Chapter 15 - Minji's POV: All The Best People Are Weird

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"I know, Luna, I know," I muttered as I absentmindedly stroked my dog's head. Luna had decided to keep me company in the quiet staff room as I typed away on my computer. It was late, and most people had long left the school for the day, but here I was, stubbornly working through the night.

The rhythmic clacking of the keyboard and the soft, calming blue glow of the computer screen filled the room. There was something therapeutic about the solitude, the stillness, and the sense of productivity that came with working after hours. Luna seemed to understand that and offered her silent companionship.

As I typed, my mind wandered to Haerin. It was a strange thought to have, considering the late hour and the fact that I was usually preoccupied with work. But Haerin had a way of sneaking into my thoughts, her unconventional antics and unapologetic nature captivating my attention.

I paused, my fingers hovering above the keyboard. The school at night was a different kind of atmosphere, almost eerie in its quietness. I couldn't help but wonder if Haerin would have enjoyed the solitude and the unique ambiance. Perhaps she would have found the empty hallways and dimly lit corridors fascinating, like her own private playground.

With a sigh, I shook my head, realizing how much this girl had managed to occupy my thoughts. I returned to my work, the soft click of keys filling the room once more. Luna curled up on the desk, her presence a comfort as I delved back into my tasks.

As the night wore on, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was being watched. I glanced around the dimly lit room, but aside from Luna, I was alone. The sensation was probably just a result of my overactive imagination. Nevertheless, I finished up my work and shut down the computer, making my way out of the staff room.

Outside, the school was indeed creepy at night, but also oddly serene. The empty halls seemed to hold secrets, and the shadows cast by the moonlight created a mysterious atmosphere. I wondered if Haerin had ever explored the school during these quiet hours, finding solace in its emptiness.

With Luna at my side, I locked up the staff room and headed home. Haerin's presence, even in my thoughts, had a way of making the ordinary feel a little more extraordinary. As I walked through the silent halls, I couldn't help but look forward to the next unexpected encounter with the girl who had become a constant source of fascination in my life.

-

The morning sun gently filtered through the windows as I sat in my classroom, my sanctuary of sorts. The early hour gave me a sense of solitude I cherished, a time to prepare for the day ahead. With last night's work on this week's lessons behind me, I took a moment to relax. My legs found their way to the top of my desk, and I immersed myself in a book, losing myself in its pages.

But the tranquility was short-lived. A faint sound of whirring caught my attention. I glanced up, my curiosity piqued. A shadow danced on the edge of my vision, and I instinctively straightened in my seat. The door to my classroom slowly creaked open, and I watched as someone stepped inside.

I sighed inwardly, not surprised by the unexpected guest. "What are you doing here?" I questioned, my tone a mix of exasperation and amusement. Haerin stood in the doorway, her mischievous grin in place.

"I had to check on my red ant farm," she replied casually, her nonchalant demeanor somehow making the situation even more peculiar.

My brows furrowed as I regarded her. "And just where is your ant farm located?" I asked, sensing that the answer was bound to be as unconventional as everything else about her.

Haerin's smirk deepened as she responded, "In a special someone's locker."

I sighed again, this time more dramatically. "You can't just... place an ant farm in someone's locker without their consent, Haerin."

She shrugged, an unapologetic glint in her eyes. "Well, I figured they needed a little excitement in their lives."

I shook my head, both amazed and exasperated by her audacity. "You do realize that's not how you bring excitement into someone's life, right? Besides, you need to respect people's personal space."

Haerin's playful expression didn't waver. "Yeah, yeah, I'll keep that in mind."

🐸

The minutes ticked by, and the classroom remained silent except for the occasional sound of pages turning. The morning light gradually illuminated the room, casting soft beams across the desks. I focused on my book, immersing myself in the world of words, but my thoughts kept drifting back to Haerin's unconventional antics.

As the clock inched closer to the official start of the school day, I heard faint footsteps approaching my classroom once again. I looked up to see Haerin returning, this time carrying a tray with two cups of coffee.

She flashed a grin as she approached, the aroma of coffee wafting through the air. "I figured you might need some caffeine to survive the day," she said, placing one of the cups on my desk.

I raised an eyebrow, both surprised and intrigued by her gesture. "You brought me coffee?"

She nodded, her expression nonchalant. "Yeah, thought I'd return the favor for the time you gave me that pencil."

I chuckled softly, remembering the moment she had approached me for a pencil during a pop quiz. "You know, most students don't go to such lengths to repay a pencil."

Haerin shrugged, a playful glint in her eyes. "Well, I'm not most students."

I took a sip of the coffee, its warmth and bitterness awakening my senses. "You certainly aren't."

We fell into an easy conversation, discussing everything from school to her latest unconventional endeavors. It was a strange but pleasant interlude, and I found myself more amused by her company than I had expected.

Eventually, the school day officially began, and students began to trickle into the classroom. Haerin took her seat, seemingly unbothered by the change in atmosphere. As I started the lesson, I couldn't help but glance her way occasionally, a smile tugging at the corners of my lips.

Throughout the day, Haerin's presence continued to be a source of both amusement and surprise. Her unique perspective on things brought an unexpected perspective to the classroom, often leading to lively discussions. As I observed her interactions with her classmates, I realized that her presence had sparked something in them as well. She had an uncanny ability to draw people out of their shells and encourage them to embrace their individuality.

As the final bell rang and students began to leave, Haerin remained behind for a moment. She approached my desk, a thoughtful expression on her face. "You know, I think I'm starting to see the value in having friends."

I raised an eyebrow, intrigued by her admission. "And what brought on this revelation?"

She shrugged, a genuine smile on her lips. "Danielle and I had fun today. I guess it's not so bad to have someone to share things with."

I nodded, glad to see her embracing the idea of friendship. "I'm glad to hear that. And who knows, maybe you'll even make more friends along the way."

Haerin smirked, her gaze meeting mine. "Who needs more friends when I have a professor who's just as weird as me?"

I chuckled, shaking my head. "I'm not sure if that's a compliment or an insult."

She winked playfully. "Definitely a compliment, Professor."

As Haerin left the classroom, I leaned back in my chair, reflecting on the day's events. I had no doubt that Haerin's presence would continue to challenge and surprise me, and I found myself looking forward to whatever unexpected adventures she had in store next.

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