CHAPTER 15
The music room felt warmer than ever.
Ji-eun stayed in Min-jun's arms for a moment, listening to the quiet beat of his heart.
She didn't know who pulled away first — maybe both at the same time — but when they did, neither of them knew what to say.
Min-jun rubbed his neck, shy for the first time in his life.
"…So," he murmured.
"Does this mean we're… you know…"
Ji-eun tilted her head.
"What?"
His ears turned red.
"A thing."
Ji-eun laughed softly — not teasing, just surprised by how adorable he suddenly looked.
"I… think so," she whispered.
Min-jun exhaled, relieved, but his eyes were still nervous.
He stepped a little closer again, like he didn't want to lose the warmth.
"I've never done this before," he said honestly.
Ji-eun blinked.
"Done what?"
He looked her straight in the eyes — shy, but sincere.
"Liked someone this much."
Her heart tightened.
She wasn't expecting such a straightforward confession.
Ji-eun lowered her eyes, smiling faintly.
"…Me neither."
A tiny silence fell between them.
Not uncomfortable.
Just full.
Like both were waiting for the other to make the next move.
Min-jun finally spoke, voice low:
"Can I… hold your hand?"
Ji-eun's breath caught.
It was such a simple question.
So small.
So sweet.
She nodded.
Min-jun reached out slowly — carefully — and took her hand like it was something fragile and precious.
Their fingers intertwined naturally.
Ji-eun's cheeks grew warm.
Min-jun's grip tightened just a little, like he was afraid she'd pull away.
But she didn't.
They walked out of the music room together, still holding hands.
When they reached the hallway, Min-jun hesitated.
"…Should we hide it?" he asked.
He didn't want to, but he wanted her to choose.
Ji-eun shook her head gently.
"No. I don't care if people see."
He looked relieved again.
He squeezed her hand and whispered:
"Then I won't let go."
And he didn't.
Not down the hall.
Not down the stairs.
Not even when a group of students stared quietly, whispering behind their hands.
Min-jun didn't care.
He kept her close, chin slightly lifted, eyes only on her.
Ji-eun tried to hide her smile — but failed.
For the first time, walking home together felt different.
Warm.
Safe.
Real.
Min-jun kept stealing glances at her, like he still couldn't believe she was beside him.
Halfway down the street, he spoke again — voice soft.
"Ji-eun."
"Hmm?"
He looked away, embarrassed.
"Can I… walk you home every day?"
Her heart melted.
"Yes," she said.
"I'd like that."
He smiled — a real, soft smile that she'd never seen before.
And that smile alone made her heart flutter all over again.