His Paws On My Palms [DoShin]

CHAPTER 1: A FRESH START

𝙏𝙃𝙀 last time I had a true friend was in primary school. Jihoon, our neighbor, and we used to play together after school and on weekends. Initially, I wasn't interested in being friends with him, but his persistent, almost annoying presence eventually led to a bond that became a cherished part of my childhood memories.

However, his family moved away when his father had to relocate for work. He had no choice, and neither did I, but to let go of my only friend.

Growing up, I was always considered a timid child. My parents tried to encourage me to be more outgoing, but they respected my preference for solitude. They often brought their friends and their children over, hoping I would find a new playmate, but none of those attempts ever led to a lasting friendship. I couldn't bring myself to connect with anyone, fearing that any new friendship would inevitably end like the one with Jihoon.

I even asked my mom if she had any contact information for Jihoon's parents, hoping to reconnect. She told me she couldn't find them anymore, despite her best efforts.

Now, in my twelfth grade, I was facing another change: starting middle school in a new environment. I decided to embrace this new chapter on my own, even though my parents were hesitant. I lied to them, telling them I'd be living with friends, just to gain their approval.

They were ecstatic that I finally seemed to be making friends, but it was a lie that weighed heavily on me. Despite my anxieties, I hoped that being on my own would help me improve my social skills.

I found a dormitel near my school, allowing me to walk there every day instead of taking public transportation.

One afternoon, while enjoying some quiet time in my room, I heard a knock on my door.

I sighed, annoyed at the interruption, and reluctantly got up to see who it was. A guy stood outside, holding a basket.

"Uh...Hello!" he greeted me, offering his hand.

I was too shy to shake it, so he awkwardly withdrew his hand and scratched his neck.

"I'm Youngjae," he said. "I just wanted to give this to you. I'm staying next door, so..."

I observed him, recognizing a familiar awkwardness in his demeanor. It was the same awkwardness I felt when trying to make friends with classmates in the past.

"These are fruits," he explained. "My mom wanted me to share them with whoever my roommate is."

"But we're not roommates," I pointed out.

"Yeah, that makes sense," he mumbled. "Mom, what am I supposed to do with these?" he whispered, but I could still hear him.

"I can have those," I said, looking away to avoid making eye contact. I didn't want him to think I was desperate for the fruit.

"Yeah, sure! Here..." He handed me the basket, and I took it.

"Thank you for this," I said. "Please tell your mom I appreciate it." I went back into my room, unsure of his reaction as I closed the door.

Immediately, I felt guilty about my curtness. I put the basket on my table and quickly opened the door again, but that Youngjae was gone. I sighed. How could I ever improve my social skills if I was so cowardly?

A week later, I joined my new class, asking the principal if I could observe for a week before classes officially started. She agreed, giving me a week to decide if I wanted to stay.

The school was typical, nothing special, but one thing drew me in: an art studio that was rarely used. When I asked the principal why, she said no one was interested in art. I felt a pang of sadness, but I told her I would use the studio during my free time. She agreed and even encouraged me to start an art club.

The time has come, I entered the classroom, expecting people to stare at me, but no one seemed to care. I've never been happier to be ignored, how ironic!

I found a seat in the back, near the window, a perfect spot for my imagination to wander. Someone was already sitting in the front seat.

"Hey," I called out. He was engrossed in a mobile game.

"What?" he asked, not even looking at me. It was like I was invisible.

"Is this seat taken?" I asked, pointing to the empty seat next to him. He paused his game, finally looking at me, then at the seat.

"Nope, you can have it," he said, then went back to his game.
"Oh! Actually..." he suddenly uttered as if he had done something wrong.

"What is it?"

"Nevermind" he retorted and went back to his game.

I sighed in relief and settled into my new spot, resting my elbow on the desk and watching the trees outside the window. It was so peaceful.

Then, I heard girls screaming. "OMG!"

I looked at the gamer guy, who shook his head and put on his headphones.

"Oh My! He will be here!"

"Really? He's going to be our classmate!"

"Yeah! It was announced here! I'm so excited!"

"My Shinyu is going to spend this whole semester with us! My manifestation came true at last!"

I sighed in disbelief. I put on my headphones and listened to music, waiting for the instructor to arrive.

I had been staring out the window for a while when someone pulled my headphones off. I turned to glare at the person, but my anger quickly faded.

It was like looking directly at the sun. This guy just shone. He had an aura that seemed to banish darkness wherever he went. I know it sounds silly, but that's how I felt.

I snapped out of my daze when he waved his hand in my face. He smiled, and his eyes seemed to disappear.

"Are you okay?" he asked.

My face immediately returned to its usual expression, fearing he'd think I was crazy.

"Would you mind if we switched seats?" he asked.

I looked at him, my gaze serious. Behind him, I saw the girls mouthing "YES" begging me to agree. So, this is the guy, Shinyu?

"I like it here," I said.

His jaw dropped, and he gave me an awkward smile, scratching his neck in disbelief. The girls were already glaring at me, judging my whole existence.

"Alright, I'm gonna sit next to you then," he said, and took the seat beside me. I ignored him and turned off my internet. Then the girls were already talking to him so I stared outside again.

The gamer guy in front of me turned around and signaled me to lean forward. Confused, I obeyed.

"He's the most popular here," he whispered. "Don't you feel worried?"

I leaned back, trying to sit properly. I wanted to steal a glance at him, but he was already looking at me, a smile playing on his lips.

I frowned and looked away. Thankfully, our instructor arrived and began the lecture.