✓ 20 MINUTES. ( renjun )

SIX.

It was a year ago. Junior year of high school. Renjun and Kara were friends. Nothing more, nothing less.

It was a slow day much to the both of their dislike. Renjun had asked to meet up with the girl after school to tell her something important and the longer he was stuck in his last class, the more impatient he got.

Bell finally rang as the students get up. They were finished for the rest of the day and Renjun ran out of that science class faster than the speed of light. He ran to the cafeteria, sitting down on the table near the vending machines as he waits for the awaited female.

A couple minutes pass as the female finally arrives, Kara repeatedly saying 'sorry' as her class was held back a bit by her teacher. She sat down across Renjun, the male also repeatedly telling her it was fine and that it was actually good she hadn't come immediately.

"So, I'll be quick and straight-forward seeming as we both still have some places to be," Renjun starts, hinting at Kara's phone on the table that had nonstop been buzzing ever since she put it down.

"Sorry, the girl's are excited. We have plans," she explains, turning it completely on mute as she gestures for him to keep going.

"Ok so, long story short. Lim Kara, I like you," he confesses, a friendly smile still on Kara's face as she didn't know why he was making such a big deal out of it.

"...More than a friend," he elaborates, the smile on the female's face faltering as an 'oh' leaves her lips.

"You don't have to reciprocate the same feelings. I just wanted to tell you " he explains, a proud smile on his face as the girl was still stunned from the confession.

"We're seniors next year. Meaning we're graduating soon. I didn't wanna waste the opportunity and regret it in the future."

All Kara could do was nod, not exactly knowing how to reply to this. Renjun chuckles at her expression.

"I know you don't feel the same," he starts, Kara's eyebrows furrowing as she mumbles a 'sorry'.

"You don't have to be, Kara. I'll still be here for you as a friend. I'm not letting this friendship go to waste " he says, chuckling along.

"That'd be... pretty stupid"

Kara looks up, making eye contact with the male.

"I'm sorry, Renjun," she says, guilt zooming throughout her entire body as the male made sure to continue on reassuring her that it was ok.

He got up and sat beside her, ruffling her hair as he continued to say: "But this doesn't mean I'll stop trying to court you though."

To this, Kara looked up at him. Stars were still scattered in his eyes, maybe they weren't glowing as bright due to her not feeling the same, but they still shone nonetheless.

"If you're uncomfortable and don't want to me court you, then just tell me. I'll stop," Renjun says, Kara sending him a small smile as she says a 'sorry' once again. Somehow not being able to shake off the guilt that surged throughout her entire body.