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Two days later, Mina found herself actively avoiding any encounters with Y/n.
Whether in the school corridors or the cafeteria, she made a conscious effort to keep her distance, her steps quickening whenever she caught sight of Y/n in the crowd.
Despite her best efforts, Mina couldn't shake the lingering sense of discomfort that had settled in the pit of her stomach.
The memory of their last interaction weighed heavily on her mind, and she couldn't help but feel a sense of unease whenever she thought about facing Y/n again.
As she hurried through the halls, Mina couldn't help but wonder why she was avoiding Y/n so vehemently.
Was it because of their tense exchange at the park? Or was it something deeper, something she couldn't quite put into words?
Lost in her thoughts, Mina barely noticed as she bumped into a classmate, offering a quick apology before continuing on her way.
With each passing moment, the distance between her and Y/n seemed to grow wider, leaving Mina feeling more isolated than ever before.
Feeling overwhelmed by her emotions, Mina made her way to the nearest bathroom, seeking solace in the quiet confines of a cubicle.
As she stepped inside and locked the door behind her, a wave of relief washed over her, grateful for the temporary escape from the chaos of the outside world.
Alone in the dimly lit cubicle, Mina sank down onto the closed lid of the toilet, her thoughts racing a mile a minute.
With a heavy sigh, Mina rested her head in her hands, the coolness of the bathroom tiles providing some small measure of comfort.
She knew she couldn't stay hidden away forever, but for now, all she wanted was a moment of peace to collect her thoughts and regain her composure.
With a relieved sigh, Mina pushed herself up from the toilet lid and unlocked the cubicle door, steeling herself for whatever awaited her outside.
As she swung the door open, her eyes widened in surprise to find Y/n standing there, patiently waiting for her.
"Hi" Y/n greeted, a gentle smile playing on her lips as she met Mina's gaze.
Mina couldn't help but roll her eyes at the sight of Y/n, her initial instinct to push her away resurfacing once more.
Despite her frustration, she couldn't deny the pang of guilt that tugged at her heart as she looked at Y/n's earnest expression.
Sensing the tension in the air, Y/n leaned closer to Mina, concern etched on her features.
"Why have you been avoiding me?" she asked softly, her voice laced with genuine concern.
Mina recoiled awkwardly at the sudden proximity, her back pressing against the cold tiles of the bathroom wall.
Before she could react, both she and Y/n stumbled backwards, their movements causing them to inadvertently enter the cubicle together.
Caught off guard by the unexpected turn of events, Mina's cheeks flushed crimson as she found herself in such close proximity to Y/n.
Her heart pounded erratically in her chest as she struggled to find the right words to explain herself.
"I-I..." Mina stammered, her voice faltering as she searched for an explanation.
But the words caught in her throat, her mind racing with uncertainty.
She knew she owed Y/n an explanation, but the fear of revealing her true feelings held her back, leaving her feeling more vulnerable than ever before.
Y/n's voice was soft, tinged with a hint of vulnerability as she spoke. "I know you've always been distant and cold, Mina" she admitted, her gaze meeting Mina's with unwavering sincerity. "But I couldn't resist reaching out. I missed you."
Mina's breath caught in her throat at Y/n's words, her heart fluttering with a mixture of emotions.
Despite her efforts to push Y/n away, she couldn't deny the warmth that flooded through her at the realization that she was missed.
Mina's brows furrowed in frustration, her heart racing with conflicting emotions. Instead of admitting her true feelings, she felt a surge of irritation bubbling up inside her.
With a sharp inhale, she met Y/n's gaze, her voice edged with frustration.
"You should just leave me alone!" Mina exclaimed, her words echoing in the cramped confines of the cubicle.
Her chest felt tight with the weight of her emotions, her frustration boiling over as she struggled to make sense of her feelings.
Y/n's expression faltered, a flicker of hurt crossing her features at Mina's outburst.
Despite the sting of rejection, she nodded silently, her gaze dropping to the floor as she took a step back, giving Mina the space she so adamantly demanded.
As Y/n turned to leave, Mina's heart clenched with a pang of regret. But the walls she had built around herself felt impenetrable, and she couldn't bring herself to reach out and stop Y/n from leaving.
