Bandaged Wound

Before Seok Jun could say another word, Seung Jee took off, sprinting down the hall like a man possessed. Seok Jun watched him disappear with a faint, knowing smile.

“When you still care,” he murmured, then turned back toward the classroom building.

Meanwhile, Seung Jee tore through corridors and halls, breath ragged. “Where are you?” he muttered, scanning every hallway, then the path to the gymnastics building—nothing.

Then he stopped short. The bleachers.

He dashed around to the back of the school, slipping behind them.

There she was.

Eun Shin sat curled on the ground, knees hugged tight to her chest, her head resting on them. She looked small, as if trying to disappear from the world.

Seung Jee doubled over, gasping, his chest tightening with the shock of seeing her so real, so present, yet so hidden. The sight knocked the wind out of him all over again.

She’d been coming to school for days… only to vanish.

Tears blurred his vision as he stepped closer. She stirred at the sound of his footsteps and slowly lifted her head.

Their eyes met.

Hers were already glassy.

She gasped softly, then turned away, burying her face once more.

Why is he here? I…

Seung Jee knelt slowly beside her, facing her with a bitter smile.

“I… I’m sorry. Sorry for being stupid,” he whispered, his voice cracking.

Eun Shin broke down, sobbing uncontrollably, trembling as she struggled to hold herself together. The raw sound of her pain shattered him—it was the first time he truly heard it.

She looked up at him, eyes filled with tears and frustration, then crawled toward him. Her fist struck his chest softly but with desperate force, as if trying to anchor herself to the moment.

“You are stupid!” she shouted through her tears.

Seung Jee smiled gently and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close.

He let her cry, wanting to cry alongside her—but held himself back.

Letting her fall apart—safe in the shelter of new arms.

As time passed and classes ended, Eun Shin lay on his lap, her teary eyes fixed on his face as she sniffled softly to steady herself. Seung Jee watched her carefully, gently patting her shoulder in quiet reassurance. She took a deep breath before looking up at him.

“Why did you come so late?” she asked, curiosity mingling with concern.

A bitter smile tugged at his lips as his fingers brushed tenderly over her ear, then threaded softly through her hair—a silent comfort amid the pain.

“Let’s just say… Seok Jun punched me in the face with his words,” he teased lightly.

Eun Shin laughed, fragile but real. Seung Jee stared at her, hearing her broken laugh as a sign of the strength beneath.

“I’m sorry for being upset,” he added quietly.

She nodded and grasped his sleeve, pulling it gently to rest against her cheek, grounding herself. Seung Jee cupped her face with a soft touch.

“Did you tell him… about it?” she asked, voice tight with fear and hope.

Seung Jee sat up straighter, resting one hand on her head, leaning closer until he was practically holding her.

“If I did, I’d be an asshole. I won’t tell anyone unless you’re ready,” he said softly.

Eun Shin met his eyes and let out a relieved, tearful smile. She shifted closer, resting her head against his stomach. He slid a hand beneath her head, cushioning it, and stroked her hair with a gentle smile.

“I think it’s time we head home,” he whispered.

She burst into laughter, tears streaming from the corners of her eyes. He waited, savoring the moment.

“I think so, too,” she replied, wiping away her tears as she stood.

Seung Jee rose to follow her, but she suddenly stumbled. He caught her with one arm, steadying her.

Her eyes widened in embarrassment as they locked gazes, faces flushing. Seung Jee leaned in, a kiss lingering on his lips—but he held back. Eun Shin quickly turned away, holding herself back as well, reminded that she was still with Jae Vin.

“Are you okay?” Seung Jee asked awkwardly, scratching the back of his neck.

She smiled, breaking the tension.

“Thanks. I’m okay,” she said softly.

Though they both still blushed, the warmth between them lingered. His heart pounded loud enough, he was sure she could hear it too.

They walked back to the school entrance side by side, awkwardly keeping a small space between them. Neither dared meet the other’s eyes, embarrassed by the silence. Seok Jun sat on the stair steps of the building but rose when he saw them approaching, greeting them with a warm smile.

Eun Shin returned the smile and stepped forward, wrapping her arms around him—her steady emotional anchor.

“Let’s go home,” Seok Jun said softly. Eun Shin nodded without hesitation.

Seung Jee watched the quiet understanding between them and felt a subtle relief that he had chosen to walk past. Seok Jun turned toward him.

“I can drop you off. Want to hop in?”

“No, thank you. I appreciate it,” Seung Jee replied, offering them a small smile.

Eun Shin hesitated, then looked at Seung Jee.

“Are the seats official?” she asked quietly.

Seung Jee paused, meeting her gaze with a gentle smile.

“No… but if you want me to sit next to you, I’d be willing.”

Her eyes softened with warmth, and she nodded.

“Yes… Get home safely,” she said.

Seung Jee returned the nod and walked out through the school gates, while Seok Jun and Eun Shin climbed into the car and headed home.

Later, when Eun Shin arrived, she found the courage to hug her father. Yung Ji embraced her tightly, pride evident in his hold. She cried silently in his arms, saying nothing.

Afterward, she retreated to her room and sent a simple message to Seung Jee, thanking him. Seung Jee read the message and smiled quietly.

“If anyone should be thankful, it’s me,” he whispered to himself.

As night fell, Eun Shin lay down on her bed, silently hoping the nightmares wouldn’t return. Just before she closed her eyes, her phone buzzed with a late-night message. She glanced at the screen.

Seung Jee: “I hope I can be the land where you close your eyes peacefully. Goodnight, Eun Shin 🙂 Sweet dreams“

Tears welled in her eyes as she read the words, but a small smile spread across her lips.

