I'll Be Here, Always | Han Seojun

Chapter 4 | First Day of School

The bus released a loud screech as it came to a complete stop. My heart was pounding as I made eye contact with Sujin. Nodding her head slightly, she lightly patted my arm, assuring me that everything was going to be ok. Jugyeong took notice of this interaction and tried to lighten the mood with some awful corny jokes. I'd have to admit, seeing the two of them trying to cheer me up made my heart swell with appreciation. It was reassuring to know that I would have someone to talk to during the school day. Jugyeong made another corny joke and that's all it took to make Sujin and I heave with laughter as we made our way towards the entrance of the building.

As we got closer toward the entrance of the school, I could hear whispers and murmurs from the various students around us. My smile fell and I looked to the ground. I just couldn't deal with the rumors and gossip; I didn't want to be the center of attention again, not after what had happened a year ago. My chest felt heavy until I felt a slight tug on my arm. My eyes looked up towards the person who pulled my sleeve: Jugyeong. She glanced at me with curiosity and pointed to what everyone was focused on. Confused, I followed her eyes to the commotion going in front of us. My eyes widened in shock as my chest swelled in relief for a quick moment.

The muttering and whispering wasn't about me but, instead, the confrontation between Lee Suho and Han Seojun. Precisely, the two people I wanted to avoid. I expected Suho to be here, but Seojun? The last I heard, Seojun transferred to a different school. I watched their intense stare off, from the crowd, as I analyzed the situation. It seemed as if they weren't friends anymore, in fact, it was almost as if they were enemies. If they weren't friends, then that must've meant that Suho wouldn't know about my arrival to Korea.

Seeing the anger in their eyes made my chest swell up with anger as well. He wouldn't want this at all. He wouldn't want them to be like this. My hands clenched into fists as I felt myself wanting to knock some common sense into them. Rage clouded my mind but was soon replaced with sadness. A lot could change in a year and who was I, out of all people, to pretend as if I knew them. If anything I was worse then them because I was a coward. The sadness in my chest weighed heavily as I willed myself to walk away. Jugyeong and Sujin watched my retreating figure with questioning eyes, but didn't say anything.

The commotion outside the school's entrance made it easier for me to slip in while being unseen, which was a blessing in a bizarre way. I made my way towards the front office to get my official paperwork and transcript for the rest of the school year. The receptionist glanced at me and gave me all of the official documents to sign and keep. Thanking her, I made my way to my class. Hopefully, I wouldn't be alone in the class with no one to talk to. With one foot after the other, I arrived  to my new classroom. My hand lingered on the door handle as I mentally prepared myself to go in. I reminded myself to keep up my cold act. Keep your chin up and shoulders back, Yoona. Pushing against the door, I walked in with my head high.

The first person I saw was my old teacher, Mr. Han. He was a peculiar person, nevertheless and more importantly, a kind soul. Next to him, stood Han Seojun himself. We made brief eye contact before I broke it and looked around the classroom. My lips turned into a wide smile as I saw Sujin and Jugyeong at their seats. Looking further, I recognized Sua and her boyfriend Taehoon. Both of them wore huge smile on their faces as I made eye contact with them. It was nice to familiar faces in a room filled with students I've never seen before. Suddenly, Mr.Han's voice broke my train of thoughts.

"Yoon Yoona, it's nice to see you again. We've missed having you around for the past year." Mr.Han exclaimed with a gentle smile on his face. My lips curved into a smile as I slightly bowed to express my thanks towards the heartfelt comment.

"Yoona, why don't you sit in the seat behind Jugyeong. Seojun, go sit in the free desk next to Lee Suho." My chest felt tight as I processed the name that just came out of Mr.Han's mouth. I looked around the room to only make uncomfortable eye contact with Suho, himself. To others, it may have seemed as if Suho was indifferent towards me, but I knew better. With the way he was looking at me; I could feel his anger radiate from across the room. I hastily dropped eye contact as my thoughts became erratic. No. No. No. Having Seojun in my class was bad enough but Suho too? Entranced with my thoughts, I numbly made my way to my designated seat behind Jugyeong.

Seojun stood in front of the classroom, refusing to move an inch closer to Suho's desk. Anger was painted all over the boy's face. Students around the classroom began to whisper and murmur as Seojun suddenly started walking in my direction. His eyes fixated on my face before going to Jugyeong. Trying to connect the dots, I tried to think of what could be Seojun's motive. What game was he trying to pull? I was pulled out of my thoughts as he walked up to Jugyeong and kicked her chair, rather aggressively.

"You go." The boy jerked his head towards the empty seat near Suho.

"Me?" Jugyeong asked rather timidly. Her facial features expressed the nervousness that mirrored everyone else in the classroom. My blood started to boil. He should know out of all people, not to bully someone. Especially after what had happened a year ago.

"This was originally my seat." Seojun stated coldly before briefly glancing at me with the same expression. His eyes radiated with anger to the point where I could no longer recognize him. This wasn't the kind boy I knew, no, loved. The Seojun I knew had eyes that used to sparkle with mischief and joy. His laughter was contagious and always made me smile even on the worst of days. A sad smile played upon my lips as I realized that everything has changed for good.

"Oh, Jugyeong has weak eyes, so she will be sitting there." Mr.Han stated rather tersely. Looking back at the raven haired boy, I couldn't help but think of the older times. The promise echoed loudly in my mind as I remembered the last words he ever said to me. I would do whatever to keep those two happy. Even if it was at the cost of my own happiness because to me, seeing them carefree meant I was keeping my promise to him. My mind started to think of a solution for this mess of a first day at school. Out of no where, an idea formed in my head and I stood up immediately. I could feel everyone's eyes watching me with curiosity.

"Seojun can have my seat Mr.Han. I'll go and sit by Suho." I could feel Suho's and Seojun's stare at my face as I refused to look at either one of them. Grabbing my backpack, I walked past Seojun while aggressively ramming my shoulder against his. The whole class let out a gasp at my sudden action. No one ever messed with Seojun, especially coming from a random girl. Most girls wanted his affection and yearned for the typical bad boy romance.

"Hey! Watch where you're going, Yoon Yoona." Seojun angrily exclaimed as he clenched his jaw and narrowed his eyes at me. I didn't make any move to retaliate. I closed my eyes. Breathe in, breathe out. Don't react just yet, Yoona. Sujin, Sua, and Jugyeong glanced at me with concern as I sat down at my new desk. I exhaled slowly and turned to look at Seojun with a blank stare.

"And you shouldn't be picking on innocent people, JunJun." My lips curved up into a smirk as my eyes sparkled with mischief. Whispers and murmurs could be heard all around the classroom from the nickname. Seojun also looked taken aback from the sudden use of the childhood nickname. Gritting his teeth, he glared at me as he sat down and didn't look my way for the rest of the class. Serves him right for pulling that stunt with Jugyeong, the poor girl didn't deserve it. Smiling to myself, I made it through the rest of class without acknowledging Suho or Seojun. Unknownst to me, Suho's lips quirked up into a slight smile as well.

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Author's Note: The ex-best friends finally met! I hope you guys enjoyed this update and once again, this chapter is unedited until I get to the end of the story. See you guys later!