Chapter 1
If there was one name that echoed through the halls of Haneul University, it was Bae Jinsol.
She wasn’t just known—she was practically a campus legend.
It wasn’t only because she was the top student in mechanical engineering or the MVP of the university’s basketball team. It wasn’t just because of her sharp wit, easygoing nature, or the way she could make even the strictest professors crack a smile. It was something about the way she carried herself—confident, untouchable, and effortlessly cool.
She had a reputation for acing exams without looking stressed, for fixing broken machines in the engineering lab like it was child’s play, and for turning down confessions with a teasing smirk but never breaking a heart too harshly. Some called her a genius, others called her cocky.
But no one really knew her.
Because beneath all the charm, the casual smiles, and the perfect student act, Bae Jinsol was hiding something that no one would ever guess.
By day, she was the university’s golden girl. By night, she was Specter—the city’s anonymous, masked vigilante.
Her powers hadn’t come from destiny or some noble calling. They had come from an accident.
2 years ago, while chasing a stray cat near an abandoned construction site, she had stumbled into something she wasn’t supposed to see—a hidden underground lab, abandoned but still filled with technology far beyond anything she had studied. Before she could even process what she was looking at, an explosion shook the place, and her entire body was engulfed in a strange, glowing energy.
She should have died that night. Instead, she woke up with new abilities.
She could store kinetic energy, absorb the impact of any attack, and release it in devastating bursts. A single punch from her could send a man flying across a room. She could run faster, jump higher, and even cling to walls—defying gravity itself.
At first, she thought she was going crazy. But when she accidentally broke her dorm’s desk in half by slamming a book down too hard, she realized—this was real.
And if it was real… what was she supposed to do with it?
She tried ignoring it, pretending she was just an ordinary student. But then, one night, she saw a man trying to rob an old woman near the university gates. Her body moved before her mind could catch up. Within seconds, the mugger was on the ground, trapped in a web-like tangle of solidified kinetic energy, and the old woman was safe.
The next day, the news reported that an anonymous hero had stopped a robbery.
It was the start of something she never planned.
No one knew her name. No one had ever seen her face.
The city called her Specter—a vigilante who struck like a ghost and disappeared just as fast. Criminals feared her, the police were desperate to catch her, and the public was obsessed with her.
Her signature move? “Webbing” her enemies to walls with energy strands, a technique she developed to control her overwhelming power. Unlike superheroes from the movies, she wasn’t invincible. She could still get hurt, still bleed, still make mistakes.
But she refused to stop.
Between university exams, basketball practice, and late-night patrols, her life was a carefully balanced chaos. The exhaustion was brutal, the injuries were hard to hide, but the rush of adrenaline—the thrill of saving people and knowing she was making a difference—was impossible to walk away from.
But if there was one name that carried weight at Haneul University, it was Seol Yoona.
People knew her. People admired her. People feared her.
It wasn’t just because she was the most beautiful girl on campus, though that was the first thing anyone noticed. Yoona had the kind of classic, effortless beauty that felt almost unreal. Long, sleek black hair that framed her sharp, deer-like eyes, a naturally elegant posture, and an aura of quiet confidence that made her stand out even in a crowd.
But what made her truly unforgettable was that she was untouchable.
People called her the "Campus Goddess." Some said she was too cold, too perfect, too intimidating. Others whispered about how she had never accepted a single confession, never been seen on a date.
But Yoona didn’t care about the rumors.
Because while people were talking about her, she was watching them.
Seol Yoona wasn’t just beautiful—she was brilliant. As the editor-in-chief of the university newspaper, she had built a reputation for being ruthless when it came to the truth. If there was corruption, she found it. If there was a secret, she exposed it. If someone was lying, she could see through them instantly.
She was feared for her intelligence, her sharp tongue, and her absolute refusal to be fooled.
And that was exactly why she was dangerous.
Because Seol Yoona hated secrets.
And now, she was about to stumble into the biggest one of all.
Ever since she was young, Yoona had been drawn to the truth.
While other kids played with toys, she was reading newspapers. While her classmates were worrying about crushes, she was investigating things that didn’t add up. It started small—cheating scandals, student council corruption, hidden favoritism among professors. But as she grew older, so did her ambitions.
By the time she was in her second year of university, she had already exposed a plagiarism scandal involving a high-profile professor, helped a student win a lawsuit against an unfair expulsion, and uncovered illegal business deals happening right under the university’s nose.
She was relentless. People in power feared her.
And she loved it.
Her newspaper wasn’t just a school publication anymore—it was a weapon.
When Seol Yoona started investigating something, she didn’t stop until she found everything.
The lecture hall was buzzing with quiet conversations, students settling into their seats, flipping through notebooks, or scrolling absentmindedly through their phones. It was just another morning at Haneul University, just another class Jinsol was half-listening to while pretending to care.
She walked in with her usual easy confidence, slinging her bag over her shoulder, head held high. People turned when she entered, as they always did. Some out of admiration, some because she had a reputation for being one of the university’s most popular students.
It wasn’t intentional. Jinsol didn’t try to be that person—it just happened.
