Bubbly Reaction

After a week had passed, Lim Rin stayed home more often than meeting with her young lover. Yung Ji pretended to be aloof but didn’t respond to her in any meaningful way. Eun Shin attended school regularly, gradually bouncing back to her lively self.

Seung Jee reassured Eun Shin that her mother’s behavior hadn’t bothered him—only her words had. Meanwhile, Min Ying hesitated to approach Eun Shin after the incident, worried she might have caused more harm than good. Eun Shin noticed her from a distance and smiled before walking over.

“Hi,” Eun Shin said awkwardly.

Min Ying returned a bittersweet smile.

“Hi… Are you okay?” she asked.

Eun Shin nodded, reaching out to hold Min Ying’s hand.

“I’m okay now. I’m sorry I worried you…”

“No, don’t be. I’m sorry—I think I might have come off as…” Min Ying paused, sniffling. “Rude.”

“You weren’t, Min Ying. I was rude. I… I didn’t tell you that I don’t like couches,” Eun Shin admitted.

Min Ying wiped her eyes, glancing at Eun Shin with concern.

“Why not?”

Eun Shin smiled faintly, scratching her arm softly while avoiding Min Ying’s gaze.

“I… I just don’t. It reminds me of something that happened. Something scary…”

“Oh… okay. I understand,” Min Ying replied quickly, noticing how uneasy Eun Shin was. She smiled and pulled her into a hug.

“I hope you’re feeling much better. Seung Jee was quite the worrywart.”

Eun Shin and Min Ying giggled at the comment.

“He was very kind. Thank you for calling him for me,” Eun Shin said warmly.

Min Ying smiled brightly and nodded.

“I’ll always be here if you need me!”

Seok Jun walked by and slid his hand onto Min Ying’s open one. Min Ying froze and turned slowly to him.

“Oppa!”

“What were you two talking about? It sounded serious for a moment,” he asked, curious.

“None of your business,” Eun Shin teased, laughing.

Seok Jun smiled and pulled Min Ying gently. She blushed instantly as her bicep brushed against his chest.

“Then can I take her back?” Seok Jun teased.

Eun Shin giggled, watching Min Ying, who was completely flushed and frozen in place.

“Sure,” Eun Shin replied.

Seok Jun tightened his grip on Min Ying’s hand and led her away.

What just happened? Am I really his girlfriend? Seok Jun? Oh Seok Jun?! Min Ying swallowed nervously, avoiding the curious eyes that followed them as they walked around the school building. Eun Shin smiled softly at the sight of their sweet union and sighed.

Seung Jee suddenly nudged her on the shoulder.

“What are you staring at?” he asked.

Startled, Eun Shin jumped and looked at him. He smiled warmly. She was about to smile back until the memory of their almost-kiss flushed her cheeks. Quickly, she turned away, hiding her face.

Why am I thinking about that? I’m only making things more awkward... She closed her eyes. Seung Jee chuckled and leaned toward her ear.

“What are you thinking about?” he whispered.

Eun Shin froze, unable to meet his gaze. Seung Jee studied her face—pale, as if her soul had been claimed by a reaper.

She blinked rapidly, trying to steady herself. Unable to contain her embarrassment, she bent down quickly, hiding her flushed face behind her knees. Seung Jee laughed softly, slipped off his jacket, and gently draped it over her skirt, shielding her from view.

“Yes?” he prompted.

“Stop! You’re embarrassing me…” she murmured.

He bumped his head gently against hers.

“But all I did was ask you questions…” he teased.

She muffled a giggle behind her hand.

“You’re too close!” she whispered, barely audible.

He smiled and sat down on the ground, turning his back to her.

“I won’t face you. When you’re ready to leave, just let me know,” he said.

Eun Shin peeked at him and smiled. She tapped his shoulder. He turned slowly to look at her.

“I’m craving tteokbokki. Can we go get some?” she asked.

Seung Jee paused for a moment, then beamed and nodded.

“Very well. Let’s go!”

He stood and reached out his hand. She took it and handed back his jacket. Together, they walked out of the school campus toward the marketplace.

As they ate happily, smiles lighting their faces, Jae Vin’s car rolled past. He glared at Seung Jee.

“Look at that bastard, smiling like he has a chance. He won’t,” Jae Vin muttered, narrowing his eyes.

Jae Vin’s car drove off as Eun Shin and Seung Jee smiled warmly at each other, enjoying their meal. Seung Jee watched quietly as she ate, a small smear of sauce at the corner of her lip catching his eye. A smear of sauce lingered at the corner of her lip. Seung Jee reached for a napkin and gently tilted her face. She blinked in surprise as he softly wiped it away.

Eun Shin immediately flushed, shoving his hand away and freezing.

“There’s… uh… sauce,” he said softly.

She glanced down at the napkin, her cheeks deepening in red. Covering her mouth, she set her fork down, grabbed another napkin, and dabbed at her lips.

“Thanks…” she murmured shyly.

Seung Jee stretched out one arm and rested his head on it, gazing at her with warmth. She met his eyes for a moment before quickly looking away. He smiled and gently poked her.

“Ah!” she exclaimed.

“Keep eating… I’ll wait,” he said.

She blushed again, shielding herself with one hand, then picked up her fork and continued eating. Seung Jee chuckled softly and closed his eyes. When Eun Shin finished, she wiped her lips and paused, turning to face him. She leaned on one arm, smiling softly. Tentatively, she reached for his hair and lightly patted it aside, brushing it away from his eyes.

“Seung-oppa…” she whispered.

Seung Jee shifted slightly and slowly opened his eyes, meeting her gaze with a gentle smile. She smiled back.

“All done?” he asked.

She nodded.

“Yep.”

