(Eun-ji's POV)
The rumor had faded from whispers to background noise. It hadn't disappeared completely, but people were starting to find new topics, new gossip to chew on. I thought things would return to normal.
But what was "normal" anymore when every time I looked at Soo-min, my chest felt like it was working against me?
---
A Sudden Announcement
"Attention, everyone!" The class representative clapped at the front of the lecture hall, her voice louder than the professor's. "The college festival committee needs volunteers this week! Games, food stalls, stage events—the works."
College festival?
Excitement rippled through the room. Festivals were a big deal here, the kind of event that stretched late into the night with lights, music, and endless food.
Beside me, Yura immediately clasped her hands together. "Yes! Yes, yes, yes, we're doing this. No arguments."
Hye-jin groaned. "Don't drag me into your chaos."
"You'll come anyway," Mirae said with her soft smile, not even looking up from her notes.
Hye-jin threw her pen at her. "Traitor."
I laughed quietly, but when I glanced sideways, Soo-min was already looking at me. Her expression was unreadable, but there was a certain tilt to her lips, a question lingering in her eyes. I swallowed. Don't overthink. Don't overthink.
---
Planning the Booth
By the afternoon, the five of us had been roped into running a booth together. Yura was practically vibrating with excitement as she spread the pamphlet across the table. "Food stalls are boring, games are basic… oooohh, what about a fortune-telling booth?"
"You? Telling fortunes?" Hye-jin barked out a laugh. "The only thing you'd predict is how fast you'll spend all your money."
Yura stuck out her tongue. "Fine, then what do you suggest?"
"Something simple," Mirae cut in gently. "We don't have unlimited time."
The argument spiraled into playful bickering. I half-listened, doodling in my notebook, until a low voice spoke beside me. "What do you want to do?"
Soo-min
My pen froze mid-stroke. Soo-min was leaning closer, her elbow resting casually on the desk, but her gaze was fixed on me. "I— um," I fumbled, heat crawling up my neck. "Anything's fine. As long as we're together."
Her lips curved slightly. "Together, huh?"
My face flamed. I wanted to bury myself under the desk. But before I could, Hye-jin shouted, "Done! We're doing a photo booth. Easy setup, fun for everyone, and Eun-ji's artistic, so she can decorate it."
"Wait, what?" I blinked.
"Perfect!" Yura clapped, ignoring my protest. "Photo booth it is!"
And just like that, my fate was sealed.
---
The Festival Begins
The festival day came faster than expected. Our booth was tucked into a corner near the courtyard, strung with fairy lights and painted backdrops I had spent two sleepless nights finishing.
"Looks amazing!" Yura beamed, dragging Mirae into the setup.
Hye-jin handled customers with surprising efficiency, shouting directions like a general commanding soldiers. I adjusted the backdrop nervously, brushing stray strands of my black hair behind my ear.
Then a shadow fell beside me. "You overdid it."
I turned to find Soo-min standing there, hands in her pockets, short brown hair ruffled slightly by the evening breeze.
"Overdid?" I pouted. "I wanted it to look nice."
"It does." Her voice softened, almost a whisper. "Because you made it."
My chest tightened. Before I could reply, Hye-jin's yell shattered the moment. "Stop flirting and help, Soo-min!"
I nearly choked. "W-we're not—!"
But Soo-min only smirked faintly and moved to carry the heavy props like it was nothing.
---
The Photo
The booth was a hit. Students lined up in pairs and groups, snapping silly photos with props and filters.
At one point, Yura shoved me toward the backdrop. "Your turn! Eun-ji, go take one!"
"I'm working!" I protested, but she was stronger than she looked.
Before I could escape, Yura added with an evil grin, "With Soo-min."
Time froze. I spun to protest—but Soo-min was already beside me, sliding into the frame without hesitation.
My heart pounded so loud I could barely hear the shutter click. We stood close, too close, shoulders brushing. She didn't move away, not even when the flash went off.
When the photo printed seconds later, Yura snatched it gleefully. "Awwww, look at you two!"
I reached to grab it, Flustered . "Delete it!"
But Soo-min took it calmly from Yura's hand. She didn't tear it. Didn't return it. She just tucked it neatly into her pocket. My throat went dry.
---
The Lanterns
By nightfall, the festival glowed with lanterns and music. Crowds bustled, laughter echoed, and the air smelled of fried food and sugar.
Our group walked together, but the crowd slowly pushed us apart. I ended up beside Soo-min, the noise of our friends fading into the distance.
She held a small lantern the festival committee had given out, its warm light glowing against her face.
"You looked happy today," she said suddenly.
"I… I was," I admitted, fiddling with my sleeves. "It was fun."
Her eyes lingered on me, unreadable. Then, softly, "You should smile like that more often."
I froze, breath caught in my chest. And then the fireworks began, scattering colors across the sky.
For a moment, I forgot the crowd, the noise, even the rumors. All I felt was the quiet brush of her shoulder against mine, steady and close.
And I realized— Whatever this was between us, it was only getting harder to ignore.
---
Fireworks and Feelings
The fireworks lit up the sky in a riot of colors, and I felt like I was floating. Soo-min's presence was like a warm, steady hum beside me. We didn't talk much, just walked side by side as the crowd cheered and laughed.
At one point, she turned to me with a small smile. "Want to get some food?"
I nodded, and we walked to a nearby stall selling candied apples and fried dough. The smell of sugar and fried food filled the air, making my stomach growl a little louder.
She must hear it,didn't she?
It's embarrassing!
We got a couple of skewers and walked around, munching in comfortable silence.
The festival was winding down, but the atmosphere was still electric. People were dancing, laughing, and having a great time. We found a spot near the courtyard and sat down, watching the stragglers.
"So," Soo-min said after a while, her voice low and teasing. "You did a great job on the booth."
"Thanks," I said, feeling a warmth spread through me. "You helped a lot too."
She shrugged, her shoulder brushing against mine. "I just carried stuff. You made it look beautiful."
I blushed, looking away. We sat in silence for a bit, watching the stars twinkle above.
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