One Day At A Time [ATEEZ]

Eight

2014, July

"Han Yena."

I stand up from my seat and walk to the teacher's desk. I bow my head at our homeroom teacher and grab my score sheet with shaky hands before quickly making my way back to the desk.

"Did you do well?" San asks as I sit down.

"I don't know, I'm too scared to look," I shake my head, staring at the blank side of the paper. With a deep breath and a silent prayer, I turn the page and look at my scores.

I let out a sigh of relief when I see that I haven't failed anything. Everything's just above the average score... except for English, of course.

"Wow, you did better than me," San says as he peeks over my shoulder to see my scores. "Your English score is nearly double mine."

"Well, I am the most confident in my English," I put the score sheet away, not wanting to look at it any longer.

"Did you attend English academy?"

"No, my friend helped me."

"The one who moved to America?"

"Yea. You see, her mom is American so she's naturally good at English. She helped me a lot and thanks to her, my English improved."

"I see... Can you--"

"Mr. Choi San and Miss Han Yena."

Our conversation is cut short as our teacher calls our names.

"If you haven't noticed, I've started teaching. It would be nice if you could stop talking and pay attention."

"Sorry, Ma'am," we bow our head as the others sneer at us.

Then, San opens his book and starts writing something while I try to pay attention to class. While I'm trying my best to focus, San gently taps his pencil on the back of my hand.

As I look at him, he points to his book, which is now beside my hand, and then points to the thing he wrote.

Can you help me with my English?

I bring his book closer to me and write something.

I don't know... I've never taught anyone.

I push the book toward him and he quickly begins writing.

It's okay, you can start by teaching me!

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"I can't believe I just made study plans."

And I can't believe that I agreed to it...

"I never had study plans with my other friends. My scores were just above the average, even my English. But coming to this school, my English score dropped."

"Well... Mrs. Yoon's exams are quite hard..."

"That's why I'm so thankful that you agreed to help me!" San turns to me and smiles, clearly showing his dimples.

"I'm glad I could help," I force a smile. "I mean, I'm not even sure if I can help..."

"It's okay! Even if you just review the materials, it'll be enough for me."

"Alright, I'll try my best," I close my eyes, cursing at myself. I can't do this... I'm gonna regret it. Better come up with an excuse. I open my eyes and look at San, "I know we already made plans but... I have to ask my parents first."

"Ask your parents?"

"Yea. You know... they're a bit strict, specially my dad."

"Alright, ask them and then tell me."