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Chapter 4 - Chapter 4 – Unknown Feelings

The courtyard was loud again, chaos of voices, sneakers scuffing concrete, the faint smell of fried food drifting from the cafeteria.

I moved through it like always, hands deep in my pockets, head down. But today, something made me slow my pace.

Ji-Won.

She sat under the shade of a tree near the edge of the courtyard, notebook open, pencil in hand. She wasn't hiding, but she wasn't drawing attention either.

She was just... watching.

I froze for a heartbeat, aware of her gaze even without looking directly.

I kept walking, careful not to meet her eyes.

Min-Soo, as usual, was beside me.

"You've got an audience," he said casually, nodding toward her without breaking stride.

I didn't reply.

Didn't flinch.

Didn't want to acknowledge it.

Ji-Won's eyes widened slightly as we passed nearby. She snapped her notebook shut and looked away quickly, like she'd been caught.

I kept moving, my steps deliberate. Something about her gaze was different, quiet, careful. Not fear, not judgment, not curiosity the way most people looked at me.

Min-Soo nudged me lightly. "Hey, you're staring. Don't tell me someone actually... catches your attention."

I didn't answer.

She shifted again, keeping her distance.

Not following, not leaving.

Just observing.

Min-Soo, of course, didn't leave it alone. "She's been watching you for a while. Bet you didn't even notice."

I glanced at him sharply. "Don't care" I muttered.

He laughed knowingly. "Sure, sure. Whatever you say, loner."

I ignored him, letting my shadow stretch across the courtyard.

Ji-Won peeked from behind her notebook again. Her gaze was brief, cautious, almost apologetic, but she didn't look away completely.

I hated feeling noticed and yet, the fact she was here, quietly paying attention it stuck in my mind.

Min-Soo grinned. "Ah... finally noticing someone besides me, huh?"

I didn't answer. I didn't need to.

Some things, I would let myself notice. Some things, I would keep at a distance.

Ji-Won continued watching, just far enough to not interfere and I kept walking, hands in pockets, head down, maintaining my solitude.

And for the first time in a long while, I felt a flicker of curiosity.

Not trust.

Not friendship.

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