The IT Girl's NERD - 《JENRINA》

1 ~ Not all men

Blessed with both beauty and wealth, Karina never felt the need to worry about her future. She was popular indeed but popularity in university was something that would imminently evanesce upon, say, graduating. That wasn't Karina's aim. After a taste of the privileges brought by popularity, she wanted a lasting fame so she began seeking other options, and Instagram seemed like the perfect platform for her. A place where she could simply breathe and have everyone gagging.

Now, sitting in a classroom with a bunch of other students who wouldn't dare to sit anywhere within her proximity, she wondered why she needed to take this class. Her Instagram account was already garnering enough attention.

"For aesthetic purposes." She remembered her manager's - who was also her driver and confidant - words. "If you enhance your photography skills, you can even start uploading tidbits of your daily life."

He was right. Whenever she posted snippets from her daily life, she received more engagement which was why she decided to pay heed to his advice.

The time was ticking. Only 10 minutes left before the class ended. She had been using her phone the whole time that she barely heard anything the professor said.

"Make sure your partner participates in the assignment." The professor warned. "I will be asking questions."

Not awaiting dismissal from the professor, Karina watched as the students scattered out either individually or in groups.

If only Minjeong was here... She thought aloud as she put back her ipad in her backbag.

"May I have your phone number?" A voice spoke startling Karina who thought she was the only one yet to leave.

"What happened to 'hi' 'hello'?" Karina was sitting at the edge where it was easy to walk out from. She turned to lash out at the insolence of the man that had just spoken.

A grey hoodie, a pair of blue jeans and a black messenger bag : Karina examined the man up and down wondering how a nerd with huge framed glasses thought he had a chance with her.

"Nah... the thing is..." The man began sheepishly realizing how he should have introduced himself first. "Hi, my name is Lee Jeno."

She stared blankly at his outstretched arm, awaiting a handshake. "You... Do you even know my name?" She asked as she stood up, sassily twisting the crown of the hat he was wearing by its brim.

"Yoo jimin." He spoke sternly and clearly. This time, a hint of annoyance evident in his stance as he brushed off her arm.

That was a first. It had been almost forever since anyone called Karina by her real name. In fact, even professors and lecturers would address her with her alias.

"Good try but you are not my type." She shrugged before turning back to take her backbag.

Jeno, now wearing his hat backwards, watched her puzzled. Why did it matter if he was her type? He had a bit of contemplating before approaching her and was beginning to regret his decision.

"Move." Karina nudged him.

Jeno went back to his seat to get his bag. He sat at the far back of the spacious classroom. As he walked, he thought of the conversation they just had and wondered if he misunderstood something.

Am I that repulsive to work with?

________________

Walking into the bustling cafeteria, Jeno's eyes wandered around seeking for his one and only friend, Na Jaemin.

"Jeno, here!" Jaemin shouted. He was sitting not too far from the entrance.

"So how was class?" Jaemin inquired.