DITTO

2

"We're here," I told the girl as we reached our classroom.

I went to my usual seat near the window, without waiting for her. She'll find a seat on her own anyway.

I took off my earphones and placed them inside my bag as I took out my book and my drawing pad. Since the teacher still hasn't arrived yet, I'll make myself busy for the time being.

The new girl then walked toward my direction and sat behind me. I didn't mind it, as long as she won't bother me.

"Haerin-ah! Look what I got! It's a set of airpods that Kkura-unnie gave to me," Eunchae, unfortunately my seatmate, just arrived but is already talking too much. She showed me a clean white box then took out what's inside. Airpods.

"It's pretty," I simply say.

"That's it? Aren't you gonna ask why unnie gave it to me?" she asked as if it's a must to know how she got it. I shook my head and returned to my drawing. "Yah~ You're so- Oh! Hello! Are you a transferee? I haven't seen you around so you must be new, right?" Eunchae was now looking back at the new girl. Good, now they can leave me alone.

"Hi! Yes, I'm new here. My name is Danielle Marsh," the girl introduced.

"Wow, you're name sounds so expensive. I'm Hong Eunchae. Nice to meet you," they shook hands and that's how they talked nonstop.

I focused on my drawing until our teacher came. The two noisy girls stopped and paid attention to the teacher. Finally, peace and quiet.

After a good two hours of lecture, the bell finally rang, indicating that it's already lunch time. I packed my things got ready to leave.

"Haerin-ah! Wanna join me and Kyujin for lunch?" Eunchae asked me. She'd always invite me but I always decline. I'm just not comfortable with a lot of people. I only eat with Minji-unnie. I shook my head.

"Figures. Here, it's takoyaki. Kkura-unnie packed some for me and she told me to share it with my friends," she says and placed a set of takoyaki on my desk.

I looked at her and gave her a small smile in which she returned. She then turned around and handed the new girl a set too. "Here's one for you too since we're friends already as well."

"Oh my, thank you, Eunchae. You're so kind," the girl said and I could tell that she was smiling brightly because of her cheerful tone.

"I know. It's all good. Do you want to tag along with us for lunch?"

"Um, I'm afraid I can't because I have to find my other friend who's new here too. Maybe next time."

"It's alright. I'll see you later then," Eunchae waved and went to where Kyujin and Yeseo was.

I packed all of my things took the set of takoyaki before walking toward the exit.

"Haerin-ssi! Wait up," I heard my name being called so I paused and turned. It was the new girl.

"I..... can you show me where the cafeteria is? I don't know where it is," she caught up to me and shyly asked. She looked like a cute puppy.

But... why me? She could've asked Eunchae earlier. Anyway, I'm headed there as well so I guess it won't hurt to show her.

"Okay," I said and walked ahead. She walked on my side and I could tell she wants to have a conversation with me.

"Um. I wanted to ask what your friend's name is, the one from earlier this morning," she says while smiling at me. Gosh. Why is she always smiling? She's starting to look like a sunflower to me.

"Minji-unnie," I replied.

"Minji-unnie? Will it be okay for me to call her unnie as well? She won't mind it, right?"

"I guess so," I answered. Minji-unnie doesn't mind it since she's good with anything.

"We are here," I say and pointed at the crowded cafeteria. She gasped in awe as she saw the whole place. It was huge but it still looked pack.

"Oh my. I should text Hanni-unnie. Are you going already?" she took her phone and typed away then asked me the question.

"Yes."

"Oh, alright then. I'll see you at the classroom later," she says and put her phone back. I nodded a little and walked away.

I walked up to me and Minji-unnie's usual table which is on the far side of the cafeteria. And I saw her there already.

"Hey, Haerin-ah. I got us some lunch. Oh, what that?" she pointed at the takoyaki set in my hands.

"Takoyaki. Eunchae gave it to me," I said and sat across her.

"Awe! That's so kind of her. Anyway, as promised, I got you some avocado," she then showed me the whole pack of my favorite food in the world. I smiled and instantly took it from her hands. She laughed and began eating her food.

"Thank you, unnie. You're the best," I said and happily ate my lunch.

"I know right. So, how was Danielle-ssi? Did you help her with everything?"

"Eung. She was talkative. She got along with everyone already, especially Eunchae," I told her. Man, those two didn't stop talking until the teacher came.

Minji-unnie laughed at me. I furrowed my brows at her.

"That's very funny, Haerin-ah. I can already imagine Eunchae being so loud but Danielle-ssi? I think she's just bubbly," she told me.

"Fine, unnie."