Evergreen

Chapter 3: Since When and Huh?!

Uneasy, am I uncomfortable? I do not know how to describe it.

"Bailey? You said you didn't know the girl. Why does it seem like you two have already met each other?" Kein asked me.

We're walking side by side right now, holding our bicycle for a moment because the path is uphill. On our way home.

We just finished our gym activity; that's why we're wearing our PE uniform right now. I can't wait to go home and get changed.

"Hm, it's a little complicated. It is true that I do not know her, but I have met her already," I said to her.

"Really? When?" she added.

"Just yesterday, I was out somewhere doing something, and she—" I stopped talking.

If I tell Kein what happened yesterday, will she get more upset? I saw the look on her face earlier. It seems like she's not fond of the girl—what's her name again? Kunakorn?

"Bailey," Kein called me out.

"Ah, yes, we just bumped onto each other like literally. My things fell onto the ground, making a mess. That's what happened, I said.

"I see, maybe she'll see you right now to apologize, eh?" she smiled.

"Yeah, probably," I responded.

I forgot the part where I will be seeing her later.

Moments later, we arrived at Kein's home already. I dropped her off and said my goodbye.

I thought about getting an ice cream first. Pedaling my way to the town, I couldn't get enough of the sight that I was seeing.

"Bailey!" I heard someone call my name.

I looked back; it was Miss Kunakorn.

I got distracted, the steer moving the other way.

"Holy mothers!" I yelled. I fell to the ground. Lost of balance, I hit my head a little.

I saw the girl get off of her bicycle, kind of just pushing it out of the way, worry on her face.

I hissed in pain. I think I have a scratch or wound on my knee and elbow. Biting my bottom lip, I held onto my knee, letting out a groan.

"Hey, can you get up?" I heard her say.

She held the back of my head, using her hand to protect my head from the rough surface floor. That simple act made me feel like everything is in slow motion. I looked at her while she's inspecting my body; I feel a little shy about it.

"Can you get up?" she asked me.

"No," I answered quickly and seriously.

She smiled and let out a chuckle. "Get up now; your uniform will get dirty."

"Wha--? No?" I uttered in confusion, my mind filled with the thoughts of 'no, I won't get up'. I honestly stuttered and got lost because of her smile and chuckle. What should I do? This is embarrassing! Why am I thinking like this?!

When I realized I was literally daydreaming, I got up quickly. I stood up and fixed myself, acting as if nothing happened, because really, nothing happened. okay?

Miss Kunakorn was still on the ground, but she's looking at me. She got up and fixed herself. I noticed that she changed her outfit. She's now wearing a white shirt and denim pants that suit her just well, with her white shoes.

I just stood there; she's looking at me again.

The scene that we are in right now didn't help me lessen the nervousness. It's almost sundown, and we're in a green alley, in a tunnel of trees. The sun hits her skin; I can feel it on me as well. It doesn't sting at all; it's just a warm and soft touch of nature.