Kapitel 56: FEELINGS
(AN: I always find it challenging to write these types of chapters, I hope you enjoy it.)
It was recess time and everyone was out of the classrooms.
In the cafeteria, lively chatter filled the air. Students patiently lined up for various dishes and drinks, from bibimbap and kimchi to bread and cold beverages.
Some opted for popular quick bites like tteokbokki or kimbap, while others chose lighter options such as salads and fresh fruits.
In the hallways, groups of friends gathered in strategic corners, laughing and chatting animatedly about the latest dramas or upcoming tests. Some students used their free time to review notes or exchange thoughts on recent assignments.
Throughout the corridors, students walked alone, lost in thought as they checked messages on their phones or listened to music through headphones.
Outside the school building, under the bright sun or the shade of trees, smaller groups congregated on benches around small wooden tables.
Recess was a time for relaxation and socialization, and each student made the most of it in their way, whether it was to unwind, eat, engage in sports, study, or enjoy the company of friends.
"… so, these two guys who were fighting were suddenly interrupted by this third person who came in kicking the air! It looked like those guys were acrobatic"
Seated on a school bench, Hong Anna was enthusiastically recounting what she had seen on a livestream she watched yesterday on the Newtube platform.
With her characteristic enthusiasm, Anna spoke vivaciously, attempting to mimic some of the moves she had witnessed.
"Anna, I've told you to stop watching those fight channels. Last time, you came here telling us about that guy running around with a pink mask on his head. Now, you're talking about some guy making videos about street fights. How do you even find these weird channels?"
Always with a slightly more serious expression but a spark of amusement in her eyes, Min Sophie, Anna's blonde-haired friend sitting to her left, responded with a touch of firmness.
However, her tone was gentle, accompanied by an ironic smile as she watched her friend enthusiastically share her stories. Even though it seemed like she was reproaching her, she knew Anna well.
"I think those kinds of channels are staged; I don't believe people get hit for views"
Woo Mia murmured as she nibbled on her sweet bun from the cafeteria. With her mature and thoughtful demeanor, she smiled while listening to both of them.
Since their first meeting at Robert's apartment, they had formed a special bond. That day, filled with laughter and confidence, marked the beginning of a great friendship.
"Nop, I think those videos are real because they were hitting each other hard" - Anna exclaimed enthusiastically, moving her feet excitedly as she mimicked the kicks she had seen in the videos - "I recommend you check out the channel so you can see for yourself; it's called 'How To Fight' on Newtube"
"I won't be looking that up" - Sophie replied casually, having already seen plenty of weird Newtube channels Anna had recommended.
"Those videos don't interest me, but I'll take a look just to see what it's like" - Mia smiled, amused by Anna's enthusiasm.
Sophie turned and placed a hand on Mia's shoulder, giving her a solemn look - "If you agree to watch one of Anna's recommended channels, there's no turning back—you'll be entering the dark side of Newtube"
"Hey! You're making it sound like I have weird tastes!" - Anna exclaimed.
The three girls burst into laughter.
It was in that apartment where it all began, where the three girls realized they had more in common than they thought.
Anna, with her cheerful and warm spirit, was the first to break the ice, making everyone laugh with her antics and infectious enthusiasm. Sophie, more reserved but equally curious, found in conversations with Mia and Anna a space to express herself and share her concerns and thoughts.
Over time, the three girls became more integrated into each other's daily lives. They shared laughs, secrets, and meaningful moments that strengthened their bond.
From small outings together to deep conversations where they shared their dreams and worries, each day became an opportunity to learn more about each other and to support each other in their adventures and challenges.
While laughter filled the air, Anna suddenly turned to Mia with a curious expression.
"Hey, Mia, how's Robert doing? He told us he was going on a trip to Russia for a family matter and would be back in a week, but it's been a week already. Do you know when he'll be back?"
Mia took a moment before responding, a calm smile on her face.
"Yeah, Robert is fine. He told me he'll be back in these days. It seems the issue regarding his father's inheritance has finally been resolved"
She assured, though deep down she knew Robert hadn't gone to Russia. He was in one of the military barracks, involved in a special mission.
Since Robert didn't have much time before starting training with Park Jincheol, he called Mia and told her he would be spending a week stationed at a military base as part of a mission, and he would tell her everything when he got back home.
