♡˗ˏ✎*ೃ˚ :Chapter twelve: :;

"I never craved attention
until I tasted yours"

Binna found herself alone in the vacant classroom, engrossed in an open book on sign language, diligently perfecting her sign gestures. Her sister was attending another class, leaving her in solitude, with only silence as her companion as always. Nevertheless, catching sight of a specific photograph in the sign language book evoked a vivid memory of a heartwarming encounter with Yi-chan when she affectionately arranged his hair, prompting an irresistible smile to grace her face as she resumed her sign practice.

My heart flutters

Her state of calm was abruptly interrupted when an individual tactlessly positioned a drink on her work surface, compelling her to raise her gaze and discover Se-kyung comfortably positioned across from her, sporting a broad, contented grin.

"Why are you alone? Where are the others?"Binna made a gesturing motion towards the blackboard positioned behind Se-kyung, prompting her to face it and peruse the conspicuously showcased letters inscribed on the verdant wooden panel

'Third period - English listening lesson. Come to the language classroom'

Binna proceeded to place her books under the table, while subtly observing Se-kyung, giving off the impression that she had a query to pose, yet feeling uncertain, which led Se-kyung to respond with a quizzical smile.

"What? Do you have something to tell me?" Se-kyung inquired with a warm smile

Binna maintained a momentary silence, with her gaze steadfastly locked onto Se-kyung's, carefully contemplating the question she was preparing to ask.

"Who will you choose at the festival?" Binna inquired with curiosity, yet her nervousness remained concealed beneath the table, prompting Se-kyung to chuckle with amusement

Se-kyung wore a playful smile as she inquired "Why? Did you bet money, too?" Binna nodded earnestly, catching Se-kyung off guard with her unexpected seriousness. Perked with excitement, Se-kyung eagerly leaned in and asked "Really? Who did you bet on?"

"It's a secret" Binna pointed out after carefully deciphering Se-kyung's words through lip-reading, even though there were certain phrases that escaped her understanding through this method

"Wow, you're aggressive. You must've bet a lot" Se-kyung observed through narrowed eyes, exhibiting a trace of suspicion, and subsequently posed her question with an air of curiosity"Who did I like more before I left to study abroad?" Binna observed her with astonishment, struggling to fully grasp the essence of her inquiry "Well, I was curious what other people thought. What did you think? Who do you think I would've chosen before I left to study abroad? Ha Yi-chan? Ha Eun-gyeol?"

"Ha Eun-gyeol" Binna confidently revealed eliciting an automatic smile from Se-kyung upon the mere mention of that young man with dark hair and an enticing smile

"Ha Eun-gyeol. I see" Se-kyung responded with a bashful smile and cast her eyes downwards, triggering Binna's amusement, causing a smile to grace her own face. She had accurately assessed the situation, and Se-kyung was not refuting her affections for Eun-gyeol

- -

The long-awaited day had finally come, the day on which Se-kyung would ultimately make her decision, and Binna couldn't have been more apprehensive. Contemplating the potential outcomes that could transpire, there was a chance that everything would unfold seamlessly, or conversely, everything could plummet into chaos and fail to align with Binna's wishes. With an overwhelming intensity, Binna fervently yearned for Se-kyung to opt for Eun-gyeol over Yi-chan, knowing deep down that such a choice would devastate her to the core.

'She definitely likes Ha Eun-gyeol. Se-kyung will definitely choose Eun-gyeol over Yi-chan today'

With an air of assurance, Binna sported a smile, assured that all would unfold favorably without any modifications to Se-kyung's resolution. Nonetheless, her contemplation was unexpectedly interrupted as a gentle tap on her shoulder prompted her to pivot and acknowledge the individual seeking her attention.

"You'll come to the festival later. Right?" Eun-gyeol asked, signing, clearly cognizant of the fact that Binna still struggled to comprehend certain words by reading people's lips, as she seldom interacted with others

"Yes. I'll go" Binna nodded in agreement, simultaneously signing with a sense of contentment. She exuded happiness as she pivoted and began organizing her possessions, carefully stowing them inside her backpack in anticipation of her impending departure for school

Upon arrival at school, Binna requested the company of Eun-gyeol and Cheong-ah to retrieve certain belongings from her art class. However, she did not anticipate the presence of Se-kyung and Sang-ah, who had coincidentally just arrived. Binna's observant nature led her to notice the palpable tension between Se-kyung and Eun-gyeol, evident in their fleeting glances towards each other. Notably, Se-kyung deliberately ignored Eun-gyeol and instead approached the two sisters with a cheerful smile.

"Hi. Good morning" Se-kyung greeted with a warm smile before proceeding on her way

"What? Did she do sign language just now?" Sang-ah inquired, visibly impressed, as she clutched onto Eun-gyeol's arm, seemingly anticipating his response "She must be crazy. What if people think she's handicapped?"

