Chapter 19
Classes passed slowly.
Ji-eun kept sneaking glances at Min-jun.
Every time she did, her chest squeezed a little.
That bandage.
That tired look.
That quiet pain he was hiding behind his usual cold expression.
He fought because of me…
The thought kept echoing in her heart.
Min-jun didn't talk much during class.
He didn't even tease her like usual.
And that worried her more than anything.
When the final bell rang, everyone rushed out.
Ji-eun stayed seated, eyes still on him.
He was stuffing his books into his bag, pretending nothing was wrong.
"Min-jun," she finally said.
He paused.
"Walk with me? Just… for today."
He hesitated for a moment, then nodded without looking at her.
They walked side by side—quiet but not uncomfortable.
The sky was orange, soft, and warm.
A perfect background for two hearts slowly falling.
---
At the Convenience Store
Ji-eun suddenly stopped.
"Wait here."
"Huh—? Ji-eun? Where are you—"
But she was already running inside.
Min-jun sighed, confused, leaning against the wall.
A minute later, she came out holding:
A cold drink
A small bread
And a tiny pharmacy bag
She stood in front of him, breathless but determined.
"For you."
Min-jun stared at the items… then at her.
"…What is this?"
"You won't tell me what happened," she said softly, "so at least let me take care of what I can see."
Min-jun froze.
Ji-eun gently placed the drink in his hand.
"It's your favorite, right?"
He didn't answer.
He couldn't.
His voice felt stuck somewhere in his throat.
She stepped closer, opening the small pharmacy bag.
"…Ji-eun?" he murmured, heart pounding.
"Stay still."
She reached up.
Her fingers touched the edge of the bandage on his cheek—
light, careful, warmer than the sun behind them.
Min-jun inhaled sharply.
His entire body stiffened.
Not because it hurt—
but because she was touching him.
Ji-eun peeled the old bandage away gently, eyes focused, eyebrows drawn together with worry.
"You're hurt more than you said," she whispered.
Min-jun looked away, cheeks burning.
"It's nothing."
"No," she said softly, "it's not nothing. Not to me."
His breath stilled.
She cleaned the small cut with a tissue from the pharmacy bag.
Her fingers brushed his skin—
warm, soft, trembling just slightly.
Min-jun didn't blink.
He couldn't.
No one had ever touched him like this—
carefully, gently, lovingly.
Ji-eun placed a new bandage on his cheek and stepped back.
"There," she said with a small smile.
"All better."
Min-jun swallowed hard.
He didn't trust himself to speak.
But then—
Ji-eun stretched out her hand.
"Let's go home together."
Not asked.
Not suggested.
A simple request, full of meaning.
Min-jun stared at her hand.
His chest felt too full, too tight, too warm.
Slowly, hesitantly…
He took it.
Ji-eun's breath hitched.
Her cheeks flushed pink.
And Min-jun—
the cold boy everyone feared—
smiled without realizing it.
A quiet, soft smile.
For her.
Only for her.