Eon-jin's POV
Finally, it's summer! And you know what that means? It's the start of the new school year. I stayed at my auntie's house in Seoul for vacation and got back last week. Honestly, I'm not ready to go back to school yet. A three-week school break wasn't enough for me, considering how fast time flies! I'm now in my sophomore year.
So here I am, getting ready for school, as my first class starts at 9:00 a.m.
"Eon-jin! Hurry up! We're going to be late!" Oh, that's my best friend, Min-jung. She's the early bird, while I'm the one who's always rushing.
"Eomma, I'll go ahead!" I live with my eomma. I've never met my appa, my eomma said he left us after finding out about her pregnancy. Apparently, he wasn't ready for the responsibility.
"Be safe, you two. Message me when you get there," my eomma said.
"Arasso. Bye, eomma!"
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And now, it's the waiting game for the bus. There are so many students from Daegu High School lining up. I guess not everyone is ready to go back to school.
Finally, the bus arrives.
"Eon-jin, you know what to do," Min-jung said as we put our bags in front. When the bus stops, students start pushing to get on. Luckily, both Min-jung and I managed to board. We're stuck in the middle, crammed like sardines.
"Min-jung, I don't know if we're lucky that we got on or what, but I'm already tired." Like, what's the point of showering if you're not going to feel fresh after?
And then, the bus driver hits the brakes.
I didn't stumble like others... but I suddenly feel like I'm sitting on a man's lap.
And my world stops.
"Do you want to sit here?" the guy asks as the bus lurches to a stop.
"Eon-jin!" Min-jung quickly pulls me up. Other students are staring at us. "Eon-jin? Gwenchana? She's just tired. I'm sorry," I hear Min-jung explain to the guy. He's a student like us, wearing Daegu High's uniform.
"It's okay if she wants to sit here," he insists, holding my arm to guide me to his seat.
What just happened?!
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After 20 minutes, we finally arrived. I'm still in shock, unable to find my voice. The student who helped me has already gotten off the bus.
"Earth to Eon-jin! What happened to you?" Min-jung waves her hand in my face. "Hey, are you alright? Do you want to go to the clinic first?" she asks, worried.
"Ani, gwenchana. It's just... I was too shy to talk to him." Yes, that's the right word—shy.
"It's okay. Accidents happen. It's not like you wanted to sit on his lap, so I don't think he minds. But, don't you think he looks cute?"
"I didn't get a good look at his face, so I'm not sure," I lied. The truth? He's the cutest guy I've ever seen!
"I wonder what section he's in. What if he's in our block?! We need to hurry, Eon-jin!" Min-jung exclaims, practically bouncing with excitement.
Since it's the first day of school, we get to pick our seats. Min-jung and I choose the ones by the window because the view feels warm and inviting.
Just then, our teacher walks in.
"Good day, everyone, and welcome back to school! How was your vacation?" Ms. Ji-won asks. Some classmates eagerly start chatting with her.
"That's good to hear! But before we begin, I'd like you all to meet the newest addition to our class. He's from Songpa-gu, Seoul. Tae-pyung, come in."
Everyone, including me, is intrigued. A city boy transferring to a small town? He must be missing a lot of fun in Seoul.
And my world stops again.
He's here.
"Oh my! What the—Eon-jin!" Min-jung squeals in a whisper.
"Good morning, everyone. I'm Kim Tae-pyung."
What is wrong with my heart? Why is it beating so fast?
"Hello, Tae-pyung. Please take the seat... behind Eon-jin and Min-jung," Ms. Ji-won says.
What is happening?! This can't be real.
As he walks to his seat, some of the girls say hello to him. I instantly bow my head when our eyes meet for a second. Min-jung, however, beams at him, greeting him cheerfully.
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After class, Min-jung and I gave Tae-pyung a tour of the school. He's so quiet, only speaking when Min-jung asks him something. I notice how tall he is, his good posture, and his overall aura. What a perfect creation!
"And here's the school library. The one wearing the thick glasses is Ms. Lee Sa-yeon, the head librarian. She's a bit grumpy, but she's nice if you get to know her," Min-jung explains.
I'm getting bored, ready to excuse myself, when Yoona—Min-jung's friend—calls her.
"Eon-jin, you go ahead with Tae-pyung. I'll catch up later!"
Before I can reply, she runs off.
"Uhm, do you want to eat first?" Tae-pyung asks, breaking the silence.
"Are you hungry? We can go to—"
"I'll figure it out later," he interrupts. "You can go ahead and do your own thing."
What's wrong with him?
"I'm sorry about earlier," I blurt. "I didn't mean to sit on your lap. I apologize if I offended you in any way."
He stops walking. "It's fine. Just don't be clumsy next time," he says before walking away again.
Clumsy?! What a jerk! It's not like I wanted to sit on his lap!
Annoyed, I head back to the classroom. If he doesn't want anyone with him, fine by me.ant anyone with him.
- end of chapter one -
