Hana put on her earphones and headed home after this long day.
As soon as she stepped inside, she dropped her bag by the door and took a deep breath. Everything that had happened today was making her head spin. Normally someone who stayed under the radar, suddenly getting attention from one of the most popular guys at school… it was something she had never expected.
She walked to the kitchen, drank a glass of water, and picked up her phone. After chatting with her mom and checking her notifications, she went to her room.
There were 10 new message notifications. She blinked and scrolled through the screen.
💬 Girls' Group Chat💅💅[Sera]: HANAAA, we need to talk about what happened today!![Eunwoo]: Seriously, Hyunwoo acting that way toward you was so weird...[Sera]: And did you see Aerin's face??[Hana]: It wasn't that big of a deal...[Sera]: OMG OMG OMG! Did he text you??[Hana]: Who?[Sera]: WHO ELSE, HYUNWOO!!
Just as Hana was about to reply to Sera's message, another notification popped up on her screen.
💬 HyunwooThings got a little awkward at the cafeteria today. I hope I didn't put you in a tough spot.
Hana stared at the screen when another message from Sera popped up in the group chat.
[Sera]: I KNOW HE TEXTED YOU, HANA! ANSWER ME RIGHT NOW!!
💬 HyunwooDid you fall asleep?
Hana's eyes widened. What?! She hadn't even replied yet, but Hyunwoo really seemed eager to talk to her. She gripped her phone tightly, but before she could respond, Sera sent another message.
💬 SeraHANA, I KNOW YOU SAW THE MESSAGE!! Don't reply right away! Make him wait! Act mysterious! 🧐
💬 EunwooYeah, play it cool. Say something like "Just saw this"—don't seem too eager.
Hana sighed. Sure, Hyunwoo was popular, but was this really something to overthink? Just as she was about to type a reply, Sera messaged again.
💬 SeraWHATEVER YOU DO, DON'T SAY "I wasn't asleep"! That'll drag the conversation on, and you'll seem too available!
Hana thought to herself, This is so ridiculous! but couldn't help smiling. Still… maybe Sera had a point?
Taking a deep breath, she finally typed her response.
💬 Hana"Just saw this. It wasn't a big deal, don't worry."
The moment she hit send, she dropped her phone onto her face. Why is this making me so nervous?! But barely a second later, her phone buzzed again.
💬 HyunwooI'm glad you're okay. See you at school tomorrow, Hana.
Hana froze. He said her name. It was such a small thing, but for some reason, it made her feel warm inside.
💬 SeraOMG, HE USED YOUR NAME!!
💬 EunwooHmm… something's definitely going on! 😏
Hana buried her face in her hands. What is happening?!
Hana held her phone tightly, rereading the message over and over again.
"I'm glad you're okay. See you at school tomorrow, Hana."
💬 SeraAre you going to reply?!
💬 EunwooJust say "Good night." But keep it short and cool.
Hana sighed. Why am I stressing so much over this? Finally, without overthinking, she typed her response.
💬 Hana"Alright, see you. Good night."
After sending the message, she put her phone down and curled up in her blanket. But even with her eyes closed, her excitement wouldn't fade.
This is normal, right?
Taking a deep breath, she closed her eyes and finally drifted off to sleep.