Alone once more, Mina sank down onto the closed lid of the toilet, her frustration mingling with a sense of guilt.
Deep down, she knew that pushing Y/n away was the last thing she truly wanted. But in that moment, overwhelmed by her confusion and fear, it was the only thing she could bring herself to do.
Feeling drained and emotionally exhausted, Mina made her way home, each step heavy with the weight of her conflicting emotions.
As she arrived home and stepped through the front door, Mina was greeted by the comforting embrace of silence.
With a sigh, Mina kicked off her shoes and sank down onto the couch, her mind still reeling from the events of the day. Despite her best efforts to push them away, thoughts of Y/n lingered in the back of her mind, a constant reminder of the tumultuous emotions that had consumed her.
Lost in her thoughts, Mina found herself grappling with a myriad of conflicting feelings.
She couldn't shake the sense of unease that had settled over her since her encounter with Y/n, nor could she silence the nagging voice in the back of her mind that whispered of regret.
Mina's dad knocked gently on the table, clearing his throat to get her attention.
"Mina, honey" he began, his voice gentle yet firm, "are you struggling with the...complicated things again?"
Startled out of her reverie, Mina blinked and looked up at her dad, her expression guarded.
"I'm fine, Dad" Mina replied, her tone clipped as she avoided his gaze.
Mina's dad chuckled softly, a knowing smile playing on his lips as he gently teased her.
"You're really in love with that girl you always talk about, aren't you?" he remarked, his tone light and teasing.
Mina's eyes widened in disbelief at her dad's words, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment.
"No! Dad! I'm not in love!" she protested, her voice rising slightly as she denied his accusation.
But her dad simply smiled knowingly, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Sure, sure, Mina" he said, his tone teasing yet affectionate.
"You don't have to admit it if you're not ready. Just remember, I'm always here for you, no matter what."
Feeling flustered and overwhelmed, Mina let out a frustrated sigh, her emotions swirling in turmoil.
She knew her dad meant well, but the idea of being in love with Y/n was too overwhelming to consider.
With a shake of her head, she pushed aside her dad's teasing remarks, determined to focus on finding clarity amidst the chaos of her feelings.
Mina's dad's expression softened, his playful demeanor giving way to a more serious tone.
"Speaking of matters of the heart" he began, his voice gentle yet firm, "I've arranged for us to meet with a colleague of mine who's a renowned cardiac surgeon."
Mina blinked in surprise at her dad's words, the sudden shift in topic catching her off guard.
"A cardiac surgeon?" she echoed, her curiosity piqued. "Why are we meeting with them?"
Her dad nodded, his gaze steady as he explained. "Well, I know you've been interested in pursuing a career in medicine, and I thought it would be a good opportunity for you to learn more about the field" he replied.
"Plus, it never hurts to network and get some advice from someone with experience."
Mina nodded slowly, the pieces of the puzzle starting to come together in her mind.
She knew her dad only wanted what was best for her, and she couldn't deny that meeting with a cardiac surgeon could provide valuable insight into her future career path.
With a sense of determination, Mina squared her shoulders and met her dad's gaze. "I'm ready" she said, her voice steady with newfound resolve. "Let's meet this cardiac surgeon and see what they have to say."
Her dad smiled proudly, a warmth filling his eyes as he reached out to squeeze her hand.
"That's my girl" he said softly. "I know you'll make the most of this opportunity, Mina. I believe in you."
———————
As Mina and her dad arrived at the meeting place, they found the old man already waiting for them, seated at a table in the corner of the café.
He was impeccably dressed in a crisp white coat, his demeanor exuding an air of confidence and authority.
Mina couldn't help but feel a twinge of nervousness as she approached the table, her mind racing with anticipation.
She knew that this meeting could potentially shape her future, and she was determined to make a good impression.
With a polite nod, her dad led the way, gesturing for Mina to take a seat opposite the old man.
As they settled into their chairs, Mina couldn't help but feel a sense of awe at the sight of the esteemed cardiac surgeon before her.
"Dr. Cho, thank you for taking the time to meet with us" her dad said, his voice respectful as he addressed the old man.
Dr. Cho smiled warmly, his eyes crinkling at the corners with a hint of amusement.
"The pleasure is mine" he replied, his voice seasoned with years of experience. "I always enjoy the opportunity to share my knowledge with the next generation of medical professionals."
