赤い糸 - Red String of Fate | JeongSa - MiChaeng

Chapter 6 - Hamster 눈

Their eyes locked. Neither moved. For a moment, time itself seemed to stall.

It was ridiculous—coffee, roommate, bracelet... why was everything pointing them back to each other?

Oh God, please explain to me

Jeongyeon blinked, snapping out of her daze—only to feel Sana's finger poking her cheek.

"...What are you doing, haha?" Jeongyeon laughed, startled.

Sana jerked back, flustered. "I—I was just checking if you're real. Um... are you really the bracelet's owner?"

What a funny girl, Jeongyeon thought, amused. She chuckled. "Yes. It's mine"

"Here you go," Sana said, handing it back carefully.

Jeongyeon accepted the bracelet, her heart lighter than it had been in days. But the paper bag behind her back suddenly felt heavier. She wanted to give it to Sana... but couldn't bring herself to.

"Thank you. This means a lot to me," Jeongyeon said instead. Then, awkwardly: "Hmm... do you want anything in return?"

Sana blinked. The only thing that popped into her head was... coffee.

"Can I buy you a cup of coffee?" she offered timidly.

Jeongyeon was surprised. But... it fit, somehow. A magical accident turning into this moment.

—

[ Canteen ]

Sana returned with a cup of coffee and a yogurt smoothie.

"You don't drink coffee?" Jeongyeon asked.

"I do, but I prefer this," Sana smiled. Then she tilted her head, pointing at the paper bag Jeongyeon was still clutching. "By the way... why are you carrying that around?"

Jeongyeon stiffened. Should I give it to her now?

"A-ah, this is actually—"

But before she could finish, a shadow loomed over them.

It was Tzuyu.

Her face was unreadable, but her eyes were sharp. Jeongyeon immediately recognized her—and her chest tightened with guilt. She must still be angry about that day...

Jeongyeon opened her mouth to apologize, but Sana quickly spoke first.

"Tzuyu-ah, I'll explain later, okay?"

Tzuyu's expression remained cold. She didn't like this situation one bit, but she trusted Sana enough to hold back. "...Fine," she said flatly.

Sana puffed her cheeks. "You're so scary when you frown, smile for me once, please~ᄒᄒᄒ" she teased, trying to lighten the mood.

"Tzuyu ah, I will explain later, okay?"

Tzuyu was holding her laugh as she went off. Jeongyeon still wonders how to apologize to Tzuyu. Maybe another day, another chance.

Lunch break was almost over. Jeongyeon stood up. "I should head back to class."

Sana blinked, puzzled. Back to class? But... wait...

She followed after Jeongyeon.

Jeongyeon entered a lecture room. Sana followed.

Jeongyeon stopped at the doorway, eyes widening. "Eh?! You're in this class too?!"