bookbag // hrj

III

Renjun and I thread our way through the maze of tables in the cafeteria. It seemed like every other person had their eyes on the boy next to me. Even I was getting a couple envious glances from a couple girls- and guys.

I mean, who could I blame? Renjun was quite the sight.

"Y/N! Over here!" Haechan yelled from across the room.

I speed walk to my friends, Renjun hot on my trail.

"Hey guys, this is Renjun! Long story short, we got our backpacks switched up and now we're all sitting together," I explain.

My friends all greet Renjun, a range from short "hi"s and playful back slaps.

"Hey Renjun! I'm Haechan."

"Mark Lee here."

"Jaemin, sexy."

"Hello! My name's Jeno.

"I'm Chenle!"

"Jisung!"

[five minutes later]

Just as Renjun was getting comfortable around my friends, a neatly polished hand slams down on our table. Jisung jumps in his seat, startled by the sudden interruption. I turned around to see one of my fellow classmates peering over my shoulder.

Ugh. Yeji.

The girl grabbed the chair I was using from under me and plopped down on it, leaving me clinging to Chenle's shoulder for dear life.

"Hi, Y/N. Long time no talk. Mind introducing me to your friend here?" Yeji let out through her gritted teeth.

Long time no talk, my foot.

Yeji knew exactly why we hadn't talked to each other for so long. Ever since she was caught in the janitors closet with my ex, Lucas, I had cut off all ties with the snake for good. I can't believe I had ever trusted her with anything other than giving me the night before's homework.

And now here she was, practically drooling over the new boy. Could this girl be any less decent?

Renjun held his hand out for Yeji to shake, interrupting the nasty look I was giving her. "Hey I'm Renjun. I don't think we've met...?"

Yeji reached out and clasped Renjun's hand with her veiny one. "Yeji. I'm Yeji. And you are possibly the prettiest boy I've ever had the pleasure of seeing. Wanna get out of here and join me and friends for lunch?"

"Actually, I think I'm fine—"

Before Renjun could finish his sentence, he gets dragged away by the witch, her hands digging into his blue jacket. Looking over his shoulder, Renjun shoots us a sheepish smile, mouthing a "sorry."

'Mark slumps back against his seat. "Well, looks like Yeji got Renjun in her claws too."

"Don't worry, I have my next class with him. I'll get the poor guy away from that wench," Jeno says, turning his attention back to his sandwich.

[time skip: 4:15]

Jaemin and I make our way through the front gates of the school building, chatting about the chem test next week.

"Jaem! Y/N! Look who I found!"

Whipping our heads around, Jaemin and I spot an out-of-breath Jeno standing alongside a very puzzled Renjun.

"Were you guys looking for me? I'm honored," Renjun smirked.

"Glad to see that you're saved from Yeji now. As expected from Jeno Lee!" Jaemin exclaimed. I nodded my head along to what he was saying.

Renjun smiled, giving the three of us an enthusiastic thumbs-up.

"Oh, by the way, all seven of us were planning to meet at Jaemin's place to study for the chem test. Wanna tag along?" I ask, tilting my head so that my hair fell out of my eyes.

"Sounds like a plan! Should I bring snacks?" Renjun questioned.

"Don't even worry about that. Jaemin's mom makes the best kimbap you can find in all of South Korea," Jeno bragged, stepping down the stairs at the entrance of the school. Jaemin nods, confirming the fact.

"All right, see you boys later!" I wave back at them, turning left towards the road to my house.