Chapter 9
The last bell echoed through the halls, but Ji-eun barely heard it.
Her heart had been racing since morning.
"After school… wait for me."
Min-jun's voice replayed in her head over and over, each time sending a warm shiver through her.
Students rushed out; laughter filled the hallway. But Ji-eun stayed in her classroom, sitting by the window, twisting her pen nervously.
Would he really come?
Would he really—
"Ji-eun."
Her breath stopped.
Min-jun stood at the door, uniform tie loose, hair slightly messy, as if he had run to find her.
His eyes softened the moment they met hers.
"You waited," he said quietly.
"Of course," she whispered.
He stepped inside, closing the door behind him so the noise faded.
---
Walking Through a Quiet School
The campus was almost empty as they walked out together. The afternoon sun painted the buildings gold.
Min-jun walked close enough that their shoulders brushed every few steps.
Every time they touched, Ji-eun's heart jumped.
Min-jun noticed.
And he didn't move away.
Instead…
he moved even closer.
When they reached the quiet back road behind the school, he stopped.
"Ji-eun."
She turned.
His eyes were full of something warm, uncertain, intense.
"I've been thinking about what you said."
Her heart thudded.
"…About what?" she asked softly.
"When you said you didn't want me to take it back."
Ji-eun felt her breath catch.
"I meant it," she whispered.
His jaw clenched lightly, like he was fighting with himself.
---
The Moment They Get Too Close
The wind blew gently.
Cherry blossoms drifted across the path.
Min-jun stepped closer.
Then closer.
Until he was standing right in front of her, his shadow mixing with hers, his breath warm on her skin.
"Ji-eun…"
His voice shook — just a little.
"I'm scared I'll say something you're not ready for."
"I'm ready," she said quietly.
He looked at her for a long second.
Then he lifted his hand, slowly… carefully…
and brushed a strand of hair from her cheek.
Her breath trembled.
"Min-jun sunbae…"
His fingers slid down, lightly touching her jaw.
Soft.
Shy.
Trembling.
His eyes darkened with emotion he could no longer hide.
"Ji-eun," he whispered, "I lo—"
"Sunbae!!"
They both flinched.
A loud voice came from the school gate — a group of his friends calling his name.
Min-jun's hand froze against her cheek.
He closed his eyes, frustrated, jaw tightening at the interruption.
The moment was broken.
He lowered his hand slowly, exhaling shakily.
"…Sorry," he murmured. "I wanted to say it properly."
Ji-eun felt sadness — but also warmth.
He wanted to say it.
He was trying to say it.
And he stopped because he wanted it to be perfect.
Suddenly, she grabbed his sleeve gently.
He looked up.
Her voice was soft, shy… but brave.
"You don't have to say it today," she whispered. "I can wait."
Something in Min-jun's eyes melted completely.
He stepped closer again — not touching her, but close enough that she could feel how much he wanted to.
"I won't make you wait long," he said softly.
"Okay," she whispered.
A tiny, sweet smile appeared on his lips.
And then, before walking away to his friends, he leaned down—
and whispered in her ear, barely audible:
"Just know… it's already you."
Her heart exploded.