Ji-eun tried to convince herself that nothing had changed. That Min-jae’s words the day before his confession were just a passing moment, something she could brush off like an autumn breeze. But the truth settled deep in her chest, refusing to be ignored.

Min-jae liked her.

The words played over and over in her mind, making it impossible to focus in class. She had spent so much time avoiding people, avoiding attention, that she never once thought someone like Min-jae bright, confident, and so full of life would ever look at her that way.

But he did. And it terrified her.

At lunch, she sat in her usual spot near the window, hoping for a quiet break. But as if he had a sixth sense, Min-jae appeared, sliding into the seat across from her with a casual grin.

“Hey.”

Ji-eun glanced up from her tray. “Hey.”

“You look tired. Were you up all night thinking about me?” He smirked, propping his chin on his hand.

She scoffed. “You wish.”

His grin widened. “I do, actually.”

Ji-eun’s heart did a strange little flip at his words, and she hated how easily he could fluster her. She focused on poking at her rice with her chopsticks. “You’re so annoying.”

“And yet, you haven’t told me to leave.”

She paused. He was right. Normally, she would have shut the conversation down, found an excuse to walk away, but instead, she stayed. Maybe because a part of her didn’t mind his presence as much as she used to. Maybe because a part of her wanted to see where this would lead.

Min-jae took a sip of his drink, watching her with amused eyes. “I meant what I said yesterday, you know.”

She stiffened. “You don’t have to bring it up.”

“I do,” he said simply. “Because I want you to know I’m serious.”

Ji-eun’s fingers tightened around her chopsticks. Serious. It was such a heavy word. She had spent years keeping people at arm’s length, and now Min-jae was tearing down her walls without hesitation. She didn’t know whether to be scared or grateful.

Seeing her hesitation, Min-jae leaned forward slightly, his voice softer now. “I don’t expect an answer right away. I just want you to know that I’m here. I’ll always be here.”

Her chest ached at his words. She had never met someone so persistent, so patient. It was both frustrating and comforting all at once.

She took a deep breath, finally meeting his gaze. “Okay.”

Min-jae blinked. “Okay?”

She nodded. “I don’t know how to do this. But... I won’t run away.”

A slow smile spread across his face, and for the first time, Ji-eun felt like she had taken a step closer to something new, something she didn’t quite understand yet.