My Chemistry Tutor

CHAPTER 3

JENNIE'S POV

It's Saturday, exactly 8 a.m., when my phone starts buzzing loudly on the nightstand. Groggily, I lift my head from the pillow and squint at the screen. Of course, it's Jisoo calling me. With a sigh, I slowly sit up in bed, grab my phone, and answer.

"You better have a good reason for calling me this early," I grumble, my voice scratchy with sleep. "Or else I'm going to do the same thing to you next week."

"Oh, please no," she replies dramatically.

"Don't you dare ruin my beauty sleep next weekend. Don't worry, I have a good reason for waking you up."

"Okay," I mumble, rubbing my eyes. "What is it?"

"We are going to the mall!" Jisoo squeals so loudly that I wince and hold the phone away from my ear.

"So, you woke me up early just to tell me we're going shopping? You know I hate shopping," I whine, collapsing back onto my bed.

"Jennie! Do not fall asleep again," Jisoo scolds. "And no, we are not going shopping, though I totally want to. We're on a mission to boost your confidence in talking to people."

I raise an eyebrow, even though she can't see me. "Okay... but why are we going to the mall for that?"

"Easy," she says as if it's the most obvious thing in the world. "There are random strangers there."

"So?"

"So...plenty of people to talk to, people you'll never see again. Perfect practice!"

I groan. "I don't like where this is going, Jisoo."

"Just trust me, okay? Get ready. I'm outside." And with that, she hangs up.

Dragging myself out of bed, I throw on a pair of blue jeans and a pink sweatshirt. After brushing my teeth and running a hand through my messy hair, I slip on my grey Vans and head downstairs.

"Mom, can I go to the mall with Jisoo?" I ask as I walk into the living room, where she and Dad are watching TV.

"I already told Jisoo you could go. She called earlier," my mom says with a smile. "I'm glad you're trying to build your self-confidence."

"Hey sweetie, just remember, be yourself," Dad adds.

"Honey, she's weird like you," Mom teases.

"Never mind, don't be yourself. Be someone fake," Dad jokes, and they both laugh.

"Hahaha, you guys are hilarious," I deadpan, though I can't help smiling. I walk over and give them a hug.

"You know we love you very much," Mom whispers softly. "And anyone who gets to know you will love you too."

"Thank you, Mom," I murmur, hugging her once more before heading out.

"Get in, loser! Hurry, hurry, I don't have all day!" Jisoo yells the moment she spots me, leaning out of her car window like a maniac.

I roll my eyes but hurry over, sliding into the passenger seat. Soon, we arrive at the mall. Jisoo parks quickly and drags me inside before I can change my mind.

"So... what exactly are we going to do?" I ask hesitantly.

"Not we. You," she says, scanning the mall. Her eyes light up as she points ahead. "See that stand in the middle? Go up to that guy and ask how much the product is."

"By myself?" I give her a weird look.

"Duh. Don't be scared, this is level one. Now go on." She gives me a little push.

I shuffle toward the stand, noticing that the guy is selling bracelets. He looks up as I approach.

"If you have any questions, let me know," he says politely.

"Okay," I whisper under my breath.

I glance down at the bracelets, they're kind of ugly, honestly. Out of the corner of my eye, I see Jisoo waving frantically for me to ask something. With a sigh, I pick up a random bracelet and open my mouth.

"You can do it," Jisoo suddenly whispers right behind me, startling me so badly that I bump into the stand, sending a few bracelets clattering to the floor.

The vendor walks over, clearly annoyed. "Please be more careful," he says as I bend down to pick them up.

"Oh, um, I'm so sorry," I blurt, my face turning red.

As he bends down too, I stand up too quickly and

WHACK!

The back of my head hits his nose.

"Ow!" the guy cries, clutching his nose in pain.

"Yikes," Jisoo mutters under her breath.

"I am so sorry! How can I help you?" I panic, staring at him.

"How can I help you?" he repeated in irritation.

"Just... go away, please," he says, almost sounding like he's about to cry.

Mortified, I let Jisoo drag me away while I mutter endless apologies.

"Okay, so that didn't work," she says, trying not to laugh. "But the next level will be better."

"How can I pass level two if I failed level one?" I whine.

"We'll just count that one as practice," she insists, looking around. Then she spots someone. "There. See that guy sitting alone over there?"

I nod reluctantly.

"Go flirt with him."

"WHAT?!" I practically scream.

"Calm down. He looks nice. He might actually appreciate your attempt."

"Not going to happen. I am not going over there," I say firmly, crossing my arms and glaring at her.

Jisoo sighs, clearly unimpressed, before grabbing me by the wrist and dragging me straight toward him. I try to wriggle free, but she pushes me, and I stumble, right over his shoes.

"Are you okay?" he asks kindly, helping me up.

"Um, yeah, I am. Thank you very much!" I yell awkwardly.

"...Okay?" He looks at me strangely before sitting back down and returning to his book.

I stand there like an idiot until Jisoo motions wildly for me to sit. I plop down beside him.

He glances at me briefly, then focuses back on his book.

"Umm... what are you reading?" I ask.

"Catch-22," he replies.

"That's a good book," I say, trying to sound smart.

"I know, it's amazing. What's your favorite part?" he asks.

"I mean... I've heard it's good, but I've never actually read it," I admit sheepishly.

"Oh..." He scratches his head, then turns back to reading.

"But, I like reading!" I blurt out, my nerves making me sweat.

The guy sighs, setting his book down. "Same. What books do you read?"

Panic sets in, and the first thing that pops into my head slips out. "Chemistry book."

He narrows his eyes, then stands up. "You know what, I have to go. Bye." With that, he walks away.

"You suck at this," Jisoo says bluntly, appearing at my side.

"I know," I mumble, covering my face with my hands.

"Maybe it's because you were trying to flirt with a guy. Try flirting with a girl. Look, there's a cute girl working at the coffee shop. Go flirt with her." She gives me a shove.

I groan. This day just keeps getting worse and worse for my self-confidence.