Flowerfield ~ Han Jisung

Chapter 3 :​𝙸

It's in geography, a class that I share with Yeona and Changbin, that I realize Jisung is secretly a genius of some sort.

At first it surprised me how he was getting all the answers right in math, considering how much he hates it. I previously assumed he was bad at it, because I knew he never studied and slept in class more often than not. Then, I assumed he studied math ahead over the break so that Mrs. Woo would like him more.

But apparently, that's not the case. He's just smart and I had no idea. Because in science and geography, it's the same story. Never willingly answering questions, not sparing a glance at the blackboard, not taking a single note and sometimes not even taking out his notebook, yet perfectly answering each question he's asked.

"Who remembers when this happened? How about you, Jisung?"

"2002." he replies, after not so much as a pause.

"Correct." Mr. Kim says before continuing his explanation.

Yet even though he gets every question right, he is always the one who gets called on or receives the dirty looks from the teachers.

Still, I can't help but feel a little bit jealous. I study every day because I know getting into medical school isn't a piece of cake and I need to maintain high grades, but even with the hours I spend with my nose in my textbooks, not all tests are passed with flying colours. And here next to me is a ridiculously pretty troublemaker boy who also happens to be naturally smart without even trying. I wish I could be like him.

I turn towards Jisung again, this time not at all surprised at his tense position. Something is clearly wrong, and it's still the first day of school.

I can't take it anymore. I decide to just say it.

"Why are you so nervous?" I quietly blurt out.

Jisung turns his head to me, round eyes widening at my question.

"Huh?"

"I-I mean...you just seemed...tense."

Jisung says nothing, eyes remaining on mine before falling to the ground.

"So you noticed too?" Changbin, who is sitting behind us, chuckles, "he's fine, he just has a composition contest thing that's due in two days and it's stressing him out."

After hearing the information, I breathe the smallest sigh of relief. A tiny part of me still thought it had something to do with me.

"Oh. You don't have to be stressed, you're going to do great. I know it."

"I don't know..." Jisung mumbles, characteristic confidence nowhere to be found.

On a whim, I grab his hand and place it in between my own. The moment the warmth of my hands touches his, he looks up at me with an expression of surprise.

"You are so amazing, you know that right? Your songs make me cry. You're going to do wonderfully, you just have to believe in yourself as much as I believe in you."

I've never been one to be good at giving people comfort or advice, but my words seem to have a positive effect since a smile cracks on the boy's face.

"Thank you, Sooyun."

I lose track of time after that. The only thing I'm aware of is the smooth hand that lays in mine.