But despite the attention, her mind wasn’t on them. It was on something else. Or rather, someone else.
And before she even looked up, she knew exactly where she was sitting.
Seol Yoona.
Seated two rows ahead, as composed and elegant as ever.
Jinsol had seen Yoona a thousand times before. Shared spaces, shared air. But no matter how many times she saw her, it was never less. Never less striking, never less intimidating, never less of a problem she didn’t need in her life.
Even now, Yoona sat with perfect posture, flipping through a notebook, long dark hair cascading over her shoulder. She wasn’t even doing anything special, yet somehow, she still stood out.
Jinsol sighed. This is going to be a long semester.
And as if on cue, a familiar voice snapped her out of her thoughts.
"Well, well, well. If it isn’t our campus superstar, Bae Jinsol, finally gracing us with her presence."
Jinsol barely had time to react before Haewon, her longtime friend and professional tease, looped an arm around her shoulder.
"You flatter me," Jinsol deadpanned, shaking her off before sliding into the seat beside her. "But please, let’s keep it down. I don’t want my fan club getting the wrong idea."
Haewon snorted. "Your fan club? Babe, I think you mean ‘your harem.’"
Jinsol smirked. "Ah, right. I keep forgetting how in demand I am."
"Tch. So annoying," Haewon muttered, shaking her head dramatically. "You could literally have anyone. And yet—" She shot Jinsol a pointed look. "You still haven’t made a move on the one person that actually matters."
Jinsol blinked. "Huh?"
Haewon sighed as if she were talking to a child. Then, without any warning, she jerked her chin toward the front of the room.
Toward Yoona.
Jinsol felt her stomach drop.
She really should’ve seen this coming.
"So," Haewon began, grinning like she was enjoying this way too much. "Are you finally going to do something about your massive crush on Seol Yoona, or do I have to step in?"
Jinsol’s expression remained neutral, but internally, she was already preparing an escape plan.
"What crush?" she asked casually, stretching her arms over her head as if she wasn’t affected at all.
Haewon rolled her eyes. "Don’t play dumb. You and Yoona have been dancing around each other for years. It’s actually painful to watch. She’s single, you’re single, you’re both disgustingly attractive—it makes sense."
Jinsol scoffed. "First of all, I’m not ‘dancing’ around anyone. And second, Yoona’s not interested in dating."
"She’s not interested in other people," Haewon corrected. "But you? I think you’re different."
Jinsol turned to give her a flat look. "And what exactly makes you think that?"
Haewon smirked. "Oh, I don’t know. Maybe the fact that she looks at you."
Jinsol frowned. "Everyone looks at me."
"Not like that."
Jinsol wanted to argue, but Haewon wasn’t done. She leaned in, lowering her voice conspiratorially.
"Yoona notices you, Jinsol. And that’s saying something, because she doesn’t waste her time on people she doesn’t care about. I’ve seen it—she watches you when you’re not paying attention. Not in a creepy way, but in a... curious way."
Jinsol’s stomach did something weird.
She shrugged it off, forcing a chuckle. "Maybe she’s just fascinated by my undeniable charm."
Haewon groaned. "Or maybe she likes you, idiot."
Jinsol snorted. "Doubt it. And even if she was curious about me, it wouldn’t be in the way you’re thinking."
Because here was the truth: Seol Yoona was observant. Too observant.
And Jinsol?
Jinsol had too many secrets.
If Yoona ever got too curious—if she ever started watching too closely—she might find out things she wasn’t supposed to.
Things that could put them both in danger.
Jinsol had learned a long time ago that emotions were liabilities. Attachments made things complicated. And liking someone? That was an entirely different problem she wasn’t equipped to handle.
Especially when the person in question was Seol Yoona, the most sharp-eyed, relentless journalist on campus.
So no. Jinsol wasn’t going to "make a move." She wasn’t going to do anything that would put Yoona in her orbit more than she already was.
Because if Yoona ever figured her out…
She wouldn’t stop until she uncovered everything.
And that was something Jinsol couldn’t afford.
Jinsol wasn’t stupid.
She knew Seol Yoona was untouchable.
She had seen it happen too many times—the way people lined up, hopeful and eager, only to walk away with crushed pride and bruised egos.
Seol Yoona didn’t date.
Or rather, she tried, but it never worked out.
Jinsol had heard all the stories.
The time Yoona had agreed to go on a date with a senior who was practically worshipped on campus, only for the night to end with Yoona politely excusing herself halfway through dinner because she was bored.
The time she went out with a professor’s son—who was handsome, rich, and, from what people said, ridiculously charming—but by the next morning, he looked devastated, muttering about how she saw right through him and how he "never stood a chance."
And of course, the countless others. The fleeting crushes. The admirers who wrote letters, sent gifts, confessed under cherry blossom trees—only to be turned down with the same calm, unwavering gaze.
Yoona wasn’t cruel.
She didn’t laugh at them, didn’t mock their feelings.
But she was firm. Unshaken.
And for some reason, that made it worse.
Because no one could even be mad at her.
