Quantum Entanglement Love (Series 1)

The year 2008

Minjin and Minjun's relationship changed as they went through school together. Minjin became popular with her classmates for being friendly and good at schoolwork. Many students started asking her for help with their lessons.

One afternoon, after class, a group of classmates gathered around Minjin's desk for help with math. Minjun sat quietly next to her. When he saw the crowd, he frowned and quietly left the room. Minjin didn't notice he was gone until later because she was focused on helping her classmates.

This pattern continued. One day, while studying in the library, Minjun watched as classmates asked Minjin questions. He quietly packed up his things and left when she started helping them. Minjin didn't realize he had left until she looked up to talk to him.

Minjin began to notice that Minjun always left whenever others approached her. She wondered if something was bothering him. However, he always brushed it off or changed the subject when she tried to bring it up.

Then one day, everything changed for Minjin. After school, she was chatting with her friends in the hallway when a boy from another class shyly approached her. Her friends fell silent as the boy handed Minjin a folded paper.

"A... a love letter?" he stammered, unable to look at her. "Please read it later."

Minjin was surprised but accepted the letter with a smile. Just as she was about to respond, she saw Minjun in the distance. He had been walking but stopped when he noticed what was happening. For a moment, his face showed surprise and something else—almost hurt.

Before she could react, he turned away and walked down the hall. This time, Minjin was determined not to let him leave unnoticed.

"Minjun!" she called, ignoring the boy with the letter. She excused herself from her friends and ran after him, catching up as he reached the stairs.

Minjun slowed down but didn't face her. "What is it?" he asked, his voice calm and distant.

Minjin stepped in front of him. "Why do you leave whenever others come around?" she asked, looking for answers. "Did I do something wrong?"

Minjun hesitated, looking guarded. He glanced away, struggling to find the right words. "It's nothing," he muttered. "You're just... busy with them. I didn't want to bother you."

Minjin frowned. "You're never a bother, Minjun," she insisted gently. "We're friends, remember? I don't like it when you leave without saying anything."

Minjun finally looked at her. His eyes showed a hint of vulnerability. "It's just... I don't like it when they crowd around you," he admitted quietly. "I don't know why, but it bothers me."

Minjin's heart softened as she understood what troubled him. She reached out and took his hand, squeezing it. "I didn't know you felt that way," she said. "But you're important to me, Minjun. I don't want you to feel left out."

Minjun looked at their joined hands, his expression softening. "I just... don't like sharing you with everyone," he confessed.

Minjin smiled. "You don't have to. You're my best friend, Minjun. No one else can take your place."

Minjun's tense expression eased for the first time. A small smile appeared on his lips. "Okay," he said. "I'll stay, then."

They walked side by side, and the tension between them started to fade. As they left the hallway, Minjin felt their bond grow stronger. She silently promised to make sure Minjun never felt like he had to leave her side again.

That evening, the mood in the Park household was quiet. Minjin sat nervously at the dining table, glancing between her father and her untouched cup of water. Park Tae-hyung noticed her anxiety and sighed deeply, looking serious yet gentle.

"Minjin-ah, we need to talk," he began, his voice soft but heavy. Her heart raced. "I've been thinking about this for a while... Your mother has long wanted us to join them in America. Your mother, older brother, and sister have lived there for years."

Minjin felt a knot in her stomach. She knew this topic had come up before, but she never expected it to be serious. Her father's words hit hard.