THE TRACE OF LOVE // 양정원

제 3 과

I can't react. I can't think.
No, I never expected him to be this blunt.

Jungwon's eyes are piercing my soul through his hard stare. Melting into the seconds, his narrowed eyebrows fade little by little by my stunned silence and at last of small seconds, he moves back with an imperceptible sigh.

"Stop bothering me. Whatever reason you have to get closer to me, stop doing what you're trying to do. I don't make friends with girls."
Sipping his juice, he leaves me all alone again.

The colors are still burning upon my cheeks but I can turn back at him only when a thought intrudes me.

But he's no longer inside the empty hallway.

I gulp; how come he knows my full name?

Aside all of things he said that intimidate me, him knowing my full name shivers me the most.

It's only that I don't know why.

.       .       .   .  .

Yesterday's incident did get inside my head. Staring at the unopened bag of chips placed on the study desk at the opposite of my bed, I contemplate if I should go on with my plan to get closer to him or not.

After all, he exclaimed that he doesn't make friends with girls.

It would be too desperate of me to keep trying to get him to be my friend, wouldn't it?

Laying flat on my bed, I sigh aloud.
I have never been someone who breaks a said promise. Not even the one I gave to Daisy. Her goal is to be closer to Jay. In order to be that way, me having a study date with Jungwon would automatically allow her and Jay to tag along.

Maybe Jungwon didn't meant what he said at our last encounter but was just annoyed like he is always.

Maybe I can still pull off my plan without approaching him bluntly like I've done last time.

Sunoo!
Luckily, Sunoo and I have a pretty good, light friendship in studies.
He can help me, I'm sure.

Opening up the Instagram, I search Sunoo's account for the text message. But getting distracted by his latest post that is uploaded several minutes ago, I linger my eyes around the photos; the group photo. Apparently, the 'gang' is in some party, on Friday night. Tonight.

How come I never get invited to parties? Am I really invisible at school after all?

Jungwon is also inside the picture that is taken on some fancy staircase. A beer cup in his hand. He's still in the school uniform just like his group but this time, it's a bit messy. His neck tie is loosened, his dimples are also exposed among his genuine laughter shared with his friends in the picture.

Some warm feelings sparkle in my chest at his figure.

He looks good—I have to admit, again.

Brushing off the urge to stare at the picture, I wonder if Sunoo's still at the party.

But my phone suddenly starts ringing, jerking my mind.

Daisy.

I pick up instantly.

"There's a party at Sim Jake's place tonight." Her excited voice enters my right ear swiftly.

"There is?" I pretend to be clueless. In mind; oh, the party is Sim Jake's one, I see.

No wonder why the place in the photos look fancy. Sim Jake is one of the popular rich kids at our private high school. But the rumors have that he's pretty friendly and not snobby at all. Maybe that's why he's popular.

Again, it's unsure of me to believe. Daisy said Jungwon was such a sociable guy.

Well, look how that rumor turned out to be.

"Let's go! Luna's friend is invited."

I chuckle, "I don't even know who Luna's friend is—No, wait, I don't even personally know Luna. She's your other friend that I don't have a clue about."

"I don't know who's her friend either but who cares. We have somewhat connection now. Luna said it's okay if I want to get more friends. Her friend told her it would be awesome if she can go with a gang of her own. You know, girls's gang."

That's dumb.

"I don't think—"

"Dan! You know Jay would be there but you also know I don't have guts to go talk to him. But you can go to Jungwon and I can tag along. They are always together, I told you!"

I exhale dramatically.

If I go to the party, I don't have to text Sunoo anymore but practically talk to him and he might lead me to Jungwon.
In this case, I can pretend meeting Jungwon again is purely accidental. And I won't look desperate anymore.

"So? Are you coming? Dan?"
Well, Daisy is desperate though.

I smirk, "You owe me big, Daisy. I'll be waiting for you to pick me up at my place."