Lunch breaks had become the highlight of Jiwon’s day.
Not because of the food (though Sunghoon’s bizarre food combinations were… entertaining), but because of where she always ended up: sitting across from Jungwon, sharing snacks, and getting caught up in the easy rhythm of their banter.
“Are you ever not neat?” she asked one afternoon, eyeing the way Jungwon peeled the wrapper off his sandwich with military precision.
“I like order,” he replied calmly. “Unlike someone who eats chips straight from the bag during meetings.”
“That’s efficiency,” she argued. “You just wish you were that cool.”
Jungwon gave her a look. “You’re literally holding chopsticks with one hand and texting with the other.”
Jiwon grinned, proud. “Multitasking queen.”
His eyes softened as he watched her laugh. She had a way of taking up space without ever being loud—like her presence filled the gaps people didn’t realize were empty.
-
Jiwon:
I made Jungwon laugh today. Like really laugh. His eyes crinkled and everything.
Unknown Number:
I bet that made your whole week.
Jiwon:
Month, actually.
Unknown Number:
You really like him, huh?
Jiwon:
Yeah… I do. And not just because he’s cute. He’s kind. Subtle. Quiet in a way that makes you want to listen.
Jungwon stared at the message, his heart thudding.
Unknown Number:
Has he told you how he feels?
Jiwon:
No. I don’t even know if he likes anyone.
Unknown Number:
Maybe he’s scared to ruin something important.
She paused before replying.
Jiwon:
Funny. That’s how I feel too.
-
The next day, Jungwon stayed after school to help her finish painting signs for the festival. The classroom windows glowed with sunset, the room quiet except for the soft brush of paint and their occasional laughs.
“Hold still,” Jiwon said suddenly, standing on her tiptoes. “You’ve got green on your cheek.”
Jungwon froze as her thumb gently brushed his face.
They both stilled.
Too close.
“I got it,” she whispered.
He didn’t move. Couldn’t.
Her hand lingered, just for a moment, before she backed away, cheeks pink.
“S-sorry. That was probably weird.”
Jungwon shook his head. “No. It wasn’t.”
-
Jiwon:
Today felt… different.
Unknown Number:
Different how?
Jiwon:
Like we weren’t just friends anymore. Like something was changing. I think he almost leaned in.
Jungwon’s heart skipped.
Unknown Number:
Do you wish he had?
Jiwon:
Yeah. But maybe it’s too soon.
Unknown Number:
Or maybe you’re both just scared to see what’s already there.
-
“Here,” Jungwon said, handing her a can of warm honey drink. “You looked tired.”
She blinked, surprised. “How’d you know this was my favorite?”
He hesitated.
“I just… guessed.”
But her stare lingered, thoughtful. A flicker of confusion passed over her face, like something familiar had brushed by.
-
Jiwon:
Do you ever get déjà vu when you talk to two different people? Like they say similar things in totally different ways?
Unknown Number:
Maybe that’s because they’re not so different.
Jiwon:
Weird answer, but okay.
Unknown Number:
Do you want to know the truth?
Jiwon’s breath hitched.
Jiwon:
What truth?
There was no reply.
She stared at her screen long after the typing bubble disappeared.
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✓ 𝗜'𝗠 𝗖𝗨𝗧𝗘𝗥. yang jungwon
Fanfiction( 𝗜'𝗠 𝗖𝗨𝗧𝗘𝗥 ) "One dare, one text, and a whole lot of feelings." --- It all began with a simple dare-one that led to an unexpected connection. Jiwon Park, a quiet transfer student, received a random text that read, "I'm cute." Thinking it was...
