I'll Be Here, Always | Han Seojun

Chapter 6 | A Literal Caked Face

Last night had ended in Seojun angrily walking out of the store, despite the thirty-minute chase that he clearly started. I was confused, to say the least. One minute he was concerned for my well-being and then his cold exterior would pop up out of nowhere.

After running and cornering him toward the back of the store, he proceeded to show me my ID card. To my horror, I realized that I must've left the card at the cafe weeks ago. I tried to get it back through numerous attempts of pleading, hitting, and flicking, but to no avail. He somehow kept his hold on the ID card despite his constant snickering. Eventually, we got to an agreement that I would have to do whatever he wanted for the next two weeks. Granted, I did put a few limitations here and there but this little agreement was going to suck the energy out of me.

My lips turned into a frown as I thought about what had happened next. Right after we had agreed upon the two weeks, Seojun had the miraculous idea of asking me to pay for the groceries that he had just bought. Without thinking, I expressed that it wouldn't be a problem because he had paid for my pastries at the cafe. As soon as I said that, he didn't say a word and angrily took his groceries as he left the store. It was like a complete switch from his former self to his new persona.

"And that's the quote of the last book. Please take a good look at it as this will be on your exams." Groans could be heard from all around the classroom as I broke from my train of thoughts.

Glancing around the classroom, I could see everyone getting ready for a new assignment. I didn't know what to do until I saw Suho discreetly tapping at the book that he had out on his desk. Scrambling, I took out the book and found the page that Suho had pointed at. I looked over and mouthed, "thank you," to only get a blank stare in return. Smiling awkwardly, I tried to not let the hurt show on my face.

"Ok class, talk to your desk partner about the quotes we had just gone over," Mr. Han exclaimed and talking dispersed among the students. Looking at the page, I read the quotes that we had to discuss.

The first to apologize is the bravest.

The first to forgive is the strongest.

The first to forget is the happiest.

You've got to be kidding me. My eyes widened as I realized that the irony that these quotes held. Perhaps Seojun, Suho, and I were too afraid to be the first to do anything. Maybe it was the fear of moving on or the possibility of living on and forgetting about him. Lost in my thoughts, I heard a throat clearing. Turning back to Suho, I smiled sheepishly before I started the discussion.

"So... the first quote, to me it means that everyone should express forgiveness in their lives to become a better version of themselves. It's not easy to admit that you've done wrong, but perhaps, I guess that's what makes you brave. What do you think, Suho?" Suho narrowed his eyes at the word forgiveness and didn't say anything.

I awkwardly sat there until I heard him darkly mutter, "Was it brave to run away from your problems?" My eyes narrowed at that. Are we really going to talk about that right now? Fine, two can play at that game.