Chapter 7
The final bell rang, echoing through the quiet afternoon hallways. Students rushed out, laughing, talking, running toward the gates.
But Ji-eun stayed in her seat.
Her heart was still fluttering from earlier — from Min-jun stepping in, from the look in his eyes, from the way he gently covered her hand like she was something precious.
She packed her books slowly, hoping… just maybe… he would come.
And then—
"Ji-eun."
Her heartbeat jumped.
He was standing at the classroom door, uniform slightly messy from running, breathing a little fast like he'd been searching for her.
"You didn't leave yet," he said softly.
"I… was waiting."
His eyes warmed immediately.
---
Walking Home, But Closer This Time
They walked down the quiet school road together, but today the distance between them felt different.
Closer.
More aware.
Ji-eun's hand kept brushing his arm, and every time, she felt him tense—
not in discomfort, but in that way someone does when they're stopping themselves from doing something bold.
"Are you feeling better?" he asked gently.
"Yes," she whispered. "Because of you."
Min-jun looked away for a moment, cheeks faintly red.
"Good… I'm glad."
---
A Quiet Stop Under the Cherry Tree
As they walked past the small line of cherry trees by the street, wind rustled the branches, making pink petals fall around them like soft snow.
Ji-eun stopped under the biggest tree.
Min-jun stopped with her.
Petals landed in her hair, on her blazer, on her notebook.
"You look…"
He hesitated.
She waited.
"…pretty," he finished softly.
Ji-eun blinked in surprise.
He never complimented people.
Especially not like that.
"You don't have to say things just to make me—"
"I'm not saying it for that."
His voice was gentle but firm.
Another petal fell into her hair.
Without thinking, Min-jun reached out.
His fingers brushed her temple as he carefully removed the petal.
His touch was soft, hesitant, like he was scared to do it wrong.
Ji-eun's breath caught.
Neither of them stepped back.
---
Too Close… But Neither Moves
His hand hovered near her cheek.
Her eyes met his.
The air between them felt warm, sweet, charged with something new.
He swallowed hard.
"Ji-eun… tell me if this makes you uncomfortable."
"It doesn't," she whispered.
His breath shuddered.
He wasn't holding her face—
But he didn't move his hand away either.
They stood under the falling petals, closer than they'd ever been, a heartbeat away from crossing a line neither of them fully understood yet.
---
Interrupted, But Not Broken
Just when the moment grew warm enough to melt them both—
A group of students passed by, laughing loudly.
Ji-eun stepped back quickly, shy and embarrassed.
Min-jun dropped his hand, looking away with a frustrated breath.
Not angry.
Just… disappointed the moment ended.
But then, he looked at her again.
"Can I walk you all the way home again today?" he asked, voice low, hopeful.
Ji-eun nodded softly.
"I'd like that."
His shoulders relaxed, the tiniest smile appearing.
---
The First Real Promise
As they reached her building, Min-jun paused.
"Ji-eun," he said quietly.
She turned.
"I don't ever want you to feel alone again."
Her heart squeezed.
"Then… don't leave me alone," she whispered.
He took a slow breath, eyes warm, sincere, a little shaken by her words.
"I won't."
And for the first time, it sounded like a promise.