ALMOND MILK | lisoo

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"Yah! Kim Jisoo!" I snap back from my imagination, instantly curling my lips into a gentle smile. "Yes?"
"Where'd you go? I was calling for like ages!" I laugh, my cheeks tinting pink. "I'm sorry, I'm a bit out of it."
"You don't say!" I bow my head apologetically. "Now you're back down to earth there is something someone wants to tell you!" My eyebrows furrow slightly.
Chae-young stares to a lightly blurred figure in my peripheral and so I follow her eyes. "Jimin-ah?" Jimin smiles, shuffling his feet. "I'll leave you two alone!" With a giggle, she turns and skips down the hallway.
I watch until she disappears around a corner before focusing my attention on Jimin. "I-" Jimin clears his throat, taking a few stumbly steps toward me. "I- uhm, there- I-" He hums uncomfortably. I tilt my head slightly. "What is it Jimin-ah?" A smile twitches my cheeks. "I- I like you!" He yells, bowing. I stand surprised, my smile fading as I watch him slowly lean back up. He presses his lips together and I do the same. I don't know what to tell him.
"I like you." He repeats softly. "Please go out with me." I nibble at my lip. "I-"
"You don't have to answer now! Take your time! Think about it!" I feel a seed of guilt plant itself inside my stomach as I look at his face. His features just cry desperation. "I'm sorry." His head perks at my voice and I can't believe I'm about to do this. "I'm sorry, Jimin. I- I can't." His face falls and my little seed sprouts a leaf.
"I'm sorry." He smiles instantly, shaking his head. "No! That's okay!" He reassures but I can't feel reassured when faced with that pretty smile but those teary eyes. "I'm so stupid!" He laughs. "I should have known anyway. A guy like me doesn't stand a chance with a girl like you!" He laughs a little louder and my seed fully blossoms a stalk and several more green leaves.
"Jimin-"
"It's okay! I'm okay! Really!" My lips press together once more and it grows silent. "Still friends?" I nod, gazing at his eyes. "Best friends." We lock eyes and he seemingly panics, averting my gaze by staring down the hall. "Are you hungry? I'm hungry. I'm gonna go get something to eat. Do you want anything?"
"I-"
"It's hot out. Do you want some water? I'll get you a bottled water. I'll be right back!" Before I can say anything, or try and say anything else he hurries off and is soon out of sight. I feel bad but what else could I do? I can't, simply can't.

I sigh, reluctantly pulling myself away from the corridor and back into homeroom. "Jichu!" Chae-young springs up from her seat, jumping in front of me. "So what was it he wanted to tell you?"
"I'm sure you already know." Chae-young puffs her lips. "What gives you that idea?"
I give her a look and she swats her hand. "Fine! I knew! So, how'd it go?" I move over to my desk, sitting myself down. She follows after me, sitting herself eagerly beside me. "That's not your seat."
"Who cares? Tell me!" She lightly pushes my shoulder and I exhale. "It didn't go well." Her eyes widen and she moves herself back. "What? What happened?"
"He- he told me he liked me-"
"And?"
"And I rejected him."
"What?!" A few of the other students look in our direction and I quickly press my finger to my lips. "What?!" She whisper-yells and I pull my finger away, resting my hands upon the desk. "I rejected him."
"For what?"
"I can't go out with Jimin."
"Why not? Is there something wrong with him?"
"No! There's nothing wrong with him!" She huffs. "What then?"
"I just can't. It's hard to explain." She groans. "How did he take it then? Did he get mad? Upset? Oh no, did Jiminie cry?" I shake my head. "He didn't look upset but you could tell he was."
"Oh no, he didn't laugh it off did he?" I nod my head shamefully and she gives a long exhale. "Poor Jiminie." I hum. "What now then? Are you two still friends?"
"Of course. We've been friends since we were young, nothing will change from this, I'm sure." She turns her head, clicking her tongue. "I don't know." I gaze at her. "He might do something." I face her appropriately. "What?" Chae-young turns to me. "Oh don't look so worried!" She exclaims. "I'm just saying maybe you should keep an eye on him. I don't know, I just feel he might do something. He gets really sensitive sometimes." I take a moment to think before I'm interrupted. "I'm sure he'll be fine! Don't worry about it too much, okay?" I slowly nod. "Okay." She grins accordingly, leaning herself back in her seat, the chair rocking back with her. She then swiftly pulls herself back to the floor, and I stare to her. I open my mouth to speak but someone else speaks before me. "Park Chae-young!" My heart shudders at the sound of Jimin's voice. "How many times do I have to tell you! You have your own seat!" I stare down at the table as his voice becomes closer. "Aish! Shorty has made a reappearance!" Jimin huffs. "Yah! I told you to not call me that!" I think she must have stuck out her tongue because Jimin huffs once again. "I'm older so you should respect me more!" Chae-young blows a raspberry. "Older but shorter." Jimin grunts and Chae-young laughs.

The conversation then dies and is replaced with the shuffling of shoes. When I lift my head again, I notice that Chae-young isn't sitting next to me anymore and of course because Jimin is sitting next to me instead. He picks up on my staring and looks to me. He then looks away. "I got you your water." He chimes, placing it upon his desk, sliding it over to mine. I nod, placing my hand over the bottle cap, stealing a peek at him. His eyes look a little puffy. His cheeks are also dusted with a tint of red. I think he's been crying. I hope not but I've seen the aftermath of him crying before and it looked similar. "So I was wondering." I look up at him. "Let's do something after school." Chae-young rolls her head over her shoulder, re-positioning herself on her seat. "I'm in!" There's a small quiet and I realise they're both staring at me for an answer. "Oh- I.." I can hear Jimin sigh and I can feel the plant bud a few larger leaves. I can't let him down again. I nod. "Okay." His head lifts and he's beaming. "Great! I was thinking the movies?" Chae-young lights up. "Yes! We can watch Trade Your Love!"
"That romantic movie that came out yesterday?"
"Yes!" Jimin hums. "Okay, I'm fine with that." He turns his head to me. "Are you okay with watching it?" I smile. "If it'll make Rosie happy."
Chae-young giggles, clasping her hands together. "Yay! Dibs on not paying!"
"Hey! That isn't fair!"
Chae-young squints her eyes. "Is to."
"Is not! You're the one who wants to watch the movie!"
"And you're the one who suggested on watching a movie in the first place!"
"Calm down you too. I'll pay." Chae-young looks at me enthusiastically, clapping her hands whilst Jimin looks at me sympathetically. "No, you shouldn't have to pay, she should be the one paying!" He accuses, pointing at Chae-young who gasps in response. "I think not!"
"I think so!"
"I said I'm paying. It's fine." Jimin's eyes narrow. "Are you sure?"
"I'm sure!" I smile to assure him and he smiles too. "Okay! Jichu's paying!" Chae-young laughs gleefully. "Awesome! I can't wait!"