When Two Worlds collide

A few days after the incident, Ji Hoon returned to school looking a little more tired, but still trying to look like his usual self. That morning, he entered the classroom, walked slowly to his seat, and sat down lazily. He leaned his head on the desk, facing Soo Jin who was busy writing notes.

Soo Jin looks so focused on her writing, hardly noticing Ji Hoon's dreamy presence. Ji Hoon looked at her from a distance, his eyes blank for a moment, as if he was thinking of many things he couldn't express.

"Hey, Soo Jin," Ji Hoon finally breaks the silence, his voice low but clear.

Soo Jin raised her head for a moment, her eyes slightly surprised to see Ji Hoon sitting in such a position. "What are you doing? Why does your face look like you just woke up?"

Ji Hoon only smiled faintly, but his eyes remained fixed on Soo Jin, not knowing what was on his mind. "I was just... thinking. About a lot of things," he replied in a flat tone.

Soo Jin frowned, sensing something different in Ji Hoon. "Thinking? What else are you thinking about? You've gotten better, right?"

Ji Hoon nodded slowly, but his face remained blank. "Yes, I'm fine. It's just... something's bothering me. But it's not important."

Soo Jin wasn't too sure about the answer, but she chose to remain silent and not ask further questions. She resumed writing her notes, though her eyes occasionally peeked at Ji Hoon, worried that there was something deeper he was hiding.

Ji Hoon continues his reverie, his eyes never leaving Soo Jin who is busy with her own little world. Occasionally, he sighs softly, like there are feelings he wants to express, but somehow he feels unable to do so.

During break, Ji Hoon sat in the corner of the classroom

Suddenly, Kang Min Jae entered their class with a confident stride. He looked around, then glanced at Ji Hoon and his friends. Without hesitation, he approached and asked, "Uh, what's her full name... Han Soo Ji?" Her voice sounded casual, but her eyes seemed to be seeking attention.

Ji Hoon, who was feeling a little annoyed, immediately replied in a louder tone than usual. "Han Soo Ji? Why are you asking about her?" replied Ji Hoon, with an annoying tone that he could only let out when he was annoyed.

Kang Min Jae smiled casually, as if unaffected by Ji Hoon's slightly rude demeanor. "Oh, nothing, just curious. He's in a band too, right? Just want to know more about him."

Ji Hoon felt a little more anxious, but he tried to stay calm. "You want to know about Soo Jin? Why don't you ask her directly?" he said while looking at Min Jae with a slightly sharp gaze.

Min Jae just chuckled and shrugged his shoulders. "Take it easy, Ji Hoon. I was just wondering. Besides, who doesn't know Soo Jin? She's really talented."

Ji Hoon felt something strange about the way Min Jae was talking, as if there was something he wanted to say more than just a simple question. But, he chose not to think about it too deeply. Although, the feeling of jealousy that had come instantly, was now bothering his mind more and more.

On the other hand, Soo Jin who heard the conversation just smiled. She knew that Ji Hoon was a bit strange lately, but she couldn't help but feel comfortable with his friends, including Min Jae. However, a slight sense of discomfort also arose in her heart, seeing Ji Hoon who seemed to be anxious.

Meanwhile, Ji Hoon could only stay silent, feeling bad about his increasingly disturbing feelings. "Why am I like this?" he thought to himself.

After that conversation, Ji Hoon sat back in his place, feeling anxious. Every second that passed made him feel more and more depressed. He tried to distract himself by opening a book, but his mind kept drifting to Soo Jin and Kang Min Jae who were talking outside the classroom. There was a feeling that was hard to express-jealousy, perhaps, or rather the fear of losing Soo Jin's attention.

Soo Jin, who had just finished her conversation with Min Jae, finally returned to the classroom. However, as she passed by Ji Hoon's desk, she noticed an unusually anxious expression from her classmate.

"Ji Hoon," Soo Jin said gently, "What's wrong with you? Why are you looking like that?"

Ji Hoon just smiled faintly, trying to mask his anxiety. "I'm fine, Soo Jin. Just a little tired," he replied as he glanced out the window, as if avoiding Soo Jin's gaze.

Soo Jin looked at him sharply, as if she could sense that something was wrong. "Are you sure? If anything bothers you, don't hesitate to tell me, okay?"

Ji Hoon was silent for a moment. He wanted to tell her what was really on his mind, but somehow, he didn't want to burden Soo Jin with his feelings. He just nodded slowly, hoping that Soo Jin wouldn't think too much about it.