Mina nodded eagerly, her nerves momentarily forgotten in the presence of such wisdom. She knew that she had a lot to learn, and she was eager to soak up every bit of advice Dr. Cho had to offer.
Dr. Cho chuckled warmly, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he regarded Mina with a knowing look.
"Ah, so you must be the young lady that Dr. Myoui mentioned" he said, his voice filled with warmth.
Mina blinked in surprise at the mention of her dad's name. She hadn't expected him to come up in their conversation, and she couldn't help but feel a sense of pride at the recognition.
A small smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "I suppose he talks about me more than I realized."
Dr. Cho nodded, his smile widening. "He speaks very highly of you" he replied. "He mentioned that you have a keen interest in medicine and a natural talent for it."
Mina felt a flush of pride at her dad's praise, her heart swelling with gratitude.
She had always admired her dad's work as a orthopedic surgeon, and to know that he believed in her abilities meant the world to her.
"Thank you" Mina said, her voice tinged with sincerity. "I'm grateful for his support and encouragement."
Dr. Cho nodded approvingly, his gaze warm and encouraging. "You're welcome" he said kindly. "With your dedication and talent, I have no doubt that you'll go far in the field of medicine."
Suddenly, a loud thud echoed through the café, drawing everyone's attention.
Mina's eyes widened in surprise as she turned to see Y/n standing nearby, looking slightly flustered.
Dr. Cho raised an eyebrow in surprise. "Y/n? What are you doing here?" he asked, his tone filled with curiosity.
Mina couldn't help but roll her eyes at the predictable entrance of her friend.
She glanced at her father, who was sporting a teasing expression, his eyebrows raised suggestively.
"It seems like fate brought us together" Y/n replied with a sheepish grin, brushing off her stumble. "I didn't expect to see you here, Dr. Cho."
Dr. Cho chuckled, shaking his head in amusement. "Well, it's a pleasant surprise" he said warmly. "Why don't you join us?"
Mina exchanged a knowing glance with her dad, who was clearly enjoying the unexpected turn of events.
She couldn't help but feel a sense of fond exasperation towards Y/n, who always seemed to have a knack for showing up at the most unexpected times.
Dr. Cho smiled warmly and gestured towards Y/n. "Mina, this is my daughter, Y/n" he said, introducing them. "And Y/n, this is my colleague, Dr. Myoui, and his daughter, Mina."
As Y/n's eyes met Mina's, she couldn't hide her surprise at seeing her there. "Mina?" she echoed, her voice tinged with astonishment.
Mina's expression remained cold and nonchalant, giving away nothing of her inner thoughts.
She simply nodded in acknowledgment of Y/n's greeting before redirecting her attention to her father, Dr. Myoui, who exchanged a subtle glance with Dr. Cho, his expression unreadable as he signaled to him.
Dr. Cho caught the signal from Dr. Myoui and nodded in understanding, his own expression masked as he turned back to the group.
"Well, it's a small world, isn't it?" he remarked casually, attempting to diffuse the tension in the air.
Y/n, still reeling from the unexpected encounter, offered a tentative smile. "Yeah, definitely didn't expect to see you here" she admitted, her voice betraying a hint of uncertainty.
Mina remained silent, her gaze steady as she observed the interaction between Y/n and her father.
Y/n settled into the seat beside Dr. Cho, her curiosity piqued by the unusual situation.
"So, what's going on? Why are we all at the same table?" she asked, casting a questioning glance between Dr. Cho and Dr. Myoui.
Before anyone could respond, Dr. Cho spoke up with a mischievous twinkle in his eye.
"Well, Y/n, it's actually for an arranged marriage" he announced casually.
Y/n's eyes widened in shock at the unexpected revelation, and in her surprise, she stumbled backward, losing her balance and falling to the ground once more.
Mina, who had been observing the interaction with a cool demeanor, shot up from her seat in shock. "Father!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with disbelief and outrage.
Dr. Myoui chuckled at the stunned reactions of both Y/n and Mina, thoroughly enjoying the prank.
"Gotcha!" he exclaimed with a laugh, sharing a knowing look with Dr. Cho.
Y/n scrambled back to her feet, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment as she realized she had fallen for the joke.
