Serendipity (Ryeji)

So Close

It's been a few days since Ryujin and Yeji last spoke, and they haven't worked on their project at all since then, an assignment that was due next week. Rather than patch up their friendship, Ryujin continues to avoid Yeji after their argument and Yeji doesn't understand because she feels like she hasn't done anything wrong. Her bitter emotions cause her to reciprocate the distance. She doesn't try to say anything to Ryujin, nor does she attempt to start a conversation. In her opinion, Ryujin has to apologize first.

Their interactions were scarce throughout the week because it wasn't necessary. Their courses were filled to the brim with consistent notetaking and lectures. Neither student has thought about the project...

Not until today.

Ryujin's new look and coming to terms with having a crush on the athlete consumes the majority of Yeji's thoughts despite her still feeling upset with her friend. She can't seem to stop staring. Somehow, knowing she's into Ryujin makes the girl appear even more attractive. Her heart surprises her with how fast it beats every time they're in the same room, whenever Ryujin's within her line of sight, nervous and eager for confrontation.

Their English class begins with yet another lecture, one the brunette finds terribly boring. Nothing is interesting as of late unless it's about a specific someone, and that someone currently has her troubled. Ryujin, on the other hand, constantly recalls the argument they had last week. This incites her to sink in her seat every class, pull her hood over her head, and lay her cheek against the cold desk in regret of her actions. She doesn't know how to fix it without getting hurt in the process, and she doesn't believe she has a chance with Yeji. The only option she sees is to stay away.

To their surprise, or lack of focus on the topic because of their emotions, students are told to work on the soon-to-be-due project during the last thirty minutes of class. The metal legs of chairs scrape against the floor, various footsteps shuffle around, and still, each girl waits. Neither would budge.

Grunting out of frustration, Ryujin makes the first move after realizing there's no space for another person beside her. Immediately, she tries to get started, aware they can't fail this project. Yeji's mom would be furious and her coach would certainly withhold her from playing if her grade drops. They have no choice but to interact.

But Yeji could care less about the assignment right now. "Can we please talk?"

"About the project?" Ryujin hums as she stares at the edge of Yeji's desk, doesn't want to make eye contact. "Yes."

"Ryu— "

"I'm sorry, Yeji, but if you're not willing to work, I'll just leave early."

"We're at the stage where we paint, so unless you have a canvas and some paintbrushes with you, there isn't anything we can do."

"Then here's a copy of the notes I took on Hamlet. We can do separate paintings."

"Separate paintings? Are you serious??" Yeji takes the sheet of paper and scoffs at her 'friend's' attitude. She deems this as the second time she's been on the receiving end. "Where are you going?"

"To see my coach."

With that, the athlete wanders out of the classroom behind Heejin, Hyunjin, and Jiu, a hand gripping her bookbag strap anxiously. It doesn't surprise Yeji that the girl is with her teammates, yet her eyes light up at the sight of an opportunity. All four students together helped her recognize a chance to get the other alone, even if she originally wanted Ryujin to be the one to approach her first.

When the brunette leaves for lunch, she runs into Yeonjun on the way there. Similar to how Ryujin acted with her, she has limited her chances of encountering him. They've already talked this over. She doesn't understand why he would bother to try and change her mind. Nonetheless, Yeonjun asks to have lunch with her so they can talk privately. She simply declines his proposal the same way she has done every single day this week, prefers to be tormented by her friends, not feel like she has to politely repeat herself to him.