However, the smart and sensitive Soo Jin is not easily fooled. "Wait a minute," she said, suddenly turning around. "I know, you must be worried about me and Min Jae, right?"

Ji Hoon was surprised to hear that, his face instantly turning red. "W-what? Why does it have to be Min Jae? It's just... a school event."

Soo Jin smiled slightly. "I know you're anxious. You're not the type to show your feelings, Ji Hoon. But I could tell by the way you were talking, the way you were looking at us earlier."

Ji Hoon was silent. He didn't know what to say. Actually, he felt jealous, like there was something strange about Soo Jin and Min Jae's closeness, but he also didn't want to push too hard.

"I'm just worried... if you get closer to him," Ji Hoon finally expressed his long-held feelings. "I don't want it to ruin our relationship."

Soo Jin snorted softly, then sat next to Ji Hoon. "Ji Hoon," she said in a soft voice, "Min Jae is my friend, just like you. You don't have to feel that way. I never thought beyond that. I just want everyone around me to be happy, including you."

Ji Hoon looked at Soo Jin in surprise. "You're... not angry?"

Soo Jin just chuckled. "No, I'm not. Why would I be angry? You're my best friend, Ji Hoon. Nothing can ruin that."

The anxious feeling that had been haunting him slowly faded away. Ji Hoon was relieved to hear Soo Jin's words, although his heart was still a little confused. Maybe he really needs to trust their relationship more, without worrying too much.

Soo Jin then stood up, picking up her bag. "Come on, let's go home. Don't stay in your head, Ji Hoon. Everything will be fine."

Ji Hoon nodded, and for the first time in days, he felt a little calmer. "Thank you, Soo Jin," he replied with a smile.

As they walked out of the classroom together, Ji Hoon felt a little lighter. Perhaps, his feelings were complicated, but with Soo Jin by his side, he felt that things could be dealt with, one by one.

As they approached the school gate, Ji Hoon tried to hide himself behind Soo Jin. His eyes glanced anxiously at his boxing coach who suddenly appeared in front of them. The coach stared at Ji Hoon with a sharp gaze, like he knew exactly what he was trying to do.

"Ji Hoon!" The coach said his name loudly, startling Ji Hoon. Without being able to dodge, he is immediately caught. His ears were forcefully pulled by his angry coach.

"Did you forget about next week's match?" his coach said, his voice sounding furious. "You haven't practiced in five days! You kid!" The coach didn't care who was around, continuing to scold Ji Hoon without mercy.

Ji Hoon could only snort softly, feeling both embarrassed and annoyed, but not daring to argue. He nodded slowly, trying to break free from his coach's increasingly hard pull. "Yes, coach... I'll practice tomorrow," Ji Hoon replied, trying to calm down.

Soo Jin, who saw the scene, only smiled slightly. Seeing Ji Hoon struggling made him a little amused, but he knew Ji Hoon needed time to get back into his routine. Slowly, she stepped back and gave Ji Hoon some space to solve his problem.

"Soo Jin, I'm fine," Ji Hoon says as he releases himself from his trainer's grip. He glanced at Soo Jin who seemed happy to see him in trouble. "Don't laugh, I'm really lazy at practicing."

Soo Jin just smiled. "You need to get back to training, Ji Hoon. Otherwise, your match will be a mess."

Ji Hoon let out a long sigh. "I know, I know..." he replied, but his eyes began to glance at his coach who didn't seem to be letting go.

After a while, his coach finally gave up and let Ji Hoon go. "Don't take too long, Ji Hoon. I'll wait for you at the gym tomorrow morning," his coach said as he turned around.

Soo Jin looked at Ji Hoon curiously, then said, "You're done now, right?"

"Yes," Ji Hoon replied as he scratched the back of his neck, a little awkwardly. "Thank you for helping, Soo Jin."

Soo Jin just nodded, then turned away. "I have to go now too. I need to pick up my sister from school. Just use a simple motorcycle," she said with a smile, although there was a look of fatigue on her face.

"Your sister?" asked Ji Hoon curiously.

"Yes," Soo Jin replied briefly. "She's the mute one. I have to pick her up every day."

Ji Hoon nodded in understanding. "Take good care of her, okay?"

Soo Jin smiled slightly. "Of course. See you later, Ji Hoon."

After that, Soo Jin hurried to the parking lot where her bike was parked. Ji Hoon stared at her retreating back, then slowly walked towards his boxing practice. There was a warm feeling in his chest, though a little confused about the increasingly complicated feelings between him and Soo Jin. However, one thing is certain-he will face the match with vigor, for his own sake, and perhaps also for the sake of someone he cares about more than just a friend.