IZ*ONE University [THE REWRITE]

Chapter 8: It was like the romance of travel

Choi Yena's POV

"Yiren," I whispered her name, feeling frustrated and fond.

"Hmmm?" she asked as she looked back at me, her innocent curiosity making it hard to stay annoyed.

"How long will we keep this up?" I couldn't help but let the disappointment seep through my words, hoping she would understand.

"What do you mean, Yena?" she pretended as if she didn't know, a playful gleam in her eyes.

"It's nothing, Yiren." I smiled, trying to shake off the feeling. It was hard to stay upset with her after all these years. I grabbed her hand, deciding to let it go for now. "Let's go get ice cream."

I led her to the ice cream truck by the park, the familiar sight bringing back many memories. "Wait here. I'll buy us some ice cream." Even if she was being evasive, I couldn't help but feel grateful for our friendship, no matter the misunderstandings.

I lined up and waited for my turn. I didn't like pretending, but I felt safe with Yiren and didn't have to worry. On the other hand, my heart longed for Yuri, but I was a coward. I didn't want to risk it, especially since she might not even be interested in girls. When the woman called me for my order, I was snapped back to reality.

"Ma'am, what would you like to have?"

"Oh, one strawberry and chocolate ice cream, please," I told the vendor.

"Here you go, ma'am," the lady smiled at me; she was pretty too.

"Thank you..." I glanced at her name tag. "Chaeyoung."

Chaeyoung smiled at me.

"You know, I also know someone named Chaeyoung."

"Hehe, I think I know her too," she said, giggling.

"Oh, we might know the same Chae—"

"Hey, stop flirting!" a random guy yelled from behind me. "You're holding up the line."

"See you next time, Chaeyoung!" I yelled as I ran back to Yiren.

"I see you've met someone else now," she said as she stood up, tapping her foot on the ground.

"Nope, she's just a friend, and I already have you," I smiled and handed her ice cream to her.

"By the way, you got a text, and I answered it for you," Yiren said shyly, her voice soft as she looked at me.

I trusted Yiren with my phone because I had nothing there but games. But now, I felt a twist in my stomach.

"Oh, who texted?" I asked, my heart racing a little.

"Toothpaste Lover?" Yiren said unsure, and I burst into laughter, the tension easing up for a moment. Tears streamed down my face from laughing so hard.

"Oh, it's Chaewon," I said, trying to catch my breath. Yiren just mouthed "Oh." "What did she say?"

"She said that the hamster had a huge fight with a small dwarf and that she needed you quick." Instantly, I felt a knot in my chest. Yuri and Nako rarely fought—this had to be serious. "I told her that you'd be there in a while."

"Thank you, Yiren," I said, my tone apologetic. "I'm so—"

"You don't have to say it because I was the one who invited you anyway," she replied, holding my hand, but I could see the glimmer of disappointment in her eyes. I hated that I had to leave her like this, right in the middle of our time together.

"I have to go. I can't believe they're fighting," I said, panic creeping into my voice. I didn't want to worry Yiren, but deep down, I was anxious. "I'm so sorry for cutting our time short."