Him.

spanish

I check the post it and see that I'm paired up with a girl named 'Elise Lee'.

I sigh and get up from my seat just as the bell rings - perfectly on time. My mind automatically runs through what we're going over for Spanish - and I jump with a start as I realize that we have an assessment today.

An assessment.

My flats click against the floor and I can practically feel the sweat slipping from my bang-covered forehead as my stomach lurches from the floor to the ceiling.

Soorin catches up to me and grabs my jaw - twisting me towards her.

"Are you okay?" She checks my forehead.

I nod glumly, telling her about my worries.

Soorin's confused expression doesn't leave her small face, but it relaxes just barely.

She flashes me an apologetic smile. "Oh, it's okay. I heard that it's really easy."

I know she's lying, but I like it anyway. It warms me that she cares for me, that she would lie for me.

My head throbs and I repeat Soorin's words in my head as I trudge to the Spanish classroom.

It's okay.

But when the quiz comes I hold my hands on my temples, trying to resist the urge to groan my life out.

Since when were Spanish quizzes this hard?

It feels like forever till the quiz is over and I pray for at least a D-.

The bell rings once again, but it feels so much longer - like a taste of fresh air. I know I did horrible on the test, but I'm so glad it's over.

The day gets even better when I see the mop of blonde hair waiting for me. Even though I've talked to him often, my mind feels blank on what to say.

Hi Jaerin! What a pleasant surprise!

No-

Not pleasant.

What a great surprise!

Ugh. No.

I open my mouth to say something, but snap it close.

Jaerin raises his eyebrows expectantly.

"I-um-what are you doing here?" I stumble.

Jaerin smirks. "Whaddaya think?"

He outstretches his hand and I take it, soaking in the warmth.

I can feel the cool metal of his rings.

I guess we're walking together now.

We walk together to Rei's car and wave our goodbyes.

Rei watches me come in and gives me a look.

"Was that Jaerin?"

l nod, unbothered to hide my swoony expression.

I guess she still doesn't like him.

But I don't need her permission to be in love with him. Rei can't decide who and who I don't crush on.

I take this time to check the rest of the post it note.

I examine it carefully and soon realize that I need to help a small business.

I rack my brain, but all the stores in our area are pretty big. Actually, there's probably a small business somewhere, but I'm too busy thinking about Jaerin's outstretched hand, his several rings, his pat on the back.

I'm too busy thinking about him.