Reputation

4

Seungmin's POV

*after school*

I was greeted by the librarian as I walked in the library. I bowed and greeted her back and went to my usual spot at the back of the library near the bookshelves

I placed my bag on top of the table, careful not to make much noise. I turned around to be greeted by books of different colors and sizes. I took a few steps closer and trailed my fingers, trying to find a certain book

After a while of searching, I finally found it. It was a book I found recently called "Chinese Cinderella" which I then found out was the life story of the author

I was looking through the shelves and saw a book with chinese characters. It caught my attention as I have never seen a chinese book here. It wasn't written in chinese but rather in english. But what sparked my interest was when I opened the book

There were a bunch of small sticky notes inside it. There weren't really anything written in the notes rather than they were pointed at some words. When I browsed the book, there we're also some phrases and sentences underlined with a pencil

It confused me because students aren't allowed to write or put anything in the books from the library because Ms. Choi and the other staffs always check the books once every two weeks for any damage

When I checked the back of the book to see if anyone has borrowed it but there wasn't any name written on the slip

I took a seat, opened the book and inhaled it's scent. I always do this everytime I read a new book as I've always loved the scent of books wether the paper is old or new

Old papers reminded me that the book was read by a number of people who was intrigued by the book like me. The brownish color of the paper makes it look prettier than white ones and the old scent-like of the book has always been addicting for me

New Papers however, reminds me of a new beginning. A freshly new published book given birth by the author, the white color of the paper shows a new beginning, yet to be discovered by readers

I was about to turn the page and read when I heard something fall followed by the librarian's bell ring. Looking up, I saw Ms. Choi scolding a girl and some scattered books on the floor

"Sorry Ms. Choi I'll be careful next time." The girl sheepishly said as Ms. Choi told her to be careful next time

"Just fix it okay? This is the fifth time this week and it's only Wednesday. I know you're new here but please be aware of your surroundings Jisu." Ms. Choi said as the girl named Jisu started to pick up the books and put them back on the book rack

"Uhm Ms. Choi do you mind showing me where Mrs. Park's office is? I need to pass my form." She said while holding a bunch of papers stapled together

"I'm sorry Jisu I can't. I have to sort those books in those boxes." Her eyes roamed around and stopped at me. Oh shi- "Oh Seungmin!" Ms. Choi motioned me to come to her. I sighed and closed the book and placed it on top of the table and walked to her direction

"What is it Ms. Choi?" I asked even though I already know what she'll tell me

"Would you please take Jisu to Mrs. Park's office? Or are you busy? You can decline if you are."

I looked at her then at the girl who was smiling slightly at me. "No it's okay Ms. I'll just go get my things."

"Thank you Seungmin." She smiled at me and I just nodded and went to grab my things. I placed the book back in the shelf and went back

"Shall we go now..?"

"O-oh Jisu. My name's Choi Jisu. But you can call me Lia." She bowed at me then smiled. "Nice to meet you uh..?"

"Kim Seungmin. It's nice to meet you Lia." I say and bowed back. She just smiled and nodded

We went out of the library and headed to Mrs. Park's office. The trip to the office was awkward. I wanted to break it but she beat me to it

"So uh Seungmin, what year are you?" She asked as we walked down the stairs

"I'm in my 3rd year here. What about you?"

"Oh we're the same!" She clapped her hands enthusiasticly "I haven't really started my classes yet. Since I haven't passed my form. But I'm obligated to attend school. Weird huh?"

"I know. Back then we still had classes even if Christmas was just a day away" I chuckled recalling that time when students, even parents were already complaining. The school's excuses back then was to 'complete the exact school days' or something

"Woah really? This school's messed up. It's a miracle students still study here." Lia exclaimed

"Well aside from the school's crappy system, the education here is really good. It's worth the high tuition."

We continued to talk about nonsense stuffs about the school's system and other weird stuffs like 'what goes on area 51' and if it really is even real

"As much as I don't want to cut our conversation, we're already here." I say as we stopped in front of Mrs. Park's office

"Thanks for taking me here Seungmin. I'll see you some time." Lia smiled and bowed. I nodded, smiling and bowed back

"I have go go now. Bye Lia."

She nodded, "Bye Seungmin. Thanks again." She bowed at me once again and so did I

I turned around once she entered the office and took out my phone to text Hyunjin

To: Hyunjin <3

Hey are you done with practice? I'll be waiting for you by the school gates. Text me back when you see this~

I clicked sent and started walking to the gates. As I reached the first floor, I heard my phone go off signaling that I received a message

From: Hyunjin <3

I'm already here min. Meet me by the oak tree at our old spot. Please hurry I miss you already :<

I chuckled at his cuteness and replied that I'm on my way there

I got out of the school compound and went to the oak tree Hyunjin mentioned and saw him standing there his right hand in his pocket and the other holding his bag

He saw me as I was getting near and smiled. He hugged me once I reached him and kissed my forehead afterwards

"I didn't see you all day. I miss you." He pouted after he released the hug

"Well I'm here now aren't I? Let's get going now?" I say as I took his hand in mine interwining our fingers. He just smiled at me once more as we started walking home

~~

ù w ú