I never even got to make my move
before she declared the game over.
Y/N's POV:
When Miss Bok slapped me, I was completely shocked. I know she's never liked me, but… I never expected something like that. No one in my family has ever laid a hand on me. It stung—not just my cheek, but my pride. My heart.
But I refused to let it show. We didn't do anything wrong.
After everything settled, Jay and Haerin started arguing. Jay ended up walking away with her, trying to calm her down. I pretended like it was all normal, like my cheek wasn't still stinging.
Then Jake got the news about his grandma falling, and he had to leave in a hurry. For a moment, it took my mind off what happened.I hoped she was okay.
As we headed home, Nari said she had to stop by Juhee's house. I felt a little disappointed—I wasn't ready to be alone with my thoughts yet. I really needed to talk to someone… but I just said, "Okay," anyway.
So it was just me and Sunghoon.
I asked him to take the longer way home—the one that passed his house. I think he understood I needed to clear my head.
Instead of going straight home, he brought me to this hidden spot I never knew existed. It was quiet, peaceful… beautiful. I had no idea a place like this existed in our neighborhood.
Just standing there made me feel calm for the first time all day.
Then he handed me a chocolate milkshake, and my heart did a little flip. In that moment, all I could think was: It would be so perfect to be his girlfriend.
When he said it was time to go, I didn't want to leave. I wanted to stay in that moment a little longer—with him, the sunset, and this feeling I never wanted to end.
He must have seen the disappointment on my face because he softly promised, "I'll bring you back again."
That was all I needed to hear.
I smiled and walked beside him, feeling lighter than I had all day.
I was so happy that I couldn't stop talking. I don't even remember half of what I said—I just rambled on and on about everything and nothing. But then I noticed we'd walked right past his house, and when he said, "I'm walking you home," I felt butterflies fill my stomach.
Then we ran into Jun and his dad. Jun came running toward me, arms wide, yelling "Amma!" like he hadn't seen me in years. I lifted him up, my heart melting a little. It's strange—I haven't known him long, but it feels like he's family.
I didn't stop there. I started telling Sunghoon all about how I met them at the market, and then—out of nowhere—I began sharing stories about my own family. My mom's baking, my brother's silly jokes, even how my dad sings in the shower.
Sunghoon didn't even ask, but I couldn't help it.
It was like my heart was so full, it had to spill out somehow.
And he just… listened.
He didn't look bored or annoyed. He just let me talk, his eyes soft, his presence calm.
For someone who's usually so quiet, he makes me feel like I can say anything.
It felt like the shortest walk of my life.When I looked at him,he did something that made my whole world pause.
He reached out and gently touched my cheek, his voice soft as he asked, "Does it still hurt?"
My heart raced so fast I could feel it in my ears.
It was as if a thousand lightning bugs had ignited in my stomach—nervous, thrilling, completly overwhelming. It felt like a dream, but it was too real, too intense to just be my imagination.
When he told me to go inside, I could barely move.
His touch lingered on my skin like a sweet, electric shock.
I finally managed to nod and slip through the door, but my mind was still outside with him.
I rushed straight to my room and peered out the window, just in time to see him walking away under the soft evening light.
My hand drifted to my cheek where his fingers had been.
Did that really just happen?
____
The second he disappeared from view, I couldn't hold it in anymore.
I screamed into my pillow, then jumped around my room like I'd just won the lottery.
My heart was still racing, my cheeks still warm where he'd touched me.Then I raced downstairs, practically floating.
"Stop running around, you clumsy girl!" Mom scolded without even turning from the stove.
I skipped over and wrapped my arms around her from behind. "You're so pretty, Mom! I love you so, so much!" I sang playfully.
She glanced back at me, totally confused. "What's gotten into you?" Then she narrowed her eyes suspiciously. "Don't think this act will make me buy you a new album. I'll tell your dad and your sister not to give you a single won, either."
"Huhh?!.... you're so boring!". I grinned, stealing a carrot stick from her salad.
"I'm just happy! Is that a crime?".
