Part-10

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The next morning, a new aura surrounded Jeno as he strolled into the school, the pretty girl named Yuna at his side. They walked hand in hand, a display of their connection. Jeno's demeanor was deliberate, his steps purposeful, as if he was determined to put on a show.

He made sure to pass by Jimin, his eyes locked on hers for a brief moment, before he turned his attention back to Yuna. He wanted to make a point, that he has always been this playboy, not emotionally attached to any girl.

As the day progressed, Jeno continued his charade, flaunting his new relationship at every opportunity. He wanted her to see, to believe that he was not really interested in her. But deep down, he knew it was a lie.

As Jeno paraded with Yuna, he couldn't help but glance over at Jimin one more time, expecting to see some reaction. But to his surprise, she merely glanced at them once, her expression betraying no more than a fleeting acknowledgment. It was a reaction he hadn't anticipated.

In dead, Jimin had become a master at concealing her pain, a skill she had honed over time. She had learned to guard her heart against the constant rotation of girls in Jeno's life. She refused to let herself be affected by his actions, refusing to let him see the impact he had on her.

Jeno watched Jimin with a mix of confusion and something else, something he couldn't quite put his finger on. He had expected some reaction, some indication that his display had gotten under her skin. But the said girl's composure was unyielding, leaving him grappling with a strange sense of bewilderment.

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As the days passed, the intensity of practice for both the basketball team and the cheerleaders escalated. With the match just two weeks away, there was little time for anything else. Jeno-the basketball team captain and Jimin-the cheerleader's encounters were scarce.

When their paths did cross, there was silent between them. A shared glance, a fleeting smile - it was all they could afford in the midst of their rigorous preparations. Each stolen moment was a reminder that they were both working towards a common goal, even if their paths rarely converged.

Jeno would steal glances at Jimin from the basketball court, his eyes following her graceful movements as she led the cheer team. There was a sense of admiration in his gaze, a quiet acknowledgment of the dedication she poured into her role.

Jimin, too, would find moments to look over at Jeno, watching him command the basketball court with a sense of pride. She admired his determination, his unwavering focus on the game. It was a side of Jeno that she had always admired, one that made her heart beat just a little faster.

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One week before the match, the atmosphere in the school seemed to hang with a sense of anticipation. It was then that Jimin walked into her classroom and was met with a scene that caught her off guard. Yuna, usually composed, was now laid out across her desk, tears streaming down her face. Her friends surrounded her, offering words of comfort and support.

Jimin's concern flared, and she immediately sought an explanation. She turned to Minjeong, who met her gaze with a solemn expression. In that silent exchange, Minjeong confirmed the unspoken truth. "Lee Jeno", she mouthed. The elder girl frowned.

As Yuna's sobs filled the classroom, Minjeong leaned towards her best friend, her voice barely above a whisper. "Jeno... he told Yuna to break up just because he had to wait for their date. Yuna said she was just 8 minutes late," she revealed.

The weight of the situation settled on Jimin's shoulders. The sight tugged at her heart, a poignant reminder of the complex dance of emotions that love often brought. She couldn't help but recall the countless times she'd heard rumors about Jeno's romantic escapades. He was known for his carefree charm, his fondness for weaving in and out of hearts without a second thought.

A mixture of caution and relief washed over Jimin. Caution, because she knew she needed to protect her heart from being ensnared in a web of temporary affections. Yet, there was an undeniable flicker of relief, a small ember of hope that glowed quietly within her. The knowledge that Jeno was once again unattached was a subtle sign, a whisper from fate that perhaps, just perhaps, there was a chance for something more.

Turning to Minjeong, who had shared the news with her, Jimin offered a small, grateful smile. In that moment, she understood the delicate balance she needed to maintain. To guard her heart while still leaving a sliver of possibility open.

As she watched Yuna, Jimin couldn't help but wonder what the future held. Love, she realized, was a journey filled with both trepidation and hope. And as the echoes of Yuna's tears filled the room, Jimin resolved to navigate this path with grace, allowing her heart to lead the way.

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Author's note:

I know this chapter is really short. A short chapter is better than no update, I guess.

I'll make the next chapter long. I promise.

Hope you enjoy!

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