Dongju

Dongju was a police officer and met Haerin at the kindergarten where she worked with her colleagues.
From the first day, he was interested in her. Haerin, however, had a partner and made it clear that she wasn't looking for anything with him.
Dongju respected the relationship, although he never stopped feeling something for her.
A few weeks later, Haerin broke up with her partner due to several disagreements. It hadn't been an easy breakup, but they both understood it was for the best.
Approximately one month had passed since then.
Haerin was still trying to get used to being alone and didn't want to think about another relationship so soon.
But Dongju kept showing up.
"Here again?" Haerin asked as she arranged some drawings.
—I had to patrol this area.
—What a coincidence.
—A fairly frequent coincidence.
Haerin rolled her eyes.
—You're terrible at making up excuses.
Dongju smiled.
During the following days they began to talk more.
At first, Haerin simply considered him a nice person. Later, she began to look forward to his visits.
When Dongju was slow to appear, he would find himself looking towards the garden entrance.
When he finally arrived, he pretended not to care.
—I thought you weren't coming today.
Dongju raised an eyebrow.
—Were you waiting for me?
-No.
—It seemed so.
—Don't get too excited.
He smiled.
-Alright.
Haerin began to realize something she didn't want to admit.
She liked talking to him.
She liked it when he asked about her drawings.
He liked it when he managed to make her laugh.
She had even started thinking about him when he wasn't around.
But every time those thoughts appeared, Haerin pushed them away.
I just ended a relationship. I don't need another one.
One afternoon, her colleagues noticed that she was distracted.
—Are you thinking about Dongju?
Haerin immediately raised her head.
-No!
—We didn't even say you liked it.
Haerin remained silent.
-I don't like.
Her classmates looked at each other.
-Clear.
Haerin picked up her pencil and went back to drawing, trying to ignore the slight nervousness she felt.
That afternoon, Dongju appeared again.
-Hello.
Haerin looked up.
And, without realizing it, she smiled.
Dongju looked at her in surprise.
-That?
Haerin quickly returned to her drawing.
-Nothing.
He smiled.
—I'm glad to see you too.
Haerin shook her head.
I didn't want to admit it yet.
It had only been a month since their breakup and she felt it was too soon to fall in love again.
But, although she wasn't ready to say it out loud yet, Dongju was beginning to occupy a small space in her thoughts.

Love