CHERRY BLOSSOM (ft. EXO Luhan & SHINee Taemin)

CHAPTER 12

CHAPTER 12

LEE TAEMIN

 

I arrive at school feeling indifferent. I pass by Spectrum hall, looking for Minjin. She isn’t here. I head down and stroll around the campus. I find her sitting alone on a bench under the maple trees. I sigh and walk towards her.

I can still feel her lips against mine, her arms around me as she kissed me back. I feel my face warming up. Then I remember Luhan showing up all of a sudden. I grit my teeth. I calm myself as I stroke Minjin’s hair.

“You had an emergency the second day, or you were just avoiding me again?” I ask. She doesn’t look up at me, or try to answer me. I sigh again and sit beside her.

“I wanted to be alone,” she says after a while, glancing at me.

I stare at her for a moment. Then I grab her hand pull her up with me. “Come.”                        

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PARK MINJIN

 

Taemin takes me to Yeouido Park. Luhan, Xiumin, and I used to hang out here a lot when we were kids. The thought of Luhan breaks my heart. The cherry blossoms scattered around the park – reminding me of Cher B., where we had our first date – make it worse. I almost forgot Taemin walking beside me.

“Do you want to eat?” Taemin asks. He takes my hand, which sends shivers down my spine. I glance at him. He smiles, dazzling me. I look away.

“I’m not hungry,” I say instead.

“What do you want to do then?”

 I hear Carol’s voice in my head. You said you’re confused. Then give Taemin a chance and you’ll find out if you really like him or if you just like him because of his feelings for you. And, if Luhan really loves you, he’ll not give up on you that easily.

I think for a moment. “This may sound boring – and girly, but I’d like to go shopping. It’s been a while.”

“As long as I’m with you, I’m okay with everything,” he says.

I smile gratefully at him. “Thanks.”

Who knew shopping with Taemin would be so fun? He keeps me entertained as we enter the shops. I laugh as he jokes around. We find time to watch a movie. After that, he treats me an ice cream again.

We walk back to EXO University in silence, both lost in our own thoughts. I let him carry some of the items I have bought.  I can’t keep from comparing Taemin and Luhan. They’re both good-looking. Taemin seems more easygoing than Luhan just as Luhan acts more sincere than Taemin. I’ve known Luhan since I was seven. I know everything about him. I’ve known Taemin for only what? Two months? And I only know a few things about him. So that’s why I’m giving him a chance, to know him better, and to sort my feelings about him.

I sigh. I feel really bad for hurting Luhan. I want to bury myself alive.

We reach the school parking lot. Taemin walks me to my car.

“I’ll see you tomorrow,” he says after putting the paper bags in my car.

“Yes,” I say.

“Minjin.” I look up at him. “I know Luhan loves you and I know you love him too. But I love you too. I’m not giving you up.”

I look down, unable to meet his eyes.