Chapter – Lunchtime Confusion
The cafeteria was crowded, filled with the clatter of trays and the hum of conversation. Students moved in a line, one by one picking up their food before finding a seat. Sani held her tray carefully, but her attention wasn't on the lunch in front of her. She was searching.
Her eyes scanned the room, and then she spotted him—Sean. He was already sitting on one of the benches, quietly eating. The seat right beside him was empty.
Sani's heart skipped a beat. If I hurry, maybe… maybe I can sit next to him. Her face heated, her palms suddenly sweaty. Hugging her tray close, she quickened her steps. Just a little faster, Sani, you can do it…
But before she could reach the spot, Haneul slid in smoothly and sat down beside Sean with a cheerful smile.
Sani froze in place. Ahhh, why Haneul? I wanted to sit there… Her chest tightened with disappointment, and her lips pressed into a pout she tried to hide.
"Yah, Sani! Why are you just standing there?" Jason's voice snapped her out of her thoughts. He waved from a table nearby, smirking like always. "Come here! Jiwoo saved you a seat."
Sani forced her legs to move and sat down across from Jiwoo. "Yeah, I'm coming," she murmured.
Jason leaned closer, squinting at her. "Are you alright? You've been spacing out all day. Wait—don't tell me you're still upset about our fight this morning? I already said sorry! I was only joking. Don't take it so seriously, bro. Just chill!"
"Shut up, Jason," Sani muttered, glaring at him.
Jason blinked at her, then let out a dramatic sigh. "Wow, you're so rude to me."
"Because you annoy me every single time!" Sani shot back, stabbing her food with her fork.
Jason grinned, clearly pleased with himself. "That's because it's fun to annoy you. You're so easy to tease, dummy."
"Hey—!" Sani's cheeks puffed up with frustration, but her protest died when she heard Sean's voice from across the table.
Jason had called out to him. "Oh, Sean! Do you know these two girls?"
Sean looked up from his tray, his calm expression unchanged. "Yeah, Jiwoo and Haneul. We're classmates, so of course I know them." He gave a small, polite smile.
Haneul leaned a little closer, her eyes sparkling as she played with her hair. "Really? Then do you know my name too?"
Sean gave a quiet laugh. "Yes, Haneul. I know your name."
The way he said it—so casual, so smooth—made Sani's stomach twist. She tried to act like she wasn't paying attention, but every word sank deep into her.
Then Haneul asked the question everyone seemed to wonder. "Sean, do you have a girlfriend?"
The cafeteria noise suddenly felt distant to Sani. Her heart pounded so loudly she was sure someone could hear it. She bit her lip and waited.
Sean shook his head casually. "No, I don't. And I'm not interested right now."
Haneul's eyes widened. "What? I can't believe that! You're so handsome, you look like a total playboy."
Sean shrugged, a faint smile on his lips. "But I'm not."
Sani's heart skipped again. He doesn't have a girlfriend? That means… I still have a chance. Her face burned, and she quickly looked down at her tray. But the hopeful thought faded as quickly as it came. No, stop dreaming, Sani. It's impossible. Someone like him would never like someone like me.
Across the table, Haneul's eyes shone with excitement. So Sean doesn't have a girlfriend… then maybe this is my chance.
Jason, Sani. "Why are you so quiet? You look like you're dreaming again."
"Mind your own business," Sani muttered, hiding her red cheeks behind her cup.