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ׂ╰┈➤ Chapter 14 | Unveiling Feelings
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As the festival wound down, the school courtyard was bathed in the soft glow of fairy lights. The energy of the day was giving way to a calm, serene evening. Students and teachers alike were winding down, sharing stories and enjoying the festive atmosphere. Jiwon and her friends took a moment to relax, sitting in a circle on the grass near their café booth
Eunji looked around at the scene, her eyes reflecting the twinkling lights
"You know, this festival is more than just a bunch of booths and performances. It’s a tradition that brings everyone together"
Jiwon nodded, sipping on a cup of tea
"Yeah, it’s like a way to celebrate our school spirit and community. We spend all year focusing on our studies and activities, and then this one day lets us just… enjoy being together"
"Exactly"
Seoyeon agreed
"It’s a reminder of how important it is to connect with each other and create memories outside the classroom"
Sumi smiled, looking thoughtful
"And it’s a chance for us to show off a little, too. All the hard work we put into our projects and performances—it’s our time to shine"
Haeun glanced over at the group of students still lingering around their booths
"It’s nice seeing everyone so happy and relaxed. It makes all the effort worth it"
Meanwhile, across the courtyard, Yeonjun and his friends were wrapping up their booth. Beomgyu, Soobin, Taehyun, and Huening Kai were in high spirits, even after a long day of managing the game booth. They had enjoyed a steady stream of players and had a great time, despite the competition
"Hey, we should hang out after this"
Beomgyu suggested
"We’ve got a lot to celebrate"
"Yeah, sounds good"
Yeonjun agreed. He glanced over at Jiwon's café, where she and her friends were still talking and laughing. A small smile played on his lips. There was something different about today, a subtle shift in the way he felt
"Let’s head over and congratulate them on their win"
Huening Kai said, nudging Yeonjun
"I heard their café was a big hit"
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As Yeonjun and his friends approached Jiwon's friend group, the two sides exchanged smiles and greetings. The mood was relaxed and friendly, a perfect end to the festival
"Hey, you guys did great today"
Yeonjun said, his voice carrying a genuine tone
"The game booth was awesome"
"Thanks"
Jiwon replied, trying to keep her tone light
"We had a lot of fun with it"
There was a brief, comfortable silence before Eunji spoke up
"So, how was the special menu item? Did it live up to the hype?"
Yeonjun chuckled
"Definitely. You guys really outdid yourselves"
As they chatted, Jiwon found herself stealing glances at Yeonjun. There was something different about him today—he seemed more relaxed, more approachable. She couldn’t deny that a part of her was drawn to him in a way she hadn’t noticed before
Yeonjun, too, found himself more aware of Jiwon. Her laughter, her easy smile—everything seemed to take on a new light. The way she interacted with her friends, the way she looked at him with curiosity—it stirred something within him.The conversation shifted to the festival’s meaning and what it meant to them
"It’s a special day"
Yeonjun said thoughtfully
"not just because of all the activities, but because of the way it brings everyone together. It’s like a reminder of what we’re all about"
Jiwon nodded in agreement
"It’s about connection and community. We’re all so busy during the year, but today—today we get to be part of something bigger"
As the night wore on, the festival’s end drew near. Jiwon and Yeonjun found themselves talking more one-on-one, away from the crowd
The conversation flowed easily, and they both felt a growing sense of comfort with each other
"You know"
Jiwon said, glancing up at the stars
"I’m really glad we got to talk today. It’s been… nice"
"Yeah, I feel the same way"
Yeonjun admitted, his gaze lingering on Jiwon
"It’s funny how a day like this can change things"
There was a moment of silence between them, a space filled with unspoken words and newfound feelings. Jiwon looked at Yeonjun, her heart racing slightly. She could sense that something was shifting, but she wasn’t quite sure what it meant yet
"Well"
Yeonjun said, breaking the silence with a soft smile
"I guess we’ll see where things go from here"
Jiwon smiled back, feeling a flutter of hope and excitement
"Yeah, I guess we will"
As the festival wrapped up and the crowd began to disperse, Jiwon and Yeonjun shared a lingering look, their feelings for each other slowly starting to unfold. The festival had been a reminder of the importance of connection, and for both of them, it had also marked the beginning of something new and unexpected
