CHAPTER 13
The next morning, Ji-eun reached school early.
Normally, the campus was quiet at this hour…
But today, someone was already waiting by the front gate.
A boy she recognized — Kang Dae-hyun, from Class 1–C.
Smart, handsome, always cheerful.
Girls liked him because he was friendly to everyone.
He smiled when he saw Ji-eun.
"Ji-eun! You're early today," he said, jogging over.
"You dropped your notebook yesterday. I wanted to return it."
Ji-eun blinked, surprised.
"Oh… thank you. I didn't notice."
He rubbed the back of his neck shyly.
"You should be more careful. It'd be bad if someone else read your notes."
She laughed softly, and he smiled even wider.
Just then—
A shadow fell over them.
Ji-eun turned.
Min-jun stood a few steps behind, hands in his pockets, jaw clenched tightly.
His eyes didn't leave Dae-hyun.
There was no greeting.
No smile.
Just… tension.
Dae-hyun noticed and bowed politely.
"Good morning, Mi—"
"Why are you here?" Min-jun cut in, his voice cold enough to freeze air.
Dae-hyun blinked.
"I—I was just giving her back her notebook."
"Is that so?" Min-jun's eyes flicked to Ji-eun.
"Did he bother you?"
Ji-eun shook her head quickly.
"No, he didn't—"
But Min-jun had already stepped closer, standing between her and Dae-hyun without actually touching her.
A silent claim.
Dae-hyun raised his hands nervously.
"I didn't mean anything! I just thought she might need it—"
"She doesn't need your help," Min-jun said sharply.
Ji-eun grabbed Min-jun's sleeve, shocked.
"Min-jun! Stop, he didn't do anything wrong—"
Min-jun turned to her, and for a moment he looked almost… hurt.
"You let him stand this close to you," he whispered.
Ji-eun's breath caught.
Dae-hyun coughed awkwardly.
"A-anyway, I'll go to class now! See you—"
He practically ran away.
As soon as he was gone, Ji-eun pulled her hand back from Min-jun's sleeve.
"What was that?" she asked quietly.
Min-jun didn't meet her eyes.
A long silence.
Then he muttered:
"I didn't like it."
Ji-eun blinked.
"Didn't like what?"
"Him."
Min-jun's jaw tightened.
"Standing with you. Smiling at you. Talking like he knows you."
"Min-jun…" Ji-eun whispered, but her heart was pounding.
He stepped closer, eyes dark and unreadable.
"I know I don't have the right," he said softly.
"But I hated it."
Her breath hitched.
For a moment, he looked like he wanted to say more — something real, something honest.
But instead, he looked away.
"…Just don't talk to guys like that," he muttered.
Ji-eun frowned lightly.
"And why not?"
Min-jun hesitated.
His voice came out low, almost vulnerable:
"Because…"
He swallowed.
"I don't want anyone else standing where I want to stand."
Ji-eun's heart almost stopped.
Before she could respond, the bell rang loudly.
Min-jun sighed, brushing past her, but stopped just long enough to say:
"We'll talk after class."
Ji-eun stood frozen, her notebook clutched against her chest.
Min-jun didn't say the words.
But the meaning was clear.
He was jealous.
And the reason… was her.