Chapter 18
For the first time in days, Ji-eun arrived at school early.
She didn't know why her heart was beating so fast…
Actually, she did.
Min-jun.
Yesterday's moment—
that closeness,
that look in his eyes,
the way his voice softened only for her—
it kept replaying in her mind like a secret she wasn't ready to share.
When she stepped into the classroom, Min-jun wasn't in his seat.
Strange.
He was always early.
She placed her bag down and sat, twisting the strap nervously.
Did he get sick?
Is he avoiding me?
Is it because our feelings… feel too close now?
Before she could spiral, the classroom door opened.
And there he was.
Min-jun walked in slowly, a tiny bandage on his cheek, his hair slightly messy, eyes tired… but still searching. Always searching.
For her.
The moment he spotted Ji-eun, his shoulders relaxed the slightest bit.
But Ji-eun stood up immediately.
"Min-jun! What happened to your face?"
He blinked, then looked away, embarrassed.
"It's nothing."
"That doesn't look like nothing."
He hesitated… and then sighed, scratching the back of his neck.
"I… got into a fight."
Ji-eun's eyes widened.
"What? Why?!"
He didn't answer.
Not at first.
Min-jun slipped into his seat, resting his head on his arms.
His voice was low, almost a whisper.
"Someone said something stupid. About you."
Ji-eun froze.
Her heart stopped.
"…About me?" she whispered.
He didn't look up, but his jaw clenched.
"They were talking too much. Saying you were flirting with Jin-woo. Saying you're fake nice. They just—"
He broke off, fists tightening.
"I told them to shut up. They didn't. I handled it."
Ji-eun's breath caught.
Min-jun… fought because of her?
Her chest tightened, warm and shaky.
"Min-jun," she said softly, "you shouldn't fight."
"…I know."
"But…"
She stepped closer to his desk.
"Thank you."
Min-jun's head lifted just a little—enough for her to see his eyes widen, startled.
"You're… thanking me?" he muttered.
"Yes. Because you protected me."
His ears turned red.
He tried to speak—
tried to hide it like always—
but this time, the feelings were too strong.
"Ji-eun…" he said quietly, his voice rough, "I didn't do it because I had to."
She stared at him, breath caught.
His eyes—
dark, sincere, trembling a little—
met hers directly.
"I did it because I care."
Ji-eun felt her heart explode in her chest.
Her lips parted, but no words came out.
So Min-jun looked away quickly, face reddening, hands shoving back into his pockets like he regretted being that honest.
"Forget it," he muttered. "It's stupid."
Ji-eun shook her head slowly.
"No," she whispered.
"It's not stupid."
Silence.
Soft.
Heavy.
Warm.
The bell rang, but neither of them moved.
For the first time…
they weren't afraid of the quiet between them.