The morning after Min-jae’s unexpected confession, Ji-eun woke up feeling restless. She had barely gotten any sleep, Min-jae’s words playing in her mind over and over again. I like you, Ji-eun. Just as you are.

It wasn’t something she could easily brush aside. No one had ever said anything like that to her before. She wasn’t used to people seeing her, not really seeing her. And now that someone had, she wasn’t sure how to react.

By the time she arrived at school, Ji-eun had convinced herself that nothing had to change. Min-jae’s confession didn’t mean she had to do anything about it. She could still keep her distance. She could still pretend that her world was small and simple, just as it had always been.

But Min-jae had other plans.

The moment she walked into the classroom, she felt his presence. He was already there, sitting at his desk near the window, his chin resting on his palm as he gazed outside. But as soon as she stepped inside, his attention shifted to her. His eyes lit up slightly, as if he had been waiting for her.

Ji-eun hesitated for a fraction of a second before quickly heading to her seat, determined to avoid his gaze. Maybe if she ignored him, he’d let it go. Maybe if she acted like nothing happened, he would too.

But, of course, Min-jae wasn’t the type to let things go so easily.

“Good morning, Ji-eun,” he greeted casually, his voice carrying a familiar warmth.

She nodded in acknowledgment, keeping her focus on her books. But Min-jae didn’t seem the least bit discouraged.

“You look tired,” he noted. “Were you up all night thinking about me?”

Ji-eun stiffened, her fingers tightening around her pen. “Don’t flatter yourself.”

Min-jae chuckled, unfazed. “So that’s a yes.”

Ji-eun sighed. “It’s a no.”

“Hmm.” He leaned back in his chair, studying her with amusement. “You’re avoiding me.”

She flinched slightly but didn’t respond.

Min-jae wasn’t wrong. She was avoiding him. She just didn’t know how to deal with him now that the air between them had changed. Min-jae had always been persistent, always pushing past the walls she had built—but this time, he had gotten closer than anyone ever had. And that terrified her.

Min-jae didn’t press her for an answer. Instead, he sighed dramatically and placed a hand over his heart. “Fine, fine. I’ll give you some space.”

Ji-eun glanced at him in surprise. He was letting it go that easily?

Then he grinned. “For now.”

Of course. For now.

The day passed uneventfully, and Ji-eun found herself grateful for the small reprieve. Min-jae didn’t push her, didn’t corner her like she had feared. He was still there hovering at the edges of her awareness but he didn’t try to force a conversation. He let her have her space, just like he promised.

But the strange thing was... Ji-eun found herself noticing the absence of his usual teasing remarks. She was used to him showing up unexpectedly, making comments that got under her skin, making her react. Without him, the day felt quieter, almost too quiet.

By the time school ended, Ji-eun was mentally drained. She gathered her things quickly, hoping to slip out before Min-jae could catch up to her. But as she stepped outside, she stopped short.

Min-jae was there, leaning casually against the school gate, waiting for her.

She hesitated, debating whether she should turn around and take another route home, but it was too late. He had already seen her.

“Hey,” he greeted with a smile, pushing off the gate. “You avoided me all day. I was starting to think you didn’t like me.”

Ji-eun frowned. “I don’t.”

Min-jae laughed. “Liar.”

She exhaled slowly, steeling herself. “What do you want, Min-jae?”

He tilted his head, his gaze unreadable. “I meant what I said yesterday.”

Ji-eun’s breath caught in her throat. She knew what he was referring to. He wasn’t going to let this go.

Seeing her hesitation, Min-jae’s expression softened. “I know this is new for you. I know I’m probably the last person you expected to say something like that. But I’m not expecting an answer from you right away.”

She looked at him uncertainly. “Then why are you telling me this?”

Min-jae exhaled, running a hand through his hair. “Because I don’t want to pretend. I don’t want to act like I don’t care about you when I do.”

Ji-eun felt her pulse quicken. The sincerity in his voice made it impossible to brush him off. She had spent so long keeping people at a distance, convincing herself that she was fine on her own. But Min-jae kept breaking through, making her question everything.

“I don’t know how to do this,” she admitted quietly.

Min-jae smiled, and this time, it wasn’t teasing or playful. It was just warm. “That’s okay. You don’t have to know. Just let me stay by your side.”

Ji-eun didn’t answer right away. But for the first time, she considered the possibility.

Maybe letting him stay wouldn’t be so bad after all.