Kim stood frozen near the Travel Club booth, his gaze locked with the girl’s. Her smile was warm, almost radiant, and it sent an unexpected jolt through him. He wasn’t used to receiving attention like this—especially not from someone outside his family. His heart beat a little faster as his mind scrambled for answers. Why was she smiling at him? What did this moment mean? Was she just being friendly, or was there something more to it? The feeling was surreal, almost like a dream, but his nerves didn’t let him enjoy it for long.

Seo, ever the instigator, leaned in closer and snickered, clearly enjoying Kim’s discomfort. "Looks like someone’s popular," he teased, his voice louder than necessary. "Better not keep her waiting, man."

Kim’s face flushed with embarrassment, and he shot a quick, anxious look at Seo. But Seo wasn’t giving him any room to retreat; instead, he grinned widely, pushing Kim forward with a playful shove. Kim resisted the urge to turn and walk the other way. His feet felt like lead, but he knew that avoiding the situation would only make things more awkward. With a deep breath, he took a tentative step closer to the booth.

The girl’s gaze never wavered. She noticed his hesitation and waved at him more directly, her friendly voice breaking through the bustling noise around them. "Hey, you! Are you interested in joining the Travel Club?" she called out, her tone casual yet inviting.

Kim’s mind raced. What was he supposed to say? He hadn’t even considered joining this club—he had only been drawn to it because of her presence. And yet, something about her friendly, open manner made him feel like this might be an opportunity he couldn’t afford to miss.

Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

Seo, clearly enjoying Kim’s discomfort, hung back, his eyes gleaming with mischief. Kim could feel his friend’s gaze on his back, but this time, Seo didn’t make a sound. Kim was left to face the girl alone.

With a forced smile, Kim stepped forward, closing the distance between them. He could feel his palms sweating as he tried to steady his nerves. "Uh, hi," he said awkwardly, his voice coming out softer than he intended. "I’m Kim. I didn’t expect… I mean, I didn’t know there were clubs like this."

The girl, who had been watching him with a steady gaze, smiled wider. "I’m Mi-jin," she introduced herself. "And we’re always looking for new members. We organize trips, excursions, and fun activities. It’s a good way to explore and get away from the stress of school. You should come join us sometime!"

Kim felt his heart race even more. Was this genuine? Was she really asking him to join, or was she just being polite? The question echoed in his mind, but he couldn’t find the words to voice it. Her enthusiasm was contagious, but his uncertainty held him back.

The interaction, though brief, had already left him in a state of emotional turmoil. Kim could feel the weight of the moment pressing down on him. The idea of connecting with someone like Mi-jin was both exciting and terrifying. Was this the beginning of something new, or was it a fleeting interaction that would leave him with more questions than answers?

As Mi-jin waited for him to respond, her smile unwavering, Kim realized that for the first time in a long while, he didn’t feel invisible. But with that feeling came a new kind of vulnerability—one that he wasn’t sure he was ready to face.

He hesitated, caught between the promise of something new and the safety of retreat. In that moment, Kim realized this was just the beginning of an emotional whirlwind he wasn’t prepared for. Would he take the leap and open himself up to this unexpected connection, or would he pull back into the shadows, unsure of what could come next?