Love Is Not Over {Editing}

Goyangi

I arrive to class ten minutes early and set my things down on a desk adjacent to the window. This was one of my smaller classes with only about twenty five students enrolled and I was looking forward to the content. Before my job at the mental health clinic, I was a Preschool TA for two years. I loved working with toddlers and the youngins; they had a curiosity and energy that was eager for knowledge and I genuinely enjoyed adding to their foundational skills.

I look over a couple emails and since I had a few minutes to spare I open my Neko Atsume app. 

I add more food to the bowls, collect the gifts left by the cats, and see that I now have enough golden fish to purchase one of the remodels. I let out a small "yes!" and begin looking at the layout options before deciding on the rustic style home.

"Is this seat taken?"

I am completely fixated on the new layout and adding the toys and accessories for the new space that I almost do not hear the voice.

After a brief pause I hear "Can I sit here?"

I turn to the left and see Jimin tilting his head to the side, patiently waiting for my answer.

"Oh my god. I'm sorry I didn't hear you the first time, yes please sit down." I scoot over in my seat making sure he has space to pull out the chair.

"Hello Jenna goyangi. I see you are busy tending to the cats this morning, how are they?"

I smirk from embarrassment and realize I left my phone on the desk with the app in full view.

"Ah yeah you caught me. I actually really like this app. It's really cute and I like the idea of being a cat lady in this alternate universe where kitties just come and go as they please. Plus I'm actually allergic to cats and other pets so this is helps out a bit."

"I'm a cat person too and had a calico growing up. I had her for fifteen years and she was such a sweet girl." He stares off into the distance and smiles, remembering a special moment between the two of them.

"That's a shame that you are allergic though, you are missing out."

"I know, I might consider a hypoallergenic cat though. Ah, the irony of a vegan with pet allergies who wanted to be a veterinarian growing up."

He bursts out laughing. "No way! Did all of that really happen to you?"

"Every single bit. Thus here I am an English major and not prepping for vet school."

"You really can't make that stuff up." he shakes his head.

"That is a huge theme in my life" I reply before continuing "Wait, this is a children's lit class? Why are you here?"
"Great question. This is the class I'm using for the university's writing requirement."

"Oh write." I say coyly while snapping my fingers at him.

"Wow that was incredibly cheesy" he shakes his head either in disbelief or amusement.

"73% of my humor is dad jokes. So if you want to discontinue this friendship, then this is the first and only warning."

"Damn." He pauses. "In that case ..I'm all in, I would love to get to know you more" he replies and gives me a playful smirk.

I can't hold back the huge smile on my face.

Just then, our Professor walks in. She introduces herself and gives a brief description of the course before reviewing the syllabus and answering questions. Afterwards she gives a small lesson on the origins of children's storybooks and their rise in popularity. She gives us a short reading assignment for the following class and, as it is the first day of lecture, she allows us to leave early. I look at the time. 10:02am.

I pack my things and look towards Jimin and whisper "So what do you think?"

"She seems really chill, and I like the idea of getting through an entire book in eight minutes. Haven't been able to do that in years."

"That's one of the reasons I'm here. So where are you off to next?"

"I have work at the research lab at 11 for a couple hours and then class again at 5. You?"

"Looks like ya have a busy day ahead. I have Stats in an hour and then work until 7...hey since we both have some time to spare you wanna go to the botanical garden and hang out?" I ask.

"Of course."

"Gabshida" My eyes widen in excitement and I pull his arm to begin walking.