Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
Upstairs in Jaebom’s classroom, the usual senior-year chaos filled the air. Jaebom leaned back in his chair, arms crossed, looking out the window with a casual air. The class was talking about the usual things—college applications, what they were doing for the upcoming school events, and of course, some gossip about their classmates.
Jaebom wasn’t one to get caught up in the drama. He’d been at the school long enough to know that most of it wasn’t worth his time. Instead, he was mentally checking out, thinking about what to do after school or how he’d dodge the upcoming tests. Everything in the classroom felt familiar, like the last year before graduation was just a blur.
“Have you seen Sooheon and the new girl hanging out a lot lately?” A friend asked, leaning over his desk with a curious look. “I don’t know what’s going on between them, but it’s kind of obvious they’re....”
Jaebom barely reacted. He had no strong opinion on Sooheon’s life or who he hung out with. “Yeah, I noticed. I’m sure it’s just friends being friends. Doesn’t really matter to me.”
The other student looked a bit surprised. “You don’t think it’s anything more?”
“Nah,” Jaebom said, shaking his head. “They’re just classmates. I don’t know much about Namra, but she’s always kind of... distant, right? Sooheon’s his own guy. I’m not really worried about it.”
His words were casual, indifferent. Jaebom knew Namra from passing. She is a demure student, always focused, and had that ‘don’t bother me’ vibe. He’d seen her a few times around the school, but they weren’t close. To him, she was just another familiar face in the crowd.
As the conversation continued around him, Jaebom just nodded occasionally, zoning in and out. He didn’t care much for what other people were doing, especially when it came to relationships or school drama. He had enough on his plate, between senior year pressures and figuring out what was next after graduation.
His thoughts drifted back to the conversation he’d overheard earlier about the upcoming dance. Jaebom had no plans to attend. Honestly, the whole idea of high school dances felt like a cliché, something he didn’t really care about. He was ready to leave all of it behind and move on to the next chapter.
Jaebom had his own path to focus on, and whatever was going on didn’t really register on his radar.
He glanced around the room, feeling detached from the buzz of gossip. Senior year wasn’t about high school drama. It was about getting through the last months and stepping into whatever came next. Everything else was secondary.
Jaebom sat at his desk, his mind wandering, when he felt a tap on his desk. He glanced up to see Hong Ah Jung standing there, a familiar face from his class. She was known for her easy smile and confident demeanor, but today, there was something different about her presence. Her eyes lingered a little longer than usual, and Jaebom couldn’t help but notice.
"Hey, Jaebom," she said, her voice a mix of casual and a bit hesitant. "What’s up?"
He leaned back in his chair, his usual relaxed expression in place. "Not much. Just trying to make it through the day. You?"
Ah Jung smiled, but there was a slight glint of curiosity in her eyes. "Same. Just trying to survive. You always seem so... laid-back. Like nothing ever bothers you."
Jaebom shrugged, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. "Guess it's just how I am. No point in stressing over things you can’t control."
She nodded, clearly interested in his carefree attitude, though Jaebom could sense there was something else on her mind. She hesitated for a moment before speaking again.
"You know," she started, her tone a bit softer now, "I’ve been meaning to ask you about something."
Jaebom raised an eyebrow, intrigued but still not entirely sure where this was going. "Go ahead."
"Well," Ah Jung said, leaning a little closer, "I’ve been noticing you a lot lately. You know, you’re always so chill, but I’ve never really gotten to know you. It’s like... you keep to yourself."
Jaebom blinked, not entirely sure how to respond. He wasn’t the type to open up easily, and he wasn’t one to engage in too much small talk, but there was something about the way she looked at him that made him feel... different. Maybe it was the way she was being more direct than most.
"I guess," he replied, his voice still nonchalant. "I’m not really the type to make a big deal out of things. But yeah, I keep to myself, I guess."
Ah Jung smiled, but there was a hint of something else in her expression. "I get that. I guess it’s just that... I’ve been wondering why we don’t hang out more, you know? I see you around sometimes, but we never really talk much outside of class."
Jaebom took a moment to think, then shrugged. "I don’t really hang out much, to be honest. I’m busy with school stuff, but I’m not opposed to talking if you want."
Her face brightened, but there was a slight shyness in her gaze that Jaebom hadn’t expected. "Maybe we could grab coffee sometime? Just the two of us."
Jaebom studied her for a moment. Ah Jung wasn’t shy about showing interest, but she didn’t seem like the type to push too hard, either. He wasn’t sure what to make of it yet—he hadn’t thought much about getting close to anyone lately—but the offer wasn’t something he was against.
"Sure," he said, his voice casual. "Maybe. I’ve got some free time after school today, if that works."
Ah Jung smiled, looking pleased with his response. "Sounds good. I’ll see you then."
With that, she straightened up, giving him one last smile before walking back to her seat. Jaebom sat back, his thoughts drifting again. It wasn’t like he’d never had attention from girls before, but this felt a little different. There was something genuine about the way Ah Jung had approached him, something that made him wonder if he should give her more of a chance.
But for now, he didn’t think too much on it. His mind was still occupied with the rest of his day, his senior year coming to a close, and the future just beyond that. Whatever happened with Ah Jung? It was one thing at a time. But he couldn’t deny, he was curious to see where things would go.