She never led anyone on. Never gave false hope. She simply looked at them—really looked at them—and decided it wasn’t worth it.
And Jinsol?
Jinsol had witnessed one of those rejections with her own eyes.
She hadn’t meant to. She had just been walking past the library, minding her own business, when she saw a guy—someone from the engineering department, if she remembered correctly—standing in front of Yoona, shifting nervously from foot to foot.
Even from a distance, Jinsol knew what was happening.
Another confession. Another fool thinking they could be the one to change Yoona’s mind.
She should have kept walking. Should have minded her business.
But instead, she leaned against a pillar and watched.
Because despite everything, she was curious.
And then she saw it.
The exact moment the guy’s nervous excitement turned into defeat.
Yoona wasn’t harsh—her expression remained calm, her tone even. But there was something about the way she tilted her head slightly, the way her lips curved into the faintest ghost of a smile, that made it clear:
This is never going to happen.
The guy forced out a chuckle, rubbing the back of his neck as if trying to laugh off his embarrassment. "I guess I should’ve known, huh?"
Yoona didn’t answer. She just offered a small, polite nod before walking away, leaving him standing there, staring at the ground.
And Jinsol?
She exhaled slowly, shaking her head. Damn.
Another one down.
And another reminder that Seol Yoona was out of reach.
A lesson learned.
Jinsol never confessed.
Not because she didn’t want to, but because she knew better.
She was a lot of things—reckless, impulsive, maybe even a little too arrogant for her own good—but she wasn’t dumb.
If people like that engineering guy, people smarter, richer, more charming than her, couldn’t break through Yoona’s walls, then what chance did she have?
More than that—what was the point?
Even if, by some miracle, Yoona did take an interest in her… it wouldn’t last.
Because Jinsol was hiding too much.
Because if Yoona ever got too close, if she ever started asking questions, if she ever looked at Jinsol the way she looked at her newspaper investigations—like a mystery waiting to be solved—
Then it would all be over.
So Jinsol did what she did best.
She played it cool.
She kept her distance.
She let herself admire Yoona from afar, like everyone else.
Because that was the only way to keep things safe.
Seol Yoona didn’t make a habit of staring at people.
It wasn’t her style. She was a journalist at heart, someone who observed, analyzed, and pieced together the truth without anyone realizing she was even paying attention. People often assumed she was aloof, detached from the usual social drama of university life. And most of the time, they were right.
She wasn’t easily impressed. She wasn’t curious about just anyone.
And yet—
The moment Bae Jinsol strolled into the lecture hall, Yoona’s eyes flickered toward her automatically.
She hated that.
She hated that she noticed her before she even meant to.
But how could she not?
Jinsol had that kind of presence—the kind that demanded attention without trying. She walked in like she owned the place, her stride effortless, her smirk lazy, her very existence screaming "I don’t care, but somehow, you do."
Yoona didn’t care.
Not really.
So she did what she always did—stole a single glance and then forced herself to look away.
But she wasn’t reading anymore.
Her notebook was open, pen resting on the page, but her mind?
Still stuck on Jinsol.
Tch. Annoying.
A quiet chuckle pulled her out of her thoughts.
Yoona didn’t have to look up to know who it was.
"You’re not as subtle as you think, you know."
She exhaled slowly, shifting her gaze to Kyujin, her longtime friend and professional pain in the ass.
Kyujin was staring at her, arms crossed, amusement practically dripping from her expression.
Yoona narrowed her eyes. "What?"
Kyujin tilted her head toward the back of the room, where Jinsol had just slumped into her seat, looking annoyingly perfect even as she bickered with Haewon.
"You keep looking at her."
Yoona blinked. "I don’t."
Kyujin scoffed. "You do."
"You’re imagining things."
"No, I’m watching you imagining things about her."
Yoona sighed, flipping a page in her notebook despite not having processed a single word.
"She’s just… noticeable."
Kyujin raised an eyebrow. "Noticeable?"
Yoona nodded, keeping her expression cool. "She’s loud. Late. Talks too much."
Kyujin hummed, clearly not convinced. "And yet, you keep noticing her anyway."
Yoona had no response to that.
Because, unfortunately, it was true.
And the worst part?
She wasn’t even sure when it started—when Bae Jinsol went from just another classmate in her peripheral vision to someone she actively took note of.
It wasn’t attraction. (Probably.)
It wasn’t admiration. (Definitely not.)
It was curiosity.
Because Jinsol wasn’t just some overconfident, popular student who coasted through life on charm alone.
She was something else.
Yoona wasn’t sure what, exactly. But she knew the signs of someone hiding something.
Jinsol always seemed too relaxed, too at ease—as if she was constantly watching, calculating, waiting for something.
She wasn’t lazy; she was observant.
She wasn’t aimless; she was deliberate.
And Yoona had spent too much time dissecting people’s masks not to notice when someone was wearing one.
She’d seen the way Jinsol sometimes checked her surroundings before stepping into dark hallways. The way she avoided certain questions, expertly redirecting conversations with a joke or a smirk. The way she moved differently in crowded spaces, like someone who was used to reading a room in seconds.
