Thanks again I hope you enjoy today's chapter 

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The day following Sehun's unexpected rescue was the day that Hairi again did her best to avoid Jiwon. The past shared with him now hovered over her like a storm cloud that she couldn't shake off.

Hairi had spent ten years going out with Jiwon-ten long years of her life with him, during his transferring high school; he was the first ever date she had. From high school sweethearts to young adults navigating life together, she had thought of him as her forever. They had talked about future careers, a house, even children someday. But, all that had been washed away in 2024, when she found out her boyfriend cheated on her.

Her most painful memories still fresh. She cried for weeks, feeling betrayed by the one person whose word she believed the most. It was not just infidelity; it was the way it smashed the concept of everything they built together into tiny bits. She thought he was her future, but now, he represented nothing but a painful reminder of what she had lost.

And now Jiwon is back with the school dance looming ahead, once again evoking feelings Hairi had worked so hard to repress. This is the event at which he asks her out, as well as when he confesses, and everything is history in the original timeline.

I need to stop it

__

The school courtyard was alive with excitement as the season of the festival approached. There were discussions around the booths, decoration schemes were in place while the long-awaited rumor of the school dance spread like wildfire. Hairi, however, felt the weight of anticipation differently.

It wasn't about the festival or the dance that made her nervous; it was Jiwon.

Since the day Jiwon had reappeared in her life, he had been trying to woo her, and being someone who knew him well enough, she could sense what was coming- he was going to ask her to the dance. And the thought of it, after everything they had gone through, made her stomach tie into knots.

So Hairi took a detour through the library, and she clutched her notebook while looking around her nervously. The last thing she wanted was another encounter with Jiwon.

"Hairi!"

She stand still, cursing under her breath as she turned to see him walking toward her.

"Hey," he said, smiling warmly.

"Jiwon," she greeted stiffly, hugging her notebook tighter. "What's up?"

Just be calm she thought in her head.

"I've been looking for you," he said, rubbing the back of his neck. "Can we talk?"

Hairi hesitated. "I'm running late for class, so—"

"It'll only take a minute," he said, stepping in her way.

Hairi sighed, realizing there was no escape. "Fine. What is it?"

Jiwon smiled, a hint of nervousness in his eyes. "So, the festival dance is next week, and I was wondering if you'd want to go with me."

OH hell no that's what she wanted to reply but she does not have the courage to do so.

Hairi's heart sank. She'd known this was coming, but hearing it still caught her off guard.

"Jiwon, I..." She searched for the right words, but before she could answer, a voice interrupted her.

"There you are!"

Sehun appeared out of nowhere, grabbing her wrist and flashing a bright smile at Jiwon.

"Sorry, man, but I need to borrow Hairi for a sec. Festival committee stuff. You know how it is"he grins at him.

"What—" Hairi began, but Sehun was already pulling her away from Jiwon.

"Thanks for understanding!" Sehun called over his shoulder, dragging Hairi down the hall.

---

When they were out of sight from Jiwon, Hairi yanked her hand free and glared at him. "What are you doing?"

"Saving you," Sehun said nonchalantly, leaning against the wall.

"From what?"

"From saying yes to him," he replied.

Hairi blinked, startled. "Why would you think I'd say yes?"

Sehun shrugged, but his expression grew more serious then ever. "You looked like you didn't know how to say no. So, I stepped in."

Hairi sighed, running a hand through her hair. "Thanks, I guess."

Sehun grinned. "Anytime. Consider me your knight in shining armour."

Hairi rolled her eyes but couldn't help smiling at his playful tease. "Well, next time, maybe ask before you grab my hand."

"Noted my lady," he said, pushing off the wall. "Now, come on. I'll walk you to class. You never know when he might pop up again."

Hairi shook her head but let him lead the way, grateful for the excuse to escapethe likes of Jiwon. Something tells her that this is just the beginning of the chase of cat and mouse.

---

Later That Day

Hairi thought that she'd cleared everything, but as the sun began to set and the hallways emptied, Jiwon once again found her.

"Hairi," he called in a softer voice this time.

She slowed her step and turned, with a heavy heart-understanding guilt mixed with frustration.

"It's now that we can talk? Please?" he said, eyes searching hers.

Hairi sighed and nodded. "Okay."

They walked into the courtyard, where glowing light fell through the trees.

"I meant what I said earlier," Jiwon started, stopping under the old oak tree. "I want to go to the dance with you."

"Jiwon, I..." Hairi diverted her gaze, feeling a tightening in her throat.

"Please," he said, edging closer. "I know we known each other for a while now."

Hairi closed her eyes, letting all the memories come rushing back. They dated for ten years-ten years of love, laughter, and dreams of a life together. He was her one. Until he wasn't as she reminded of what's to come.

"I've wanted to tell you this for a while now," Jiwon said with a voice full of remorse. "Will you go to the dance with me not as a friend but as my girlfriend?"

This is really what happened I said yes and we dated. I need to say no as she groomed in her head.

Hairi opened her eyes and looked straight into his. She saw the sincerity there, the remorse. And for a moment, she faltered.

---

Behind the Bushes

Sehun crouched low, peering through the leaves with a scowl.

"Unbelievable," he muttered.

Beside him, Kai sighed. "Why are we spying again?"

"Shh," Sehun hissed back at Kai.

Kai smirked. "You're jealous."

"I'm not jealous," Sehun snapped, though his clenched fists said otherwise.

---

Back in the Courtyard

Hairi's heartbeat echoed in her ears when she inhaled deeply. "Jiwon, you were my first love. I admit, you are such a sweet guy but..." She paused, swallowing hard. "I think I like you as just a friend."

There I said it she thought to herself.

Jiwon looked shattered. "Hairi, so I was your first love huh..."

"But no longer," she replied. "You can be my friend, though."

Hairi...

"I am sorry, but I can't accept your feelings, Jiwon," she warned, stepping back. "But my answer is a no."

Jiwon's shoulders slumped in dejection, and it clearly reflected on his face.

"Goodbye, Jiwon," Hairi said and turned to walk the other way.

---

Behind the Bushes

"I can't believe it, She said no," Sehun whispered, a small smile tugging on his lips.

Kai chuckled. "Looks like you've still got a shot. Sehun"

Sehun shot him a glare but couldn't hide the relief in his expression.

"Come on, lover boy," Kai teased, standing up. "Let's get out of here before they catch us. we don't want that do we"

Sehun followed behind Kai, his mind racing with possibilities. Maybe, just maybe, he still had a chance to be with Hairi. Just now he has to confess first.

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I can't believe Sehun was spying lol If you enjoy today's chapter don't forget to comment and vote