赤い糸 - Red String of Fate | JeongSa - MiChaeng

Chapter 5 - It's Her

Jeongyeon was an early riser. Not for any reason in particular—her body simply refused to sleep in. Across the room, Sana was still curled up in bed, softly breathing.

Moving at her usual slow pace, Jeongyeon made some toast. She left one on the counter with a quick scribble on a sticky note: Good morning.

Before heading to campus, she decided to stroll through the dorm's little park. Swinging a plain paper bag in her hand, she hummed lightly. Inside was a box of chocolates—her small token of gratitude for the stranger who had returned her bracelet.

In class, Jeongyeon sat next to Mina. The Japanese girl seemed quiet, almost invisible among the chattering students.

Mina wasn't unfriendly—it was clear she just didn't know how to start conversations. Jeongyeon understood that well.

"Hey, Mina," Jeongyeon asked softly, "I didn't see you this morning. Where were you?"

"Umm... maybe we just left at different times?" Mina replied innocently.

"Then let's go together tomorrow," Jeongyeon offered with a small smile.

Mina blinked in surprise. She hadn't expected anyone to suggest something like that. Her heart warmed, even if she didn't show much on the surface.

She was a shy person indeed.

.

.

Finally, lunchtime arrived. Jeongyeon carried the paper bag tightly, nervous but hopeful.

I hope they like this...

At the campus park, she found herself alone beneath a tall maple tree.

Am I too early?

She texted: "Hi, I'm here."

A moment later, her phone rang.

Why are they calling? I'm already here.

"Hello?" Jeongyeon answered.

"Um, hi, where are you? I can't see you" a girl's voice said.

Jeongyeon froze. The voice—it was familiar. Very familiar, "I'm standing under the maple tree," she replied cautiously.

"Oh, okay. I'm on my way. See you," the girl said before hanging up.

Jeongyeon's mind raced. That voice... I know it. I heard it yesterday. It sounds like... Sa... Sana?! No way...

And then she saw her.

A girl walked toward her, cap pulled low, phone in hand. Casual, unbothered. But when she stopped in front of Jeongyeon, she looked up—

"Hi, I'm-" she stopped halfway.

*Gasp

It's really her, Minatozaki Sana