Ugly Duckling » k.nj

PROLOUGE

   The bottom of his shoes made contact against the floor, causing a light and sharp noise to be made.

She opened her textbook and flipped to the designated page. She moved her seat over to make room for the boy. He pulled up a chair and sat next to the girl.

He opened his book and for a few moments, the only sound that was heard between the two of them was the sound of pages turning.

She looked over at his hands as they slowly turned the pages of the book. Her sweaty hands lost grip of the pencil and she watched as it slipped out of her hands and onto the floor.

She shifted in her seat to pick it up. But, the male next to her beat her to it. She watched as he placed it in front of her.

   "... Thank you." She replied before picking the writing utensil up to begin her notes.

   "Why are you treating me like this, Nakida?"

   "L-- Like what?" She stammered, trying her best to avoid eye contact.

   "You're giving me the silent treatment."

   "Oh..." She pulled a loose curl behind her ear.

   "You can't even look me in the eye."

   "Yes, I can." She protested. She quickly glanced at his face and looked back down.

   "I shouldn't have said anything." He scoffed.

   "What do you mean?"

   "I shouldn't have told you about my feelings for you. Now you're acting like I'm invisible."

   "I'm not..." She remarked softly.

  "Are you seriously lying right now? You're a horrible liar."

   "Look, I just don't know how to react, okay? I think our relationship would have been fine if you just kept your feelings to yourself." She shuddered as she began to speak her mind, something she rarely did. "I don't know why you like me. I'm not even pretty and honestly, I'm not even really attracted to you. I never asked for you to like me. I think I liked it better when you saw me as the fat black ugly duckling."

   "Is that really what you think of yourself?" He frowned.

   "That's what everyone thinks of me. Don't tell me you never..."

   "No. I haven't thought of you as that actually." He shook his head in disbelief. "Fine." He shrugged. "Next time I'll just keep my feelings to myself. That way you won't feel uncomfortable and our friendship won't be ruined."

She sighed a sigh of relief.

   "Thank you, Namjoon."