Like someone who had a double life.
And Seol Yoona hated unanswered questions.
So maybe that’s why she kept glancing at her.
Not because she was interested.
Not because she cared.
But because Bae Jinsol was a mystery she hadn’t solved yet.
And Yoona never let mysteries go unsolved.
The lecture had been long.
Long enough that Yoona had already started zoning out by the time the professor reached the last slide. She had taken notes—not that she needed to, she was already ahead on the reading—but the moment the professor started wrapping up, she was more focused on planning her quickest escape from the room than anything else.
Unfortunately, her plans were shattered by the professor’s next words.
"Before you leave, I want you to form groups of four for the semester project. You’ll be working together for the next few weeks, so choose wisely."
A soft groan rippled through the class.
Immediately, students turned to their friends, forming groups within seconds. Others hesitated, scanning the room for people who wouldn’t make their lives miserable.
Yoona, however, wasn’t worried.
She had Kyujin. That was one spot filled.
"Well, that’s convenient," Kyujin muttered, stretching in her seat. "We’re two, just need two more. Any preferences?"
Yoona shook her head. "As long as they actually do the work, I don’t care."
Kyujin smirked. "So, no idiots. Got it."
That was when Haewon turned around in her seat, grinning.
"Kyujin! We’re grouping, right?"
Kyujin rolled her eyes. "Obviously. You’re smart, I’m smart—" she jerked a thumb at Yoona, "—and she’s terrifying. Solid team."
Yoona shot her a blank look but didn’t argue.
That made three.
Which meant they just needed—
"Hey."
A familiar voice cut through the noise, casual and confident.
Yoona already knew who it was before she even turned.
Bae Jinsol.
Leaning against Haewon’s desk like she owned the space, hands shoved into her jacket pockets, her signature lazy smirk in place.
Haewon raised an eyebrow. "Don’t tell me you’re gonna ditch me for some randoms?"
Jinsol scoffed. "What, and miss out on the chance to make your life miserable? Nope." She jerked her chin toward the group. "You got space for one more?"
Kyujin snorted. "Wow. You didn’t even ask nicely."
Jinsol grinned. "Didn’t think I had to."
Haewon sighed, shaking her head. "Fine, whatever. You’re in."
And just like that, they had their four.
But Yoona?
She just sat there, silent, watching.
Because something about Jinsol’s presence felt too natural, like she had always belonged in this group—even though they had never really worked together before.
And what was even more annoying?
Jinsol’s eyes flickered toward her, just for a second.
Like she had been waiting for Yoona to say something.
Like she had noticed that Yoona had been noticing her.
And Yoona hated that.
Because she didn’t like being noticed. Not like that.
Jinsol hadn’t been paying much attention at first.
Group assignments weren’t exactly exciting, and as far as she was concerned, as long as Haewon was in her group, she wouldn’t have to worry about getting stuck with people who expected her to carry the workload.
So when she strolled over, hands in her pockets, she didn’t think much of it.
"You got space for one more?" she had asked, fully expecting Haewon to just say yes without question.
And she had.
That should have been the end of it.
But then—
As Jinsol casually shifted her gaze, it landed on her.
Seol Yoona.
Sitting there, silent. Expression unreadable.
Oh.
Oh, shit.
Jinsol barely stopped herself from reacting.
She hadn’t even realized Yoona was part of this group when she walked over. She had been so focused on Haewon and Kyujin that she just assumed she was in the clear.
But now?
Now she was going to be spending the next few weeks working with Seol Yoona.
The same Seol Yoona who barely reacted to people.
The same Seol Yoona who looked at things like she was solving a puzzle in her head.
The same Seol Yoona who, for some reason, kept glancing at her in class when she thought no one was looking.
Jinsol let out a slow breath through her nose, keeping her posture relaxed.
It wasn’t a big deal.
Just a stupid group project.
So why did it feel like she had just walked into dangerous territory?
Her eyes flicked toward Yoona again—just for a second.
And that’s when she noticed something.
Yoona wasn’t saying anything.
Not agreeing. Not complaining. Just… watching.
Like she was studying her reaction.
Jinsol’s gut tensed, but she forced a smirk. "Well, this should be fun."
Kyujin rolled her eyes. "Sure, if your definition of ‘fun’ is ‘mildly tolerable’."
Haewon laughed, already moving on to talk about how they should divide the workload.
But Jinsol?
Jinsol wasn’t listening.
Because the whole time, she could feel Yoona’s gaze lingering on her, even after she looked away.
And Jinsol couldn’t shake the feeling that somehow—somehow—she had just made things a lot more complicated.
The hallway buzzed with conversations as students spilled out of the classroom, some still discussing the lecture while others were already making plans for the weekend.
But in the middle of the crowd, there was a strange sort of stillness surrounding Jinsol and Yoona.
Jinsol walked slightly behind Haewon and Kyujin, hands shoved deep into her jacket pockets, her usual easygoing energy noticeably muted. She wasn’t tense—she didn’t get tense—but she was aware.
Aware of the person walking beside her.
Seol Yoona.
