Plot : secret relationship

Minji bit her lip, heart racing as she glanced around the empty hallway. The late afternoon sun cast a golden glow through the windows, stretching long shadows across the polished floor.

No one was around.

Good.

She took a deep breath and knocked softly on the door of the empty classroom.

A second later, it swung open, and before she could react, a strong hand grabbed her wrist and yanked her inside.

"Kyung-jun-!" she gasped, but her words were swallowed as he pinned her against the wall, one hand resting above her head while the other gently cupped her chin.

"You took too long," he muttered, his voice a little rough, but his touch was gentle. His dark eyes scanned her face, taking in every little detail like he hadn't seen her in weeks-even though they had passed each other in the hallway just this morning, pretending they were nothing more than annoying acquaintances.

Minji smiled playfully. "Sorry, I had to make sure Na-hee didn't suspect anything. She's been asking too many questions lately."

Kyung-jun huffed, rolling his eyes. "Nosy."

She giggled, wrapping her arms around his neck. "She's my best friend. Of course, she's nosy."

"But you're mine," he muttered, his fingers trailing lightly over her waist before pulling her closer. "I don't like sharing-even the idea of it."

Minji's cheeks burned.

This was Kyung-jun-grumpy, cold, and annoyingly possessive. The same guy who picked fights with her just to get a reaction, the same guy who acted like she was nothing special in front of their friends.

But here, behind closed doors?

He worshipped her.

She sighed softly, leaning into him. "We can't keep sneaking around forever, you know."

His jaw tightened slightly. "I know."

"Then why-"

"Because," he cut her off, his thumb tracing her bottom lip, gaze dark and serious, "if people find out, they'll never leave you alone. You'll have to deal with questions, rumors, and idiots who think they have a chance with you."

Minji tilted her head. "You think I care about that?"

Kyung-jun let out a low chuckle, shaking his head. "No. But I do."

Her heart melted a little at that. He wasn't scared for himself. He was scared for her.

She sighed dramatically. "Fine. I guess I'll keep pretending I hate you in public."

He smirked. "You're pretty good at it."

"Well," she grinned, tugging his collar down slightly, "I have a great inspiration."

Kyung-jun was about to tease her back, but before he could, she stood on her tiptoes and kissed him-soft, warm, and teasing.

He immediately melted, arms tightening around her waist, pressing her closer like he never wanted to let go.

The kiss deepened, slow and intoxicating, like they were making up for all the times they had to act like they were nothing more than rivals in front of everyone else.

When they finally pulled away, Minji's breath was uneven, and Kyung-jun looked absolutely wrecked-his grip still tight on her waist, his forehead resting against hers.

She smiled smugly. "You're blushing."

He groaned, burying his face in her shoulder. "Shut up."

She giggled, running her fingers through his hair. "I love you, grump."

A pause.

Then-so soft she almost didn't hear it-

"I love you too, sunshine."

Minji’s heart skipped a beat at his words. She had heard Kyung-jun say a lot of things—grumbles, insults, sarcastic remarks—but never something this soft, this raw.

She pulled back slightly, just enough to see his face. His ears were red, his usual sharp gaze slightly unfocused, like he was realizing what he had just said.

She couldn’t help but grin.

"Did you just confess like that?" she teased, poking his cheek.

Kyung-jun groaned, burying his face deeper into her shoulder. "Forget it. I take it back."

Minji laughed, wrapping her arms around him again. "Too late, tough guy. You said it. You love me."

He groaned again but didn’t pull away. Instead, his arms tightened around her, holding her close like he was scared she might slip away.

"Yeah, yeah," he mumbled. "You better not use it against me."

Minji giggled, pressing a quick kiss to his jawline. "No promises."

He sighed dramatically, but she could feel the smile he was trying to hide against her skin.

Then—

A loud knock on the door.

"YAH, MINJI! ARE YOU IN THERE?" Na-hee’s voice rang through the hallway.

Minji and Kyung-jun froze.

She gasped. "Oh no."

Kyung-jun cursed under his breath, quickly pulling away as if she were on fire.

Minji frantically smoothed her hair, trying to look normal while Kyung-jun leaned against the desk, arms crossed, pretending he wasn’t just murmuring sweet confessions a minute ago.

The door swung open, and Na-hee peeked inside, suspicious eyes scanning the room.

"Why is the door locked?" she narrowed her eyes at Minji.

"I—uh—" Minji gulped. "I was just… studying?"

Na-hee frowned, looking between her and Kyung-jun.

Minji forced a big, innocent smile, while Kyung-jun just looked bored, like he didn’t care about anything happening.

Na-hee squinted. "Why do you look flustered?"

"I DON’T!" Minji blurted out a little too quickly.

Kyung-jun snorted.

Na-hee narrowed her eyes even more, but then just sighed. "Whatever, let’s go. Lunch break is almost over."

She grabbed Minji’s wrist, pulling her away before she could even say goodbye to Kyung-jun.

But just before she was out the door, Minji glanced back—and caught Kyung-jun looking at her with the softest gaze.

Her heart fluttered.

And then—he mouthed, "I love you."

Her face burned.

Na-hee turned to look at her. "Why are you smiling like that?"

Minji quickly hid her grin, shaking her head. "No reason."

But inside, her heart was screaming.

Because Kyung-jun loved her. And she loved him too.

And even if they had to keep it a secret, for now, that was enough.

—

The End.

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