Teaser | Nishimura Niki ¤

Chapter 8

Timeskip
(Monday, 6.45am)

Daeun's pov

There I was, secretly making my way to Jake's locker with the keychain clenched in my hand. 

Students usually start coming at 7pm so I hope there's no one else around right now.

"1,5,1,1"
I said to myself.

I turned the combination accordingly and it clicked. I opened it and to my horror, the stench of dirty, sweaty clothes hit my nose.

I held my breath as I glanced at the probably unwashed jersey sitting in his locker. I threw the keychain in, including the tiny note Yena left him.

I slammed the door closed and locked it, leaving to go wash my hands.

30 minutes later

I felt a tap on my shoulder. I opened my eyes to see a Yena beside my desk. She came closer, whispering to me.

"Did you do what I asked?"
-Yena

"Yes"
-Me

She showed a thumbs up and went to her seat. Sujae then came by.

"What's with the two of you?"
She looked back to Yena and then me.

"Nothing. She was just saying thanks for helping in the group discussion last week"
I answered.

She nodded and settled down at her own seat.

Lesson went on, nothing new, but I was taking down notes because the teacher said it was important for the exams. 

Neither do I aim to be the best of the best, nor fail miserably. I need a grade good enough for me to get into a decent college.

"Daeun"
Niki said softly.

"What?"
My eyes are still glued to my paper and the screen.

"I need to tell you something"
He continued.

I turned to him, waiting.

"I won't be at the canteen for recess later. I agreed to practise basketball with Jake later"
He explained.

"So what? You don't even sit with me during recess. I eat with Sujae too"
My tone, confused.

"Oh..I just thought you would be worried if you couldn't find me. I'll be at the basketball court"
His voice was just getting softer.

"Moving on. This part of the chapter…"
-Teacher

I averted my gaze to the screen and the slide was changed to a different one. 

I didn't finish copying, gosh.

"See! I didn't even get to complete my notes!"
I blamed Niki.

"It's just notes. You can find it online"
Niki replied.

"It's not the same, dumbass"
I slumped down in my chair.

"Or I can't ask the teacher to share the slides with the class. I'm doing this out of pity"
Niki suggested.

"Yes, make good use of yourself"
-Me

He raised his hand.

"Yes Niki? Now don't spew nonsense"
Teacher

"No Miss. Is it okay if you share this set of slides with the class so we could refer to it when we revise?"
-Niki

The teacher seemed taken aback for a second.

"Why of course. I never thought you'd ask. I'll share it after lesson ends"
The teacher replied with a smile.

I chuckled at her reaction.

I'll let you off this time, Nishimura.

______________________

Timeskip
(Recess)

Niki's pov

The basketball rolled to my feet and I kicked it up into my arm.

"I can't practise if you're just as bad as me you know"
I told Jake.

"My bad, I'll be more serious now"
He stood in front of me, getting ready to defend.

I happened to notice a keychain attached to the hook of his pants. Never seen it before, but I brushed it aside.

With a few false moves, I tricked Jake and scored the ball into the hoop. It was my turn to defend him.

I needed to move to the right but then almost fell over my shoelace. Jake was fast enough to get a hold of my arm. I knelt down and tied it quickly.

However, I saw two people standing a distance from us through my peripherals. Two girls.

"Yena?"
Jake looked over at their direction.

I looked over to see Daeun beside her too. Our eyes met for a split second before she looked away. I smiled to myself.

Guess who said she wouldn't be worried and still came by.

"Hi!"
Yena yelled out, waving her hands.

I stood up, asking Jake something while the girls walked away.

"Are you two together now?"
I folded my arms.

"What? I wish"
He scoffed.

"Better if you save that for after the exams. And also because I need you to put your attention on me for basketball"
I got into position to defend again.

"It's my life, I do what I-"
-Jake

He got past me and the ball went through the hoop.

"I do what I want with it"
He finished his sentence.

I took the ball, dribbling it as I walk to him.

"Okay simp jaeyun"
I bumped the side of his hip with mine, making fun of his 'inspirational' words.

"What the hell"
He backed up, pushing me away.

"Shut up and let's play 1 v 1 for real"
I dribbled the ball.

"Fine. Don't whine when you lose"
He responded.

Timeskip
(In class)

I took a tissue and patted the sweat dripping down my face and along my hairline. 

"Couldn't you take some time to cool down before coming into class?"
Daeun shifted her seat away a little and then sat down.

"Oh, sorry Ms Hygienic"
I wiped the sweat around my neck too.

"You missed a spot"
She pointed to my chin.

I wiped off the hanging droplet and aimed the tissue at the bin. My skills paid off because it went in. 

Yes!

"Show off, hmph. Just know that I almost witnessed you fall"
Daeun commented.

I side eyed her.

"Let me live, or I'll give you a sweaty hug"
I opened up my arms.

"No! Move"
She pushed my arm away with a finger as I laughed.

Shes easy and fun to tease.