It was strange because she never really felt this way before but, Sarang wasn’t totally stupid. She knew that what she was currently feeling was jealousy. Although it took a while, she was finally able to distinguish it.

And that feeling always arose whenever her eyes would catch Jayoung and Hanbin together. Sarang personally didn’t have anything against the girl but this unpleasant feeling always made an appearance when Sarang would see the two talking to each other.

But, it wasn’t because she liked Hanbin….right? She only missed his presence around her. Instead of spending time with her, he was spending it with Jayoung.

Yet, what right did Sarang have to complain? He wasn’t hers to keep.

Sarang could only sigh as Hanbin and Jayoung walked by her. They were both heading to the classroom together and Hanbin didn’t even turn around to give her his usual smile. Sarang frowned as she closed her locker and headed towards the classroom.

It only got worse as class began. She couldn’t focus on the teacher’s lecture but instead focused on Hanbin and the girl beside him. A feeling of regret washed over Sarang as she remembered she was the one that switched seats with Jayoung.

Sarang wasn’t one to be selfish and she was trying so goddamn hard to talk reason to herself. Telling herself that she shouldn’t be like this but, it was hard.

Maybe if she got a chance to speak to Hanbin, it’ll assure her that he hadn’t completely forgotten about her. She just needed something. A single word or a single look of acknowledgement is enough.

***

When Sarang heard the bell ring for lunch, she threw her books into her bag at the speed of light and jumped up from her seat.

Just one word or look. That was all she needed.

She walked over to Hanbin’s desk and at that moment, she forgot to think of what to say. Hanbin looked up when he noticed an unfamiliar presence by his desk. But after seeing who it was, a smile naturally formed on his face.

“Hey, Sarang.”

At that acknowledgement, Sarang felt all of her troubles vanish. “Hey, Hanbin.” At the same time, an idea popped into Sarang’s head and it took her a minute to decide whether or not to ask. “Can I eat lunch with you today?”

Hanbin was slightly taken back by the request since it was out of the ordinary for Sarang to ask something like that but, it did nothing but made him happy. “Sure.” He stated without delay but his smile quickly disappeared when he remembered something. “Oh wait, there’s something I need to do but Jinhwan and Bobby can keep you company.” Hanbin offered. He was sure the boys wouldn’t mind.

“Oh.” Sarang tried to hide her disappointment with a smile. “Okay.”

“What are you two talking about?” Bobby walked over with Jinhwan.

Hanbin looked up at his friends. “Sarang wants to eat with us but I have something I need to take care of.”

Bobby eyed his friend suspiciously. It was obvious Hanbin was up to something but he hadn’t had the chance to ask. But, the look disappeared when he turned to Sarang, “Finally, a girl is joining us.” He joked and Sarang returned a chuckle.

“Okay, then see you guys later.” Hanbin waved and Sarang turned to watch him leave the room. And then the familiar uncomfortable feeling bubbled at the bottom of her stomach.

Jayoung was waiting by the door and the two left together.

Jinhwan who had been quiet on the side noticed Sarang’s dampened expression and followed her line of sight. He couldn’t help but smile when he knew what was going on. He looked over at Bobby and whispered so Sarang wouldn’t hear. “The roles had switched.”

***

The two boys watched Sarang pick at her food.

“Sarang, is it fun to play with food?” Bobby asked teasingly.

“Huh?” Sarang stopped her movements to look up only to see the two boys across from her staring back.

“Is something wrong?” Jinhwan asked caringly. But, he knew. He knew why she was like this and he needed her to come to terms with it. Today was the last day for Hanbin to stay in the past and Jinhwan was willing to do anything to help Hanbin. He wanted Hanbin to get closure from this trip.

Sarang attempted a smile and shook her head. “No.”

Jinhwan nodded and looked to the side. “Hm, I wonder where Hanbin went?” He slyly stated and eyed Sarang for a reaction. He felt bad for using this trick but he needed to give her a nudge to finally see that maybe she had developed feelings for Hanbin.

Sarang bit the bait and looked up. “What do you mean?”

Jinhwan continued his innocent front, even though it wasn’t really hard for him. “Well, him and Jayoung have been spending a lot of time together and he stopped telling us things.”

Bobby gave Jinhwan a questioning look. “Wha –“ Before he could get the full word out, Jinhwan nudged him and gave him a look that Bobby caught right away. “Yeah, it’s strange, isn’t it?” Bobby played along.

“That Hanbin and Jayoung are together?” Sarang asked curiously. She thought to herself that maybe she hasn’t been the only one that noticed it.

“Yeah, I think she had a crush on him.” Bobby stated casually.

“Doesn’t she still like him?” Jinhwan added from the side.

The news did nothing to comfort Sarang and she gripped the bottom of her skirt as she listened to them. “Does Hanbin like her?” Sarang couldn’t help but ask.

Jinhwan and Bobby tried hard not to laugh seeing the panicked look on Sarang’s face and expertly hid it. They both shrugged and Bobby answered. “Jayoung is smart and pretty, totally Hanbin’s type. So, who knows.”

Wait, but Hanbin told her that he loves her so how could he be so fickle with his feelings? But then, she would catch herself. She was the one who didn’t want to return his feelings so what right did she have to stop Hanbin from liking someone else that might like him back? She sighed and the two boys noticed her turmoil.

“If they do like each other, what are they waiting for?” Jinhwan pretended to ask. “They should hurry and date. If Hanbin waits any longer, someone would show up and steal Jayoung. Right, Bobby?”

Bobby nodded. “Of course and then Hanbin will regret not admitting his feelings fast enough.”

That struck a chord in Sarang. What if Hanbin and Jayoung did started dating? Would she be okay with that?

“Are you okay?” Jinhwan asked Sarang and pulled her out of her thoughts.

“I’m fine.” She smiled at him but, her worries continued to plague her.

“Are you stressed out about something?” Bobby joined in. The two were conspiring with each other and Sarang didn’t even have a clue. What a cute girl, they thought.

Sarang shook her head. She couldn’t possibly tell them since she couldn’t even figure out her own thoughts. Would it bother her if they did date? But, it would only bother her if she likes Hanbin…so, did she like him? At that moment, she remembered what Hanbin once told her. She once asked him how he knew he loves her and he told her three things.

Did they apply to her as well?<