She sighed, but the corner of her mouth twitched. Some things… not even Mom's scolding could ruin.
I'm so happy that I can't even hide it. I texted my friends:
"Wait for me tomorrow—don't be late!"
They kept asking why, but I want to tell them everything in person. I can't wait to see their faces!
Things are still tense between Jay and Haerin, though. They're not talking properly. Haerin is still upset—she thinks Jay didn't believe her when she said we were just trying to break up the fight. I hope they work it out soon.
__
At night,I'm lying in bed, staring at the ceiling.
One minute I'm convinced Sunghoon feels the same way—the way he touched my cheek, his quiet smile, the way he walked me home…
But the next minute, I'm terrified I'm making it all up in my head.
What if he's just a really nice guy who felt bad for me?
I don't know what's real anymore.
I just know I can't sleep.
_____
Next Day
I woke up later than usual, but for me, it was still early compared to most days.
I hurried to meet up with my friends, my excitement bubbling over.
On the way to school, I told them everything that happened yesterday with Sunghoon—the walk, the sunset spot, the milkshake, and most importantly… him touching my cheek.
They were freaking out—whispering, gasping, and grinning like crazy.
By the time we reached the school gates, I made them promise not to bring it up around anyone else.
They nodded, though I could tell they were still buzzing with excitement.
As I was putting my bag down in class, it suddenly hit me.
"Oh! I also saw Jun and his dad yesterday!" I said, almost surprised I'd forgotten to mention it earlier.
"It's amazing that you met that handsome single dad—the one who looks like he walked straight out of a novel," Nari said, her eyes dreamy. "You always said you wanted a love story like that."
Haerin jumped in, grinning. "You two really do look good together! And the way Jun calls you 'Amma'? It's like something straight out of a Wattpad story!"
I couldn't help but smile. "Yeah, I've always wanted a love story that felt like it was written in a book…" I trailed off, lost in thought
Just then, Sunghoon walked past us.
He was heading out of the classroom, and for a second, I thought he might glance my way—maybe even smile.
But he didn't.
His expression was closed off, almost cold.
Juhee smirked, following my gaze as Sunghoon disappeared down the hall.
"And now you've changed your type for that boy?"
Without missing a beat, I replied, "Yeah… He's more perfect than any man from a novel."
I followed the path Sunghoon had taken, hoping to thank him for yesterday and maybe even treat him to something as a way to… well, I didn't know exactly, but I just wanted to talk to him.
But then I saw him. He was talking with Wonhee, and they looked… happy. Comfortable. Close
My chest tightened.
He's such a player. He gave me hope… made me feel special… and now he's back with her?
It felt like a cruel game.
There have always been rumors about them dating.
I never wanted to believe them—but seeing them together like that, so comfortable and close… maybe they were true all along.
I turned and walked back to class, disappointment heavy in my steps.
I barely slept last night because of him… and now I just felt tired, stupid, and completely drained.
__
Lunchtime finally arrived. I'd barely made it through the morning classes without falling asleep—every teacher who walked in scolded me for dozing off.
After we finished eating, I stood up quickly.
"I'm going to the bathroom," I said, and hurried out before anyone could ask questions.
On my way back, I ran right into Wonhee.
She stepped in front of me, her expression cold. "I want to talk to you."
"Try to keep your distance from Sunghoon," she said, her tone dripping with superiority. "I don't like other girls getting too close to my boyfriend."
So it's true? They really are dating? Even though I'd heard the rumors, hearing it from her still stung. But I refused to let her see it.
I met her gaze with a cold smirk. "Oh? Are you scared I'll take him from you? Worried he might like me more than he likes you?… How pathetic."
I didn't wait for a response. I walked away, head high, before she could see how much her words really stung.
I hate when people try to command me.
And I hate even more that… it hurt so much.
When I got back to class, Haerin was dramatically fanning her face.
"Ugh, I'm such an idiot! I totally forgot I was mad at Jay and almost walked right up to him. He even looked at me like… like… and then I remembered! So I just turned and started talking to Jaemin instead—who was standing right behind him!"
