The Other Campus - Part One

Mari

"You look like you had a fun time at the game," I giggle, watching Young K through the screen of my laptop. "Made any friends?"

"Got closer to Dowoon. He thanked me for trying to help get his fangirls to step off." Young K pulls off his shirt, tossing it into the dirty laundry hamper. "Talked to the Jae kid. He's very... loud."

"Much like his girlfriend," I tease.

"Reasons why they're match made." Young K finally sits at his desk. "Anyway, how was your day, baby?"

"You know... the usual. I'm really glad I'm home right now with Prince Tofu." I call my cat over so I can pick him for Young K to see. "Say hi baby."

Prince Tofu let's out a soft meow, and I smother him until he gives me a lick on the nose.

"Yeah, not having it with this two princes business if he's gonna take all of your kisses away from me," he teases, pointing at Tofu.

"Two? I only have one prince," I giggle, putting Tofu down.

"One?!" he exclaims. "What about me?!"

"If he's the prince, you're my King," I coo. "C'mon, sweetie. You know I love you more than Tofu. Well... on most days."

He rolls his eyes at me before going into his backpack to grab his homework.

I bite my lip before sighing, "Hey..."

Young K looks up at me and nods. "Yeah, baby girl?"

"Promise you'll go back to class... okay? Stop skipping..."

Knowing how concerned I am, he softens his expression. "I'll go back tomorrow..."

"Will you?"

He runs his fingers through his hair. "Yes, baby, I promise."

"I know you don't like it there because it's new, but if you warm up to it, I'm sure things will get better," I advise. "Just please try to go... If you won't do it for yourself or for me, at least do it for your parents. They want what's best for you."

Young K licks his lips while rubbing the back of his neck. He hates when I lecture him on this, but he also knows I don't condone his new behavior.

"You weren't like this when you were here... Why change all of a sudden?"

"I-I know, Mari."

He said my name.

He never says my name unless he's upset.

"I'll stop pressing this, but just know I do this because I really love you, Brian."

He cringes at the sound of his name. Although he knew I was serious, hearing "Brian" instead of "Young K" made his skin crawl.

"I love you too..." he murmurs.