One Day At A Time [ATEEZ]

Three

2014, March

I grab my hairband and tie my hair into a high ponytail like always. Then I check myself out in the mirror. Even though I don't like that place and the people inside it, I have to look as decent as possible.

I pick up my phone and before putting it in my pocket, I decide to check my messages one last time. Still no reply... The last time she replied to me was two days ago. I press my lips together and begin typing.

And the very dreadful first day of last year of middle school starts... wish me luck my friend.

I turn off my phone's screen and put it in my bag. Grabbing my backpack, I go out of my room. "Mom, I'm going," I say and start putting on my shoes.

"Alright, Honey," Mom says from their room. "Take care."

"Okay," I put my backpack over my shoulders and stand behind the door. "Bye, Mom."

As soon as I open the door, the sight in front of me surprises me and I unknowingly take a step back.

"H--hi, Yena!" Choi San waves at me, smiling.

This is the first time he has said my name... It sure does feel strange to have someone from the male species, who's not my dad, to say my name like this.

Seems like I've been staring at him for too long as his smiling face turns into a worried one.

I clear my throat and nod at him, "Hi... Choi San." I close the door and start walking away. Soon, he's walking beside me.

I try my best to ignore him as we get in the elevator but sadly, he tries to start a conversation.

"I didn't know what time you leave for school so I've been waiting outside your house since 7:20."

7:20? He's been standing there for 20 minutes?!

"I don't know the way to school well so I waited for you so that we could go together. If it's okay with you... can we go to school together every morning?" he turns to look at me.

Of course it's not okay with me! My mouth works faster than my brain and says the word opposite to what I want to say, "sure."

"That's great!" he smiles and looks away.

Damn you, stupid mouth! Why did you say that? While I'm busy cursing at myself, the elevator stops at the first floor and we get out together.

Without saying anything else, we go out of the apartment and I lead the way to school, our school. While I'm enjoying the silence, I can sense that Choi San is feeling uncomfortable. Sadly, the silence is cut short as he asks another question.

"How's the school?"

"Huh?" I look at him and immediately regret it when I see him staring at me. When did he come so close?

"I mean the school environment. Is it good?"

"Uh... it's not bad I guess..." I nod slowly, "but it's not good either. The students aren't that friendly and the teachers don't care much." Was I too honest?

"Oh..." he says in a small voice.

"At least there aren't any bullies here," I add, trying to sound positive. "Sure, the kids aren't good but they all mind their own business."

"I see," his reply sounds a bit more cheerful this time.

I press my lips together and look ahead at the road. Ugh... Why does the road to school seem even longer today?

As we turn a corner, the school building comes into sight and for once, I'm a bit happy to see it.

"The school looks different with students in it," Choi San says as we get closer to school, "it looks livelier."