"You guys got me good" she admitted with a sheepish grin, unable to suppress a laugh at her own expense.
Mina's initial shock gave way to amusement as she realized she had been tricked.
"I can't believe you would do that" she said with a shake of her head
Y/n, still recovering from her embarrassment, quickly moved to sit beside Mina, instinctively reaching out to cling onto her arm. However, Mina, feeling annoyed by the sudden invasion of her personal space, began to struggle to free herself from Y/n's grasp.
Dr. Cho observed the interaction with interest, pausing for a moment before remarking, "You two seem quite close."
Dr. Myoui nodded in agreement, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips.
"Yes, Mina often talks about Y/n at home" he admitted, glancing affectionately at his daughter.
Y/n couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth at the thought of Mina mentioning her outside of school.
"Aw, you talk about me with your dad?" she teased, a playful grin on her face.
Mina's expression remained impassive as she confirmed Y/n's question.
"Yes, and it's usually about how YOU annoys me so much EVERY. TIME." she replied bluntly, her annoyance evident in her tone.
Dr. Cho chuckled at Mina's response, shaking his head in amusement. "Well, they do say that's how love starts, Y/n" he remarked with a knowing smile, his gaze lingering on Y/n for a moment.
Mina couldn't suppress a shudder at Dr. Cho's remark.
"Ew" she muttered under her breath, her expression one of mild disgust as she shifted uncomfortably in her seat.
Y/n couldn't help but laugh at Mina's reaction, finding amusement in her friend's blunt response.
"Come on, Mina, don't be like that" she teased, nudging Mina playfully with her elbow.
Dr. Myoui chuckled at his daughter's reaction, amused by her straightforwardness.
"Ah, young love" he remarked with a smile, shaking his head fondly at the scene unfolding before him.
Dr. Cho chuckled at his own joke, nudging Mina playfully with his elbow. "Come on, Mina, you know you're pretty enough to make anyone fall in love at first sight" he teased with a wink.
Mina's cheeks flushed with embarrassment at the compliment, and she shook her head in denial.
"I'm not pretty" she insisted softly, her insecurity evident in her tone.
Y/n, sitting beside Mina, couldn't help but admire her friend's beauty. "Are you kidding? You're gorgeous, Mina" she said sincerely, offering a reassuring smile.
Despite Y/n's compliment, Mina couldn't shake off her feelings of insecurity, especially when she thought about Eunha, the girl Y/n had been flirting with earlier.
The comparison made her feel even more self-conscious, and she shifted uncomfortably in her seat, unable to meet Y/n's gaze.
Y/n took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the awkwardness settle over her. "you're the sexiest girl I've ever seen" she confessed softly, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment as she spoke the words.
Mina froze in her tracks, her body tensing at Y/n's unexpected declaration.
She shifted uncomfortably in her seat, feeling as though she was being sexualized by Y/n's comment, even though she knew it was likely just a misunderstanding.
"Excuse me" Mina muttered tersely, pushing her chair back and rising to her feet. Without another word, she turned on her heel and made a hasty exit from the table, her discomfort palpable.
Y/n's smile faltered as she watched Mina leave, her brows furrowing in confusion. She couldn't understand what had made her friend so upset, and she felt a pang of guilt gnawing at her insides.
"I... I didn't mean it like that" Y/n stammered, her voice tinged with regret as she called out to Mina's retreating figure.
But it was too late—Mina was already gone, leaving Y/n feeling utterly bewildered and wondering what she had said to upset her friend.
Dr. Myoui exchanged a concerned glance with Dr. Cho, silently acknowledging the awkwardness of the situation.
"I think it's best if we give them some space" he suggested gently, motioning for Dr. Cho to follow him as they made their way out of the cafe.
Once they were out of earshot, Dr. Myoui turned to Dr. Cho, his expression somber. "Mina has had a tough past" he explained quietly, his voice filled with concern. "She's been through a lot, and sometimes certain comments or situations can trigger her."
Dr. Cho nodded understandingly, his expression reflecting his empathy for Mina's struggles.
"I see" he murmured, realizing the gravity of the situation. "We'll give her some time to herself then."
