park jinwoo ; ethereal [ ✔ ]

chapter 4 ; fries

Thursday went by pretty fast. Nothing in particular happened, so it was an average, boring day.

As I stand by the doors leading to the parking lot, I think about the day before over at Bin's house. I still can't believe that happened. I let out a frustrated sigh and cross my arms. Don't think about him anymore today. You need to focus on driving, where you want to eat— where Jinwoo wants to eat.

That's right. It's Friday and also the reason why I'm standing here. The bell just rang, so I haven't been waiting long, but I'm nervous and slowly growing impatient. Just before I go to complain about him to myself, he rounds the corner with his hands in his pockets. I move to go and meet him halfway at least.

"Hey, sorry I'm a little late. I'm in the 400s area for fifth period," he's smiling at me sheepishly and I can't stay mad so I shake my head lightly with a soft smile.

"Yeah, okay. It's fine." We stand there for a few seconds before I point towards the doors, "We should probably go now if we want to make it back in time. We can talk business when we get in my car." I let out a faint snicker as I realize it sounds like stereotypical drug deal talk.

He must also hear it and lets out a chuckle as we begin walking out. Today happens to be a warmer day (thank Jesus) and I can't help but stretch a little as I turn to face him slightly. He notices and starts to talk, "So, I'm assuming I'm picking since you're treating me? Or should we join forces to find the culprit?" Wow. Kind of nerdy and cute? Gosh, Bin is— no.

I stop my train of thought once Bin popped up. Stop thinking about him. Chiding myself mentally, I give a response, "Honestly I'm okay with anything, so you go ahead and choose."

"Is McDonald's fine?" he asks it in almost a shy way and I must look confused at the unexpected as he suddenly waves his hands in front of him. "Oh, it's fine if that's not okay! Seriously, maybe you should pick," and then he's laughing again, looking sheepish like before.

Seeing him like this I'm really not getting how he's considered a bad boy. He's a bit bashful and cute. I wonder what he did for a heartbeat for stopping at the car and shaking my head. "Nah, McDonald's is fine." I unlock the car and climb into the driver's seat, Jinwoo in the passenger's seat. He turns to look at me before quickly looking forward again.

We put our seatbelts on, then I'm driving. It's pretty quiet the ride there— which is surprising considering we both seem like talkative people. I'm just not sure what to talk about aside from the sensitive and direct topic: Why are you known as a bad boy?

I'm assuming it's a sensitive topic seeing as being a bad boy usually has history and deep secrets. I dunno. I'm kind of running on stereotypes here.

I blink as he speaks suddenly and points forward, "It's green now." And I blink again when I realize he's right. I must've zoned out when it was red.

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"We finally made it. Sorry I zoned out back there," I feel pretty embarrassed about such a thing despite it not being too big a deal to him probably. 

Just like I thought, he's chuckling, but when I look over, he's staring at me. "It's fine. I actually thought it was kind of cute," he's smiling in a soft way and his ears look a little pink. Mine are probably turning pink too and I fumble for something to say in response but he's already opened the door and getting out. 

I scramble to get out too, hurry after him. He's holding the door for me when I get to him and I give a tiny bow out of embarrassment and he chuckles again. How can he just change from cute to cocky in like... two seconds? More importantly, why am I thinking about this??

He's already in line and I'm standing beside him, probably looking a little shy and flushed. I sigh, shifting the weight on my feet, and accidentally brush arms with him. He doesn't seem to notice or he just doesn't care, but I notice. I decide not to say anything if he doesn't. So I focus on what to get.

After Jinwoo orders his food (a big mac, large fries, and an iced americano— wow, how manly), he gestures for me to order. I end up getting chicken nuggets and a medium fry. We don't have to wait long as many people didn't come to McDonald's for lunch, but we do scurry to the car since we left school late.

My hand goes to open the driver's door when a hand flashes out beside me to grab my wrist. I look to the side, and of course, it's Jinwoo. He's smirking as he speaks to me, "I'm driving back, okay? Nice talk." Then he's pushing my upper back just barely to get me around to the passenger's side.

"W-Wait, I'm the one who needs to—" I go to speak to him but I'm cut off. Gosh, I wish that'd stop happening to me. Seriously.

"We won't have much time to eat, so you can eat on the way back. Alright? That's what you can do to pay me back. Eat."

Then before I know it, the passenger door is open and he's helping me get myself and the food into the car. My face is probably red, as it feels hot, and I duck my head. The door shuts beside me, the other opening shortly after. Then it too shuts. He takes my keys, which I just end up handing to him, and he starts the car.

I gasp quietly when he starts to back out because his hand is suddenly beside me, resting on the back of the seat to help him see behind the car. Is he trying to act hot on purpose? I mean, he doesn't have to try too hard when he's already pretty handsome... Gah! Stop it intrusive thoughts!

I'm shaking my head for about the 50th time during our lunch trip. 

"Um... This might sound like a weird request, but uh... could you feed me a fry?"

I look up at him quickly when he speaks, startled by his request. I stutter out a measly, "What?"

He glances over at me for a brief moment as he moves one hand to the gearshift and leaving the other on the wheel. "Sorry, but they just smell really good. You don't have to— I know it's kind of—"

This time, I'm cutting him off. "Oh, no it's fine... I was just a bit surprised is all," I say it soft and almost as a mumble. I reach into the bag to pull out a rather long fry. Then I lean over so I can hold the fry out for him. I watch his eyes flicker towards the fry, and I notice his Adam's apple bob as he swallows. He's taking forever. "Hurry up or my arm will fall off~" I whine slightly and he smirks, letting out yet another of his now signature chuckles. He hurries and bites the fry out of my hand.

"Thanks. It was delicious," he's smiling while saying it. I wonder if his cheeks hurt. I swear I've never seen a smile that big before. I can't but smile too, waving my hand a little and rolling my eyes.

The rest of the ride went on with me feeding him fries and me occasionally eating a nugget.

------

Once we get back to school, we have to hurry and get out the car, then run inside. Or walk-run. Nobody wants to run. What an absurd choice.

Jinwoo decides he's the one that runs. He must've realized he forgot to thank me, so once he gets to the doors, he turns and yells to thank me. His face seemed red. I can't tell if it's from running, or if he's embarrassed. I feel my face flush red and I shyly wave back in response. Then he disappears inside the school.

He's kind of weird. But in an attractive way? He switches from "Jeez, I just want to protect you!" cute to "Oh my god, take me now," sexy. I'm still confused about why I'm feeling this way and sigh. Then I hear the bell ring from outside and I groan, breaking into an awkward sort-of-run. I forget about my feelings then.