Quantum Entanglement Love (Series 1)

As the autumn night gently unfolded, Minjin finished all the assignments for everyone. Like always, Choi Ye-joon and Lee Deji hung back in the classroom. But that evening felt slightly different as they spotted Bang Eun-kyung still behind. 

Lee Deji looked at him and inquired, "What are you still doing here?" 

"Geunyang," Bang Eun-kyung replied quietly, averting her eyes. 

As Minjin busily gathered her things, she paused and said, "I'm feeling a bit hungry. How about we head out? Kim Aecha is eagerly waiting for us at Heo Yeong-hwan BBQ house." 

Choi Ye-joon turned to Bang Eun-kyung with a friendly smile. "Would you like to join us?" 

Bang Eun-kyung's face lit up with excitement. "Oh, can I come?" 

Lee Deji chuckled and said, "Alright, let's go." 

The four friends made their way together towards the school exit, chatting animatedly. As they strolled down the street, Bang Eun-kyung looked at Minjin and playfully said, "Minjin-ah, you're so incredibly smart. With your skills, you could totally outshine Minjun and snag that top spot in class." 

Minjin chuckled softly, a hint of a smile on her face. "I appreciate it, but I don't need recognition." 

Lee Deji glanced over at Bang Eun-kyung with a curious smile. "I've noticed you've been spending a lot of time with us lately, but it seems like you're just admiring her from a distance." 

Bang Eun-kyung nodded with excitement. "I admire her! Like I mentioned, she could definitely outshine Minjun any day." 

They strolled down the sidewalk, chatting happily, as the warm glow of the streetlights cast gentle shadows around them. When they arrived at the BBQ house, Minjin first greeted Heo Yeong-hwan's mother. Mrs. Jeong welcomed her with a warm smile and kindly invited them to sit, promising to bring out a delicious spread of food. Kim Aecha and Mun Sara were already at the table, eagerly waiting for them. The rest of the group settled in with cheerful anticipation. 

"Mun Sara?" Bang Eun-kyung called, startling her. 

Mun Sara was taken aback to find Bang Eun-kyung with Minjin. She felt a rush of panic but managed to speak calmly. "Bang Eun-kyung? What brings you here as well?" 

"Boya? Do you know Park Minjin?" Bang Eun-kyung asked with curiosity. 

"Yes, she's my friend," Mun Sara said with a forced smile. She then leaned over to Minjin, "How are you, Minjin-ah? Aren't you tired?" 

Minjin sighed softly, "I am tired and hungry." 

"How's studying? " Minjin asked Mun Sara. 

"I study with Minjun all the time, and we always head home together," Mun Sara said cheerfully, subtly revealing her intention by indicating their closeness. 

Mrs. Jeong quickly served plates filled with meat and rice, prompting everyone to express gratitude. Kim Aecha grilled the meat, and once it was cooked, she offered the first pieces to Minjin. "Minjin-ah, enjoy your meal," she said kindly. 

Not wanting to miss out, Lee Deji playfully chided, "Hey, we want to eat also!" 

Kim Aecha chuckled warmly and offered her some meat, too. "I understand, unnie; please don't be upset. Here you go!" 

At that moment, Heo Yeong-hwan walked in, a helmet in hand. "Eomma, I'm back!" he called out cheerfully. 

Mrs. Jeong beamed at him. "I see, thank you, dear. Your friends are here; be sure to eat with them!" 

Heo Yeong-hwan joined the lively group at the table, his eyes immediately finding Minjin happily enjoying her food. A small smile spread across his face, but it faded when he spotted Bang Eun-kyung sitting there. "What are you doing here?" he asked a hint of surprise in his voice. 

Bang Eun-kyung, mid-chew, replied, "Can't you see I'm eating?" 

Heo Yeong-hwan raised an eyebrow, a playful challenge in his tone. "I know! I'm not blind!" he retorted, his hand lifting slightly as if he were jokingly about to swat him. 

Meanwhile, the rest of the group continued enjoying their meal and lively conversation. The delicious smell of grilled meat wafted through the air. The table was filled with laughter and shared stories, offering a wonderful escape from the stresses of everyday life. 

### 

When they finished their meal, everyone thanked Mrs. Jeong, who generously served them because they were friends of Heo Yeong-Hwan. She welcomed them warmly, inviting them to visit her eatery any time. As everyone departed, Minjin was the last to approach Mrs. Jeong. She bowed her head, thanking her personally for her generosity. Mrs. Jeong smiled sincerely and took Minjin's hand, saying she was even more appreciative of her friendship with Heo Yeong-Hwan. Meanwhile, Heo Yeong-Hwan was busy cleaning the table they had used when he noticed Minjin speaking with his mother, and he couldn't help but smile before returning to his task. 

Minjin stepped outside, and everyone eagerly awaited her so they could walk together on the pavement. Lee Deji, Choi Ye-joon, and Minjin were happily strolling along. Noticing that the other three were deep in conversation, Mun Sara gently took hold of Bang Eun-kyung's arm and stopped him. 

Bang Eun-Kyung turned to her. "Eun-kyung-ah, could you do me a favor?" Mun Sara suddenly asked him. 

"What's that?" he inquired, maintaining a neutral expression with no hint of suspicion. 

"Please keep this from Minjun. We shouldn't let him know what Minjin has been up to," Mun Sara said, attempting to sound concerned. 

Bang Eun-Kyung chuckled. "If Minjun discovers someone is smarter than him, he will react badly." 

Mun Sara forced a laugh. "Exactly, so please don't mention it to him, okay?" 

Bang Eun-Kyung smiled and nodded. "Of course," he replied before continuing to follow the others. 

Mun Sara let out a deep, nervous sigh, contemplating whether Bang Eun-Kyung would conceal Minjin's identity from Minjun. From afar, she observed their leisurely stroll along the roadside. A wave of guilt washed over her as she recognized that her circle of friends had expanded, contrary to her middle school days when she felt like an outcast for being too intelligent and competitive with the other girls. Her gaze lingered on Minjin, pondering if she could excel academically and win Minjun's admiration. Despite having only a few true friends in middle school, she was frequently lauded for her intelligence and beauty.