Yoona moved with that same effortless composure she always had, gaze fixed forward, her notebook tucked neatly under one arm. It was hard to tell if she was deep in thought or just bored out of her mind.
Either way, she hadn’t said a word to Jinsol.
And Jinsol?
She found herself thinking too much about it.
Up ahead, Haewon and Kyujin were completely wrapped up in their own conversation.
"I’m just saying, we should divide the work logically," Kyujin was insisting, waving her hands as she spoke. "We all have strengths, right?"
Haewon snorted. "So what, you get the fun parts and I get the actual work?"
Kyujin gasped dramatically. "Wow. So much hostility. I was thinking we make Jinsol do the boring parts."
Jinsol rolled her eyes but didn’t respond, too caught up in the heavy silence that had settled between her and Yoona.
It wasn’t exactly awkward, but it wasn’t comfortable either.
It was… tense.
Not in a bad way.
Just in a way that made Jinsol feel like she was in a standoff she hadn’t agreed to.
She wasn’t used to that.
Silence was usually easy for her—something she didn’t overthink.
But with Yoona?
It felt like a challenge.
Like they were both waiting for the other to break it first.
Jinsol exhaled sharply through her nose, considering if she should just say something. A joke, maybe. Something to make this feel less weird.
But before she could, Yoona suddenly spoke.
"You didn’t realize I was in this group, did you?"
Her voice was calm. Matter-of-fact.
Not accusing, just stating the obvious.
Jinsol blinked, momentarily caught off guard.
She turned her head slightly, studying Yoona’s face.
Still unreadable.
Still composed.
Of course she noticed.
Jinsol let out a quiet chuckle, tilting her head. "What makes you think that?"
Yoona finally turned to look at her.
Her gaze was sharp, eyes steady, like she was seeing straight through her.
Jinsol didn’t look away.
If Yoona wanted to turn this into a game, Jinsol was more than happy to play.
But then—just as quickly as she spoke—Yoona broke eye contact, looking forward again like the conversation was already over.
Not bothering to answer.
Jinsol scoffed, shaking her head. "Fine."
Yoona didn’t react, but Jinsol swore she saw the faintest hint of amusement at the corner of her lips.
And suddenly, the silence between them felt different.
Not tense.
Not awkward.
Just… charged.
And Jinsol wasn’t sure if that was better or worse.
Jinsol wasn’t an idiot.
She might have been caught off guard earlier when she realized Yoona was in her group, but this?
This was obvious.
Haewon and Kyujin were slowing down on purpose.
It wasn’t even subtle.
At first, they had been walking ahead, chatting normally, but at some point, their steps got noticeably slower—just enough to let a gap form between them and Jinsol and Yoona.
And now?
Now they were whispering.
Loudly.
Jinsol sighed. "You two do realize we can hear you, right?"
Kyujin turned slightly, feigning innocence. "Huh? What do you mean?"
Haewon snorted. "Yeah, we’re just having a totally normal, casual, and unrelated conversation."
Jinsol shot them both a flat look. "Right. And I’m the President of the Student Council."
Kyujin smirked, not even bothering to hide her amusement. "Nah, you’re just the president of bad decisions."
Jinsol rolled her eyes. "Creative. Real original."
But before she could say anything else, Haewon very deliberately tilted her head toward Kyujin and whispered—loud enough for both Jinsol and Yoona to hear—
"They look kinda good walking together, though."
Jinsol froze mid-step.
Kyujin grinned, playing along. "Right? And the tension? Wild."
Jinsol nearly choked on air.
Okay. Nope. Absolutely not.
She turned to Yoona, half-expecting her to have some kind of reaction—maybe a frown, an eye roll, something.
But Yoona?
She just kept walking. Completely unaffected.
As if she hadn’t heard a single thing.
Jinsol narrowed her eyes. There’s no way she didn’t hear that.
Was she ignoring it?
Or was she so used to people whispering about her that she genuinely didn’t care?
Jinsol wasn’t sure which answer was worse.
"You two are ridiculous," she muttered, shoving her hands into her jacket pockets.
Haewon just grinned. "And you two are slow. Hurry up, lovebirds."
Jinsol groaned. "Oh my god. Please stop talking."
At this point, she was begging for Yoona to finally react.
To roll her eyes. To tell them off. To say anything.
But instead, Yoona finally spoke—her voice calm and unreadable.
"They’re not going to stop."
It wasn’t annoyed.
It wasn’t amused.
It was just… matter-of-fact.
Jinsol turned to look at her, but Yoona was still walking like nothing was happening.
Like none of this affected her.
And that—that—was somehow more frustrating than anything else.
Jinsol scoffed, looking away. "Great. So we just have to deal with this now?"
Yoona finally glanced at her, and for the first time, there was the smallest hint of amusement in her eyes.
"Looks like it."
Jinsol stared for a second.
And then, before she could stop herself, she laughed.
It was short, quiet, and completely unintentional—but it happened.
And if she wasn’t already thrown off by that, she definitely was when she caught the way Yoona’s lips barely, barely curved up in response.
It wasn’t much.
