The next day, rumors about Soo Jin and Min Jae reportedly dating began to spread throughout the school. Although the rumors were untrue, the news quickly spread among the classmates. Some students in the classroom hallway were talking in whispers, as if they knew everything. Ji Hoon who was walking past them overheard the conversation. There was annoyance and jealousy starting to grow in his chest. However, he tried not to show his feelings.
"Min Jae and Soo Jin? They're dating?" whispered one of the friends behind Ji Hoon.
Ji Hoon snorted softly and tried to calm himself down. He felt like something was bothering him, and it was a feeling he couldn't explain.
During class, Ji Hoon became increasingly unfocused. His eyes were blank, his mind far away. All he could think about was the rumor and how he felt anxious about something he didn't understand.
Suddenly, Soo Jin was late for class. The teacher sternly gave a punishment, "For being late, you have to run around the field."
However, Ji Hoon, who was still trapped in his feelings of jealousy and resentment, couldn't stay still. Without thinking, he stood up and ran over to Soo Jin. "Let me take your place," he said in a firm voice.
Soo Jin was surprised and looked at Ji Hoon with a confused look. "Why would you do that?" she asked, confused by Ji Hoon's actions.
However, Ji Hoon was already running. "I don't want to see you punished more than this," he replied without turning around.
The whole class fell silent at this scene. The teacher who was initially shocked to see Ji Hoon running in place of Soo Jin was speechless. "Am I willing to let this kid take his place?" The teacher thought to herself, surprised by Ji Hoon's uncharacteristic behavior.
Ji Hoon ran around the field, even though his body felt tired and his muscles were getting stiff.
However, there is a strange feeling that keeps her going. This was her way of showing that she cared, despite not being able to express her feelings in words.
At the end of the field, Soo Jin stood staring at Ji Hoon with an unreadable gaze. She didn't know what exactly was going on, but she felt that there was something different in Ji Hoon's demeanor.
After a while, Ji Hoon returns to class, breathing heavily. All the eyes in the class looked at him with astonishment. They had never seen Ji Hoon do something like this before.
As soon as ji hoon returned to the classroom, his breathing ragged and his body shaking slightly from exhaustion, all eyes in the classroom were still on him. Some of his friends looked shocked, while others started whispering, trying to understand what had just happened.
The teacher, who was initially surprised, finally let out a long sigh. "I don't know what made you do that, Ji Hoon," he said while shaking his head, "But punishment is punishment. Don't do the same thing again."
Ji Hoon just nodded slowly, still trying to calm his breathing. However, in his heart, he was satisfied that he could at least protect Soo Jin, even if it was only in an unusual way.
Soo Jin, who had been silent, now looks at Ji Hoon with a deeper look. There is a mixture of gratitude and admiration, but she chooses not to say anything. She knew that Ji Hoon might not be an easy person to understand, but there was something that impressed her.
During the lesson, Ji Hoon still looks unfocused. His eyes occasionally glance at Soo Jin, who is sitting in her seat, looking calm but a little confused about what happened earlier. Ji Hoon feels anxious, but he tries to calm himself down by distracting himself from the lesson. However, every time he heard whispers about the rumors between Soo Jin and Min Jae, his heart felt uneasy again.
When the lesson finally ended and the bell rang, Ji Hoon walked quickly out of the classroom. He wanted to get out of school as quickly as possible. However, Soo Jin suddenly approached him in the hallway. "Ji Hoon, thank you for earlier," Soo Jin said in a low voice.
Ji Hoon turned his head, a little surprised to hear that. "No need to thank me," he replied simply, trying to hide his awkward feelings. "I just did what I was supposed to do."
Soo Jin smiled a little, there was still warmth in her gaze. "But still, it means a lot to me."
Ji Hoon felt a little awkward, but there was a sense of relief flowing through him. "Yes, yes... I know," he replied as he walked away, trying to hide the feelings that were starting to emerge.
In his heart, Ji Hoon knew one thing: he didn't want to lose Soo Jin, even though his methods might seem strange or unexpected. But one thing is for sure, he wants to protect her, even if it means facing his own complicated feelings.
After Min Jae left, the atmosphere became awkward. Soo Jin looked at Ji Hoon curiously. "What's wrong? Why are you suddenly like that?" she asked, a little confused by Ji Hoon's change in attitude.
Ji Hoon sighed, trying to calm himself down. "I... just felt a little upset," he replied quietly, his eyes accidentally glancing at Soo Jin.
Soo Jin frowned, still not understanding. "Why? What happened?"
Ji Hoon shook his head, trying to hide his feelings. "It's okay, Soo Jin. I just felt a little weird seeing you two earlier." He looked at her seriously, but there was a hint of doubt in his eyes.
Soo Jin was silent for a moment, then smiled a little. "Are you jealous?" she asked, taking Ji Hoon by surprise.
Ji Hoon choked up for a moment, his face turning red. "No... No, I'm not jealous," he replied quickly, though the hesitation could not be hidden.
Soo Jin only smiled wider, but didn't pursue the conversation any further. "Come on, let's go home. We still have exams tomorrow, right?" she said as she turned around and walked towards the school exit.
Ji Hoon walked beside her, still feeling a little confused with himself. Why was he feeling so anxious? Is that what jealousy is?
The day ended with Ji Hoon feeling confused, but one thing was for sure-his relationship with Soo Jin was getting more complicated, even though he was trying to hide his feelings.
After returning home, Ji Hoon went straight to his room and laid down on his bed, trying to unwind. However, when he opened his phone, a message came in from his coach.
Coach:
"Ji Hoon, your match will be moved up this week. Prepare yourself well. Don't let your guard down, this is a great opportunity."
Ji Hoon frowned as he read the message. He didn't expect that the match schedule would be accelerated. Before, he felt that he still had time to relax, but now he had to focus more.
On the other hand, anxiety began to rise in his mind. He knew how important this match was for his sports career, but the nagging feeling about Soo Jin was also starting to overcome him. He felt confused, torn between focusing on the match preparations and the growing feelings for Soo Jin.
At that moment, his mind was spinning. He knew that to get better, he had to seriously train and focus on the match, but what about the relationship with Soo Jin? Would he continue to drag on in his confusion or finally deal with it?
With mixed feelings, Ji Hoon put down his cell phone and decided to leave the house. He needed time to think, practice, and calm his mind before the match that was fast approaching.