Kyungmi was a beautiful girl; perfect, many would say. Especially to Joshua. Unlike her "stand out" appearance, Joshua was a typical nerd at school: picked on by jocks, wore glasses, and had a fairly lanky stature. He always had the best grades, never played any sports, and was a complete introvert. There was no way Kyungmi would ever be interested in someone like him.
Joshua carried all of his books through the school halls, hurrying to his next class. Kyungmi turned the corner, brushing her long, dark hair away from her face. Joshua stared in her direction as she flashed a smile and walked by, almost in slow motion to Joshua's eyes. His heart fluttered and his clumsy arms dropped his books on the floor. Joshua was thankful Kyungmi didn't notice his accident.
"You're such a clutz," a voice spoke up from his right. Joshua turned to face one of his closest friends. Vernon was crouching down to help him pick up his books. One of the only jocks to actually befriend Joshua.
"Shut up," Joshua muttered as he collected the rest and took what Vernon had. He pushed up his glasses, feeling flustered.
Vernon laughed. "You're totally blushing." He pointed a finger at Joshua's flushed face.
Now Joshua couldn't help but pull a grin on his face. "She smiled at me," he whispered, causing himself to feel even warmer.
"Wow, it's like you guys are already married," Vernon awed sarcastically. "By the way, did you finish your calculus homework?"
"Yeah," Joshua slowly replied.
"You know what, I shouldn't have asked. When do you not?" Vernon slapped his friend on the back and started walking to his next class. "Do you think I could borrow your paper?"
"Did you not finish it? Again?"
"You know me so well." Vernon messed up Joshua's neat hair.
"Quit," Joshua demanded, smoothing his hair back down. "I hate it when you do that. I had it combed down for a reason."
Vernon rolled his eyes. "If you really want to make Kyungmi notice you, you should try being a little less clean."
"Bad hygiene is really a turn-off for anybody."
"No, I mean you should maybe mess up your hair a bit. Stop wearing such crisp clothing to school. Act out a bit to catch her attention." Vernon shrugged, sticking his hands in the pockets of his joggers. "Also, ditch the glasses."
Joshua narrowed his eyes at his friend, but turned to face his own reflection in a window. His hair was perfectly laid on his head with an even cut. He wore a blue, button-down shirt that was neatly tucked into his ironed khaki pants. Joshua compared himself to Vernon, who was in black joggers, a white tee-shirt, and wavy hair that had little effort. And look at where his style got him.
Vernon was friends with everyone. There wasn't a single person in the whole school that didn't know who Vernon was. He's had multiple offers from girls who seem to easily gain an interest for him. Joshua wished he could get that kind of attention. He really wanted a chance with Kyungmi.
Joshua let out a heavy sigh. His eyes adverted to the ground as he pushed up his glasses. "Maybe you're right."
"I know." Vernon swung his arm over Joshua's shoulders to pull him away from the reflection. "Let's go to class before the bell rings so I can copy off your paper."
"I never gave consent to that."
