The Girl No One Really Knew

Chapter 9: Motives and Misdirection

The art room was quiet, filled only with the soft rustle of snack wrappers and the occasional scrape of a chair.

Arin sat across from Seojun, legs crossed, her expression calm—almost too calm.

“Never thought you’d say yes,” Seojun said, popping a piece of fish cake into his mouth.

“I didn’t say yes. I just didn’t say no,” she replied smoothly, sipping her banana milk.

He chuckled, clearly entertained. “That’s such an Arin answer.”

But Arin wasn’t here to joke around.

She was watching him. Every word, every glance, every little hesitation.

Because the truth was—she didn’t trust him. Not completely.

Maybe it was the way he showed up at the hotel that night. Or how he always knew just a little too much.

And now… that note in her locker.

Someone was watching her.

And Seojun was too close for comfort.

Jihoon had offered to look into it, of course.

While Arin played it cool on the surface, Jihoon was already digging. Quietly. Efficiently. Because that’s what Jihoon did best—watch her back from the shadows.

“You’ve been quiet,” Seojun said, breaking the silence.

“Maybe I’m just tired of talking.”

“Or maybe,” he leaned in slightly, “you’re trying to figure me out.”

She met his gaze, steady. “Wouldn’t you like to know?”

Before he could reply, the door swung open.

“Whoa—are we having secret dates now?” Minji stepped in, raising an eyebrow at the scene.

Arin blinked. “You’re early.”

“I was curious,” Minji grinned, plopping down beside her. “Rumors travel fast when you’re friends with the school’s golden boy.”

Seojun smirked. “Is that what I am?”

“Relax,” Minji waved him off. “I’ve seen better.”

Arin laughed under her breath. This—this felt normal. And maybe that’s why it was dangerous.

Because the more normal it felt, the easier it was to forget that she was still being watched.

Still a target.

Still pretending.

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