***
The classroom hushed as the teacher walked in, followed by a girl with a quiet demeanor. The new student stood at the front, her eyes scanning the room nervously. Min Soo sat upright, casually observing her, but his heart skipped a beat.
Why does her face look so familiar?
The teacher smiled warmly, gesturing for the girl to step forward. "Class, we have a new student joining us today. Please give her a warm welcome."
The girl hesitated briefly before speaking, her voice soft but clear. "My full name is Park Minji. You can call me Minji. I'm from Chuncheon-si, and I hope we can all get along."
She glanced around shyly, her hands fidgeting as she continued. "As for me… I'm a bit of an introvert with strangers, but I'm extroverted with friends. So… I hope we can become close."
The class erupted into polite applause and murmurs of welcome. Min Soo, however, froze. His mind raced, trying to place her face.
Minji… Park Minji…
And then it hit him like a lightning bolt. Wait. She's the one who was in a group with Hanni in my first life. I've seen her before!
His eyes widened in surprise, and his stomach churned with unease. If Minji is here, does that mean the rest of the group could show up too? he thought, swallowing hard. The idea made his heart race. What are the chances?
"Minji," the teacher said, drawing his attention back to the front. "You can take that seat over there." She pointed to the desk next to Min Soo.
Minji nodded and walked toward her seat, her steps tentative but steady. Min Soo tensed as she approached, trying to act casual, though his mind was a whirlwind of thoughts.
She sat down, quietly unpacking her bag while Min Soo stole glances at her. It really is her… What's she doing here?
As the teacher began the lesson, Min Soo found it hard to concentrate. His eyes drifted to Minji now and then, his thoughts tangled between his first life and the new one he was trying to build.
What does this mean? he wondered. Is this just a coincidence, or is there something bigger happening here?
***