———————
The next morning, Mina found herself in the restroom, washing her hands, lost in her thoughts. Suddenly, she heard the door creak open, and she glanced up to see Y/n stepping inside.
Mina's muscles tensed as she braced herself for what was to come. She didn't want to face Y/n, not after the discomfort she had caused the previous day.
"Hey, Mina" Y/n's voice broke the silence, sounding hesitant. "I... I wanted to apologize for yesterday. I didn't mean to make you feel uncomfortable. I shouldn't have said what I did."
Mina's jaw clenched as she turned to face Y/n, her expression cold and unyielding. "Apologies don't change what happened" she said sharply, her tone laced with bitterness. "You sexualized me, Y/n. And a sorry can't fix that."
As Y/n stood there, her heart heavy with regret, she felt compelled to defend herself against Mina's accusations.
"Mina, wait" she pleaded, her voice tinged with desperation. "I didn't mean to sexualize you. I was just... complimenting your body. You're beautiful, and I thought you should know that."
But instead of easing the tension, Y/n's explanation seemed to have the opposite effect. Mina's expression hardened even further, her shoulders tensing as she processed Y/n's words.
"Complimenting my body?" she echoed, her voice sharp with disbelief. "Is that supposed to make it better?"
Y/n's heart sank as she realized her mistake. Her attempt to clarify her intentions had only succeeded in making Mina more conscious about her body, deepening the rift between them.
As Y/n stood there, her hand poised to reach out to Mina in a futile attempt to comfort her, she felt a sudden sting across her cheek.
Mina's hand had connected with her face with a force that took Y/n by surprise.
The sharp sound of the slap echoed through the restroom, causing Y/n to freeze in shock.
She didn't dare to look at Mina, her cheeks burning with humiliation and guilt.
Without a word, Y/n turned on her heel and walked away, her footsteps heavy with the weight of Mina's anger.
She couldn't bear to face Mina after what had just happened, knowing that she had caused her friend so much pain.
—————
As Mina returned to their classroom, her eyes scanned the room, searching for any sign of Y/n. But to her disappointment, Y/n was nowhere to be found. It was clear that she hadn't returned to their class after their encounter in the restroom.
Feeling a pang of concern, Mina wondered where Y/n could have gone. She knew that their friendship was strained after their argument, but she hadn't expected Y/n to skip class altogether.
As the minutes ticked by and the teacher began the lesson without Y/n's presence, Mina couldn't shake off the worry that gnawed at her insides.
Suddenly, she noticed Eunha peeking inside, her eyes widening in surprise at the sight of Tzuyu's back. The two seemed to be engaged in a conversation, their heads close together as they exchanged words.
A wave of insecurity washed over Mina as she watched them, her heart sinking in her chest.
She couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy at the sight of Tzuyu and Eunha's closeness, her own feelings of inadequacy magnified in comparison.
In a desperate attempt to hide her insecurity, Mina pulled her cardigan sweater tighter around herself, hoping to disappear into its folds.
Despite her best efforts to shake off her feelings of insecurity, Mina couldn't help but feel like an outsider looking in on the scene before her.
She longed to be a part of the easy camaraderie shared between Tzuyu and Eunha, but deep down, she knew that her own insecurities were holding her back.
With a heavy sigh, Mina forced herself to look away, knowing that she needed to confront her feelings head-on if she ever hoped to overcome them.
Meanwhile Y/n
As Y/n lay on her bed, her mind was consumed by a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. The events of the day replayed in her mind like a broken record, each moment tinged with a sense of sadness and frustration.
She couldn't shake off the feeling of rejection that had settled in her chest, a heavy weight that seemed to press down on her with every breath.
With a sigh, Y/n buried her face in her pillow, the fabric muffling the sound of her frustrated sigh. She couldn't understand why Mina was pushing her away
A wave of self-doubt washed over Y/n as she wondered if she was the one to blame for their falling out. Had she said something wrong? Had she crossed a line without realizing it?
The more she dwelled on these questions, the more convinced Y/n became that she should just stop trying to reach out to Mina altogether.
If Mina didn't care enough to talk to her, then maybe it was time for Y/n to let go and move on.
With a heavy heart, Y/n closed her eyes and tried to push aside her thoughts, hoping that sleep would offer some respite from the turmoil swirling inside her mind.