Bastion - an institution/place/person that strongly remains particular principles, attitudes or activities. 

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"U-uh..is there anything wrong, Jennie?" Nayeon asked, both confused and concerned about Jennie's sudden outburst.

Jennie felt a wave of awkwardness wash over her as she surveyed the shocked expressions on her classmates' faces. She couldn't help but notice Yoona trying her best not to burst into laughter, which only fueled Jennie's embarrassment. She shot Yoona a playful glare, to which Yoona responded with an amused expression.

"I mean... It would be rude to have her participate as 'bait,' considering she's our teacher," Jennie began, recovering her composure. She cast a pointed look around the room, her classmates nodding in agreement. "What if she feels like we're pressuring her into something she's uncomfortable with? Just because we have a goal doesn't mean we should disregard her feelings. She's been a great help, but we should respect her decision."

The room fell into a contemplative silence as the students absorbed Jennie's words. Yoona observed the interaction, clearly amused by Jennie's assertiveness. Jennie's friends, who knew the real reason behind her initial reaction, exchanged knowing looks. Jennie didn't want anyone else kissing Yoona – it was a simple yet potent explanation for her outburst.

Nayeon took Jennie's words to heart and apologized to Yoona, bowing her head as a sign of sincerity. "I'm sorry, Ms. Im, if it came across that way. I didn't mean to exploit the situation."

Yoona smiled warmly at Nayeon's apology. "It's alright, Nayeon. I appreciate your honesty and willingness to listen."

Nayeon straightened up, looking eager to move forward. "Shall we start setting up the booth, Ms. Im? Can we begin now?"

Yoona nodded, acknowledging Nayeon's leadership. "Yes, you can all go ahead."

As the students began to leave the classroom, the boys couldn't wait to get started and rushed out energetically, as anticipated by Yoona. Among the stragglers, Jennie remained behind. She pulled her chair to the front of the room and started rummaging in her bag.

Observing Jennie's actions, Yoona arched an eyebrow, curious about what the brunette was up to.

"Have you had breakfast yet?" Jennie revealed two red lunch boxes, setting them on the desk and removing the lids. "Because I haven't."

Yoona's gaze shifted to the lunch boxes, and watered as she saw an array of sushi and kimbap – some of her favorite foods.

"They look delicious," Yoona commented, her eyes fixed on the appetizing spread.

Jennie beamed at Yoona's reaction and handed her a pair of chopsticks. "I made them myself. I asked my mom to teach me, and this is the result of my cooking. I hope you like it."

While Yoona had already eaten breakfast earlier, she found it difficult to refuse Jennie's gesture. She knew how much effort must have gone into making these dishes.

"I'll be the judge of that. Let's see if your skills live up to your claims," Yoona said playfully.

Jennie rolled her eyes in a mock show of exasperation, but underneath the banter, she was genuinely eager to see Yoona's reaction. She watched intently as Yoona picked up a piece of sushi and took a bite. The scrutiny made Jennie nervous.

Yoona sensed Jennie's anticipation and decided to have a little fun. She gave the sushi a deliberate thumbs-down and teased, "Sorry, but it's too salty for my taste. Maybe you should let your mom handle the cooking next time."

Jennie's eyes widened in shock, her playful expression shifting to one of hurt. "Are you serious?"

The surprise in Jennie's voice was too good to resist. Yoona burst into laughter, unable to maintain her poker face any longer. Jennie couldn't help but join in the laughter, realizing that Yoona had been teasing her all along.

"You're mean, Ms. Im," Jennie said with a playful pout.

Yoona's laughter subsided, and she looked at Jennie with a fond smile. "I'm just kidding. The sushi is amazing, Jennie. Your cooking skills are impressive."

Jennie's pout turned into a satisfied grin. "I knew it! I'm glad you like it."

"So this is why you didn't join your classmates outside," Yoona began, her tone laced with amusement, after finishing the sushi and kimbap that Jennie had prepared. Jennie was still eating, her appetite not quite as robust as Yoona's. "I've heard you've been part of the representative team for your class's kissing booth in the past. Why did you refuse this time?"

Jennie met Yoona's gaze, setting down her chopsticks as she finished her meal. "Because I'm your girlfriend now," she responded, a confident look in her eyes. She began cleaning up their lunch boxes, efficiently placing everything back into her bag and restoring her chair to its original position.

Yoona chuckled at Jennie's response, admiring her confidence. "That's a valid reason."

Jennie sighed, looking thoughtful as they began to walk together toward the vending machine. "I should have been more specific in my answers earlier, though. I could tell that our class president was disappointed."

As they walked, Yoona inserted some coins into the vending machine and selected a soda along with a carton of milk – Jennie's favorite. Jennie accepted the milk with a shy smile, touched by Yoona's consideration.

"What's the difference now?" Yoona raised an eyebrow, taking a sip of her soda before offering it to Jennie, who declined but thanked her. They continued walking toward the field, where the students were gathered.

Jennie's expression turned serious as she responded, "The difference is that I'm more mature now." She met Yoona's gaze, her determination evident. "I respect our relationship, and that's why I made that decision. We have a significant between us, and I understand the implications. I don't want to jeopardize what we have. It's the last thing I want."

Yoona chuckled softly and playfully ruffled Jennie's hair, earning a playful glare from the brunette. "You're worried I'd get jealous, aren't you?" Jennie nodded sheepishly, admitting to it. 

