The next day on campus, Bella caught sight of an unfamiliar figure near the student union, a girl with sharp eyes and effortless style, talking animatedly with Yunho. She wore confidence like a second skin and when Yunho laughed at something she said, there was an easy familiarity between them.
Bella's stomach twisted.
Later, Emily noticed her glance and leaned in, lowering her voice. "That's Claire. She's from one of the top business families here. Knows how to make an impression."
Bella frowned. "She seems… friendly."
Emily smirked with a raised eyebrow. "That's one way to put it. Claire's got a rep for not letting anything... or anyone, get in her way. She gets what she wants."
Bella watched as Claire slipped a hand on Yunho's shoulder, the casual touch that said more than words. Yunho didn't pull away.
Emily shrugged. "If I were you, I'd keep an eye on her."
Bella swallowed hard, realising this wasn't just about Yunho anymore. It was about navigating the complicated dance of attention, power and feelings, something she thought she was done with, but maybe never really was.
Yunho noticed it before Bella did, the way Claire seemed to hover around him with an effortless charm, always ready with a joke or a question that made his chest tighten in an unfamiliar way.
He wasn't sure if Claire knew exactly what she was doing, but it was clear she was playing for keeps. He caught Bella watching them once, a shadow flickering across her face. It made him pause.
Part of him felt protective, wanting to shield Bella from whatever game Claire was starting. But another part of him bristled at the thought of being caught between the two.
He didn't want to hurt anyone, not Bella, not Claire. But feelings weren't something you controlled easily.
He wondered if Bella would understand that he was trying to be non-confrontational. He just needs to be firm with Claire, that's all. He tried to wave at Bella to get her attention, to show her that he's aware but she's already turned her head and walked off in the opposite direction.
The next day, Claire found Yunho near the library, pretending to browse books but really waiting for the right moment. When he looked up, she didn't hesitate.
"Yunho," she said, her voice steady and confident. "How about we grab dinner this weekend? Just the two of us."
He blinked, caught off guard by the straightforward invite.
Claire smiled warmly, leaning in just a little. "I mean to thank you for helping me for the materials you lend me from lecture."
Yunho hesitated, feeling the weight of her gaze and the sudden intensity of the moment.
"Thanks for that. I'll have to take a rain check this time." he said finally, managing a small smile.
Claire's smile didn't waver. "I'll hold you to that."
As she walked away, Yunho's mind raced. This was no casual invitation; it was a clear signal that Claire was serious in her pursue and she was ready to fight for his attention.
Later that evening in his house, Yunho's fingers traced lazy circles along Bella's back, memorizing the feel of her as if trying to anchor himself to this moment. He could feel the rapid beat of her heart against his chest, matching the chaos swirling in his own.
"Stay," he whispered, voice rough and low.
Yunho leaned in slowly, his lips barely touching hers at first, soft and tentative. Bella's breath hitched, her eyes fluttering closed. The world seemed to quiet around them, the hum of the night fading into the background.
He kissed her again, a little deeper this time, careful and full of warmth. His hand rested gently on her waist, before pulling her up along the entire length of his body so that she was resting on top of him. Bella blushed and squirmed but Yunho broke the kiss and whispered seriously. "You are making it worse." Bella's fingers stilled before she curled lightly around his shirt, "I'm heavy."
Yunho smiled lazily at her. "The sofa can support both our weight, I assure you." Ignoring her protests and pulling her back for a fervent kiss.
They moved together with a calm, easy rhythm, no rush, just the simple comfort of being close. Each kiss carried a quiet promise, a shared understanding that this moment was theirs alone.
When they finally pulled apart, Yunho rested his forehead against hers, a soft smile playing on his lips. "I've wanted to do that for a long time," he murmured.
Bella smiled back, cheeks flushed, her heart fluttering in a way she hadn't expected. "Me too."