PARADOX - SEULRENE

run

judging from where you met, you knew irene came from the canteen to get the ice-cold gatorade she handed you. and if your interpretation of what she said is correct, it only means she's been near the dojo all afternoon.

does that mean that she's been waiting for you to go out of the locker room?

at that instant, you remember what byulyi told you yesterday about irene already doing her part; that you should do your part this time.

maybe she is right. maybe you should make your move now.

besides, you're too tired of this push and pull thing with irene. you don't want to be in pain anymore. you will tell her everything even if you get rejected. at least there'll be no more false hopes after that.

confessing is frightening. but before you worry about it, you need to find the perfect time for you to talk alone.

you took out the yin necklace from your drawer and stared at it. it's time to let irene know you have the other half of her necklace.

---

the fun run marks the finale of the foundation week. all the fees collected from the participants will be donated to a particular charity the school is supporting.

the athletes, including yourself, are required to take part in the event. this is to encourage the common students to participate, which is effective because many are willingly joining.

the good thing is you get to see irene. the bad thing is you get to see simon too. you hate hearing him boast about their victory even though he didn't contribute much to it.

irene seems to be in a good mood today. she's talking to her friends cheerfully and not minding simon. she looks pretty wearing that white shirt and blue shorts uniform for the run.

you checked the yin necklace in your shorts pocket to make sure it's safe there. you've decided to bring it daily to school now. it would be easier to confess using that in case you get the chance to talk to irene.

---

the starting pistol was fired to signal to start the run.

for the past two years, your usual strategy is to catch up and adjust your phase to match it with irene's gang. you love watching and observing her from the back.

however, compared to the past two years, there was a slight difference this time. it would've been easier if you were with byulyi alone as she supports you whenever you try to run along with irene discreetly.

but it's not possible today because hyojung is with you. she's a bit slow so you and byulyi have to adjust.

it was after thirty minutes when the race has taken its toll on hyojung. she asked you to stop for a second for her to catch her breath. you assisted her to the side to give her time for a short rest.

you looked at the people in front and noticed you were the last ones on the track. this means you won't be able to catch up with irene anymore.

"are you all right?" you heard byulyi asked hyojung.

"don't worry, i'm not going to die yet..." hyojung joshed.

"but you never enjoyed running, right?" you asked, remembering that this is the first time she joined this event. "what's with the sudden change of mind?"

"i just want to try it. we're graduating next year and i want to experience this before we leave school," hyojung answered, wiping a towel on her face.

you exhaled, secretly hoping she won't join in next year.

"but are you sure you're okay? i thought you have this asthma thing?" asked byulyi.