赤い糸 - Red String of Fate | JeongSa - MiChaeng

Chapter 43 - Minaricano

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A video spread across SNS overnight—hot news everywhere. The fight between the "handsome school gangster" and the famous girl crush. The principal reacted quickly: Taehyung turned himself in and was suspended. He hadn't meant to hurt Jeongyeon that badly, but the damage was done.

The moment the three girls walked into school, all eyes went straight to Jeongyeon. Some students even raised their phones to snap pictures. Mina frowned, grabbed Jeongyeon's hand, and quickened her pace. Startled, Jeong automatically reached back and caught Sana's hand too. The low hum of gossip followed them through the hall, prickling Jeongyeon's skin. She hadn't expected things to blow up like this.

.

.

[ in Class ]

The classroom buzzed like usual. At least that was one good thing—they didn't seem to care whether Jeongyeon came or not.

But Mina looked off. She scribbled notes half-heartedly, blinking heavy eyes. Jeongyeon nudged her. "I think this is the first time I've seen you drowsy in class. What time did you sleep?"

"Not sure... maybe 4 or 5 a.m.?"

"what??? really??"

"When I got home, it was already around one," Mina lied smoothly.

"You sleep that late every day?"

yawn "Nah. Just when I feel like it"

"Uh-huh... You lent me your shoulder last time, now you can use mine" Jeong patted her own.

Mina chuckled. "It's okay. I'll stay awake." She tried to keep writing.

Not ten minutes later, she was asleep—head tipped against Jeongyeon's shoulder. Jeong froze, then carefully let her rest.

The back of her neck tingled. Sana must've noticed.

—

That time Jeongyeon slept on her shoulder... Now Mina's sleeping on hers.
Is there something between these two I don't know?

—

[ Lunch break ]

A familiar figure entered with a small box, setting it on Jeongyeon's desk.

"!?" Jeong blinked.

Jimin bowed deeply. "On behalf of Taehyung, I apologize."

"As long as you guys don't come near or bother me again, I'm fine. And—" she gestured at the box, "you don't need to buy me things."

"I'm truly sorry. Please, drink these for a quick recovery," Jimin said earnestly.

—

From the corner, Sana's lips pressed tight.

Apologize? After what they did to her?
...Whatever. I don't want to see them again.

She slipped out to buy a drink, cooling herself down.

—

Mina stirred awake, realizing she'd been sleeping on Jeong's shoulder. She sat up quickly. "Ooh—hi"

Jeongyeon studied Mina's sleepy face. "Still tired? Wanna take a walk in the park? Or grab a coffee?"

"No need, I bet students will swarm you soon for pictures," Mina said, a hint of annoyance in her voice.

Jimin removed his jacket and cap, offering them. "Wear this, It'll help"

Jeong shook her head. "It's okay, really. But thanks"

Mina took them instead. "Wear it, let's go"

"Eh? Uh, okay..." Jeong slipped them on. "Thanks."

Jimin scratched the back of his neck. "No problem."

The two left the classroom.

—

In the park, the breeze rustled softly—until a bee landed on Mina's arm.

( ꒪Д꒪)ノ

She screamed like a whistle and flailed, accidentally bumping into Jeong. Their faces were suddenly inches apart. Mina froze, heart racing, before stepping back. "Ahh, sorry, a bee was just on me!"

Jeong burst into laughter. "You screamed like a whistle!"

"Stop laughing or karma's coming for you!" Mina scolded, cheeks burning.

"Maybe the bee thought you were a flower," Jeong teased, still laughing.

"Yahh, staaahp!" Mina swatted her arm, embarrassed.

"ㅋㅋㅋ okay, okay! Let's get drinks."

"No! The bee's still here, let's wait until the bell then run—"

"Why not now?" Jeong grabbed her hand and bolted.

"EH!?" Mina yelped, dragged along.

They ran like kids fleeing a ghost—though the bee hadn't chased them at all. Mina couldn't stop stealing glances at their clasped hands as she laughed breathlessly.

.

[ at the canteen ]

They finally stopped, panting and leaning against the wall.

"are we dumb?" Jeongyeon still gasping for air.

"honestly yes" Mina laughed between gasps.

"Hahahahah!" Both burst out laughing, shaking their heads at the silly sprint.

At the counter, Jeong nudged her. "Americano for you? So you don't doze off again?" 

Mina smiled. "After that bee, I'm wide awake. But yes, Americano please"

"ㅋㅋㅋ, you like it that much?"

"I do." She smiled wider.

"Finally! Someone else who loves Americano. High five!" Jeong raised her hand.

Mina chuckled and high-fived her. "Fine. Americano partners."

"ㅋㅋㅋ." Jeong giggled and turned to order. "Two Americanos, one yogurt smoothie please"

.

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