One Team, A New Rivalry

The next day after school, Yoon Ha-eun walked toward the library.

She had a feeling that today's group project wouldn't be easy.

As soon as she entered the library, she saw Lee Seo-jun already waiting.

Books, a laptop, and project notes were neatly arranged on the table in front of him.

Seo-jun smiled warmly.

"You're right on time."

Ha-eun smiled back.

"You're always early."

Just then, the library door opened.

Kang Min-jun walked in.

He was carrying his backpack in one hand and a cold bottle of strawberry juice in the other. 🍓

Without saying a word, he placed the juice in front of Ha-eun and took his seat.

Ha-eun looked at him in surprise.

"Strawberry juice... again?"

Min-jun shrugged.

"You like it."

"Did I ever tell you that?"

"You don't have to."

Before Ha-eun could respond, Seo-jun smiled softly and took a small chocolate bar out of his bag.

"We'll be working for a long time. This will help keep your energy up."

Ha-eun looked back and forth between the two boys.

One gave her strawberry juice.

The other gave her chocolate.

She had absolutely no idea how to react. 😅

They finally began working on the project.

Seo-jun carefully organized everything.

"Let's divide the work first."

Leaning back in his chair, Min-jun replied,

"You make the plan. I'll finish the work."

Seo-jun calmly said,

"Teamwork means everyone works together."

Min-jun smirked.

"You don't need to teach me."

Seeing the tension rising, Ha-eun quickly interrupted.

"Please... let's finish the project without arguing."

Both boys looked at her.

After a brief silence, neither of them said another word.

About two hours later, most of the project was finished.

Ha-eun stood up to put the books back on the shelf.

Suddenly, a heavy book began falling toward her.

"Ha-eun! Watch out!"

At the same time, both Min-jun and Seo-jun rushed toward her.

Each of them grabbed one of her hands.

The entire library fell silent.

Ha-eun stared at them in surprise.

The two boys locked eyes.

Min-jun spoke coldly.

"Let go of her hand."

Seo-jun answered calmly,

"You first."

The atmosphere instantly became awkward.

Ha-eun quickly pulled her hands away.

"I'm fine."

By the time they left the library, the sun was beginning to set.

The three of them walked together toward the school gate.

Just then, a group of girls ran up to Min-jun.

One girl, her face bright red with embarrassment, held out a single red rose. 🌹

"Min-jun... I've liked you for a long time."

The surroundings became completely silent.

Ha-eun also stopped walking.

Without even looking at the girl, Min-jun simply replied,

"Sorry."

He gently returned the rose and continued walking.

The girl lowered her head and walked away, trying to hide her tears.

Ha-eun looked at him in surprise.

"You rejected her just like that?"

Min-jun answered calmly,

"Giving hope to someone I don't like is far crueler."

Ha-eun fell silent.

Seo-jun also looked at Min-jun thoughtfully.

That night, Ha-eun sat quietly in her room.

The same question kept repeating in her mind.

What kind of person is Kang Min-jun, really?

Was he truly a bad person?

Or was he simply hiding his real feelings behind a cold mask?

Meanwhile, Min-jun sat in his room, staring at Ha-eun's name on his phone.

He typed a message.

Then deleted it.

In the end, he sent nothing.

Across the city, Seo-jun stood by his bedroom window, looking up at the night sky.

He quietly whispered to himself,

"I can't afford to wait any longer..."

The competition for love had truly begun. 💜✨

To Be Continued... 🌸

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