The next day, the classroom felt different.
Bomi sat at her desk quietly, barely smiling.
Meanwhile Hanz acted the same as always—reading, ignoring everyone.
But occasionally, he glanced at her.
Only for a split second.
But enough to show she was still on his mind.
After school, Bomi gathered the courage to approach him.
"Hanz… have you thought about it?"
Hanz looked away.
"I can't."
Bomi lowered her head. "I see…"
"I don't like being around people," Hanz continued.
"And if I stay close to you, the rumors will only get worse."
Bomi nodded.
Not angry.
Not complaining.
Just quietly accepting—like she always did.
"Thank you… for thinking about it," she said softly.
"And I'm sorry if I troubled you."
She turned around to leave.
That was when two students passing the stairs spoke just loud enough:
"Look, Bomi's at it again—chasing after Hanz."
"She should stay with the popular guys. Why him?"
Bomi stopped.
Didn't turn around.
She was used to comments like that.
But Hanz?
For the first time, his expression cracked.
He turned toward the two students with a sharp, icy stare.
"If you want to gossip," he said coldly,
"don't insult other people while doing it."
The two froze—then hurried away.
Bomi slowly turned back.
Her eyes widened a little, surprised.
She smiled—small, fragile, but genuine.
Hanz exhaled deeply.
"…Meet me in the library tomorrow," he said.
"H-Huh?"
"There's something I need to talk about."
Then he walked away—leaving Bomi standing there, heart beating uncontrollably.