Our Secret Spring

The Song Beneath the Stars

The Spring Festival continued long after sunset.

Strings of golden lights illuminated the school grounds, and colorful lanterns swayed gently in the evening breeze. Music floated through the air as students laughed, played games, and lined up at food stalls.

Ji-ah had changed into a simple white dress for the evening celebration. It wasn't expensive, but her mother had carefully sewn it herself.

"You look beautiful," Ha-neul said with a smile.

Ji-ah blushed.

"My mom made it."

"You should thank her twice."

"I will."

Before they could continue talking, the principal stepped onto the stage.

"Thank you all for making this year's Spring Festival a success! Now, let's begin our annual talent performances!"

Cheers erupted from the crowd.

Backstage, Seo-jun adjusted the microphone in his hands.

One of his teammates nudged him.

"I didn't know you could sing."

Seo-jun smiled.

"I usually don't."

"So why tonight?"

Seo-jun glanced toward the audience.

His eyes found Ji-ah almost immediately.

"For someone."

His friend laughed.

"I knew it!"

The lights dimmed.

A single spotlight shone on the stage.

The crowd fell silent as Seo-jun walked to the microphone.

A soft piano melody filled the air.

"I'd like to dedicate this song," he began, "to someone who reminded me that being treated like an ordinary person can be the greatest gift."

Ji-ah looked up in surprise.

Surely...

He couldn't mean...

The music began.

Seo-jun's voice was gentle and sincere.

He wasn't trying to impress anyone.

He simply sang from the heart.

The audience swayed quietly to the melody.

Ji-ah couldn't take her eyes off him.

By the time the song ended, the entire school burst into applause.

Ha-neul leaned closer and whispered,

"If that song wasn't for you, then I'm the Queen of Korea."

Ji-ah elbowed her gently.

"Stop it."

But her racing heart betrayed her.

After the performance, students gathered around Seo-jun to congratulate him.

He politely thanked everyone but kept looking through the crowd.

Until he saw Ji-ah standing alone beneath the cherry blossom tree on the edge of the campus.

He excused himself and walked over.

"I've been looking for you."

Ji-ah smiled.

"You sang beautifully."

"Did you like it?"

She nodded.

"Very much."

For a moment, neither of them spoke.

The night was peaceful.

Cherry blossoms drifted around them like pink snow.

"I've never met anyone like you," Seo-jun admitted.

Ji-ah looked at him curiously.

"Is that a good thing?"

"It's the best thing."

She looked away, trying to hide the smile forming on her lips.

Just then...

The festival fireworks began.

Bright colors exploded across the night sky.

Students cheered and pointed excitedly.

Without thinking, Ji-ah stepped closer to Seo-jun so they could both watch.

The brilliant lights reflected in her eyes.

Seo-jun found himself watching her instead of the fireworks.

She's beautiful...

Before he realized what he was doing, he quietly reached for her hand.

Their fingers brushed.

Ji-ah froze.

She slowly looked down.

Seo-jun immediately pulled back.

"I'm... sorry."

Ji-ah looked at him.

Instead of moving away...

She gently took his hand.

"It's okay."

Neither of them noticed Ha-neul smiling from a distance.

"They're hopeless," she whispered happily.

Hidden behind the stage curtains...

Choi Min-seo watched everything.

Her nails dug into her palms until they hurt.

"So..."

"They've already reached this point."

Her breathing became uneven.

"I tried being patient."

"I tried being kind."

She slowly wiped away a tear.

"No more."

She took out her phone and dialed a number she had never called before.

The call connected after only one ring.

"I need your help," she said coldly.

"I want someone taught a lesson."

The person on the other end laughed.

"Who?"

Min-seo's eyes never left Ji-ah.

"Kang Ji-ah."

There was a brief silence.

Then the voice replied,

"Consider it done."

Min-seo ended the call.

A satisfied smile spread across her face.

Far across the school grounds, Ji-ah laughed at something Seo-jun had said, completely unaware that someone had just taken the first step toward destroying her happiness.

The fireworks continued to light up the spring sky...

But for Ji-ah, the storm had already begun.