~~Chiyeonn~~{Book 7}

The Encounter.

Chiquita's lips barely twitched. "Maybe."

And with that, she turned and walked away, leaving Ahyeon staring after her, a mix of confusion and intrigue on her face.

---

**Later That Day – Cafeteria:**

Ahyeon sat with Rora and Rami, still thinking about the mysterious girl she had met earlier. "She's not much of a talker, is she?" Ahyeon mused aloud.

"Who?" Rora asked, looking up from her phone.

"The girl I bumped into earlier," Ahyeon said. "She was... different. Kind of cold, but not rude. Just... distant."

"Oh, you mean the leather jacket girl?" Rami said, leaning in. "She looked like she could beat up anyone who crossed her."

Rora smirked. "Maybe she's just shy. Or maybe she's one of those cool, mysterious types you only see in movies."

"Maybe," Ahyeon said, her mind drifting back to the brief interaction. "But I'm curious about her. I wonder what her story is."

---

Meanwhile, Chiquita:

Chiquita sat alone at a table in the corner, her lunch untouched. She didn't like crowded places, but she needed a break from the suffocating environment of the classroom. Her phone buzzed, and she glanced at the screen. It was a message from Asa, her cousin and best friend.

Asa: Hey, how's the first day? Bet you're already scaring people away with your 'resting cold face.'

Chiquita sighed and typed back.
Chiquita: It's fine. Just trying to get through it.

Asa: Chill, Canny. Try to make friends, okay? Not everyone's out to get you.

Chiquita didn't respond, instead shoving her phone back into her pocket. She wasn't here to make friends. Besides, she knew better than anyone that getting close to people only led to pain.

As she glanced around the cafeteria, she noticed a group of girls at a nearby table. They were whispering, glancing her way, and giggling. One of them even winked at her, making her look away in discomfort. Ever since she had hit puberty, she'd become more conventionally attractive, with sharper features and a more defined build. Girls seemed to be drawn to her, but she never paid much attention.

She didn't care for the attention—except when it was Ahyeon. She caught herself thinking about the bubbly girl she had bumped into earlier, and for a moment, her cold expression softened. But then she quickly shook her head, reminding herself that she didn't need distractions.

---

Evening – Lisa and Jennie's Unexpected Reunion:

Lisa walked into the small cafe, planning to grab a quick coffee before heading back to work. She was exhausted, her mind weighed down by her latest project. She didn't notice the familiar figure at the counter until she heard a voice that sent chills down her spine.

"Lisa?"

She turned, and there was Jennie, looking just as surprised as she was. For a moment, the world seemed to stop. Lisa's heart raced, and a mix of emotions she hadn't felt in years rushed to the surface.

"Jennie," she said, her voice low and guarded.

Jennie managed a smile, though it was laced with nervousness. "It's been a while."

"Yeah," Lisa replied, trying to keep her composure. "It has."

There was a heavy silence between them, both of them unsure of what to say. They hadn't spoken since their painful breakup in high school, and seeing each other now, after all these years, brought back memories they'd both tried to forget.

"I didn't know you were back in town," Jennie said, her voice barely above a whisper.

"I never left," Lisa said, her tone colder than she intended. "Just been... busy."

Jennie nodded, biting her lip. "I see. Well, it was... nice seeing you again."

Lisa wanted to say something, anything, but the words wouldn't come. Instead, she just nodded, watching as Jennie turned and walked away, leaving her with a knot in her chest that she hadn't felt in years.

---

Back at the Dorms – Chiquita and Ahyeon's Second Encounter:

Chiquita had just finished unpacking her things when she heard a knock at her dorm room door. She opened it, surprised to see Ahyeon standing there, holding a small plant.

"Hi!" Ahyeon said, her smile as bright as ever. "I thought I'd welcome you with a little gift. It's a succulent. They're easy to take care of, and I figured you might like that."

Chiquita blinked, caught off guard. "Uh... thanks," she said, taking the plant awkwardly. She wasn't sure what to do with it, but the gesture was... nice.

"Also," Ahyeon added, tilting her head playfully, "since we're both in the same class, maybe we could study together sometime?"

Chiquita hesitated, her mind racing. She didn't want to get close to anyone, but there was something about Ahyeon that made it hard to say no. "Maybe," she said, her voice softening despite herself.

Ahyeon's smile widened. "Great! See you around, Chiquita."

As Ahyeon left, Chiquita found herself staring at the small plant, a strange warmth spreading through her chest. Maybe, just maybe, this semester wouldn't be as unbearable as she thought.

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Hope u guys liked it. Insta:whynot_831.