Crimson Moonlight

VII. Smiles And Surprises

   Overthinking was not the solution. I wanted to read more, but my tiredness was stopping me from doing so. Eventually, I put the book gently and with caution on my nightstand and covered my body with a blanket. 

꧁ ____________★____________ ꧂

   I smiled to myself as I remembered the scene from last night "Yah, why so smiley today?" Hyerin asked me "No reason. Guess I just woke up on the right side of the bed?" "Mmhm, sure. Just spill it out" I took another bite of my food and shook my head "Please?" I sighed "I read a book" "And..? What was so special in that book that made you so happy?" "Well...." I need to think of something quick... "It was this romance book, and the male and female lead were being all lovey dovey. Even though it screamed 'single' to me, it was so cute" Adding a pout, I made it seem so true.

   Hyerin smiled "See, even you're smiling!" "Okay now you have a point, it really does make you smile". We continued eating the food, the silence being deadly. Eventually,we started another chat "I heard that Seojun is asking you out later" Hyerin's eyes widened. I started laughing, knowing that she had the biggest crush on him since freshman year. "THE Seojun?" She asked me, all flustered and red in the cheeks. I simply nodded while smiling, knowing how much this meant to her.

   "Can we go to the bathroom after eating?" I heard her ask in a small voice. She was so flustered, but I had to refrain myself for when we are in the bathroom, I can't make her more red than she already is. Plus, some people are already looking at her. Its pretty rare to see the Jeong Hyerin blush, or even be the slightest possible flustered. 

   Both me and her continued eating what we packed ourselves. Hyerin's blush slowly started to fade away, that was a good sign, because people aren't meant to know about this. The rumour about Seojun asking her out was going around for about a few days, but since she was clueless I decided to remain quiet, for her own sake. She would literally wake up at 6 am so she could have hours to get ready.

   We finished our food in relative silence, occasionally sharing a knowing glance and a small smile. The cafeteria was bustling with the usual lunchtime chatter, but Hyerin's blush and my little secret seemed to create a bubble around us, separating us from the rest of the world. "Are you done?" I asked, pointing at her half-eaten sandwich. "Yeah," she nodded, pushing her tray away. "Let's go to the bathroom."

   We stood up, gathering our things, and made our way out of the cafeteria. The walk to the bathroom was filled with hushed whispers and giggles from the other students, no doubt discussing the latest gossip. Hyerin's popularity often put her in the spotlight, but today, it felt more intense.Once inside the bathroom, I turned to her. "Okay, spill it. How do you feel?"

   She took a deep breath, looking at herself in the mirror. "I feel like I'm dreaming. I mean, Seojun? Asking me out? It doesn't feel real." "It is real," I assured her. "And you deserve it. You've liked him forever.". She smiled, her eyes sparkling with excitement and a touch of nervousness. "I don't know what to say if he really asks me." "Just be yourself," I said, giving her a reassuring pat on the back. "He likes you for you. Don't overthink it." Hyerin nodded, taking another deep breath. "You're right. I just have to be myself."

   We left the bathroom, and as we walked back to our next class, I could feel the anticipation radiating off her. It was contagious, making me almost as excited as she was.

   The rest of the day passed in a blur. Every time I saw Hyerin, she looked like she was on the verge of exploding from excitement. I couldn't wait to hear how the conversation with Seojun would go. As the final bell rang, I quickly packed my things and headed to our usual meeting spot by the big oak tree outside the school.