Entangled in Rivalry

Chapter 53

Seulgi POV
---

I was humming under my breath as I walked across campus, clutching my books a little too tightly against my chest. The sun was warm, the sky bright, and all I could think about was later-Jaeyi waiting for me at the gates, just like the older days when she'd pick me up and I'd feel like the luckiest person alive. The thought alone made me smile like an idiot.

But then... it happened.

A sudden flash-so quick it almost looked like the stutter of a camera-caught the corner of my eye. My body froze before my mind even caught up. Slowly, I turned my head, scanning the empty hallway behind me. Nothing. Just lockers. Shadows. Silence.

I shook my head, telling myself I was being silly, and forced my feet to keep moving. But the further I went, the more the hairs on my neck stood up. It was the unmistakable feeling of being watched, like invisible eyes were crawling over me.

I quickened my pace, clutching my bag strap now, my pulse echoing in my ears.

"Relax, Seulgi," I whispered under my breath. "It's probably just one of Jaeyi's bodyguards again. They're always hovering somewhere."

But deep down, I knew this felt different. Bodyguards didn't hide like this. They made their presence known-they wanted me to feel safe. This... this felt wrong. Like something lurking just out of sight, daring me to look over my shoulder again.

And it wasn't the first time.

I hadn't been sleeping well. Every night, I'd swear I felt that same presence outside my window, in the quiet corners of my dreams. A shadow that followed me even when I woke up. That was why I clung so tightly to Jaeyi at night, why I begged her to stay close.

I bit my lip and pushed the thought down, hurrying into class as if the four walls could shield me from it.

I should tell Jaeyi. I know I should. But how do I explain it? How do I burden her when she already has so much to carry? She's been fighting battles I can't even see, and I... I don't want to become one more weight dragging her down.

Still... I know I can't keep this to myself forever.

Because sooner or later, whatever's out there-it's getting closer.

The last bell rang, and Seulgi practically skipped down the steps outside her faculty building. Her bag swung at her side as she scanned the parking lot, her heart already knowing where to look.

Jaeyi was there-leaning against her car with an easy posture, one hand tucked in her pocket while the other scrolled lazily through her phone. The afternoon sun gilded her profile, softening the sharp lines of her face until she looked like she belonged in a photograph.

When she heard her name, Jaeyi's head lifted, and her smile appeared instantly-bright, reserved only for Seulgi.

"You're early," Seulgi said when she finally reached her.

"Of course I am," Jaeyi replied smoothly, slipping her phone away. "I told you I'd pick you up. Couldn't risk you running off without me."

Seulgi laughed, ready to tease her back, but Jaeyi had already opened the passenger door with a dramatic little bow. "Your chariot awaits."

Rolling her eyes, Seulgi swatted lightly at her shoulder before sliding into the seat. Jaeyi leaned in just long enough to brush a few strands of hair behind Seulgi's ear, whispering, "Missed you."

"You saw me this morning," Seulgi muttered, cheeks warming.

"Exactly," Jaeyi said with a grin before closing the door.