DREAMLIKE ✔️

- 44 -

Tic...Tok...Tic...Tok...

The librarian scrolled through the library's catalog aimlessly, the library silent besides a few papers turning, computer keyboards clacking, and soft whispers on group assignments.

Knock Knock...

Minju glanced up after hearing someone knocking on the counter, startled after the person slipped down their mask.

The orange-haired girl smiled, "can I check out this book?"

"C-Chaewon... unnie... How are you- when did-"

Chaewon chuckled, "I came to visit you of course. I asked my dad to drop me off here. I hope you don't mind?"

"A-ah of course not..."

Minju glanced at the book the radish held, the older girl in turn looking at the book in her hands then back at her.

"Ah- this was just to have an excuse to go up to you while you're working."

She then turned the book around to read the back, "although it seems pretty good."

Minju held her hand out, Chaewon in turn holding her hand. The frog flustered up as the radish pulled away with a giggle.

"I-I meant the book unnie."

Chaewon snickered as she handed the librarian the book, "my bad~"

Minju took out her school ID card, scanning the book with it as she mumbled quietly.

"Don't lose it..."

The older girl chuckled, "books are always safe with me~ Your dad knows, I always borrow his books at school."

Minju gave a small smile, only for her expression to fall as someone pushed past Chaewon to lean against the counter.

"Hey Minju."

The librarian flinched at the girl's sudden appearance, glancing behind her at Chaewon who was pushed aside by the shoulder.

Her silence made the girl raise an eyebrow, "you're rather friendly with this girl, are you selectively mute?"

Minju slightly cowered in silence, trying to keep eye contact steady.

"Yah, I'm ta-"

Chaewon held the girl's shoulder, an unknown look casting her eyes, "hey, leave her alone."

The girl pushed her arm away, "don't touch me. Why do you want to be friends with this q-"

She startled as she got a clear view of Chaewon's face, "you're... Lee Ranhee's daughter."

Chaewon raised an eyebrow, her tone hard with annoyance as she crossed her arms.

"And?"

"Well, I just didn't expect to bump into you here. You're not hanging out with your friends? Having some big party?"

"Minju is my friend. I don't throw around that word lightly either."

The girl barked a short laugh, "really? She's your friend?"

Chaewon narrowed her eyes, "hey d-"

"S-stop."

The two looked over at the quiet voice, Chaewon pausing what she was going to say while the girl stared at Minju weirdly.

'Calm down calm down calm down... Deep breath...'

"If... if you don't have anything good to do... Leave."