Waterfalls || Yeonbin

chapter 9: leader

December 4, 1939

I constantly pushed around the food on my plate rather than eating it. I don't know why, but I feel a bit depressed today. Maybe it's because my four colleagues were sitting at a table on the other side of the canteen, leaving me by myself. Maybe it's because I forgot to bring a book with me so I could have something to do while I ate. Maybe it's because I haven't seen Yeonjun today since I didn't spend the night at his house. Maybe it's because tomorrow's my birthday, and I hate my birthday.

My parents never thought of it as a special occasion like everyone else did. I never had a party or anything of the sort. It was always just another day. I envied my peers, always smiling when it was their day to shine, but I never got that. My parents would say it once to me in the morning and then never bring it up again. Didn't even get sweets or a special dinner or get to invite my friends over to our house, not that I necessarily had any to invite.

I sighed, finally picking up a floret of broccoli and eating it rather than move it around my plate. I placed an elbow on the table, bringing my hand up to hold my head. I looked up when someone stood next to my little table, bringing my gaze back down again when I saw it was George. He held onto the edge of the table, leaning closer as he asked, "What? Don't like me?"

"I know you're just going to torment me. Please, leave me alone." I replied in an effort to stop what was about to start.

He scoffed, "You're just so amusing to annoy, though."

I glanced over at the rest of my colleagues, who were simply talking amongst themselves. I guess they weren't aware George was coming over here or just simply chose to ignore it.

"Come on... Why the long face, princess?"

I pursed my lips, "Please, stop calling me that."

"Why? That's what you are." He said, reaching out to pinch my arm.

I quickly squirmed away when the pain set in, "Stop."

He smirked, "What? Don't like when I do that?" He asked, reaching out to pinch me again.

I squirmed away, moving my chair a bit as I said, "Stop touching me."

He reached out to pinch me again, but someone stood in front of him to block his arm. I was surprised it was Hugh, firmly saying, "He said quit it."

George scoffed, "You're on his side?"

"If he says stop, he means stop. That doesn't mean keep irritating him like a child..." Hugh replied, his stance firm, "Leave him be and go to the toilet like you said you were going to do."

George gave up, shaking his head and walking towards the restroom. Hugh pushed his hair back as he sighed, turning to me as he said, "Sorry about him."

I quickly stood up, feeling a bit embarrassed as I grabbed my coat. I wanted to get out of there as fast as humanly possible so I could have some time to myself, leaving my plate on the table. I buttoned up my coat before throwing my bag over my shoulder, quietly saying, "Thank you." To Hugh before I quickened my step to leave. He didn't fight me on it, let me go in fact.

I instantly felt the chill of the December air, reaching into my coat pocket to grab my wool hat and gloves. Hurrying to put them on and hurrying to get back to our shed, I wanted to distract myself and get away from everyone. I feel so irritated right now and I don't want to talk to anyone, afraid I'll snap if I do. It's only ever happened a handful of times, but I would rather not have one of them be right now.

I looked up from my feet when I reached for the doorknob, but something caught my eye. I turned my head, seeing Yeonjun a small distance away smiling and waving to me. I stared at him for a few seconds before looking away, not wanting him to see me this irritated. I quickly opened the door and slammed it behind me, the loud noise even startling me. I took my satchel off my shoulder as I moved towards my desk, throwing it on the floor out of frustration.