“Thank you. Sweet dreams,” she whispered, closing her eyes and finally drifting into peaceful sleep, imagining Seung Jee as her safe haven.

NEXT MORNING

Eun Shin walked to school, and Seung Jee waited for her at the usual corner where they parted after class. He tapped his heel against the ground, patient and quiet. When Eun Shin saw him, a smile lifted her lips. Don’t cry. Just… smile. She approached him with a bright grin.

“Good morning!” she said cheerfully.

Seung Jee returned her smile and nodded.

“Good morning. Did you sleep well?”

Eun Shin blushed slightly.

“I did. Thank you… for that late-night message.” She hesitated. “It really helped.”

Seung Jee sighed with relief.

“I’m glad. Let’s head inside.”

Eun Shin nodded happily and walked beside him. Just behind them, Seok Jun and Min Ying appeared. Min Ying caught sight of Eun Shin and dashed forward, wrapping her arms around Eun Shin from behind.

“Eunnie! I missed you!” Min Ying exclaimed.

Seok Jun smiled in surprise as Eun Shin let out a nervous chuckle.

“I missed you too,” she replied softly.

Min Ying pouted.

“If you did, then why didn’t you come to school?”

Eun Shin avoided Min Ying’s gaze, her nerves clear. Seung Jee noticed and gently patted her back, grounding her.

“She was just sick the past few days,” Seung Jee said, quietly shielding her with a protective lie.

Eun Shin smiled bitterly, grateful for his silent support. Seok Jun stepped closer.

“Yeah, I had to drop off her homework since she was missing so much,” he added.

Eun Shin felt reassured and nudged Seung Jee’s shoulder in thanks. Min Ying’s expression softened, tinged with guilt.

“I see. I’m really glad you’re back. I missed you,” she said sincerely.

Suddenly, Jae Vin appeared and noticed how close Seung Jee and Eun Shin were. His eyes darkened with fury. Smirking, he stepped up and draped his arm possessively around Eun Shin’s neck.

“Hey, babe! My mother asked to see you today. Are you free?” Jae Vin asked.

Eun Shin froze instantly, trembling, struggling to breathe around him. Seung Jee clenched his fists, aching to push Jae Vin’s hand away—but he knew better. If he did, it would only confirm that Jae Vin had done something terrible to her. Seok Jun reached out to intervene, but was cut off as Min Ying swiftly grabbed Jae Vin’s hand and pulled Eun Shin toward her.

“But you promised to visit me today! We had plans,” Min Ying said, pouting innocently.

Eun Shin steadied herself but looked confused.

“Plans?” she whispered.

“Yeah! Remember? You asked me to bring my aunt to talk about fashion!” Min Ying said, her voice bright with excitement.

Jae Vin laughed awkwardly.

“Oh, I didn’t know. Sorry. I’ll tell my mother you can’t make it,” he said, turning away.

After Jae Vin disappeared into the building, Min Ying stuck her tongue out and blurted, “Annoying prick!”

Eun Shin, Seung Jee, and Seok Jun stared at her, speechless. Eun Shin laughed, snapping Min Ying back to the moment. She turned and looked at everyone. Everyone’s staring at me?!

“Wow…” Seung Jee muttered.

Min Ying glanced at Seok Jun, whose eyes were wide with disbelief. She blushed instantly and turned away.

“I didn’t know you had that in you,” Eun Shin teased.

Min Ying closed her eyes and stormed inside.

“See you guys later!” she called, embarrassed.

Seok Jun smiled slowly as Min Ying disappeared. Eun Shin and Seung Jee chuckled and exchanged looks. Eun Shin then turned to Seok Jun and smiled gently.

“Good luck,” she said.

He shook his head, meeting her gaze.

“On what?”

“I think she’ll say yes!” Eun Shin replied, pumping her fist in support.

Then she walked inside with Seung Jee. Seok Jun chuckled to himself, realizing what she meant, and followed inside, already rehearsing what he would say.

As class ended, lunchtime arrived. Seok Jun found himself in line behind Min Ying, who kept glancing over students’ shoulders, carefully planning which dishes to choose. When she turned around, she nearly dropped her tray—he was smiling right at her. Her hands flew up to cover her face, cheeks flushing bright red. Without a word, she darted away.

But then, he gently grabbed her wrist.

Gasps rippled through the cafeteria.

“Is that Oh Seok Jun?”

“Oh my gosh! He’s holding her hand?!”

“I thought he liked Eun Shin!”

“Who’s that girl?”

“She’s so lucky!”

Min Ying tried to hide behind her tray, but Seok Jun pulled her toward a table at the edge of the room where no one was sitting. He sat down and tugged her to sit beside him. She whimpered quietly, clutching her spoon close to her lips.

“Yes?” she asked softly.

Seok Jun chuckled.

“Why are you hiding? I just wanted to eat with you today,” he said warmly.

Min Ying closed her eyes, tightening her grip on the spoon.

“Because… I feel awkward,” she admitted.

Seok Jun smiled gently.

“Well, I hope that won’t happen again. I thought you were really cute earlier,” he said.

Min Ying’s cheeks deepened in color—completely red.

“Don’t say that!” she protested, feeling her heart race. My heart is going to explode. His smile is too charming. She hid her face with her hands, biting her lip around the spoon.

“Min Ying…” he began, then hesitated.

She waited, peeking shyly through her fingers. He was looking right at her.

“Will you be my girlfriend?” he asked, his face flushing as he quickly looked away.

Min Ying dropped her spoon with a loud clatter. The entire cafeteria turned to stare.

Eun Shin and Seung Jee watched from a distance, smiling at the romantic scene unfolding.

“…What?”