***
The lesson dragged on, but Min Soo found it nearly impossible to focus. His eyes occasionally flicked toward Minji, who sat quietly at her desk, diligently taking notes. She seemed unaware of his occasional glances, her attention fully on the teacher.
When the bell finally rang, signaling the end of class, students began packing up their things. Hanni approached Min Soo's desk, grinning. "Let's grab lunch together!" she said, her cheerful tone cutting through his daze.
Before he could respond, Minji stood, her movements cautious as she gathered her belongings. Min Soo glanced at her again, debating whether or not to say something. His curiosity gnawed at him. I need to know if she's really the same Minji from my first life.
As she turned to leave, he blurted out, "Hey, Minji."
She stopped, looking at him with wide, curious eyes. "Yes?"
Hanni tilted her head, glancing between the two of them. "Oh? You two already know each other?"
Minji shook her head, her voice soft. "No, we've never met."
Min Soo hesitated, feeling Hanni's curious gaze burning into him. "I just… thought I recognized you from somewhere. Have we met before?"
Minji blinked, her brows furrowing slightly. "I don't think so. This is my first time in this school."
He nodded slowly, his heart sinking a little. Maybe I'm imagining things. Or maybe it's just coincidence.
Hanni laughed lightly. "Min Soo, you're weird sometimes." She turned to Minji with a welcoming smile. "Do you want to join us for lunch? It's always more fun with more people!"
Minji hesitated, her introverted nature showing in the way she shifted uncomfortably. "I don't want to intrude…"
"You won't," Hanni said firmly, grabbing her hand. "Come on, let's go!"
Min Soo followed them, still trying to shake the strange feeling that lingered in the back of his mind.
***
At the Cafeteria
The three of them found a spot near the window, trays of food in front of them. Hanni chatted animatedly about her plans for the school festival, her energy filling the space.
Minji listened politely, occasionally nodding or smiling, but her quiet nature was clear. Min Soo, meanwhile, observed her carefully, looking for hints of familiarity.
"So, Minji," Hanni said, leaning forward, "what made you transfer here?"
"My dad got a new job in this city," Minji replied, her tone shy but steady. "We moved here a couple of weeks ago."
"Oh, that's cool!" Hanni said brightly. "You'll love it here. And don't worry, Min Soo and I will make sure you feel at home, right, Min Soo?"
Min Soo blinked, caught off guard. "Uh… yeah, of course."
Minji glanced at him, her lips curving into a small smile. "Thank you."
As the conversation continued, Min Soo couldn't shake the feeling that fate was pulling strings behind the scenes. Why is she here? he wondered again. And why now?
For the rest of lunch, he found himself smiling despite his confusion. Something about Minji's presence felt oddly comforting, as if she was meant to be there in his life.
***