I like it but I'll help you

4. A smile that only smiles at you

“Iroyoung, have you been hanging out with Ha-yoon a lot lately?”

Dahae's words were light, but subtly sharp.

“...I’m just helping.”

“That unrequited love operation?”

Royoung smiled without saying anything.
Dahae looked at Royoung for a while and then said.

“Don’t give your heart to me unnecessarily. If you misunderstand, you’ll only get hurt.”


I don't know why, but those words really stung.
Why, do I sound like I'm already hurt?


---

During lunch time, Hayoon and Royoung met in front of the vending machine in the hallway.
Ha-yoon said with a smile as if it were her habit.

“Thank you again today. Thanks to you, I get to talk to Dahae a lot.”

“…I hope it goes well.”

At those words, Ha-yoon looked at Ro-young for a moment and then said,
He asked slowly.

“But… why are you so nice to me?”

“…Just because we’re friends.”

“Are we friends?”

At those words, Royoung paused.

Hayoon said with a playful smile.
“So… do you like me? Is that why you’re helping me?”

At that moment, I felt breathless.
Royoung barely smiled and shook her head.

“…No, I just hope you do well.”

Whether that is true or false.
I didn't even know myself.


---

Rooftop, after school

Royoung was alone again,
As expected, Doyoung approached.

“Are you worried about Hayoon again?”

"…no."

“Do you know that kid is confused right now?”

"…what?"


“I thought you liked Dahae, but these days you only smile when you see me.”


Royoung remained silent. A corner of her heart began to stir. An emotion, perhaps hope or delusion, rose to the surface.


“Iroyoung. You, lying with a smile… You’re not as good as I thought.”



Doyoung's tone was light, but his gaze was firm. He was always like that. He pretended to be indifferent, but then he got right to the point.


I wanted to suffer quietly alone, but I feel like I keep getting caught.
I feel like someone is reading my mind.


Is it Hayoon or Doyoung?
Or… maybe I can’t fool myself anymore.