Eon-jin's POV
"Oh, Eon-jin! Where's Tae-pyung?" My annoyance resurfaced because of her question. She didn't even ask why I was frowning.
"I don't know where he is, and besides, he wants to be alone."
"Huh? Wait here. I'll look for him first." I pulled her to sit down again.
"Min-jung, he's grown up and won't get lost here. And he said he'll figure it out, that's why I left him. He obviously wants to be alone."
"I believe he's fine. Did anything happen between you two after I left? Did you talk to him about what happened earlier?"
"I think he hates me. He called me clumsy," I said in a hushed tone.
"He said you what?" she asked, trying not to laugh. Ugh, seriously, this girl...
"Don't make me repeat it again. I know you heard me. He was so harsh to me, as if he didn't want me near him."
"How do you say so? Maybe he had a bad day."
"It's literally 11 a.m., and the day isn't over for him to have a bad day. I already said sorry to him, and he has the audacity to say I'm clumsy. God! Such a jerk!"
"Just don't mind him. Maybe he didn't mean it," she said, as if she was comforting me.
"Wait, whose side are you on? Why does it seem like he's your best friend and not me?"
"Of course, you! But you know that he's new to our school, so he's still adjusting. Don't stress yourself over him. It's not good for you." Maybe Min-jung was right. I'd just let it pass.
-----
Our class ended without much homework assigned by our teachers. So, I planned to eat with Min-jung at the newly opened ice cream store in front of our school. However, it turned out that she and Yoona's circle already had plans. She asked if I wanted to join them, but I declined. Yoona is a kind and cool girl, much like Min-jung, but I'm not that close to Yoona's group since they're from a different block. Min-jung is a very social person, a true social butterfly known by everyone in our school. In contrast, I am more reserved, content with whatever friends are there for me.
I was about to head to the bus station when I noticed a car stopping in front of Tae-pyung. Trying not to be nosy, I observed Tae-pyung's face, which displayed clear annoyance. Curious, I waited to see what would unfold. The man who had been talking to Tae-pyung eventually bowed, patted him on the shoulder, and returned to the car. Tae-pyung didn't immediately move from his spot—he seemed troubled. Should I approach and check if everything is okay?
Naturally, my intrusive thoughts prevailed.
"Tae-pyung! Are you heading home?" I inquired as I walked toward him. He remained silent and continued walking.
"Did you know there's a newly opened ice cream store across the street? Do you want to try it?"
"I'm not a fan of sweets," he replied.
"Come on, everyone loves sweets!"
"Well, I don't," he replied once again, picking up his pace. Time to play my last card.
"I'll treat you, I swear! I just... i don't want to head home yet. Min-jung has already gone for a walk with her friends from the other block. I don't have anyone else. Plus, I don't want to eat ice cream alone," I added, then pouted. It seemed my final card was effective, as he glanced back at me and walked toward me.
"You've got quite a list of reasons, don't you?"
"I'm not lying! I'm telling the truth."
"Fine. After you finish your ice cream, leave me alone," he said. I gave him a stern look as he crossed the street.
-----
Upon reaching the newly opened ice cream shop, we found a rather long queue. Tae-pyung stood there in silence, and though I was curious about the man who spoke to him, I refrained from asking, anticipating his likely dismissal. Lost in my thoughts, I didn't realize it was our turn.
"Oh! Sorry. What flavor would you like?"
"Vanilla," he replied. Quite plain, I thought with a scoff.
"You don't want anything?"
"Vanilla," he repeated.
"Alright, alright! Hmm, Miss, one vanilla and one salted caramel, please."
"That will be 8,000₩." What the heck! Two ice creams almost cost my daily allowance?! No way! Nervously, I opened my wallet to check if I had enough money, and as expected, I didn't. How do I say it... I turned slowly to Tae-pyung, who was impatiently awaiting my response.
Tae-pyung sighed, took out his wallet, and handed the money to the cashier. I felt so ashamed that I just bowed down. We walked out of the ice cream store, with him still holding the ice cream he bought.
"I'm sorry, Tae-pyung. I thought I had enough money to buy us ice cream. I promise to pay you back tomorrow." He just sighed and gave me my ice cream, which made me smile.
"Thank you."
"No need to pay me. Just don't bother me again," he said as he walked away. I didn't even bother to answer him because I knew I was wrong. We walked far apart even though we were heading to the same bus station. Tae-pyung chose the back seat on the bus, and I settled in the middle. Unaware, I realized the ice cream I held was melting. My appetite waned, so I used a tissue to wrap it.
"It's just a bad day, Eon-jin. Get over it," I told myself.
It didn't take long before I reached my destination. I immediately pressed the button to disembark, noticing that Tae-pyung's eyes were closed—maybe he was sleeping. I pouted as I got off without even glancing back at the bus.
-----
After that, I avoided Tae-pyung, respecting his request for space. Though cheerful, I often struggled academically, unlike him, who excelled and became the go-to for classmates needing help. It annoyed me that he was kind to everyone but so cold toward me.
"Why is he nice to others but irritated with me?" I muttered.
"Eon-jin, I'm struggling with Math Time. Help me answer this!" Min-jung whined.
"Really? Do you want my help? We always get the same answers."
"Let's ask Tae-pyung. I bet he's in the library," she suggested.
"I think we can figure it out," I said, though my paper was blank.
"Don't kid yourself. Let's go."
I reluctantly followed her to the library. She was already seated beside him when I arrived, calling me over.
"Sit here," Tae-pyung said, motioning to the seat next to him. Min-jung gave me a look of encouragement.
To my surprise, Tae-pyung's teaching made the material much clearer. His explanations were simple yet effective.
Midway through, Min-jung's phone rang loudly. Startled, she gathered her things and left after a stern glare from the librarian. I was about to leave too when Tae-pyung stopped me.
"I'm sorry about the other day," he said, his voice sincere.
"Oh, it's fine. I was going to apologize again about the ice cream—"
"No need," he interrupted.
"How about I treat you this time? As a thank-you for helping me with math," I offered. He hesitated before nodding.
"Alright, if you insist."
- end of chapter two -
