Sentience

27

Every ticking of the clock now seemed like a timer for a bomb, and the waiting for the clock hand to reach the final second was too nervous; Ji Changmin swore that if he had to do this for another hour, his heart would definitely dislocate.

Chanhee had been watching over him since their first class together this morning, he had been seeing Changmin shake his feet in nervousness under the table. Of course, the latter knew the reason for such behaviour; he knew that it was today that Changmin would be doing his photography project with Belle.

"Calm down, can you?" Silently, he nudged Changmin. "2 more minutes, then you can have Belle for yourself."

The long-neck boy stopped shaking his feet, and his lips pursed as he looked in Chanhee's way. He did not really know how to calm down now; it was too many feelings.

However, above all the feelings he felt right now, he wasn't sure why nervousness was on top of the list. Perhaps because his role would end on a successful note once Belle met Mother? Because Mother finally could heal her longing for Anne through Belle? Was it really what it was?

"Dismissed!"

The most anticipated announcement from the professor finally echoed within the four walls of the lecture hall, sending delight through Changmin's spine; he almost danced, but he didn't. Nonetheless, it didn't mean that it didn't show, the happiness was all over his face that even Chanhee couldn't resist smiling.

"You aren't going to join us for tea, right?" The pretty boy asked despite knowing the answer already. "Juyeon said, the new cafe is good."

Changmin pulled a thinking face, staring up at the high ceiling in the process. The plan was made this morning, proposed by Juyeon, who had tried the menu 2 days prior. Changmin was in a great dilemma when the plan was discussed. Because somehow, both seemed to be important deals to him. He couldn't cancel his plan with Belle; his project also was on the line, and not joining his friends for a gathering also seemed sinful.

So, he came up with a decision after heaving a sigh. "I'll try my best. I'll come to you guys after concluding what I need to do."

"Chill..." Chanhee assured, jolting up from his seat. "I'm sure they will understand."

"But, I'm not," Changmin said, swinging his backpack over his back. "I shall go now... Might finish faster!"

A not-so-dramatic parting then took place; it almost seemed like Chanhee just wanted to rid his friend. The wave of his hands didn't seem friendly, it seemed like he was shooing Changmin away.

But, of course, Ji Changmin didn't see, no, he couldn't see. He was too focused on his destination; the locker room where Belle had promised to wait.

Referring to the time, Belle must have finished her class already. Which, making her wait for too long didn't sit well with the boy. So, Changmin fastened his feet, taking faster steps towards the destination despite hating to be sweating and panting upon his arrival.

Just as he turned on the corner and caught the sight of rows of metal lockers lined up, a figure leaned against the one which was his, immediately made him pull the brake at his feet. But, somehow, even from a distance, the boy could tell that the emotion that was controlling the girl was like him: excitement.

And that had been the reason for his springing feet along the track to get her.

One became two and then three and at the fourth step he took, Belle whipped her head in his direction.

"Changmin!" And she beamed.

His smile reappeared on his face, the dimple carved ever so beautifully. "Did you wait long?"