While Hana and Sera continued to joke around about Oreo and Cookie, the bell rang, and they reluctantly had to return to their classes. The day passed in a typical manner—classes, breaks, a bit of boredom, a bit of fun... Hana, who no longer paid much attention to Hyunwoo's presence, realized she had unintentionally seen Okwon several times throughout the day. But it had only happened in the cafeteria or when passing by him in the yard. What was strange, though, was that Okwon seemed to be looking at her as well.
Hours passed, and finally, the school day ended. Hana, Eunwoo, and Sera walked towards their usual bus stops to head home. Gaeun couldn't join them as she had another commitment.
When they reached the bus stop, Hana stretched and adjusted her bag.
Hana: This day felt so long, didn't it?
Sera: Definitely... But at least it was fun. I mean, we learned that someone named Oreo and Cookie exist!
Hana shot her a glare.
Hana: We haven't even met them! We've just seen them from afar.
Sera shrugged and crouched down, pulling out her phone. Hana leaned against a pole by the bus stop. A light breeze blew, and the air carried the usual calmness they felt after school.
At that moment, a few meters away, Okwon and Cookie (his new nickname) were standing by the bus stop, talking about something. But what caught Hana's attention was that Okwon kept turning to look at her every so often.
Once could be a coincidence, twice maybe... But when it happened three times, Hana raised her eyebrows slightly.
Hana: (inner voice) Did he look at me again, or is it just me?
Okwon's face looked serious but also relaxed. Cookie, on the other hand, seemed to be telling him something, but it didn't seem to grab Okwon's attention much.
Just as Hana was about to look away and forget about it, Sera noticed her thoughtful expression.
Sera: What are you looking at?
Hana: (quickly) Nothing!
But Sera immediately turned her gaze in the same direction and began to smile.
Sera: Aaa… Oreo is here!
Hana: Shh! Be quiet!
Sera giggled.
Sera: (grinning mischievously) Hana, do you think Oreo might be interested in you?
Hana rolled her eyes.
Hana: Please, Sera. He's probably just looking around.
But deep down, Okwon's glances had piqued her curiosity. Really, what was he looking at?
Hana noticed that Sera was still smiling and staring at her. Hana nudged her arm and squinted her eyes.
Hana: Why are you still looking at me like that?
Sera: (grinning) I'm just wondering why Oreo is watching you.
Hana: Watching me? Where did you get that idea?
Sera: Aaa, you admitted it! You noticed him watching you!
Hana quickly lowered her head and started looking out the window.
Hana: Let's drop it, please.
But Sera had no intention of letting it go. When they got home and Hana changed into her pajamas and lay down on her bed, her phone buzzed. A notification appeared:
Sera: We now know who we're looking at! Here's Oreo's account!
When Hana clicked the link that came with the message, Instagram opened:
okwo.n98
The profile didn't have many posts. A few old pictures, some related to sports... But the most recent post was a photo of a landscape. Someone with their face partly hidden but clearly Okwon, watching the city lights.
Hana hovered her finger over the "Follow" button at the top of the profile. Without fully understanding what she was doing, she pressed the button.
Suddenly, the screen displayed "Follow request sent."
Hana: Ah... What did I just do?!
Just as she was about to undo it, a message from Sera arrived:
Sera: HANA, DID YOU JUST SEND A FOLLOW REQUEST?! (it's not complete if she doesn't know everything)
Hana: (panicking) I don't know! My finger slipped!
Sera: HAHAHAHAHA PERFECT! Now Oreo, for sure, noticed you!
Hana pulled the blanket over her head and sighed. She didn't know whether Okwon would accept the request or not, but the real issue was that she didn't even know why she sent it in the first place.
After this event, Hana and Sera didn't see Okwon and Cookie as often. Hana couldn't tell if she was relieved or still curious. But the only thing she knew for sure was that her name was sitting there as a 'follow request' on Okwon's social media.
Hana was trying not to look at her phone, hiding under the blanket. She told herself, "He definitely won't see it... Maybe he rarely checks social media..." to comfort herself.
But all her thoughts were shattered when her phone vibrated.
"okwo.n98 accepted your follow request."
As if that wasn't enough, another notification appeared immediately after:
"okwo.n98 sent you a follow request."
Hana's eyes widened. What?!
She quickly brought the phone closer to her face, wondering if she was seeing things wrong. But no, it was all correct. In just 15 minutes, Okwon had accepted her request and sent her a follow request.
Just as she was thinking about what to do next, her room door swung open. Sera barged in, waving her phone.
Sera: HANA!!! OREO ACCEPTED YOUR FOLLOW REQUEST!!!
Hana buried herself under the blanket.
Hana: Can I just ignore it?
Sera: NEVER! Now you have to accept his request!
Hana looked at her phone. Okwon's name was still on the screen. She thought for a few seconds, sighed, and pressed the button.
"Follow request accepted."
Sera jumped onto Hana's bed, shaking with laughter.
Sera: Now you're officially Instagram friends! OREO AND HANA!
Hana rolled her eyes but smiled slightly. Though it seemed like the situation was over, she couldn't help but feel like something new was starting deep inside.