Today, Two Years Ago

Cold and Warm

Monday comes as normal, I adjust the strap of my backpack, heading to the school building. First day of school week and I could already feel the tension. I just want to graduate quickly. Like really quickly.

I keep on walking and as soon as I pass through the automatic door, someone stops me by grabbing my elbow, snapping me out of my dazed. "Hey!" I call him and when my eyes shift to his back, I already know who that prick is.

He brings me to the place near the library without my consent. I quickly let go of his grip, giving him a death glare. "What the hell, Younghyun?!"

"What the hell you ask? You already know!" He snarls but still keeps his tone low so that no one knows. "Alright. Listen carefully. Don't ever talk about the manipulation, especially in class, ever again. Or else, I won't hesitate to make your life miserable. Keep in mind," he says with full of seriousness and flicks my forehead, causing me to flinch a little.

I squeeze my eyes in annoyance and open it back, hands curling into fists. No, my forehead does not hurt but my pride is. I'm not gonna fight because I know he's just below my level. "Then mind your own business." I push him off and about to walk pass him but this guy stops me again.

"I'm being real. If you—"

"Yeah, whatever. It depends on you," I cut his sentence and at last, I can walk away, leaving him.

What a great morning.

I caress my elbow as I walk, heading to my locker. He should be thankful that I didn't really fight back because if I did, he would definitely get kicked out of this building.

Standing in front of my locker, I pull the door open and grab everything I need before slamming it shut. Sighing for a moment, I turn to my left and find Dana who just took out her books as well. And so, I saunter to her direction. It comes to my realization that I haven't talked to her that much lately. I'm blaming my assignments for this.

"Dana~" I call her, smiling a little as I stand next to her.

She turns to see me and raises her brows. "Oh, hi, Hyeju." She smiles back, holding her books against her chest.

"There are so many things I wanna tell you. God, my life has been so hectic recently," I vent, sighing in irritation. She's the only one I can count on and I don't trust anyone beside her.

"Just keep it to yourself, Hyeju."

"Huh?"

She exhales a breath, biting her lower lip. "My parents...they don't allow me to be friends with you anymore."

"And for what reason?" I'm just so confused.

She shakes her head, slowly taking a few steps backwards. "Too many. I am so sorry, Hyeju."

"You can't just say something like that. You have to explain it to me. Properly."

"I just...I don't know. I'm sorry."

And she walks away.

I can feel my lips begin quivering as I watch her back figure leave my sights. That just makes my heart scrunch up, it seems empty but it feels so heavy to carry.

I just don't get it.

Why can't she just tell me the truth?

Ruffling my hand through my hair in frustration, I whirl around only to see Sungjin who's about to get inside the class. The moment our eyes found each other, I swiftly look away. I just wanna go home but I can't, I've promised him to improve my grades. I decide to walk off in a different direction with my head low, avoiding anyone's eyes. Right now, the least thing I want is to be surrounded by people.