Just the ghost of a smile.
So small that if Jinsol hadn’t been looking right at her, she probably wouldn’t have noticed.
But she did.
And suddenly, the silence between them didn’t feel as heavy anymore.
The cafeteria was packed.
The line stretched almost to the entrance, filled with students chatting, scrolling through their phones, or impatiently shifting their weight from foot to foot. The smell of fresh food filled the air—fried chicken, kimchi stew, and something unmistakably spicy, probably tteokbokki.
Jinsol stood in line with Yoona, while Haewon and Kyujin were a few steps ahead, talking amongst themselves.
The two in front had been whispering for a while now, and Jinsol was pretty sure she and Yoona were still the main topic of their conversation.
But she ignored them—for now.
Instead, she found herself thinking about Yoona again.
It was weird.
Jinsol didn’t make a habit of wondering about people’s personal lives. She wasn’t the type to pry. Usually, she just let people be.
But Yoona…
Yoona was different.
Maybe because she was so well-known yet so mysterious. Maybe because she had that untouchable aura, the kind that made it hard to imagine her doing something as ordinary as standing in line for food like everyone else.
Or maybe it was just because Jinsol was starting to get curious.
What did someone like Seol Yoona even like?
Did she have a sweet tooth? Did she only eat healthy food? Did she even have a comfort food, or was she one of those people who ate whatever was convenient?
The thought bugged Jinsol more than she expected.
So, before she could overthink it, she turned slightly toward Yoona and asked—formally and politely—
"Seol Yoona-ssi, may I ask what your favorite food is?"
Yoona blinked.
For a moment, she didn’t react, as if processing the sudden question.
Jinsol didn’t usually speak that formally, and she knew it. She had done it on purpose, mostly to see how Yoona would react.
Yoona tilted her head slightly, her gaze steady. "You’re asking like you’re taking an official survey."
Jinsol smirked. "Maybe I am. Or maybe I’m just curious."
Yoona held her gaze for a few seconds longer before looking forward again.
And then, casually—almost too casually—she answered.
"Tteokbokki."
Jinsol raised an eyebrow. "Spicy?"
Yoona glanced at her, and for the first time, a small, almost imperceptible smile flickered across her lips. "Of course."
Jinsol huffed out a small laugh. "Figures."
It somehow made perfect sense.
The image popped into her head immediately—Seol Yoona, the most untouchable girl on campus, sitting at a small, crowded tteokbokki stall, completely unfazed as she ate something painfully spicy while everyone else struggled.
Jinsol couldn’t help but find it… amusing.
And maybe, just maybe, kind of endearing.
Before she could say anything else, Kyujin suddenly turned around, eyes sparkling with mischief.
"What are you two whispering about?"
Jinsol rolled her eyes. "Relax, we’re not plotting against you."
Kyujin raised an eyebrow, grinning. "I dunno. You’re being weirdly polite. You never talk like that."
Jinsol shrugged, smirking. "Maybe I’m just a respectful person."
Haewon snorted. "Sure. And I’m a morning person."
Yoona, who had been quiet the whole time, finally spoke again—her voice as composed as ever.
"Jinsol was just being curious."
Kyujin gasped dramatically. "Oh? She’s curious about you?"
Jinsol groaned. "Don’t start."
But Kyujin just grinned wider, while Haewon gave her a knowing look, like she had just discovered something interesting.
Jinsol sighed.
Maybe she shouldn’t have asked.
But then she glanced at Yoona, who—despite her usual unreadable expression—looked slightly amused.
And suddenly, Jinsol thought…
Maybe it wasn’t a bad question after all.
Jinsol stood beside Yoona, hands in her jacket pockets, her conversation from earlier already slipping from her mind.
At least, until Yoona suddenly spoke.
"What about you?"
Jinsol turned her head slightly, blinking. "Huh?"
Yoona’s gaze was calm, unreadable. "Your favorite food. You asked me, so I’m asking back."
Jinsol hadn’t expected that.
For some reason, she figured Yoona would just let the conversation drop, like she usually did.
But instead, she had asked back.
Something about that made Jinsol feel… strangely caught off guard.
She shifted her weight slightly, tilting her head as she thought about it. "That’s fair… but it’s kinda hard to pick."
Yoona raised an eyebrow. "You don’t have one?"
"No, I do," Jinsol said, glancing at the menu board overhead. "I just like a lot of things. But if I had to pick—probably jjajangmyeon."
Yoona nodded slightly, as if considering it.
Then, after a brief pause, she said, "That suits you."
Jinsol blinked. "What’s that supposed to mean?"
Yoona glanced at her, and for the second time today, Jinsol swore she saw the faintest trace of a smile.
"Nothing. Just… it makes sense."
Jinsol narrowed her eyes. "Okay, but how? You can’t just say that and not explain."
Yoona let out a quiet hum, as if deciding whether or not to answer. "Jjajangmyeon is easygoing. It’s a comfort food, but also kind of reliable. It’s not flashy, but it’s always a good choice."
Jinsol stared at her. "Are you comparing me to black bean noodles?"
