"When Loves Started"..

part -6

"Okay, fine," Beom Seok said, his eyes narrowing at Joon Woo. "But be careful, Eun Ae."

I nodded and followed Joon Woo out of the cafeteria, my heart racing with anticipation. What did he want to talk about? And why did I feel like I was taking a risk by walking with him?

As we walked to our next class, the tension between us was palpable. I couldn't help but think about last night and how he had suddenly left without explanation.

"Hey, Joon Woo?" I said, breaking the silence. "Can I ask you something?"

"Sure," he replied, his eyes fixed on the floor ahead.

"Why did you leave so suddenly last night?" I asked, trying to sound casual despite my growing curiosity.

Joon Woo hesitated, his shoulders tensing up. "I just needed to go," he said finally, his voice low and evasive.

I frowned, sensing that there was more to it. "But why? Was everything okay?"

Joon Woo stopped in his tracks and turned to face me. "Look, Eun Ae, I just...I don't know how to explain it. Can we just drop it, okay?"

I felt a surge of frustration. Why was he being so secretive? But something in his eyes made me back down. Maybe it was the hint of vulnerability, or the way he looked at me like he was searching for something.

"Okay," I said finally, nodding. "We'll drop it."

Joon Woo nodded, looking relieved, and we continued walking in silence. But my mind was racing with questions. What had happened last night? And why was Joon Woo being so mysterious?.

"Okay, we'll drop the other thing for now. But what did you want to talk to me about earlier? You said it was something important."
JoonWoo hesitated, "I wanted to ask you...

"I think someone's been following you," he said, leaving deep breath..

Joon Woo's expression turned serious. "I know. That's why I came to the bus stop for you. I've been trying to protect you."

I felt a surge of surprise. "How did you know?"

Joon Woo hesitated before answering. "I've been noticing strange things too. And I saw someone lurking around your neighborhood yesterday."

My eyes widened in alarm. "What did they look like?"

Joon Woo's eyes scanned the area before leaning in closer. "I didn't get a good look, but I think it's someone from our school. That's why I wanted to walk with you to your house, but something came up and I had to leave ."

I nodded, remembering our last night scene. "And that's why you were acting so strange, right? You were trying to protect me?"

I felt a sense of gratitude towards him, mixed with a hint of fear. Who was following me? And why?:

Joon Woo nodded, his eyes locked onto mine. "I won't let anything happen to you, Eun Ae. I promise."

I felt a surge of surprise at his words, and suddenly, a question popped into my mind. "Why do you care about me?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

Joon Woo's expression faltered, and he looked away, his eyes scanning the area before returning to mine. "I just do, okay?" he said, his voice was low and rough.

I was frowned, unsatisfied with his answer. "No, that's not okay. Tell me why."

Joon Woo sighed, his shoulders sagging. "Fine. If you must know, it's because...I've noticed you, Eun Ae. I've seen the way you always try to help others, even when no one's looking. And I've seen the way you smile, like it's the most genuine thing I've ever seen."

I felt a flutter in my chest at his words, and suddenly, I realized that Joon Woo had been paying attention to me, really paying attention. "Why did you notice me?" I asked, my voice was soft.

Joon Woo's eyes locked onto mine, and for a moment, I thought I saw something there, something more than just friendship. "I don't know," he said finally. "I just did."

As Joon Woo's words hung in the air, I couldn't help but feel a sense of confusion. What did he mean by "important to me"? Before I could ask, a voice interrupted us.

"Eun Ae, class is about to start!" someone called out.

I nodded, feeling a sense  of  interruption. "I'll catch up with you later, Joon Woo," I said, gathering my things.

Joon Woo nodded, his eyes still locked onto mine. "Yeah, later."

I made my way to class, my mind racing with thoughts of Joon Woo's words. What did he mean? And why did I feel a flutter in my chest every time he looked at me?

As I took my seat in class, I couldn't help but glance back at Joon Woo, who was watching me from across the room. I felt a shiver run down my spine as our eyes met, and I quickly looked away, trying to focus on the lesson.

But my mind kept wandering back to Joon Woo, and the mysterious connection we seemed to share. What was it about him that drew me in? And what did he mean by "important to me"?

I pushed the thoughts aside, trying to focus on the lesson. But I couldn't shake the feeling that something was about to change, something that would alter the course of our relationship forever...