Hwang Hyunjin || Call My Name (Under Revision)

22. Just maybe

YEONA'S POV

As soon as I walked into the classroom, I greeted Yuji. When I got to my seat, I noticed a small carton of strawberry milk on my desk. I stared at it for a moment, then placed my bag down.

"Do you know who left this here, Yuji?" I asked, holding it up.

"I thought that was yours from yesterday," she replied. "Wait—wasn't it?"

"Nope," I said, confused.

"Omg, maybe it's from a guy! A secret admirer? I'm jealous," she teased, grinning wide.

"Secret admirer, huh?" I laughed, brushing it off. I glanced at Hyunjin, who was quietly writing something at his desk. Then I sat down and placed the milk back on my table.

Morning classes went by quietly. Everyone was sleepy and half-dead from the early schedule. We groaned and stretched once it ended. I noticed Hyunjin heading toward the cafeteria.

"Hey, Yeona, are you not gonna drink that?" Yuji asked. "It's your favorite."

"Oh—yeah," I replied, grabbing the milk and sipping it on our way to lunch.

We got our food and found a table to sit at. A moment later, Chan sat beside me with a smile. I just blinked at him.

"We're finally done with class!" Yuji cheered and started eating right away.

"Did you find the milk?" Chan asked casually, like it was nothing.

"You left it?" I asked, surprised.

"Yeah, why?" he said with a shrug, chewing his food.

"Nothing," I mumbled. "You could've left a note or something, though."

"Oh? Is that what you like? Sticky notes?" Chan asked, resting his chin on his hand while staring at me.

"Not exactly, but... just so I know who it's from. It could've been anyone," I said, trying to avoid his gaze.

"Guys, just tell me if you're dating already so I can go make new friends and not be the third wheel," Yuji said, half-joking.

"No—"

"Yes. I'm courting her," Chan said confidently.

I turned to look at him, shocked. Yuji was too stunned to speak at first.

"Wow," she finally said.

It's been a week since Chan started courting me. He's been a lot sweeter lately, even clingy. It's kind of cute, like he's become a kid again. Since the day he cried in front of me, I've been trying to open up. I know he's sincere. I mean, I've already rejected him three times—and he still won't give up.

*****
Song recommendation: Straykids - MIA

HYUNJIN'S POV

This past week, I've tried my best to focus on school. Jisung's been a big help—he's always around, cracking jokes and dragging me into random conversations. We've gotten closer, and honestly, I'm grateful. I never told him about Yeona, and maybe that's for the best. Maybe it doesn't matter anymore.

But still... I catch myself looking at her sometimes.

She seems okay—smiling like she used to. Laughing with Yuji. Like nothing's changed. And I guess that's good. I should be happy for her. I am happy for her. But deep down, there's this heavy, quiet ache. Like I missed my chance to be with her during the best parts.

Every break, every lunch, every dismissal, I'd see her and Chan together. Side by side, like they fit. Like they've been that way for a long time. I don't know if they're officially dating, but they sure look like a couple. They look... happy. And I hate that it stings so much.

I came to school early this morning—sleep was a lost cause anyway. My eyes were shut, pretending to nap at my desk, when I heard footsteps. Chan. I peeked just enough to see him stop by Yeona's table. He placed something down, then walked away.

I opened my eyes and looked. Strawberry milk.

I didn't even know that was her favorite.

But he did.

That tiny detail made me feel so small. Like no matter how hard I tried, I'd always be one step behind. He knew her better. He was closer. And he didn't need to guess—he just knew. That kind of closeness? It hurts when you're on the outside looking in.

At lunch, they sat together again. Always close. Always smiling. Every time I saw them like that, something twisted in my chest. I was jealous. I was mad. Not just at Chan—but at myself.

After the last class ended, I did what I always do—rushed to pack up and leave before they could. I didn't want to see them walking together again. Not today.

But just as I was about to walk out, Jisung tugged on my backpack.

"Hyunjin, why do you always dip so fast? You never hang out with us. Something going on at home?" he asked, half-concerned, half-annoyed.

I didn't want to answer, especially not in front of her. I glanced at Yeona—pretty sure she heard.

"No, it's just... my brother's waiting," I said quickly, yanking my bag back and rushing out.

I walked to the bus stop, heart still pounding from the lie. It wasn't really about my brother. It was about them. Every time I told myself to move on, something pulled me back. And I kept thinking—Chan could give Yeona anything she wants. A good life, a proper home, a future. All I have are feelings I can't even say out loud.

The bus came. I got on and headed straight to the back. Not many people today, which was nice. I plugged in my earphones, opened Melon, and hit shuffle.

M.I.A by Stray Kids started playing.

I paused.

Then I played it again.

The lyrics hit me right in the chest. That awkward tension between two people. The feeling of watching someone change. Missing how things used to be. Wanting to reach out, but knowing you might not belong in their world anymore.

I looked out the window. The sun was setting, painting the streets orange. A tear slipped down my cheek. I wiped it away before anyone could see.

When I got off the bus, I kept my earphones in and walked slowly through my neighborhood, the same song on repeat. I wasn't thinking much—just letting the music carry my emotions—until something moved in the alley.

It was a dog. Scruffy, small, and clearly not in the best mood.

I stopped in my tracks, heart thudding a little.

And I remembered the day I first talked to Yeona.

It was because of a dog. This dog, actually.

That moment felt like magic back then—like an angel had stepped in just to help me.

I looked at the dog again.

And I wondered, half-laughing to myself, half-aching inside—

"Yeona... if this dog came after me again... would you still come save me?"