As an excuse, Robert told her that if anyone asked about his whereabouts, to say he suddenly had to travel to Russia because it was recently discovered that his biological father had some small properties and they were searching for the heir.
Mia didn't know what to say to this, but she had no choice but to accept it, as that was the version the army, or rather his handler, would use to justify his absence from school.
"Hmph! I hope he brings me a souvenir, candy, or something nice from that trip. I won't let him off easy if he doesn't bring anything" - Anna murmured as she casually leaned against the backrest of the bench - "Mia, what do you expect Robert to bring you?"
"Hmm, I don't know, maybe something typical from there" - the brown-haired girl replied.
"And you, Sophie, what do you want Robert to bring you as a gift?" - Anna turned to look at her blonde-haired friend.
"Me? I don't want any gift" - Sophie replied calmly, but her two friends could see an expectant look every time this topic was mentioned.
This elicited a slight smile from Anna and Mia.
"What are you two laughing about, huh?" - Sophie asked, noticing her friends' reactions.
"Nothing, we're not laughing about anything" - Mia tried to cover her mouth.
"Yeah, we're just not laughing about the fact that you want him to bring you something but are too embarrassed to admit it" - Anna smiled wider than Mia.
"I told you, I don't want anything!" Sophie looked away.
"Sure, whatever you say... tsundere" - Anna whispered.
"I'm not a tsundere!"
"Pfff, hahaha"
The girls laughed again.
The more they spent time with Robert, the livelier and more enjoyable their conversations became. He had started calling Sophie 'tsundere,' earning himself a few playful punches from the blonde.
Robert, with his unique charisma, was always there to liven up their conversations with entertaining anecdotes or gestures of kindness that made them feel special.
He was not only the common thread that initially brought them together but also the person who kept them united with his affection and attention.
"Ah... I miss him a lot," Anna, being the tenderest and most cheerful, was more attached to Robert and expressive about his absence, she confessed with a sigh.
"It's good that he's okay. I hope he comes back soon" - Sophie said calmly, trying to hide her emotions. She maintained a stronger facade, but couldn't deny that she also felt Robert's absence.
Mia watched her friends, understanding what they were feeling.
She knew Robert had a special ability to connect with people and make them feel unique. Despite the complexities of their relationship, she felt fortunate to have them as friends and shared with them both concern and affection for Robert.
Ring, ring, ring.
Suddenly, Mia's phone started ringing - "It's the lady taking care of my mom, wait for me a moment."
Mia stood up and moved aside to take the call.
Silence settled between the two girls sitting on the bench, each lost in her thoughts.
"Sophie, do you find it strange that I want to be with Robert? I mean, that I miss him so much" - Anna suddenly threw out into the air.
Sophie looked at her friend in silence for a moment, unsure how to respond to that question.
"I guess... I guess it's not that strange, you know, he's our friend too"
When Sophie mentioned the word 'friends,' Anna felt a strange mix of emotions in her heart.
"Hahaha, sure... we're friends"
The black-haired girl smiled with a hint of sadness, quickly regaining her composure.
But in her mind, a whirlwind of feelings swirled.
Anna radiated a contagious joy that brightened any space she entered.
From the moment she became friends with Mia in Robert's apartment, Anna had felt a special connection with her, as well as with Sophie.
Her tender and affectionate personality constantly sought moments to make her friends laugh and brighten their day. However, something had started to distract her, deeply.
To Anna, Robert was not just a charismatic and fun figure, but also someone she deeply admired.
From day one, she had been drawn to his charm and the way he made everyone around him feel special.
Though their relationship with Robert was primarily friendship, she couldn't help but feel a slight flutter whenever he was around.
Robert's absence during his supposed trip to Russia had left a void in Anna's heart.
She missed his jokes and kind gestures that made her laugh until she cried. Their enthusiastic conversations and the times he treated her with affection, made her feel like the most important person at that moment.
"And you? Do you miss him too?" - Anna asked.
"Me? Of course not... not much" - Sophie responded with a hint of doubt, which she futilely tried to conceal - "You know, just... normal... I guess."
Anna looked at her friend and simply shook her head. It was very clear that, like her, Sophie missed Robert.
The blonde-haired girl looked away and glanced at Mia in the distance, experiencing a mix of emotions similar to Anna's.
