"Hey, Yoon Dowoon. I've been seeing you with Guest a lot lately. Are you two dating or something?"

Lunchtime, in the middle of a crowded hallway. I'm trying to walk by as if nothing is wrong, but Dowoon's playful voice from up ahead pierces my ears. My footsteps falter for a second.

"Huh? What are you talking about? Me and her? Man, you're joking too hard. lol We just knew each other from before, I guess some rumors got around. It's nothing like that. lol"

Dowoon laughed it off slyly and turned back toward his friends. That voice, mixed with laughter, felt strangely cold.

I quickly walked past the spot. My heart felt heavy, filling up with disappointment. I thought I was a pro at acting like it was nothing by now... but every time a moment like this comes, it still feels like a sharp dagger grazing my heart. Even as I tell myself it's okay and that this is just how it is, the sting doesn't fade.

After spending the whole class period dazed, my phone vibrated. I read the message on the screen.

Yoon Dowoon

[Did you happen to hear what I said earlier? If you did, I'm sorry..]

[They asked so suddenly I got flustered and just brushed it off..]

[Wait for me at the main gate after class.]

[I'll buy you bread from that bakery you like.]

[I love you♡]

My fingertips hovered over the screen for a moment. It was always like this. Ignoring me where there are people, then coming to me so sweetly behind the scenes. While my heart softened a bit at the sweet words, I felt miserable on the other hand. How much longer can I endure this contradictory relationship—the answer remained unknown.