NEXT PAGE (LizRei)

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"Rei! Are you coming to Hyunseo's house this weekend? They're celebrating her moving-up celebration. It's not gonna be as packed as Wonyoung's party, don't worry," Yujin-unnie chuckles. I glanced at her then went back to writing my essay again.

"I'm kinda busy, unnie. Tell Hyunseo that I'm proud and happy for her. I'll just buy her a present," I said and focused on my essay. I need to think of other ideas for this.

"Oh, come on. It's a very special day for the maknae. We should all be there to celebrate with her," she insists and put an arm around my shoulder.

"Unnie, I have swimming practice on Saturday, too. I can't skip this especially that the school meet is coming up in a few weeks," I reasoned out. We can't lose because we are the host for this event.

She sighed. I know that she doesn't have a rebuttal with that.

"You'll be missing out all the fun."

I smiled, "There's always a next time."

**

I figured that I need new goggles for the competition so I decided to go and buy a new one after school. I ditched Wonyoung since I figured she'll ask Hyunseo to go home with her.

I slipped through the door and looked around the store for the sports wear section. As I was flipping through the rushguards, my eyes got glued to someone familiar that I haven't seen in six months.

My heart pounded so hard on my chest as I my feet felt like it was stuck on the ground. She's back? I thought she don't want to come back because she hates me?

Before she can even look my way, I managed to gather all my strength to flee from her sight. I ducked down to avoid being seen by her. The bad thing is that she was standing near the exit and she'll definitely see me if I pass through there. Aish. What do I do?

"Excuse me, miss? Is everything alright?"

I shut my eyes tight as a saleslady came up to me with worried and confused eyes. Well, what a nice timing, eh?

I looked up to her and plaster a fake smile and replied with a soft voice, "Uh, yes. I was just looking for my earring. I kinda dropped it somewhere down here."

"Oh. Do you need my help then, miss?"

"No, no. Thank you for the offer but I got this. I'll be alright," I dismissed her. Thankfully, she nodded and went away. I huffed and flipped my hair back. I just hope that she didn't notice the slight commotion.

I took a peak from behind the rushguards and sighed when I didn't see her in her spot earlier. This is good. She must've went out alre---

"Naoi Rei."

My heart stopped beating for a second as I heard that voice again. Her voice. Shoot. I was frozen once again. After a few moments of composing myself, I slowly turned and looked up at her. My eyes widening as I finally saw her face again. My heart started racing this time.

"What are you doing there? Why does it seem like you're hiding from someone... in this case, me?" She questioned while staring down at me, her eyes piercing through my soul. I gulped. She's still scary as ever, but she still looks really pretty even with that intimidating aura. Wait.... stop, stop.

"I-- well, um.. I w-wasn't! I-I was looking f-for my earring.. yeah, right here," I pointed somewhere on the floor. I stood up and cleared my throat while averting my eyes anywhere but hers.

"You're still a bad liar, Rei," she says while rolling her eyes at me. I pouted. Well, she's not wrong though.

Silence engulfed us as we just stood there. Her staring at me while I played with the hem of my blouse because I was nervous. I didn't think we'll meet again especially because of our breakup. It was a bit emotional. And I regret it.