Chapter 8 – Questions About Sean
The afternoon sun was beginning to sink, painting the sky with soft orange light as the group of friends walked together down the street. Their chatter mixed with the distant sound of traffic and the smell of food from nearby shops.
Jiwoo leaned close to Haneul, her voice dropping to a mischievous whisper. "Hey… I think I'm going to ask Sean if he has a girlfriend."
Sani nearly tripped at the words. Her eyes widened, and her heart gave a sharp jolt. "What? You're really going to ask him that?"
Jiwoo shrugged, grinning playfully. "Yeah. Why not?"
"But… why do you care so much?" Sani asked quickly, trying to keep her tone light even though panic was bubbling in her chest. Could it be… does Jiwoo like him too? The thought made her stomach twist. And if Sean really does have a girlfriend already… what will that mean for me?
Jiwoo waved a hand. "Relax, it's nothing serious. I just want to know, that's all."
Haneul tilted her head, a curious smile tugging at her lips. "Do you really want to know, Jiwoo?"
"Well… maybe," Jiwoo admitted, her cheeks puffing up a little.
Haneul chuckled. "Fine, I'll help you then."
Jiwoo's eyes lit up instantly. "Yes! Thank you!"
They turned toward Sean, who was walking a step ahead with Jason, completely unaware of the scheming happening behind him.
"Sean," Jiwoo called, her voice a little nervous, "I… I want to ask you something."
Sean slowed his steps and looked at her with calm curiosity. "Hmm? What is it?"
"Do you… have a girlfriend?" Jiwoo asked, her words tumbling out before she lost courage.
For a moment, there was silence. Even Jason blinked in surprise. Then Sean answered with a gentle smile, "No, I don't. Honestly, I'm not interested in being in a relationship right now. I'd rather focus on other things."
Jiwoo gasped dramatically. "Really? But you look so handsome—how can you possibly be single?"
Haneul laughed and nodded. "Yeah, I thought for sure you were dating someone."
Jason smirked, his voice full of teasing. "Ohhh, I see what's happening. Why do you girls care so much about Sean's love life? Don't tell me you've all fallen for him."
Jiwoo flailed her arms. "No! It's not like that!"
Haneul added quickly, "Idiot, it's not like that at all. We were just curious."
Jason chuckled, clearly enjoying their flustered reactions. "Sure, sure. Whatever you say."
Meanwhile, Sani kept quiet, her eyes drifting to Sean's calm expression. Her chest ached faintly. So… he doesn't want a relationship. Then what about me? She lowered her gaze, her footsteps suddenly feeling heavier.
"Sani!" Haneul's voice snapped her out of her thoughts. "What are you staring at?"
Sani jolted, her face warming. "N-no, nothing! I was just… looking at that shop. I think I want to eat something."
Jason suddenly popped up right beside her, making her jump. "Yeah! Let's eat!"
"Jason!" Sani clutched her chest. "Don't give me a heart attack like that!"
He raised his hands innocently. "What? I didn't do anything."
"You scared her," Haneul muttered, rolling her eyes.
Jason scratched his head, looking guilty. "Okay, okay, I'm sorry. It wasn't on purpose."
Sean chuckled softly, his voice calm and reassuring. "Come on, guys. Let's go have some noodles."
"Yeah, let's go!" Jason cheered, quickly bouncing back.
They found a cozy noodle shop nearby and took a table together. The smell of warm broth filled the air, making everyone's stomachs growl. As the bowls arrived, Sani stayed unusually quiet, staring down at her food.
Sean noticed. He gently slid a small bowl of soup toward her. "You look a little down. Here—have some soup."
Sani's cheeks turned pink as she accepted it. "O-oh… thank you." She lifted the spoon carefully, but her hands trembled slightly. He noticed me… he really noticed. Her heart pounded so fast it almost hurt.
Jason leaned closer, squinting at her. "Sani, your face looks red. Are you okay?"
Her eyes widened, and she shook her head quickly. "O-oh, it's just the weather. It's hot today, that's all."
Jason gave her a suspicious look but didn't push further.
They ate together, sharing small jokes and laughter. Slowly, Sani relaxed, though every time Sean's sleeve brushed against hers, her chest fluttered again.
When they finished, the group stepped back outside into the cool evening air.
"We'll go this way," Jiwoo said, waving as she and Haneul headed off.
"See you tomorrow!" Haneul added brightly.
"Bye!" Sani called back, giving them a small smile.
Now only Jason, Sean, and Sani remained. The street felt quieter with just the three of them.
Jason broke the silence. "Hey, Sani… do you think I'll ever get a girlfriend?"
Sani blinked in surprise. "Huh? How am I supposed to know something like that?"
Jason shrugged. "Maybe I will, maybe I won't. Who knows?"
Sean chuckled, shaking his head. "Why? Are you already planning on dating soon?"
Jason grinned. "Maybe. Or maybe not."
Sean's expression grew thoughtful. "As for me… I'm not interested. I just want to focus on basketball right now."
Sani lowered her gaze, her lips pressing together. So he really doesn't want a relationship… The words echoed painfully in her chest, but at the same time, she admired his dedication.
A few minutes later, Sean stopped at a corner. "This is my way home. Bye, guys. See you tomorrow."
Sani's cheeks grew warm as she nodded quickly. "O-okay… bye."
Jason cupped his hands around his mouth. "Don't be late tomorrow, Sean!"
Sean laughed and waved before walking off.
Jason turned to Sani. "Come on, let's go."
They walked the last stretch together before parting ways. When Sani reached her house, she opened the door and called out softly, "Mom, I'm home."
Her mother's voice floated from the kitchen. "Okay, welcome back."
Sani set her bag down and leaned against the door for a moment, her heart still beating fast. Sean's gentle smile and his words lingered in her mind, filling her with both hope and confusion.