Another day of school.
Another workload of assignments and due projects.
Joy was slightly considering going back to home schooling. At least she didn't feel the pressure of assignments as much as she did now.
Walking to her first period class, a boy bumped into her, making all the notes and binders she was holding end up on the floor. The guy that bumped into her just walked away laughing.
She looked at his back with a blank stare "STRIKE 1, ” she whispered
Squatting to pick up her stuff, she noticed a hand helping her pick them up.
She looked up to see Minho. She gave him a sincere smile, smirking when she saw a light blush on his face
"Thank you,"
"No problem," he replied, “that’s King Wingston, his father is sort of a construction giant especially in the states. I am not surprised all his daddy's money has gone to his head. He's a regular bully around here.” He handed her her things.
"I'll keep that in mind”
“So I was thinking about my place for the project,” she said as they made their way to their seats. Luckily class hadn't started yet.
“I don't understand why you're in such a rush. We have a whole month, Joy” he replied, with a tinge of frustration in his voice.
"Mythology is something that takes serious research. We need to plan ahead."
"Fine. Just send me your address later then," he sighed
"His hands are so pretty," they said.
She and Lyra were looking through pics of BTS on Pinterest over lunch. It had become a custom to have lunch with them.
“I thought you didn't like school lunch peaches,” Minho said, taking a seat across from her.
“What gave you that idea?" She shot him a curious look. "Peaches?”
She took out her lunch. She was definitely gonna throw up if she had to go another week of eating soggy chips and fish sticks. “Well, I haven't ever seen you eat school lunch and I have been at this school for 4 weeks."
"Peaches fits you more though," she said thoughtfully, "It reminds me of the color of your blush."
A slow smile spread across her face. "Or would you rather I called you pretty boy instead?”
The red on his cheeks deepened. It reminded her of tomatoes.
“Ugh, get a room, " Lyra said not looking up from their phone.
“We're not flirting, ” Minho said
They shrugged. "Yeah you guys aren’t flirting and I'm getting married to Namjoon next week."
Minho chose to ignore that.
“By the way Joy, you haven't texted me your address yet”
"Oh shit, I'll send it right now," she pulled out her phone and sent it.
She picked up her fork to continue eating when Minho interrupted her *again*.
"Emi yoo lù ọmọkunrin yii laipẹ," she muttered under her breath
Minho didn't seem to have heard
"No way! We live in the same neighbourhood. Your house is just fifteen minutes away from mine."
"Don't get any funny ideas," I raised an eyebrow, "we agreed on my place and you wouldn't be changing my mind pretty boy.”
He sighed
“Finally. Time to go home,” Lyra said with a stretch
"Sorry, I won't be joing you today, my mum asked me to pick up some tomatoes from the supermarket," she said
She'd originally planned to walk home with Lyra
"That's fine. See you tomorrow then," they said and walked away with a wave
Fortunately, Minho had overheard and offered her a ride home. He said he was going to the supermarket anyway so it won't be a bother.
Guess he really did have a heart after all.
She scanned the aisle and picked the fresh-looking tomatoes then picked up a few tangerines.
Satisfied, she headed over to the cash register. She spotted Minho looking at the rack where she'd picked up the zodiac keychain a week ago
“When's your birthday?” she said, taking a spot in line next to him.
"January 29." he replied
“An Aquarius. Good to know.”
He glanced at her, sighing when he saw the basket with maybe a few too many tangerines
"Here," he said, taking my basket from my arm, “why are you buying so many tangerines again?”
"The ones I bought last week finished this morning so…" He gave her a look of disbelief.
"Wait, what do you mean 'again'?" She raised an eyebrow
"I saw you here last week."
He was avoiding her eyes.
"That would be £12.59," said the cashier
She reached for her purse but paused when the felt a hand on her arm
"I've got it," Minho said
She gave him a weird look but let him pay. Why not? Every woman deserves queen treatment.
Minho loaded the groceries into the trunk with the help of his driver then took a seat next to me
"Just make a turn over there and my house will be on the right."
Thomas, as she'd learned his name was, nodded and took a left.
He pulled up in front of the house a mini skirt or two later.
Thomas helped her carry her things to the front porch
"Thank you sir," she said, offering him a smile.
He smiled in return and nodded, heading back to the car.
"Thanks," she said again, this time to Minho.
"I couldn't have a pretty girl like you carrying heavy things. Plus it looks like you needed my help," he added with a smug look.
"So you think I'm pretty," she said teasingly, taking a step closer to him.
He flushed red and gave a reluctant nod
"You look like a tomato, pretty boy."
She could see him starting to form a response but cut him off with a kiss on the cheek.
"Don't forget about the project tomorrow," she said over her shoulder, turning to unlock the door.
She could feel his gaze on her back.
"Bye pretty boy," she stepped inside, "oh and close your mouth flies might get in."
"He's so fun to tease," she thought, shutting the door behind her and heading for the kitchen.