Yoona simply shrugged. "You asked for an explanation."
Jinsol opened her mouth to argue, but—frustratingly—she had nothing to argue against.
Because somehow, Yoona’s reasoning wasn’t entirely wrong.
Before she could respond, Haewon suddenly turned around, arms crossed.
"Okay, seriously, what’s with you two?"
Jinsol groaned. "What now?"
Kyujin smirked, leaning slightly toward Haewon. "They’re talking like this is a first date."
Jinsol choked on air. "Oh my god, shut up."
Haewon grinned, nudging Kyujin. "I mean, first she formally asks Yoona her favorite food, and now Yoona is analyzing Jinsol’s personality based on noodles? Feels kinda romantic."
Jinsol glared at them. "I hate you both."
Haewon and Kyujin just giggled, clearly enjoying themselves.
But what made it worse—infinitely worse—was Yoona.
Because unlike Jinsol, who was dying from secondhand embarrassment, Yoona just stood there—completely unaffected, like this entire thing was beneath her.
She didn’t deny it.
She didn’t react.
She just let it happen.
And somehow, that was more infuriating than if she had actually responded.
Jinsol glanced at her out of the corner of her eye, searching for even the slightest reaction.
And then—for just a second—she caught it.
The faintest glimmer of amusement in Yoona’s eyes.
Like she was secretly entertained by the whole thing.
Jinsol looked away quickly, suddenly feeling too warm despite the air-conditioning.
She blamed it on the cafeteria heat.
The cafeteria was still as noisy as ever—students laughing, trays clattering, and the faint hum of background music playing from the speakers. Haewon and Kyujin had already dived into their usual chaotic conversation, effortlessly filling the air with their lively energy.
But on the other side of the table, it was a completely different story.
Jinsol sat next to Yoona, and for the first time in a long time, she felt quiet.
She wasn’t usually like this. Conversations came easily to her. She was the type to keep things moving, to talk and joke and make sure there was never an awkward silence.
But right now?
Right now, Yoona’s silence was rubbing off on her.
It wasn’t like Jinsol expected her to be loud or anything. Yoona wasn’t the type to engage in loud conversations, and Jinsol had known that from the beginning.
But something about today felt different.
Yoona was too quiet.
She wasn’t just eating—she was completely zoned out, her expression unreadable as she absentmindedly picked at her food. She wasn’t joining in on Haewon and Kyujin’s conversation, wasn’t reacting to anything happening around them.
And Jinsol… noticed.
More than she wanted to admit.
She sneaked a glance at Yoona’s face.
The cafeteria’s warm lighting cast a soft glow on her features, highlighting the smooth curve of her jaw, the sharp focus in her eyes—even if she wasn’t focused on anything in particular.
She looked… almost untouchable, like she existed in her own world.
Jinsol quickly looked away before she got caught staring.
But that itch in her chest didn’t go away.
She wanted to see Yoona smile.
Not the tiny smirks, not the polite expressions she gave when someone cracked a joke she didn’t really care about—a real smile.
And for some reason, Jinsol had the sudden urge to be the one who made it happen.
She tapped her chopsticks against her tray, thinking.
What could make Yoona smile?
She tried to think of something clever, something to lighten the mood. But before she could say anything, her gaze drifted to Yoona’s tray.
A small smirk formed on Jinsol’s lips.
"I bet you don’t even drink water while eating that."
Yoona looked up at her, blinking as if snapping out of her thoughts. "What?"
Jinsol gestured at Yoona’s tray. "Your tteokbokki. You’re eating it like it’s nothing. I bet you don’t even need water."
Yoona raised an eyebrow. "Why would I?"
Jinsol let out a small laugh. "Of course you wouldn’t."
Yoona tilted her head slightly, her gaze steady. "What, do you need water when you eat spicy food?"
Jinsol scoffed. "I can handle it."
Yoona’s lips twitched—just barely, but enough for Jinsol to catch it.
"Sounds like something someone who can’t handle spice would say."
Jinsol gasped, placing a hand on her chest. "Did you just indirectly call me weak?"
Yoona calmly picked up another piece of tteokbokki, taking a slow bite. "I didn’t say that."
But she didn’t deny it either.
Jinsol narrowed her eyes. "Alright, Seol Yoona. Next time, we’re having a spice tolerance contest."
And finally—finally—Yoona let out a small, quiet chuckle.
It wasn’t loud, wasn’t flashy.
But it was real.
Jinsol caught the way her lips curved just slightly at the corners, the way her shoulders relaxed, the way her usual cool and composed expression softened for just a moment.
It was quick. If she hadn’t been paying attention, she might’ve missed it entirely.
But Jinsol was paying attention.
And for some reason, that tiny, fleeting moment felt like a small victory.
She grinned to herself as she picked up her own food, taking a bite.
Maybe she’d actually follow through with that spice contest.
Just to see that real smile again.
After finishing their meal, they moved to a quieter corner of the campus library to properly divide the work. The table they chose was tucked near the window, where the late afternoon sunlight streamed in, casting long shadows across their notebooks and laptops.
