wonder | ATEEZ Wooyoung

04

The next class started in a computer lab since we were learning new software. But for the second half, we were expected to present our project. Unfortunately, even though I worked on a good portion of it, I still had no idea what I was doing. And our group as a whole wasn't looking too promising either.

There was a reason why I was even more worried though. Class was starting soon and there were no signs of Wooyoung. What was I going to do without him?

Thankfully though, at the very last minute, he came rushing in, clearly a bit disheveled. He wore a mask so he must've caught a cold. But I was most shocked to see him without a beanie. Just seeing him made me feel flustered.

Admittedly, I kept the seat open next to me, hoping he would've chosen it since we had spent that day together a couple of days ago. But of course knowing my luck, he chose to pull up a chair all the way in the back with our other group mate. And I was stuck in the front all alone.

But, by some miracle, the Professor had told everyone sitting in the back to move to the front. I tried to keep my composure as I felt Wooyoung walking up. But, suddenly, our group mate came rushing in, quickly taking the seat next to me before Wooyoung could. Therefore, the only seat available was the lone desk up at the front.

I was annoyed, to say the least. But, what could I have done?

In the middle of class, our Professor had informed us that we were switching rooms in order to do our presentations. I thought this would be the perfect time to talk to Wooyoung since we'd have a few minutes to walk together. But, once I gathered all my things and made my way towards the door, I noticed him talking to our classmates. It would've been too weird for me to approach him now.

So, I walked to the elevator alone, hoping that I'd get a chance to sit next to him in the next classroom.

As I hopped in though, Wooyoung and the other guys made their way in too. I awkwardly stood there, not knowing whether or not I should greet him. I didn't know why I was acting so strange.

"Hey, Seo-yun, how have you been?" he asked as we stood in the elevator. Again, he stuck out his fist for me to tap with mine.

We made small talk, and I thought that he was definitely going to sit with me now after he acknowledged me. But he didn't. He sat in the row behind me, diagonally as always.

Next to him was an unfamiliar face. Turns out he was another one of our group mate's that just didn't show up to the first class. His name was Kim Hongjoong, and I remember thinking he was cute when I saw him in the computer lab. I had no idea he was the missing guy in our group though.

And oddly enough, he recognized me and Wooyoung. He had even asked why we weren't sitting next to each other. I wondered the same thing, so I reiterated the question directly towards him.

"I didn't want to make you uncomfortable," Wooyoung replied. Or was he uncomfortable by me? I hope I wasn't acting too overbearing.

After that, I turned around, not wanting to embarrass myself even further. Once class was over, I rushed out, ready to go home after such a disappointing day. I even vowed not to take the train ever again either since it seemed like I was wasting my time. Still though, even with all these efforts to avoid him, I truly did want to talk to him.

I tuned out my emotions by blaring my music in my headphones once again. But, I felt like I heard my name being called. So, I turned around only to see Wooyoung sprinting at me, yelling at me to wait up.

"Why are you walking so fast?" he asked, out of breath. I giggled at the sight. I didn't expect him to make such an effort just to talk to me considering how avoidant he has been.

"Sorry, I just thought you'd be walking with someone else," I replied.

"Well, we're both heading to the train station, aren't we? Why wouldn't we walk together."

"Actually I have a ride today."

"Oh, you're leaving me hanging?"

"Yeah, sorry."

I mentally cursed at myself for not taking the train that day.

"Are you okay, by the way? I didn't think you'd show up to class sick," I asked.

"Yeah, it's just a small cold. But hey, you must've given it me. You're the only person I've hung out with one-on-one this week."

"How could I have gotten you sick if I'm not even sick, genius?"

He laughed as we approached the shuttle.

"Well, see you next week," he said as he held out his fist one more time.

"Yeah, see you."

I wondered what would've happened if I had taken that shuttle. Would the extra 10 minutes have meant anything to him like it would to me?