Chapter 21
Ji-eun's words stayed in Min-jun's mind long after class ended.
"I want… only yours."
He replayed it again.
And again.
And again.
Min-jun wasn't the type to blush—
but right now, he couldn't stop the warmth in his cheeks.
Ji-eun tried to focus on her notes, but she kept glancing at him too.
His ears were red, his hands frozen, pencil untouched.
He was completely lost.
Because of her.
---
During Lunch Break
Ji-eun and Min-jun walked out of class together.
It wasn't planned—
it just happened.
People stared.
Whispered.
But for once, Min-jun didn't glare at them.
He only looked at Ji-eun.
They were about to head to the cafeteria when a group of boys rushed past, laughing loudly.
One of them bumped hard into Ji-eun's shoulder.
She stumbled—
—and Min-jun reacted instantly.
He grabbed her wrist.
Pulled her toward him.
But Ji-eun's foot slipped on the freshly mopped floor.
And—
She fell forward.
Straight into Min-jun's chest.
Their breath tangled.
Their bodies pressed close.
His hands instinctively tightened around her waist to steady her.
Her palms rested against his chest, feeling the fast, wild beating of his heart.
Ji-eun froze.
Min-jun froze.
Time stopped.
His voice came out low, breath brushing her ear.
"…Are you okay?"
Ji-eun's face burned.
"I—I think so…"
Min-jun didn't let go.
He didn't even realize he was still holding her.
Her heartbeat was loud.
His was louder.
Students walking by stared with wide eyes.
Whispers grew stronger.
"That's Park Min-jun—holding a girl?"
"Are they dating?"
"No way…"
Ji-eun swallowed nervously.
"M-Min-jun… everyone is looking."
His grip on her waist tightened just a fraction.
"I don't care."
Her heart dropped to her stomach.
Slowly… very slowly…
Min-jun pulled back just enough to look into her eyes.
"Ji-eun," he said quietly, "you scared me."
She blinked up at him.
"…Why?"
His voice shook—just a little.
"Because I thought you might get hurt.
And I… can't handle that."
Ji-eun's breath caught.
He looked away for a second, trying to calm his racing heart.
And then—
Still flustered, still holding her hand, he said something he didn't plan to say:
"I don't like seeing anyone else touch you."
Her face turned completely red.
"Min-jun—"
"I get angry," he admitted under his breath.
"I get jealous. I get… weird."
He exhaled.
"I don't know what's happening to me."
Ji-eun looked at him softly.
And without thinking, she squeezed his hand.
"Min-jun… it's okay. I… feel weird too."
He stared at her.
Really stared.
For once, Min-jun wasn't cold.
He wasn't guarded.
He wasn't pretending.
He was just a boy—
with feelings too strong to hide anymore.
The bell rang loudly.
They both jumped, breaking the moment.
But Min-jun did something small—
something huge—
He didn't let go of her hand,
even as they walked back to class.
Everyone saw.
Everyone whispered.
But he didn't care.
And Ji-eun…
didn't want him to let go.