very amusing.

Although it was much easier to do yesterday, Ryujin does manage to avoid Yeji for the rest of the morning and afternoon. The only issue is, the more she avoids Yeji, the worse she feels. She's torn between protecting her feelings and resisting her desire to be around the brunette.

However, no matter what she decides, there's also external factors playing a part in this situation. They're assigned partners on a project. Is asking to switch partners even allowed?

Once school lets out, Ryujin finds Chaeryeong as quickly as she can, hopes to vent about how she feels. Chaeryeong is a great listener, often restrains from sugar coating when she needs it most.

There's a short conversation that takes place, one which consists of Chaeryeong inviting Ryujin over to her place to talk. On the way to the Lee's residence, they stop down the road at the nearest convenience store for some snacks, and once they arrive, the girls take off their shoes, greet the family before heading straight to Chaeryeong's bedroom.