I Was First | Joshua Hong

Chapter 37

It was already the afternoon and right when I got out from the school building, the sun was starting to set. Most students were already making their way home, and I never knew I would feel this much excitement seeing how Joshua was still standing at a certain spot at the gates, waiting.

Joshua brought up when we were talking that he would be walking home today since he said he felt like it and that's so typical of him. I asked him if I could come—more like inviting myself, and he replied a 'sure'.

But unfortunately, I had my cleaning duty today. I know I can't just run away from it knowing that I'll have to come back to school the next day, so I did the only thing I could think of; to do everything fast.

We were basically designated to our own chores, and that made everything easier since I only have to mind my own business and likewise, they won't have to ask me about anything.

I unknowingly braced myself by taking a deep breath before I took paces. His back was facing me, and gradually, as I had a clearer look at him, it appeared that he was having a conversation with someone.

I sighed as I turned around and instead walked back to where I came from. I guess inviting myself is literally just my idea and I'm the only one in favor of it.

Alliza went to him first and it's only right that the second one leaves. I can't even be mad at her nor I want to be jealous over my friend walking home with someone else.

If I didn't know that she likes him or if she happens to not like him at all, I'll probably casually just go to them and see for myself whatever that was going on between them right now, but I know—she told me.

I looked down at my shoes that where taking steps and kicked a few pebbles while I was at it. I made myself believe that I wasn't envious, but guess what, I already miss the last time we walked home together.

I then again heaved a dragging sigh. I don't even know where I am taking these feet that I'm staring at. And who knew, looking straight has never been so tiring.

My eyes squinted along with my brows slowly furrowing by the sudden contact my forehead felt.

I slowly looked up and found out that Dokyeom was now standing right infront of me, and as my eyes travelled more higher, I saw his forefinger pressing on my forehead.

"You'll bump into something if you continue to walk like that.", He brought his hand back to his side, pressing his lips together as he looked at me and around the surrounding, probably reading the situation.

I briefly looked back and from afar, I saw that there was already no one at the gates. And it only indicates that the both of them already went to who knows where.

"I thought you already went home, you were rushing earlier.", He said, and I parted my lips, bracing myself to give him a reply but I can't find and think anything to say to him.

Just like me, it was his cleaning duty as well. I must've really did everything rapidly that it has been quite a long time since I went out while they finished just now.

"I just needed to do something.", I simply answered. He seemed convinced, he was just nodding his head, and I was just hoping that he wouldn't ask what that something is or anything related to it.

"Why are you coming back inside the building by the way?"

"Uh.. that..", I travelled my eyes around, hoping that if my eyes lands on a certain spot, I would find a convincing answer.

It's actually not that hard convincing him because he believes in everything I say, however, I just need something that sounds real and is quite connected to what we are talking about.