Our Love Story

4. Comfort

Soohyun parked his car in his reserved spot, stepping out as he grabbed his belongings. His gaze landed on Jiwon's cap, the one she had given him yesterday. A soft smile tugged at his lips as he picked it up and placed it on his head. He looked like a boy proudly showing off a gift. Slinging his bag over his shoulder, he exited the car and began walking toward class.

On the way, he spotted Haein, who had just parked his own car.

"Soohyun-a!" Haein called, jogging to catch up. Soohyun slowed his pace, waiting for him.

"Nice cap," Haein commented, nodding toward the hat. Soohyun's grin widened, clearly pleased.

"New one?" Haein asked, walking alongside Soohyun toward their classroom. The cap seemed familiar, but he couldn't quite place it.

"Ani," Soohyun teased, leaving a pause, clearly waiting for Haein's curiosity to rise.

"Then?" Haein rolled his eyes, adjusting the straps of his bag as they waited for the elevator.

"Jiwon gave it to me," Soohyun finally revealed, proud as he placed his bag down at his seat.

"Jjinja?!" Haein's exaggerated reaction made Soohyun burst into laughter.

"Yak, Kim Soohyun!" Haein playfully punched his shoulder, causing Soohyun to chuckle. As the two friends made their way toward the school hall, they heard a familiar voice.

"Jung Haein!" Somin waved, standing next to Jiwon, who greeted them with a shy smile.

"Unnie, I'm heading to class," Jiwon said softly, looking at Somin, who nodded.

"Let's go," Soohyun offered, reaching for Jiwon's backpack before she could protest. He casually slung it over his shoulder, leaving the others behind.

As Soohyun slung Jiwon's backpack over his shoulder and walked ahead, a small tug of amusement pulled at Haein's lips. He glanced over at Somin, who had just caught up to them, noticing how her eyes were following the pair with growing curiosity.

"Did he just—" Somin began, eyes wide with surprise as she saw Soohyun effortlessly hoisting Jiwon's bag onto his shoulder like it was the most natural thing in the world. The way Jiwon was trying to get it back, with her flustered expression and soft protests, made the scene even more amusing.

"Yep," Haein smirked, crossing his arms as they both watched the dynamic unfold before them. Jiwon trailed after Soohyun, her steps quick as she tried to retrieve her bag, but Soohyun skillfully dodged her efforts, chuckling each time she got close.

Somin shook her head, her eyebrows raising in disbelief. "I never thought I'd see Soohyun acting like this," she muttered, watching the way Soohyun bent down slightly to look at Jiwon's pout, his expression soft and fond. He ruffled her hair gently, and Jiwon's sulk deepened, which only seemed to make Soohyun more entertained.

"Looks like our best friend is falling hard for your baby cousin," Haein teased, a playful glint in his eye as he nudged Somin lightly.

Somin couldn't help but laugh, though she shook her head again in mock disbelief. "What a plot twist. I thought they were just getting close because of you and me, but..." Her voice trailed off as she studied the scene ahead, noting how Soohyun seemed different—lighter, more carefree when he was around Jiwon.

"Look at him," Haein added, chuckling as Soohyun smiled at Jiwon, his eyes soft as he teased her gently. "He's even got that proud smile every time she tries to argue back. It's like he's showing off."

Somin's eyes then flickered to Soohyun's head, and something clicked. "Wait a second... Is that...?" Her gaze narrowed. She recognized the familiar baseball cap sitting proudly atop Soohyun's head.