She knew what was coming.
Could see it in his face.
The way he was gathering courage.
"Okay," she said carefully.
Another breath.
Then: "I know the timing is terrible. I know you're dealing with so much right now. The stalker. The scrutiny. All of it."
'Please don't.'
"But I can't keep pretending I don't feel this."
'Minjae, stop.'
His green eyes were earnest.
Vulnerable in the hallway's soft lighting.
"I care about you. More than just as a teammate's stylist."
Soorin's chest tightened.
"I think I have since that first day. Or maybe when Doyun made glitter splash all over you and you just laughed. Threw it back at him instead of getting mad."
She remembered.
The purple glitter everywhere.
Doyun's mischievous grin.
Her retaliation.
It felt like a lifetime ago.