Since their first meeting at Robert's apartment, she had shown a cautious attitude toward him and the circumstances surrounding Mia.
Although she engaged in conversations and occasionally smiled at Robert's antics, there was something deeper in her gaze that revealed a complicated personal history and hidden emotions.
Since Gunner mysteriously disappeared from her life nearly two months ago, Sophie had been grappling with a whirlwind of emotions. Though she maintained her composure outwardly, Robert had noticed.
He didn't try to make her feel better with pretty words or anything of the sort. The guy she initially felt annoyed with gradually earned her trust with small gestures, actions that slowly eased her burden.
The laughter between them... the jokes he always made... the moments where he helped her study... all of it began to push away the feelings of frustration and sadness from her heart. The guy was quite something.
He was handsome, funny, smart, a bit of an idiot about some things, but he always treated her well.
Gradually, Sophie began to feel comfortable around Robert, finding his company enjoyable, though she would never openly admit it.
Unconsciously, Sophie began to admire these qualities in Robert, qualities she deeply valued herself.
However, her relationship with him was marked by a mix of respect, curiosity, and a slight attraction that she barely dared to acknowledge.
While maintaining an emotional distance due to unresolved issues with Gunner and the complex situation with Robert, Sophie also found herself drawn to the magnetic energy he exuded.
Robert's absence during his supposed trip to Russia had stirred up a series of conflicting emotions in Sophie.
On one hand, she felt relieved not to have to confront the complicated dynamic his presence brought. On the other hand, a part of her longed for the opportunity to resolve her feelings and the doubts that had arisen since she met him.
Sophie was aware that Robert held a special place in Mia's life and now, in hers.
Though she wasn't entirely sure what this connection meant, she strove to maintain a calm and controlled demeanor in front of her friends.
However, in moments of introspection, she recognized that perhaps she was beginning to develop something deeper for Robert than she was willing to openly admit.
"Sorry for the interruption"
Mia apologized and sat down next to her friends, who reflexively glanced at her.
"Is everything okay with your mom?" - Anna asked.
"No, everything's fine, she just called to tell me she's stepping out for a bit. She had to go to her daughter's school but will be back in an hour or two. My mom was okay with it, but she just wanted to let me know" - Mia explained.
"That's good"
"Yeah, it's good to be informed"
Anna and Sophie nodded, though it was clear they were still lost in their thoughts.
Mia observed the two girls, feeling deep gratitude for having found such special friends.
She knew that with the honesty and affection they shared, their friendship would continue to grow, supported by the bond Robert had helped build between them.
Yet deep in her heart, she knew.
She knew that both Anna and Sophie had come to feel something more than friendship for Robert.
Mia felt a mix of emotions she could barely describe. She knew they were falling for Robert too.
However, far from feeling jealous or upset, Mia felt calm, even happy, that they were the ones sharing these feelings for him.
From the beginning, when Robert confessed his greedy nature and desire to be with more than one woman, Mia accepted that reality.
She was aware that her relationship with him was unconventional, but she had decided to support and understand him. She saw in Robert an extraordinary man, not just physically, but mentally as well.
Mia took a deep breath and smiled gently. She knew she couldn't ignore what was happening between her friends and Robert.
Over the weeks, she had noticed how Anna had become more attached and expressive about her feelings for him. Anna was tender and cheerful, visibly affected by Robert's absence.
On the other hand, Sophie, with her strong character, concealed her emotions behind a facade of firmness, especially with the unresolved conflict with Gunner weighing on her.
Mia knew she needed to find the right moment to talk to them about their feelings for Robert.
She didn't want there to be misunderstandings or resentments between them. She wanted their friendship to remain strong and for everyone to be honest and open about what they felt.
Therefore, she had to do something, something she had wanted to do for a long time with her boyfriend, something so that later everyone could take the next step.
Brrr, Brrr, Brrr
Suddenly, Mia was snapped out of her thoughts by the sound of a text message.
As she checked her phone, her eyes widened in surprise.
"Huh? What happened, Mia?" Anna asked, noticing her friend's reaction. "Is it the lady who's taking care of your mom again?"
"Robert is coming back this afternoon."
"Eh? Ehhhh?!" x2
Wöchentlicher Energiestatus
-- Power-
Rangliste 
-- Power-
Stein