Jinsol sits by the window, absentmindedly twirling a pen between her fingers, her gaze lost amid the fluttering petals. Across from her, Sullyoon scribbles notes, occasionally glancing up with a warm smile.
"Are you coming to the café after school, Jinsol? I heard they have those strawberry parfaits you love."
"Yeah, I'd like that. Just you and me?"
Minji, a confident cheerleader with a bright red ribbon in her hair, saunters over to Jinsol, her eyes glinting mischievously. Sullyoon lingers nearby, her attention caught by the interaction.
"Hey, Jinsol, you looked amazing in math class today. Maybe you could help me with some homework?"
"Um… sure, Minji. Whenever you need."
"I didn't know you and Minji were so… close," her tone sharper than intended.
Sullyoon walks beside Jinsol, hands shoved in her pockets, eyes fixed forward. Jinsol bites her lip, sensing the shift in mood.
"Is something wrong, Sullyoon? You seem… upset."
"No, it's nothing. Just surprised Minji is suddenly interested in you, that's all."
"We're just classmates. It doesn't mean anything," she says softly, searching Sullyoon's face for understanding.
Sullyoon fidgets, her gaze fixed on the water, lips pressed in a thin line. Jinsol watches her, heart pounding, knowing she can't keep her secret much longer.
"Sullyoon, can I tell you something important?"
"Of course. You know you can tell me anything," she murmurs, voice trembling just slightly.
"I… I'm gay. And I've been in love with you for a long time."
Sullyoon turns, wide-eyed, cheeks flushed with surprise and something softer. Jinsol looks away, bracing herself.
"Jinsol… I didn't know. I thought… when Minji was flirting with you, I felt so jealous. I guess I didn't realize why until now."
"I'm sorry if this changes things. I just couldn't keep hiding it."
"It changes everything, but maybe not in the way you think," her voice gentle, hopeful.
Sullyoon reaches for Jinsol's hand, fingers intertwining, both girls laughing nervously. Old fears melt away as the sky grows darker, and a new chapter shimmers between them.
"Let's get that parfait tomorrow. But only if you promise to sit next to me,"
"I promise. Only next to you," she replies, voice bright with relief, their friendship blossoming into something more.















