Serendipity (Ryeji)

Confused

In the three weeks after that day, Ryujin and Yeji began spending more time together again. Yes, for their project, but at least once during the week they'd prohibit any school talk and hang out with the sole purpose to have fun.

However, as if it was the universe's way of helping Yeji realize her feelings, one day Yeonjun shows up unannounced at the Hwang residence, and Mama Hwang was the first to answer the door. Yeji had no choice except to acknowledge his presence. Although she naturally has trouble telling people no, what made it harder was her mother's approval and encouragement, not to mention Yeonjun's bouquet of flowers he brought along with him. Hence, Yeji agreed to go on an actual date.

She finds herself enjoying his company, similarly to most of the time they spent at the arcade two months prior or their in-school moments. She won't go as far as to say she likes him, though. This is merely the most enjoyable time she's spent with him, and the second time she's ever spent time with him alone in a non-school-related activity.

He took her to a basketball court, asked her to play with him. She saw no reason to decline and he taught her how to shoot, a closeness that leaves her flustered. It was a weird feeling, something she's not sure she knew the name for, but what made the night stranger was how the individual that came to mind quite often during their time together was nowhere in sight. While that may seem like a realization point for most, the uncertainty behind those thoughts frightened her. So, she shoved them to the side for the meantime.

Now that yet another Monday has rolled around, the conflicted partners share classes again. Over the weekend, Hyunjin attempted to encourage the pink-haired girl to step up her game, and from the sidelines, Heejin does her best to hype the girl up. Chaeryeong even chipped in, admitting that Ryujin might actually have a shot if Yeji's behavior around her was anything to go on. However, Ryujin is quick to deny and claim otherwise. She's convinced Yeonjun is winning Yeji over. She was at that park that night with Jiu and a few other teammates, leaving when the latter two arrived during their little date. Ryujin didn't stay to spy on them and see how it plays out. She left as fast as she could.

At this point, the young Shin feels at loss. She won't lie and claim she didn't have a smidge of hope that her friends' words are accurate. Deep down, a part of her does think she might have a chance with Yeji if she pursued it. Her impulsivity didn't help either. Naturally, she jumps at any chance to make Yeji happy, and just as she promised, she helped her study for the brunette's upcoming chemistry test.

Ryujin randomly shows up to tutoring that Monday afternoon, told her coach she had to miss practice to study for something important. Her unannounced presence surprises Yeji just as much as Yeonjun's did over the weekend, except the feeling that accompanied the shock was different. Rather than feel anxious, her heart leaped at the sight of Ryujin. Instead of a nervous smile, her jaw ached as a result of the excitement she felt knowing this meant she would get to spend time with her friend. As she witnesses the younger student crack out a chemistry textbook identical to hers, she practically melts at the girl's kind intentions. The simplicity of this gesture seemed to affect her more than any of Yeonjun's sweet actions combined. Her emotions threw her for a loop, making her more confused than ever.

This enthusiasm undoubtedly became a plus in Ryujin's mind, a sign that further implied her chances may not be as slim as she initially believed. Nonetheless, fear is the most effective in ruining someone's resolve, and for her it proved to be no different. Ryujin found it difficult to talk to Yeji, and as soon as the young Hwang picked up on the familiar behavior of Ryujin distancing herself, she took matters into her own hands and invited her for dinner Tuesday night so they can work on their project.

As most instances play out for them, their time together went well. Thus, that Wednesday morning, the pink-haired girl can't help reminiscing, even if she believes she should know better than to get lost in a bundle of hope concerning a desire that was unlikely to play out in her favor.