Comfort Zone | nomin

0.1

-Jaemin-

Everyone was packing up, eager to leave the classroom for lunch, but just when I was about to go through the doorway with Renjun, my teacher called me back.

"Yes, ma'am?" I asked politely, after telling Renjun that I'd catch up.

"Do you have plans during lunch?" She asked.

"Oh, not really." I shrugged. "I'm just gonna eat with my friends, the usual."

"Do you think they'd be fine without you for today? Jeno still needs to familiarize himself with the school."

I looked at where Jeno sat a while ago and there he was, giving me a shy smile. I gave him a quick smile before looking back at Ms. Kim.

"I don't mean to sound rude, but does it really have to be me?" I asked quietly. "I mean, he looks like he can get along with anyone just fine."

"Yes, Jaemin, I'm sure." She said, laughing slightly. "Besides, I saw your interaction a while ago. And a plus is that you two could probably get along with the school tour you'll give him, that's how you and Renjun got close, isn't it?"

Yeah, it is.

I sighed, giving in. She gave me smile before signaling Jeno to come over.

"Alright, Jeno," she started, "Jaemin's gonna give you a quick school tour, just so you're familiar."

"You sure you're okay with that?" Jeno asked me.

"Yeah, I'm sure." I said as I gave him another small smile.

"Alright then," Ms. Kim said happily, clasping her hands together, "I trust that Jaemin will take care of you for the moment, Jeno. Have fun you two!"

As she walked out the classroom, an awkward blanket of silence covered me and Jeno. I didn't look at him, though I had a feeling that he was looking at me.

Without looking at him, I cleared my throat and when I gained more confidence, I finally looked at him.

"So, do you wanna have lunch first or have the tour first?" I asked him.

"Can't we have both?" He joked and I gave a small laugh. "Maybe lunch first? I'm kinda hungry."

"Sure thing," I hesitated, "uh, do you want to have lunch with just me? Or are you comfortable enough to meet my friends already?"

"Oh, uhm..."

It was clear that he wasn't ready for me to ask such a question, maybe I should've thought of how he'd feel too, and not just me.

Stupid, stupid, stupid. He's gonna think you're self-centered or something.

"Sorry," I chuckled nervously, "maybe just the two of us for today?"

"Yeah, I'd like that."

We made our way out of the classroom and to the cafeteria. On the way there, I messaged Renjun, saying that I wouldn't be able to have lunch with him and the guys.

When we entered the cafeteria, Jeno visibly tensed up.

"Jeno?" I asked cautiously.

"Jaemin, can we eat outside?" He asked quickly as he whipped his head around to me. "Like in the field or something? If that's okay with you."

I was confused as to what made him act that way, but I nodded nonetheless. The last thing I wanted was for Jeno to think that I didn't care about how he felt even though we just met.

Relief was evident on his face as he turned and left the cafeteria, not waiting for me.

Huh, he really wanted to leave.

My eyes scanned the room and I met with Renjun's. He gave me look as if to say that It was okay, and I gave him a smile. Not the small ones, but the big ones.

Then I turned and ran after Jeno.

——

Y'all okay be honest should I still continue this heh I'm doubting my writing skills already