"Hey, wait up," Gyeommie says as he pulls me. He locks arms with me then holds my hand. "Come on!"
I keep on laughing as we cross the street. The bus is already there so we get on right away. I can see the strangers' glances but I don't really care.
"Why is your house so far?" he asks.
"I didn't ask you to take me home," I remind him.
It's been three months since my birthday. A lot has changed. We're still classmates unlike his plan to change sections. But I heard he stopped seeing Aileen. I'm not really sure when and I didn't really ask why. I want to remain good friends with him so and so far, so good.
It's already around 8 pm so I ask him to have dinner with me somewhere. He needs to travel for another hour to go home. I know he's already hungry and it's my way of showing my appreciation for taking me home.
"What if in the end, we actually end up together?" he suddenly asks while we're eating.
I purse my lips. I don't really have thoughts like that.
"What does that mean? You want to kiss me?"
"Idiot," I punch him lightly.
"Don't think about it deeply. Just what if our feelings for each other come back?"
"Oh my God. Is this your way of saying you like me again? Is this why you offered to take me home?" I ask with exaggerated expression.
"Wow, I didn't know you are some fanfiction writer!" he says in equal tone and we both laugh. "It's just that I'm bored at home. And you're not answering me."
"What's to answer? If it's us, then it's us."
He puts down his utensils and looks at me. "It's okay for you?"
I smile. "Of course."
"Why is it okay? I hurt you before."
"I told you I didn't love you," I clarify.
"That doesn't mean you weren't hurt. You still wasted a lot of time with me."
"People change. Feelings fade."
"You've grown up."
"And I want to thank you for that."
Now it's his turn to smile. He looks so proud to see me think that way.
"As I've said, it's okay. If ever in the end, I wind up with you, then why not? I learned a lot of things from you. Our difference when it comes to perspectives can balance whatever relationship we will have. It's okay if remain just friends or become anything more than that. I like being with you. I don't know if this can still turn into something deep but if in your case, it does, just tell me."
"You mean, you will settle?"
"Not necessarily settle. It's not like I'm lowering my standards for you. You are one of the best friends I've ever had and I can't afford to lose someone like that. You're Kim Yugyeom. Who am I to reject you?"
"Stop," he says seriously. "My ears are getting red."
I laugh at him.
We finish eating and I walk him back to the bus stop.
"Gummy," he calls as the bus is arriving.
"Yep?" I look at him. His eyes are warm and I feel comfort looking at them.
"Let's be each other's last, okay?"
Another semester ends. We're turning seniors. I thought Yugyeom and I are already on the best relationship we can ever have. That's why I get surprised when I messaged him the midnight of his birthday.
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