"Don't worry about that," Yoona reassured her. "I'm not easily jealous. If you change your mind, go for it. It won't affect us."

Jennie's thoughts were racing, and she could feel how different her relationship with Yoona was compared to her previous ones. The brought unique challenges, but it also brought an opportunity for her to mature and grow. She acknowledged that she used to be childish, especially in her past relationships, but being with Yoona required a different approach.

She reflected on the differences between Jongin and Yoona. With Jongin, she realized she hadn't invested much in their relationship and often acted selfishly. Their future wasn't a major consideration. However, with Yoona, she felt the chance to learn and experience new things. She knew she had a lot more to understand about herself, Yoona, and their relationship.

Jennie remembered a dream she had the previous night – a dream of having a family with Yoona. It was an impossible dream in terms of biological children, but the imagery brought her happiness. She was ready to take the risks and explore the uncharted territory of their relationship. She knew that being with Yoona would offer her growth and discovery that she hadn't experienced before.

"Thank you for understanding and considering my feelings," Jennie said softly, her gaze lowered as she kicked at the ground. She glanced around the area, noticing a CCTV camera. She realized that their conversation had been under surveillance. "I'm sorry if my decision disappoints you."

Yoona observed Jennie's demeanor and took in her words. She looked around and spotted a CCTV camera, feeling a bit frustrated that their privacy was compromised. "Don't worry about it, Jennie. I appreciate your honesty. I'm not trying to pressure you."

Jennie looked up and smiled softly, reassured by Yoona's understanding. She had initially thought that Yoona's question was about including her as a representative, but now she realized it was about the kissing booth. She felt a mixture of emotions, relieved that Yoona wasn't pushing her and grateful for the depth of their connection.

As they continued walking toward the field, they saw students bustling around, decorating their booth. Yoona noticed a commotion between Seulgi and Irene, and she turned to ask Jennie's friends about it.

"What's happening with them?" Yoona inquired, curious about the situation.

"Irene unnie is upset because Seulgi volunteered to be one of the representatives," Wendy explained, shaking her head as she continued to work on the booth.

Yoona feigned concern, well aware of the dynamics between the two. "Will they be okay?"

Joy chimed in, giving Yoona insight into their relationship. "They're like that all the time, Ms. Im. Don't be surprised if they're back to normal later."

Jennie leaned in and whispered to Yoona, acknowledging the relationship dynamics. "It's a relationship thing."

Nayeon, the class president, approached Jennie and urged her to be a representative, but Jennie was resolute. She rolled her eyes and returned to Yoona's side. "Not a chance."

Yoona chuckled at the exchange, appreciating Jennie's firm stance. "You stick with me too much, they might start wondering."

Jennie smiled and nodded, understanding the implications. She decided to join her friends at the booth, giving Yoona a reassuring glance before leaving her side.

As Jennie integrated with her friends, Yoona watched them work together on the booth. She observed Lisa and Jennie talking, noting Lisa's expressions as she interacted with Jennie. Lisa's actions and expressions indicated an interest beyond friendship. "She likes Jennie," Yoona muttered to herself, intrigued by the dynamic.

Suddenly, Yoona was approached by two shy students holding paper bags. They offered her dried seaweed snacks as a gesture of goodwill. "You really didn't have to, but thank you," Yoona said as she accepted the gift.

The students introduced themselves as Park Min-ah and Choi Yura. They asked if they could shake Yoona's hand. "Of course," Yoona agreed with a warm smile, shaking their hands.

She shook her head and sighed, feeling like the students had wasted their money buying her snacks.

"Wow you're really popular here."

Yoona was startled when someone spoke beside her. She turned to see her co-teacher, Im Nana, who was majoring in dramatic arts. Nana commented on Yoona's popularity, mentioning the students who had given her the paper bags earlier.

"You're her adviser?" 

"Yes, I am. When I first came here, a lot of students did the same with me. I guess it's your time to shine now. I mean, I wouldn't be surprised because you've got the looks." Nana's casual conversation had a hint of nervousness, as if she had gathered all her courage to talk to Yoona. This was the first time they were having a conversation.

Yoona smiled and waved off her compliment. "No worries. Thanks for the kind words."

Nana's gaze remained on Yoona until Yoona broke the eye contact. They chatted for a bit, with Nana mentioning that her students adored Yoona. They didn't notice that many students were glancing at them, including Jennie, who was staring at them with a particular intensity.

Meanwhile, back at the booth, Lisa and Jennie's classmates were gossiping about the interactions between Yoona and Nana.

"When did they get so close?" one classmate whispered.

Lisa noticed Jennie's expression, which was a mix of anger and frustration. She asked Jennie what was wrong, and Jennie dismissed it casually. However, Lisa could sense that something was bothering her.

As the class ended, Yoona and Jennie left for "The Frame Bowling Lounge," a place Yoona had planned to go with her friends, but Jennie had suggested that Yoona come along. Despite the plan, Jennie was behaving distantly, responding with only short words. When Yoona asked about it, Jennie brushed it off, claiming it was nothing.

"What's her problem? Seriously, she's giving me a headache," Yoona muttered to herself before heading inside.

Observing Jennie's gloomy demeanor, Joy remarked, "Are you on your period? You look so pissed, girl."

The other girls shared Joy's observation, concerned about Jennie's mood. When Yoona approached, they questioned if she and Jennie had fought.

Yoona shrugged, not offering much of an explanation, and wandered around the area.

Yoona shrug as a response smacking her lips as she roamed around the area. 

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