She made a dramatic "I hate this" face, and we all burst out laughing.
This is exactly why I never want to be alone when I'm hurting. With them, I can actually forget I'm even sad.
Just then, Sunghoon approached. "We need to talk about the project," he said, his tone neutral and distant. Then he turned and walked toward where Ji-soo and the others were sitting without even waiting for me.
My friends immediately started teasing me from behind, but I barely heard them.
I followed him slowly, my eyes drifting toward Wonhee, who was watching from a distance.She was pretty—I couldn't deny that. But I refused to admit they looked good together.
All I could do was glare at the back of his head, frustrated and hurt. That's all I can do.
They discussed the project, and Sunghoon shared his ideas, but I wasn't listening at all.
I was too busy glaring at Wonhee, who was shooting deadly looks right back at me from her seat.
I felt like the villain in some K-drama—the one everyone hate.
"You can go, right?" Sunghoon's voice suddenly cut through my thoughts.
I blinked, completely lost. Go where? I had no idea what he was talking about, but I just nodded anyway.
As soon as he walked away, I turned to Ye-jin. "What did he just say? Where are we supposed to go?"
She burst out laughing. "He asked if you can go to his house after school to work on the project."
His house?! My mind instantly jumped to wild, ridiculous conclusions. Oh my gosh—is this like a bride interview or something? I mentally scolded myself.
But then a tiny, stubborn part of me whispered: Just because he has a girlfriend doesn't mean he's going to marry her…Get a grip, Y/N. He has a girlfriend. You're here for algebra, not marriage.
But still… a girl can dream, right?
I sat back down, trying—and failing—to look unbothered.
I leaned in close to my friends and whispered, "I have a bride interview this evening."
"WOWWW, REALLY?!" Nari shrieked, and I immediately clamped my hand over her mouth before the whole school heard.
I quickly explained that it was actually just for the project, but that we were meeting at his house. They all groaned and playfully slapped my arms.
"You're so shameless!" Juhee laughed. "I thought you were going to say you two were dating and he was taking you home to meet his parents!"
"But he has a girlfriend," I reminded them, my voice dropping.
Their eyes went wide with shock. "He has a girlfriend? Since when?" Haerin asked, leaning in closer.
"It might be a lie," Nari said with a skeptical tone. "Who even is she? Did you see them together? Did he say it himself?"
"Wonhee," I replied, and I told them all about our confrontation—how she stopped me and claimed Sunghoon was her boyfriend.
"That can't be true," Haerin said, shaking her head in disbelief. "She's probably lying. Why would Sunghoon act the way he does with you if he had a girlfriend?"
"But why would she lie about something like that?" I argued, though part of me wanted to believe Haerin. "And that Sunghoon… if he really has a girlfriend, why did he give me hope?"
"Yeah, well, if it is true," Nari chimed in, wrapping her arm around my neck in a supportive hug, "then forget him!—there are plenty of other guys. You've already got a handsome single dad lined up, remember?"
We all laughed, but my heart wasn't fully in it.
I wanted it to be Sunghoon.
Not some dream guy from a novel.
Him.
Math class began, and Miss Bok walked in with a frosty glare aimed straight at me.
I tried to ignore it—we didn't do anything wrong, after all—but she made a few snide comments under her breath that only our group could understand.
She's seriously acting more childish than we are.
She also announced that starting tomorrow, there would be surprise tests in every subject.
I hadn't studied at all, but honestly? Stressing about it felt like a waste of energy.
When the bell finally rang, I was buzzing with a mix of excitement and nerves.
Nari noticed and elbowed me. "Yah, calm down. You look like you're about to faint or fly away."
As I gathered my things, I saw Sunghoon waiting by the door.
After waving goodbye to my friends, I walked over to him—only to hear Nari shout from across the hall:
"Y/N-ah~ Good luck on your bride interview! Don't forget to bow to his parents!"
Sunghoon chuckled softly, and I wanted the floor to swallow me whole.
I'm never forgiving them for this.