Chapter 2

Chapter 2: A New Kind of Normal

The classroom was already buzzing when Soojin stepped inside. Students chatted in small groups, some laughing loudly, others hunched over books or phones. She hesitated at the doorway, her fingers tightening around the strap of her bag.

“Yoon Soojin, right?” a voice asked.

She turned to see a tall boy leaning against a desk near the back. His dark hair was styled messily on purpose, and his sharp eyes studied her with mild amusement.

“Yeah,” she said softly.

“I’m Jung Daehyun,” he said, not offering a hand, just watching her like she was a puzzle he wanted to solve.

“Nice to meet you,” she replied politely.

He gave a half-smile. “You don’t talk much, do you?”

Soojin tilted her head. “Only when it’s important.”

That made him chuckle. “Alright then, Miss Mysterious.”

Before she could respond, someone bounded over — a girl with pink-dyed bangs and bright eyes that sparkled with energy.

“You’re Soojin, right?” she beamed. “I’m Kim Minji. We matched socks today!”

Soojin blinked, looking down at her shoes. “Oh. I didn’t notice.”

Minji looped an arm through hers. “You’re going to be my best friend. Don’t argue.”

Daehyun raised an eyebrow. “Already claiming her?”

“Obviously,” Minji said with a grin. “She looks like someone who needs a loud person in her life.”

Soojin looked between them, unsure how to react.

Truthfully, she wasn’t used to this — people talking to her, joking with her, making space for her without hesitation.

Back in her past life, silence had been her armor. Now, it felt… lonely.

“Let’s find our seats,” she said quietly, breaking the moment.

Minji pulled her toward two empty desks by the window while Daehyun returned to his seat near the back.

As class began, Soojin tried to focus. But every now and then, she caught Daehyun glancing at her from across the room.

There was something in his expression — curiosity, maybe even challenge.

She wasn’t sure what it meant.

But she would soon enough.

Lunchtime came with the usual chaos — students rushing out, chatting in clusters, the hum of footsteps echoing through the halls. Minji grabbed Soojin’s wrist before she could protest.

“We’re eating on the rooftop,” Minji declared. “It’s the only place where the food actually tastes better.”

“I doubt that,” Soojin mumbled.

They climbed the stairs, and Minji pushed open the door dramatically.

The rooftop was quiet, bathed in sunlight, with a breeze carrying the scent of cherry blossoms. A few students were scattered around, but there was still space to sit.

Minji dropped her lunch bag on the ground and sat cross-legged beside it. “Come on. Sit.”

Soojin obeyed, pulling her legs under her.

Minji studied her. “You’re different, you know.”

“In what way?” Soojin asked, unwrapping her rice ball.

“I dunno,” Minji shrugged. “Like… you carry something heavy. But you smile anyway.”

Soojin paused.

She hadn’t realized it was that obvious.

“I’ve had time to think,” she said finally. “More than most.”

Minji tilted her head. “That sounds deep.”

“It is,” Soojin admitted. “And exhausting.”

Minji grinned. “Good thing you’ve got me now. No more heavy thinking alone.”

Soojin smiled slightly.