I Remember

Chapter 3 A Tour around School

Recess finally arrived, the moment I dreaded unlike the other students, who actually were eagerly waiting for a break where they can chat and hang out with their friends. That was the main point of recess in whatever school around the world; a break from hectic studies where you can chat with friends as much as you like without the teachers chastising you and asking you to zip it.

I didn’t eat much already, so I was done with my lunch in a couple of minutes. I had no idea what to do next, so I finally decided to go outside and write my diary on the maintained school grounds. Besides fall was a very beautiful season which had to be enjoyed, especially in Korea.

There were quite many students outside but it didn’t feel congested because the grounds were quite capacious. I sat under a tree, which was away from most of the crowd. I wanted to be alone. Maybe.

Soon, I was lost in my world again, busy writing my diary. Nothing could get me out except the slight ruffle that occurred right behind me. I quickly turned my head like a cautious animal ready to flee at the slightest sign of danger.

It was Junhong, standing over me, reading what I was writing. I instantly closed my diary.

“Is it a secret?” He asked innocently. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to pry.”

“No, not really, just a….. friend.” I answered nervously.

He asked me if he could sit down and I nodded.

“A friend?”

“Yeah, since I don’t have many friends, I often find it comforting just to write my feelings down. I know it’s stupid.”

“No, I personally think it’s nice to have a personal diary.” He gave me an encouraging smile.

“Thank you.” I said as I was completely shocked that he was the first person to compliment my habit of writing a diary which by many people nowadays was considered too out of date and a weird habit.

“By the way, I was looking for you because we left our conversation mid-way and I still didn’t get to know your name.”

Living in America for eleven years I had gotten used to a name people called me there, a name that was my real name but shaped into an American accent making it quite an ordinary American name.

“My name is Hannah Song.”

“Hana?”

The way he said my name made my heart jump a little. What he had called me was actually the right way to pronounce my name, which I hadn’t heard since I left Korea. It was what my parents called me. A wave of nostalgia rushed over me, making me feel down-hearted.

“Is something wrong?” He asked concerned sensing my sadness. I quickly shook my head and smiled a little to assure him I was alright.

The bell rang and recess was over. I couldn’t help but feel a little sad. I actually liked his lively presence around my dead self.

“Let’s go back to class.” He got up and offered me his hand. I took it and soon we both were walking towards the school building. We walked in silence at first but then he spoke,

“Uh Hana, would you like it if I, you know showed you around school? Since you’re new here and it’s a pretty big place and so-“ It was clear, he felt very nervous. So to make it easier for him I quickly answered,

“Yes I would love that. When?”

“How about after school?”

“Sounds good.” I nodded at him and soon we were back to our busy classes.