Today, Two Years Ago

Don't Challenge Me

"Why don't you call me Park Sungjin like last night?"

His words from yesterday still stuck inside my head and I hate it.

Just what kind of mess did I got myself into this time around? I'm fed up and tired, I'm just absolutely done with myself. If only I didn't go to listen to that freaking radio, this stuff wouldn't happen. "Dana, are you really sure? About Mr. Park's other job as a radio MC," I ask again just to make sure.

"I thought you knew about it already." She sips her drink. "And...why you looking so stressed...chill, okay."

"How can I chill when I just—argh. Never mind."

She blinks and her face turns serious in an instant. "Tell. Me."

I can just choose to lie but I need to let this out too.

.
..
...
....

"Hyeju... you're fucking dumb."

That's what Dana said after I told her everything.

"I know. Remembering it makes me wanna die too, okay?" I ruffle my hair with frustration.

She closes her eyes tightly. "Ah. The secondhand embarrassment is real. Why are you even my friend?"

I groan quietly. "Okay, stop. Let's not talk about this anymore and I'm gonna forget it. Wish me luck." I stand up immediately and nod at her. She just looks at me in disbelief.

I walk out of the canteen, heading to wherever my feet leads me to. This is the most terrible thing i've done...I just wanna bury myself. I don't know what would I do if I suddenly meet him—

"Sure thing, just inform me later." The principal nods her head while shaking hand with Mr. Park. He responds by nodding then bows a bit.

Stupid me. I should've turned around but now it's too late since his eyes already landed on mine. Without hesitation, I take one step back, turn around and walk as quick as I can. It makes me realize that everytime I see him, I can only remember those words he said yesterday. Now, how can I even survive here? This shit is stressing me out.

I just keep on walking, not caring about the next lesson. I need some time to think and calm myself.

...

So, I end up skipping every lessons, I can't believe myself. I don't think I'm gonna attend the extra class too because that's the most thing I want to avoid.

Looking up at the sky, I notice it's turning a vibrant yellow-orange color. It's almost sunset and I'm walking alone in this busy street. I didn't get a chance to take my stuff at school so now I'm left with my phone and wallet, which isn't that bad. Thanks to my parents, I can do such things like this.

I stop in front of the convenient store and push the door open, welcomed by the strong winds of air conditioning run through my hair. I immediately grab the nearest mineral water and make my way to the cashier.

"Anything else?" The cashier girl asks with a soft smile plasters on her face.

"Yeah..." My eyes scan the rack behind her before pointing my index finger to one of those boxes. "Can I get that one, please?"

Her eyes follow where I point at and then looks back at me, noticing my uniform. "But, you're a stu—"

"It's for my uncle."

"Alright." She nods before taking it then scans the items. "Here's the total." She shows me the amount I have to pay.

After paying it, I thank her and grab the plastic bag then saunter to the exit door. That was close, I didn't even realize I'm still wearing my uniform.