He nodded and stood up, waiting for her to rise as well. She brushed dust from her skirt, then reached for his arm. Leaning in, she looked at him.

“Thank you for coming with me.”

Seung Jee poked her nose playfully, laughing.

“You’re welcome.”

Her smile blossomed, spreading across her lips before she even realized it.

They walked side by side, silence settling between them like a soft fog. The breeze whispered past, carrying with it an unspoken tension neither dared to name. With every step, the space between them seemed to shrink. Eun Shin followed Seung Jee toward home, her heart pounding louder in her chest. Her thoughts twisted and tangled like loose threads, buzzing with nervous energy. She glanced at him, then quickly looked away. Her hand drifted too close to his, and when their fingers nearly brushed, she gasped softly and tucked her hand behind her back, cheeks flushing.

Seung Jee almost chuckled but held it back, pretending not to notice. He kept his gaze forward, the silence between them growing heavier.

This walk suddenly feels longer than it is… he thought, scratching the back of his neck.

She smiled faintly, letting her hand fall. This time, Seung Jee felt her fingers brush his. His flinched. He bit his lip, heart stammering, and slowly slid his fingers between hers.

Eun Shin froze.

Just then, a motorcycle rounded the corner, speeding too close to the sidewalk. Seung Jee reacted instantly, grabbing her hand and pulling her sharply toward the wall. Eun Shin gasped, stumbling against his chest, barely registering how close the motorcycle had come. She stood dazed, breathless. Seung Jee watched the rider speed past and groaned.

“He’s such a terrible driver…” he muttered.

Eun Shin didn’t move. Seung Jee gently pulled back to give her space. Looking down at her still-stunned face, he smiled and leaned in close—so close their lips nearly touched. She didn’t push him away or pull back. She simply stood there, heart pounding.

Is he…?

Instead, Seung Jee tilted his head and pressed a soft kiss to her forehead. Eun Shin’s flush drained instantly, leaving her pale. She slapped her forehead, eyes wide.

“Y-You just…?”

“Should I walk you home instead?” he asked with a smile. Eun Shin was speechless, too flustered to respond or even stand close to him.

He’s dangerous… Too sweet, too close… Dangerous for me. I might… She closed her eyes and covered her face.

“I forgot something!” she blurted, then stormed off.

Seung Jee chuckled, watching her retreat.

The sunlight streamed between them as he whispered to himself, “I’ll wait. Just say when… and I won’t hesitate.”

Then he turned and continued home alone.

After they each arrived home, they went to their own rooms and lay on their beds, staring up at the ceiling. In his room, Seung Jee smiled, recalling the moment she gently rested her head and brushed his hair. Meanwhile, Eun Shin sat dazed, cheeks flushed as she replayed the kiss on her forehead—the warmth of his lips still lingering. She grabbed a small pillow and pressed it to her face, letting out a muffled scream.

“I can’t believe he just did that… I’ve never been this flustered before… He’s too dangerous… but he’s sweet and cute, too. Argh!” she mumbled into the pillow.

She slammed it down and pouted, raising her fist toward the ceiling.

“Just wait—next time, I’ll be the one to fluster you.”

NEXT DAY

Seung Jee walked toward the school gate and stopped, slowly turning around. Suddenly, Eun Shin jumped onto his backpack.

“Hey!” she shouted. Seung Jee chuckled.

“Good morning,” he said. She smiled and poked his cheek, causing him to freeze.

“Morning! How was your sleep?” she asked. He stared at her, searching for words.

“Sleep?” he stammered. She giggled.

“Yes, unless you’re a vampire who stays awake all night,” she teased. Seung Jee looked down and laughed softly.

“You’re funny,” he replied.

Eun Shin playfully balanced on her heels, rocking gently back and forth, her hands clasped behind her back.

“Seung-oppa…” she called softly.

He leaned in slightly, curious. Without hesitation, she pressed herself against his chest, looking up at him with a soft smile. Seung Jee’s heart stopped, then raced wildly.

He stiffened, unable to move.

“See you in class,” she whispered, leaving him frozen in place.

Just then, Seok Jun appeared from his car, noticing Seung Jee at the gate. He approached and patted him on the shoulder.

“Hey!” Seok Jun greeted.

Seung Jee blinked, snapping out of his daze.

“H-Huh?” he stuttered.

Seok Jun smiled, trying to hold back his laughter.

“What’s wrong? Did something happen… with Eun Shin?” he asked, eyes twinkling with curiosity.

Seung Jee blushed at the mention of her name.

“E-Eun Shin?” he repeated uncertainly.

Seok Jun chuckled.

“Yes. Usually, you two are already in class by now. Did something happen?” he pressed.

Seung Jee hesitated, momentarily lost.

“Class? She…”

Seok Jun laughed and gave Seung Jee’s shoulder a few reassuring pats.

“You’re good. Let’s head inside,” he said.

Seung Jee nodded, still trying to make sense of what had just happened.

As soon as they entered the classroom, Seung Jee sat down, deliberately avoiding Eun Shin’s gaze. She smiled softly, watching his fluttering reaction with quiet amusement. Seok Jun lingered by the door, observing them closely with a knowing smile.

“Whatever it was with Jae Vin, I hope you find the strength to break free. You deserve happiness, Eun Shin…” he whispered to himself.

Min Ying spotted Seok Jun in the hallway and confidently grabbed his hand.

“Oppa!” she called out.

Seok Jun turned toward her, returning her smile.

“Minmin, let’s go,” he said.

She nodded but paused to glance back at Eun Shin and Seung Jee. A knowing smile spread across her face as she understood Seok Jun’s silent expression. From a distance, she formed a heart with her fingers and whispered,

“I ship it!” before walking away.