The assignment itself wasn’t particularly difficult, but it was the kind that dragged on if they didn’t plan things properly.
Haewon, as usual, took charge. "Alright, we need four main sections for this project. Since we’re a group of four, let’s split into pairs and take two sections each. That way, we can get through this faster."
Kyujin nodded in agreement. "Makes sense. So, how are we splitting this?"
Jinsol leaned back in her chair, arms crossed. "We could do it randomly, or based on strengths—"
"Jinsol and Yoona can work together," Kyujin interrupted casually.
Jinsol froze mid-sentence.
Yoona, meanwhile, internally cursed.
Her fingers curled slightly against her notebook, but her face remained perfectly neutral.
Of all the possible pairings…
She could already feel Kyujin’s barely-contained smirk from across the table. Haewon, sitting beside her, seemed equally amused.
Jinsol cleared her throat, shifting slightly. "Wait—why are we deciding so fast?"
"It just makes sense," Haewon said, waving a hand dismissively. "You and Yoona are probably the most organized out of all of us."
Kyujin nodded, backing her up. "Exactly. You two can handle the research part, while Haewon and I will work on the visuals and presentation slides."
Jinsol hesitated. Her gaze flickered toward Yoona, as if waiting for her to say something.
But Yoona?
Yoona was staring at the page in front of her, jaw tight, looking like she’d rather be anywhere else.
She wasn’t the type to complain out loud, but internally, she was seething.
She had spent years keeping people at a comfortable distance, only getting involved when absolutely necessary.
And now?
Now she was stuck.
With Jinsol.
She sighed, closing her eyes for a brief second before finally muttering, "Fine."
Jinsol barely had time to process the strange twist in her stomach before Haewon clapped her hands together. "Great! It’s settled, then."
Kyujin smirked, leaning back in her chair. "You two can start on your sections today. We’ll check in later."
And just like that, the conversation moved on.
But Jinsol?
She was still stuck on the fact that she and Yoona were going to be working together. Alone.
Her? Working with Seol Yoona?
She didn’t know why that made her feel strangely nervous.
But it did.
The library was quiet, save for the occasional rustle of pages and the soft clicking of laptop keys. Jinsol and Yoona sat across from each other at the study table, pretending to focus on their work, but the silence between them was thick.
Jinsol, who was usually chatty and quick with her words, found herself strangely hesitant. She tapped her pen against her notebook rhythmically, stealing glances at Yoona, who looked determinedly uninterested in anything but her laptop screen.
It was awkward. Painfully awkward.
But across the room, in the farthest corner of the library, Haewon and Kyujin were barely containing their laughter.
They sat together, their heads close as they whispered, trying not to burst into giggles.
Haewon nudged Kyujin, eyes gleaming with amusement. "Okay, but did you see their faces when we paired them up?"
Kyujin grinned, glancing over at the two oblivious girls. "Yoona looked like she was contemplating her life choices. And Jinsol? She looked like she forgot how to function."
Haewon snorted, covering her mouth to stifle the sound. "Exactly! Jinsol is usually so confident, but the second we put her with Yoona, she just—" she waved her hands, mimicking an explosion. "Boom. Brain malfunction."
Kyujin smirked. "I love this for them."
Haewon giggled, leaning in closer. "But seriously, Jinsol definitely has a crush on her."
Kyujin tilted her head thoughtfully, sneaking another glance at Jinsol.
Jinsol, who usually handled social situations with ease, looked visibly nervous. She kept shifting in her seat, tapping her pen, and sneaking quick glances at Yoona like she wanted to say something but couldn’t find the words.
It was adorable.
Kyujin hummed. "Hard to say. But we both know Jinsol doesn’t get nervous around people. Ever. And right now?" She smirked. "She’s definitely nervous."
Haewon gasped dramatically. "That’s suspicious. That’s very suspicious."
Kyujin chuckled. "Extremely."
They both turned their attention to Yoona, who remained as expressionless as ever. But something about her posture—the stiffness of her shoulders, the way she kept adjusting her laptop screen unnecessarily—made it obvious that she wasn’t comfortable either.
Haewon raised an eyebrow. "What about Yoona? You think she likes Jinsol?"
Kyujin smirked. "Now that’s the real mystery. But…" she trailed off, watching Yoona sneak a glance at Jinsol when she thought no one was looking.
It was quick. Barely noticeable. But Kyujin noticed.
She turned back to Haewon, grinning. "She keeps looking at Jinsol."
Haewon gasped, gripping Kyujin’s arm. "Shut up. No way."
Kyujin nodded smugly. "Way."
Haewon pressed her lips together to stop herself from squealing. "Okay, okay. So we’re in agreement, right?"
Kyujin smirked. "That we should absolutely mess with them?"
Haewon grinned mischievously. "Oh, definitely. But we have to be smart about it."
Kyujin nodded, deep in thought. "We play the long game."
Haewon tapped her fingers on the table. "Operation: Get Jinsol to Make Yoona Smile?"
Kyujin laughed under her breath, eyes twinkling. "I love it. Consider it started."
And just like that, their matchmaking mission officially began.