"I'm sorry. I'll see you later" Eun-gyeol signed towards the Yoon sisters before hastily pursuing Se-kyung

"They have something going on. Don't they?" Sang-ah inquired, gripping Binna's arm in a gossipy manner befitting her nature "You know something, right..." However, Binna forcefully tapped her forehead before taking Cheong-ah's hand and heading in the direction where their two friends had gone

From afar, Binna attentively observed the profound exchange of gazes between Eun-gyeol and Se-kyung as they spoke. Deciding to exercise patience, Binna chose to await the conclusion of their conversation before discreetly approaching Se-kyung for a private interaction.

"What's going on?" Cheong-ah asked, indicating with swift hand gestures from her side, observing Binna's restlessness as if sensing a foreboding occurrence

"I simply need to inquire something from Se-kyung," Binna responded promptly, countering with equal swiftness and forcing a smile upon her face in order to appear more compelling

Cheong-ah observed her with a perplexed countenance, but refrained from seeking further information as Se-kyung approached with a saddened appearance. Nevertheless, this visage gradually eased and a joyful grin illuminated her features upon beholding the presence of both sisters in front of her.

"Were you waiting for me?" Se-kyung queried with an unexpected smile, employing sign language to enable Cheong-ah's comprehension "Why? Do you need to tell me something?"

"You'll choose Ha Eun-gyeol today. Right?" Binna quickly interjected, hopeful that Se-kyung would affirm, allowing her concerns to dissipate and alleviating her distress

"No. Bet on Yi-chan" replied Se-kyung, shaking her head, the smile fading from her face at the mention of the dark-haired boy "It's a secret only you two know about" she smiled before departing

Binna experienced a sensation of breathlessness and intense emotional pain, as though she had been subjected to a devastating blow to the core. The anguish she felt was unparalleled, taking hold of her entire being. In response, she tightly gripped her hands and, in an attempt to suppress her overwhelming sorrow, bit down on her lower lip while delicately removing the tears that were pooling in her eyes.

Cheong-ah, who had now grasped the underlying cause behind her sister's peculiar actions, readily provided her sister with empathetic assistance by offering her a hand squeeze. She genuinely experienced a deep sense of sorrow as she witnessed Binna's fragility during these occurrences.

What events occurred to prompt Se-kyung's alteration of perspective? What circumstances unfolded between Eun-gyeol and Se-kyung that led her to prioritize Yi-Chan over Eun-gyeol? Why did the disintegration of everything have to transpire with such rapidity?

- -

Binna strolled towards Yi-chan's school, attentively witnessing the bustling activity occurring at the entrance. Her eyes appeared puffy and reddened due to too much crying, and her heart pulsated intensely. Simultaneously, the moment the boy locked eyes with Binna, he abruptly disregarded everything else and sprinted towards her, bearing an elated smile upon his countenance, causing her to be thoroughly taken aback.

"Surprise" Yi-chan exclaimed, extending his arms wide with a smile "You came so early. Do you want to look around our school?" He gestured eagerly and filled with anticipation, while Binna shook her head with a forced smile, determined not to shed another tear in his presence

"I need to go back to school. They suddenly added a supplementary class" Binna explained with a quivering voice, an observation that went largely unnoticed by Yi-chan

Yi-chan inquired with disappointment "You're going back to school? Seriously? Why... did you come so early, then?" He uttered gently, gazing directly into Binna's eyes. Afterwards, she proceeded to take a small box out of her backpack, while Yi-chan anxiously waited, not fully aware of Binna's swollen eyes

"Oh, my" Yi-Chan exclaimed as he took the box offered by Binna "Wow, amazing!" he exclaimed with astonishment upon opening it "Are you giving this to me?"

"Yes. It's a present" Binna replied with a smile, nodding in agreement

"A present? Did you make this to give to me?"  Yi-chan exclaimed with excitement, to which Binna nodded once again "Wow, thank you. Thank you so much" he expressed his joy "I'll make sure to use it for the show today. Right. You're coming to the show later. Right?"

No. I won't be there today

Nevertheless, she chose to affirm silently by nodding, wearing a faint smile on her countenance, as she made an effort to protect herself from breaking down in that specific instant.

"Make sure to come. Make sure to come and clap like this... I mean... do this" With a wide smile, Yi-chan moved his palms sideways, relieving the knot in Binna's throat

No, I won't be able to shine like you today

Binna gave a nod, sensing a vulnerable state where her tears seemed poised to escape and cascade down her cheeks momentarily.

"I'll go" Yi-Chan smiled bidding farewell before swiftly returning to his friends with an exuberantly gleeful expression

It was fun, Yi-chan

Binna pivoted her gaze, allowing the delicate flow of tears down her visage, while skillfully maintaining a facade of cheerfulness, yearning for solace to mend her vulnerable heart.

Good luck with the show today and... make sure to win the bet, too

As she strolled forward, she delicately brushed away the tears cascading down her rosy cheeks. Her heart throbbed with an intense pang, yet the most excruciating torment stemmed from the insurmountable divide between them, originating from their disparate backgrounds, rendering any prospect of their love inconceivable.

It was impossible anyways

Author's note;

I empathized with every emotion expressed by Binna; for a brief moment, I felt like the protagonist of the story 😭Nonetheless, I genuinely hope that you are enjoying the story, and I am deeply grateful for your support and appreciation!💕