Jae-min stared at the phone for a while, searching for an excuse that would ease both sides without making it seem like he was avoiding Jihan. He thought for much longer—until the phone stopped ringing. Then it started again. Only then did he remember he had exams on Monday.
The ringing stopped, and a message came through.
[Jihan: Please, I'm sorry. Pick up.]
Jae-min stared at it for a moment, then took a deep breath and typed back.
[Jae-min: I'm not upset. I just wasn't ready, and like I said, it's fine. Don't worry about it.]
The dots danced for a while longer, and then another message appeared.
[Jihan: Please pick up the call. At least let me hear your voice.]
Jae-min glanced at Min-woo, who gave him a confused look from across the table. He looked back at his phone and typed.
[Jae-min: I can't right now. I'm busy.]
The dots lingered much longer this time—as if Jihan was typing and deleting, over and over. Then, after a long pause, a message finally came through.
