In the realm of dreams

Part 7 - Collision of worlds

Baek Yoona

I was slightly late for school today due to oversleeping. I had to slip into class when Mr Yoo was already halfway through the lesson. A few of my classmates turned to look at me. Were people looking at me funny? Is it because they found out I got locked in the old gym last night? What if Baek Suhoo told everyone about it?

Didn't boys like to brag about bravado? Listen guys, last night I saved this poor, wretched girl who got locked inside the old gym. I braved the rain and rescued her and even treated her to ramen.

I dared not to look Sooho's way. I didn't want to see his pity for me so I avoided him as best as I could.

'Who's excited for Sports Day on Friday?', Jisung asked.

'I am excited,' I said. I was suddenly reminded of yesterday's training session and the feeling of dread I felt last night. I should find the temporary caretaker ahjussi after school today and let him know I would be practicing late every day this week.

'You are doing long jump right? '

'Yes'.

Appa had said this morning he wouldn't be able to attend sports day as a parent chaperone. I was partly sad and partly relieved to hear that. 'How's your preparation going anyway? I know my daughter is so committed'. I deliberated sharing with him what happened last night. But it would probably only make me worry.

'It's going well Appa,'.

'And what about your studies? Any improvement in Maths?'

'I...yes, a little. I have study sessions with a classmate to improve.' I said hoping he didn't ask me too many questions about who the classmate was. Appa could be weird about me hanging out with boys by myself. Even if it was strictly for study purposes.

'Ya, Baek Yoona, come back to Earth' Sujin was waving her hand in front of me. 'Are you able to get those books from the library and meet us in the common room?'.

'Yes, sure. I will see you guys in a bit.'

Choi Sooho

I spotted her in the library by chance. She was standing on a stool, trying to reach a book on the top shelf and clearly struggling. All day I tried to get her alone to talk to her privately, but didn't get a chance. As she stood on her tiptoes her shirt hitched up exposing the taut skin of her stomach. My brain said look away but my eyes wouldn't obey.

I walked up to her, 'Do you want me to get it for you?', I said.

My voice must have startled her for she lost her footing as she turned to look at me. For a second she was flying. And in the next second she was on top of me, her torso against my face and hair brushing my shoulders. I grabbed her by the waist more as an instinct than any conscious effort, steadied her and slowly brought her down to the floor. There were a fair few fireflies glowing inside my chest.

'Are you okay?,' I whispered.

She looked around to see if anybody saw us and nodded.

'Gosh, two times in two days Banjang, you are getting into a habit of saving me!'

I knew she was teasing by the shadow of her smirk. I felt kind of shy. Teasing or not, she might think I was trying to be her knight in shining armour. I mean yes, as much as I would like be just that, I didn't want her to think I was timing these or anything. It's not something I can help. The instinct to protect her is not just a want, it's a need.

'Listen, I have been meaning to talk to you today.' I said in a low voice, I didn't want anyone else to hear this. 'Did you manage to get any sleep last night?'

She blushed and said, 'Yes, I was out as soon as I hit the pillow'. Why did my question make her blush? Was it too intimate?

'Good. I spoke to the temporary caretaker ahjussi this morning and explained to him that you like to train late in the old gym. So what happened yesterday won't happen again. You can be rest assured'.

'You...you spoke to him already?' she asked.

'Yes.'

Baek Yoona

He spoke to the caretaker on my behalf already? That was kind of sweet and ...a bit caring? Everybody was always telling me Sooho wasn't a friendly guy but he was scoring high points in my book!

I nodded because I didn't know what to say to him in response. And honestly I was still a little bit rattled from our close encounter earlier. From when I fell on top of him. I hoped he didn't think I was trying to get his attention or anything. Only I couldn't stop thinking about how strong his hands had felt when they were grabbing my waist. He'd handled me as if I was something delicate. I was secretly glad I had put on perfume this morning for we were too entangled in each other's personal space! And why would he ask me if I got any sleep last night in a public place like this! If someone overheard us they might completely misunderstand! 

Choi Sooho

'Your English grades haven't improved much I see,' Eomma said to me at dinner table.

I took a sip of water 'It's improved a little. Erm... and I and taking study sessions with a classmate as well so I am getting a lot more practice now.'

'Hmm well, it seems you have got a lot of friends these days. Having friends is good, but don't get too close to them. I know about boys your age. They are always getting distracted by girls. Be careful not to get close to a girl. You don't want to end up like your dad do you? Throw away your life for a mere girl?'

I resisted the urge to slam my bedroom door when I retire for the night. It's slowly creeping in me, the dark monster claws crawling through my blood vessels, pulsating and vibrating, getting bigger and bigger. I took some deep breaths. I grabbed a book from my bookshelf and opened a random page.

Walt Whitman. Her favourite.

'Love, that is day and night - love, that is sun and moon and stars,

Love, that is crimson, sumptuous, sick with perfume,

No other words but words of love, no other thought but love.'