park jinwoo ; ethereal [ ✔ ]

chapter 2 ; recognition

It's been a few days since the incident in room 160. I ended up talking to Bin about it— well, more like interrogate him.

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"Who?"

I looked at Bin with mild frustration. "I described him to you about eighteen times. You talk to so many people, how do you not—"

He stopped me, holding up his hands, "I'm joking! Of course I know who he is, who doesn't? Wait— obviously you." He laughed a little and stopped when I gave him a serious look. I really wanted to thank that guy. Bin simply went to whistling a random tune and looking away.

"Bin! Aren't you going to tell me his name or something?" I huffed with a squint in his direction. He sighs.

"I don't get why you care so much all of a sudden. Did something happen?" his eyes were trained on me and I couldn't help shying away just a tiny bit. I didn't want to tell him what happened. I don't understand why I don't want to. I tell him pretty much everything... so why couldn't I speak about what happened?

Another sigh escaped him. I shook my head softly, "It doesn't matter, does it?"

"It does," he narrowed his eyes again. They were almost gone from sight. "He's a bad guy. I don't want you to get involved with him, okay? I'm saying this as your best friend."

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Best friend. It stings even if it's been a few days and factually correct. I stare at my laptop screen for a while before closing it. I should probably do my homework...

But of course, right as I consider it, Serendipity starts ringing through my room. "Dammit Bin. It's like he has some sort of sixth sense... Weirdo..." I snicker at my own words light-heartedly before answering the phone.

"Emily!! I just finished this big essay and need cool down help! Please say you'll come?" He kind of rambles everything out, not stopping, "I'll come pick you up, so don't worry about driving—"

"Shut up so I can give you an answer Bin, Jesus Christ," I heave another sigh and turn in my bed. I can't deny a free shake from him. My eyes scan the room for my scarf, knowing it's still a bit chilly out despite the seasons getting warmer. "I guess I can go. And don't forget to buy me one of my vanilla shakes too!"

There's a pause, accompanied by a quiet shuffling sound. He must be looking at how much money he has left. Then he speaks, and I can practically hear his eyes rolling, "Fine, fine. Just be ready in a few minutes." He hung up after those last few words and I start to get ready.

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He got to my house right away as he does only live two houses down from me but since it's colder out, he took the time to let the car heat up before coming over. I told my mom that Bin wanted to hang out just before I shut the door behind me and ran down the driveway to get into the warmth of his car.

He had leaned over and opened the door for me, shining his crescent smile. I return his smile with my own small dimples peeking out to him. "Which class was it this time?" my voice is a bit raised so I could speak over the music playing and he seems to notice my minor struggle so he reaches over to lower the volume.

"Mrs. Ahn. I swear... she doesn't give us essays often but when she does, they're big and hard," he let out a small breath, almost like a whine and I do a real quick double-take.

"Excuse me? What was that? Are you trying to tell me something Bin?" I snort for a while in a failed attempt to hide my laughter. My mind instantly went to the dirty section of my brain, picking out the words.