CLICHÉD

C-29

C-29

I couldn't sleep.

I've turned and twisted to every possible position but I just can't seem to sleep peacefully as I anticipate for the morning to come. He told me we'll go after school but I'm just so excited that I woke up even before my alarm rings!

There's no dress code and he just told me to wear anything comfortable, even pyjamas, but I suddenly can't find anything in my closet that's worth wearing. I hurriedly walked downstairs and grabbed a sandwich on the countertop since I wasn't able to eat breakfast because of my indecisiveness.

"Noona, did you leave me already?"

"No, I'm still here!"

I run outside to see Jisung leaning by the gates as he waits for me.

"It took you about..." Jisung looks at his phone for reference, "...15 minutes to wear your uniform."

"I'm sorry?" I offer him the sandwich.

"It's fine, take your time." He fixes my necktie that I wasn't able to put on properly.

"Thank you..."

He smiles and we start walking to the bus stop. We reached the school after a few minutes and luckily we weren't late.

I was almost skipping on our way to the classroom with Jisung giggling at my actions. He starts copying me and we're like crackheads in the hallway, our schoolmates even gave way because of our weirdness!

I was really happy as I sat down at my desk and waited for the classes to start, not until the first bell rang and my seatmate didn't show up. I thought he was just late but lunch came and he's still nowhere.

Did he change his mind? Maybe he's just really busy because he's doing stuff with Chan and Changbin. He wouldn't leave me hanging, right?

I'm pulled out of my soliloquy when someone taps my shoulder.

"Are you okay?" Jisung asks.

I smile so he wouldn't worry. "Yes. I was just wondering what drink I'll have for lunch."

He looks at the unoccupied desk beside me. "Do you want to eat lunch with me?"

"Is it alright?"

"Of course!" He smiles. "Let's go before the cafeteria packs up."

"Where's Felix and Seungmin?"

"Felix is cramming at the library because he's not done with the Maths homework that's due today. He pulled Seungmin with him for moral support."

I giggle. "Same old Felix."

We walk to the cafeteria and join the queue. I suddenly remember the last time I went here and unconsciously smile.

"Oh? Aren't you-- You can take our spot, noona!"

"It's fine-- woah!"

The group of juniors who shouted at me last time pushes us in front and all bow before going at the back of the queue where we're positioned earlier.

"I didn't know kids are getting nicer these days," Jisung says and I had to bite my bottom lip to stop myself from laughing.

What he didn't know is a glare is all you need to make the rowdy kids obedient.

"Um, Han?"

"Hmm?"

"I tried, okay? I know you said it'll be pretty, but please don't laugh when you finally see it."

He looks confused for a bit but then he gasps, looking at me with wide eyes. "You finished my bracelet already?"

I nod and hesitantly show him my palm where I'm holding it. "It's just a keychain though. I ran out of materials because I made five so us friends would all match and--"

"It's perfect!" he exclaims before I can even finish my explanation.

"Really?"

"I'll put it on my bag and never take it off because my noona made it for me," he says with an enormous grin that I can't help but giggle.

"Thank you for always being nice to me..." I smile at him as he separates the chopsticks for me.

"No problem, noona," he says. "We're like family after all."

"I know that I'm forty-four days older but I'm not that old, you know?" I pout. "Honestly, do you... do you really want me to be your sister?"

"Huh?" He blinks at my question whilst I look at him intently, anticipating his answer.

"Do I really feel like a family to you?"

"Who wouldn't want you?" Jisung says.

I shake my head and smile a little. Now I know... I guess we're really just meant to be siblings.

Lunch passed but I didn't see even his shadow. I'm starting to think that he forgot about today's plan. He could've at least told me if we're going to cancel so I wouldn't be waiting here for nothing.

I stand up sulkily when the final bell rings to signal the dismissal, until my eyes catch a sticky-note that's posted on the back of my chair. My lips gape as I read what's written on it and I can't stop myself from smiling.

To my scaredy-cat crybaby,

Let's meet at Han River Park after class. Ditch me and you're dead.

Yours, LMH

I should get my eyes checked again for not seeing sooner! I hurriedly run to the bus stop so I can freshen up and change my clothes into something presentable. Once I arrive home, I run to my room and rummage through my stuff, even waking Dori up.

"I'm sorry for the noise, baby." I kiss his nose. He just ignores me and goes back to sleep.

I blink at the sight of my closet. I just noticed that I own so many clothes in floral prints, cat doodles, and most in blues. A lot of them came from my parents because their go-to gift to me for every occasion somehow always incorporates flowers. My closet is basically a garden with cats now!

Flowers or cats? Dress or pyjamas? Pastel or dark?

I can't think of anything to wear!

I settled on a white long-sleeve top and a blue pinafore dress with tiny cat prints at the hem. I wear my white sneakers and run out the door, only to run back in my room and look at the mirror once more. Why won't my lips stop smiling?! Slapping my already flushed cheeks so I'd stop looking like a fool, I smile at my reflection one last time and grab my bag with my essentials inside.

"Bye-bye! I'm meeting your co-owner today." I kiss Dori again before running back to the bus stop.

I feel like I'm on a runner's high as I enter the park. My heartbeat becomes faster and faster with each step I take and my lips will soon be torn with all the silly smiles I'm making.

I sit on a bench whilst waiting for him. Just then, a familiar pair of white sneakers steps in front of me. I look up and find myself blushing at the sight of a now blue-haired boy.

"I know..." Minho smiles. "Everything suits me, especially you."