Chapter 3

The Almost Date

After that conversation on the rooftop, things between Eun-ji and Eun-woo changed.

They still bickered. Still competed. Still got on each other’s nerves.

But now, there was a new layer beneath it—something exciting.

So when Eun-woo casually said, "Let’s go get something to eat after school," Eun-ji didn’t think much of it.

"Fine, but I’m not paying for you," she huffed.

Eun-woo smirked. "I wouldn’t dare make you spend your precious money, princess."*

But what she didn’t realize was that he meant it as a date.

And what Eun-woo didn’t realize was that someone else had overheard their plans.

The moment Eun-ji arrived at the cafe, she was met with an unpleasant surprise.

Her childhood crush—Choi Min-jae—was sitting at the same table as Eun-woo, casually talking to him.

She froze.

Min-jae was her first love. The one person who, for a long time, had been the reason she never paid attention to anyone else.

Eun-woo leaned back, arms crossed, looking highly amused. "Look who finally decided to show up."*

Min-jae smiled warmly at her. "Eun-ji, it’s been a while!"*

She blinked, confused. "What… are you doing here?"

Eun-woo answered before Min-jae could. "Oh, him? He just happened to be at school when I mentioned our little ‘outing.’ Thought it’d be fun to invite him along."*

Eun-ji narrowed her eyes.

Oh.

This was on purpose.

Baek Eun-woo, the absolute menace, was testing her.

Eun-woo watched with sharp eyes as Min-jae and Eun-ji talked.

She looked nervous. Almost like her old crush still affected her.

And he hated it.

Wasn’t he the one who challenged her? The one who pushed her forward? The one who made her heart race?

So why—why did she look like that around Min-jae?

"So, Eun-ji," Min-jae said smoothly, "Are you still as competitive as ever?"

Eun-ji let out a small laugh. "Of course. It’s part of who I am."*

Min-jae smiled. "That’s good. I always liked that about you."*

Eun-woo stiffened.

No.

No, no, no.

This was not happening.

"You know, Min-jae," Eun-woo interrupted, his voice all too casual, "Eun-ji and I actually make a great team. We just won the national competition together."*

Min-jae raised an eyebrow. "Really? That’s impressive. But then again, Eun-ji has always been smart."*

Eun-woo smirked, looking directly at Eun-ji. "Oh, she’s more than just smart. She’s—"

He paused, watching her reaction.

Eun-ji held her breath.

She knew what he was about to say.

But he didn’t say it.

Instead, he leaned back and casually sipped his drink. "—really good at keeping me entertained."*

Eun-ji almost choked.

Min-jae laughed, unaware of the unspoken war happening between them. "Well, that’s Eun-ji for you."*

Eun-woo smirked knowingly.

This wasn’t over.

Later that night, Eun-ji stormed up to Eun-woo outside their school gates.

"You planned that, didn’t you?!" she accused.

Eun-woo raised an eyebrow. "Planned what?"

"Inviting Min-jae!"*

"Oh, that."* He smirked. "I just thought you’d enjoy catching up with your old crush."*

Eun-ji froze. "What—"

"Please."* Eun-woo leaned in slightly, voice lower. "I know you liked him. The question is… do you still?"

Eun-ji’s heart pounded.

Did she?

For so long, she thought Min-jae was the only one she’d ever see that way.

But now, standing in front of Eun-woo, her greatest rival, her most frustrating challenge, the one person who truly understood her—

She wasn’t so sure anymore.

And that terrified her.

So instead of answering, she turned away. "It doesn’t matter."*

Eun-woo sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Why do you always do this, Eun-ji?"

"Do what?"

"Run away when things get real."*

Eun-ji swallowed hard. "I don’t—"

"Yes, you do."* His voice was quiet, but firm. "And I’m done waiting for you to admit it."*

She looked up at him, heart in her throat. "Admit what?"

He let out a small, frustrated laugh. "That I’m not just your rival anymore, Eun-ji."*

Her breath hitched.

For a second, just a second—she almost said something.

But then, Min-jae’s voice called out from behind them.

"Eun-ji! Do you want to walk home together?"

And just like that—the moment shattered.

Eun-ji glanced between them.

Between the safe, familiar past… and the dangerous, thrilling present.

And in the end, she did what she always did.

She ran.

"I’ll see you later, Eun-woo."*

And she left.

But this time—Eun-woo wasn’t going to let her run forever.

Not when he knew she felt the same.

And not when he was ready to fight for her—

The same way they had always fought against each other.

...................

To be continued..

Eunji: What's with the smirk now you idiot!

Eunwoo: Who the hell are you calling an idiot you little mouse!

Eunji: You! I'm calling you an idiot, idiot!

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