Him.

fireworks

Jaerins POV

I'm not sick.

I'm never sick.

But after the twisting turn of events yesterday, I'm not sure I'm ready to face Eunbi again.

I almost kissed her.

I don't know what force got a hold of me, but all I can remember is that sudden urge to push her against the wall and kiss those heart-shaped lips till they got swollen.

But that goddamn Elise girl, just had to interrupt.

I can't even think of what would've happened if I actually kissed her.

My mother knows I never get sick, but she also knew that I deserve a day off.

It's only one day, after all.

Eunbi must be worried sick. I can imagine her contemplating all the horrible things that might've happened to me.

But I'm not sure if I should text her.

Maybe I should just pretend nothing happened between us.

Maybe.

But, I want something to have happened between us.

Something beautiful.

Something romantic.

Eunbi has ruined me.

I pick up my phone, pulling up Eunbi's texts, and typing out a message.

I'm a little sick today, so I'm not coming to school :(

But I don't hit send. I sit and stare at it for a while, before returning to the present.

I can't stop thinking about her.

I see her everywhere, her smile, her laugh.

I'm so in love with her.

Maybe, there's a more discrete way. A way that doesn't mention Eunbi directly.

In a flash, I open Instagram and quickly pose for a picture, taking advantage of my surroundings using my blanket and soup to give off the most sick vibe possible.

Sick day today 🤒 so bored in here. Any tips to make my TikTok FYP less dry?

And post.

I hope Eunbi sees this.

I hope she understands.

I hope she doesn't text me or come over, but I know that it's exactly what she's gonna do.

-

Just as I expected, Eunbi knocks on my door after school.

Through the peephole, I can see that her lips are cherry red and her dark hair is pulled back into a messy bun, with two long strands in the front. She holds a cup of boba tea and some Chinese takeout. Eunbi's shirt is cropped, but her belly button is hidden by her high-waisted wide legged jeans.

I open the door, and she's even more breathtaking in person. She smells like cucumber, so refreshing.

"Jaerin, I saw your Instagram post," her face is soaked in pity, and I instantly regret lying about being ill.

I don't deserve her worry.

"Can I come in?"

"Oh, yeah. Sure. Totally."

Eunbi strolls in and sets her food on the table. She guides me back to my couch-bed.

Her fingertips graze my forehead and fireworks explode at the touch.

"Oh, no, you have a high fever."

I do?

"Jae, you have dark circles under your eyes. Have you ever been getting sleep?"

No.

I don't say anything though.

Eunbi sighs.

I close my eyes but I can hear her steps towards the table, farther from me.

No, I wanna say. Come back. Stay with me.

But I don't.

Eunbi helps me sit up and gives me the food, and I make no attempt to hide my hunger.

Staring at her lips while I eat makes it taste even better than it actually is.

She catches me watching and laughs, telling me to focus on her food.

Oh how I've missed that laugh.

"Y'know, you could've texted me."

"I could've." I quickly try to think of some excuse.

Yet, Eunbi doesn't say anything. She's clearly hurt.

I take a deep breath.

"I was scared. Because . . . Of everything that happened yesterday."

Eunbi understands instantly.

She doesn't say anything.

She squeezes herself next to me and twists a strand of my hair. I shiver at the touch.

And we stay like this for hours.

Until her mother calls and she leaves.

And I'm hungry for her once again.