Strawberry Freckles

Chapter 1

     If there was one thing I loved, it was freckles. Just seeing the little darker dots on someone's cheeks, meeting at their nose across their face, was absolutely adorable.

     I'm Eunbi! Sixteen, female, and I have the best cat. His fur.. pure as snow, along with the gentle caramel brown that coats his ears and is sprinkled at the roots of his whiskers.. like freckles! Or.. almost? My cat has freckles. The most amazing, amber, eyes. My best friend, Strawberry. A cat. Yet, not just any cat. I believe he's special.

     It's just a regular school day. Like any other week day, right? Wrong. No, it isn't that simple at all. This new kid.. I can't believe I'm writing this down. I feel bad for writing this down! He's fucking cute. His hair.. a sweet, soft red. His eyes, dark and magical, the way they sparkle in the sunlight. But.. The think that caught my eye. Freckles. His cheeks are softly dotted across his face. I stared. I stared for a long time. Longer than I should've, and that's when I realized it; he's heading towards me!
He saw me staring. He saw me staring. He saw it, he's creeped out. He's going to ask questions-
"Hi, how's your day going?"
The voice made me jump. I had spaced out again, worrying inside my head. I didn't realize the gorgeous man in front of me until now.
"I-I.. uhm.. good. Sorry, I'm tired and kind of zoning out a lot today. Let me rephrase this all.. Hi, my day is going pretty well. Thank you so much for asking! How's yours?" I couldn't hold back a smile.
"Mine's pretty good, too. Thank you. Are you um.. Are you Eunbi?" The male, I swear, was staring right into my eyes with a little smirk.
"Yes I am." I replied to him with a smile.
"Oh, great! I'm Hongjoong. I was told by the principal to find you. You're part of the Welcoming Club.. correct? Is that possibly why?"
Hongjoong.
I forgot to mention here, I am part of the Welcoming Club. More chances to get friends and help out, welcome and show new people to the school. It's absolutely amazing!
"Oh, yes! I am. I'm actually, like, the only one in that club.." I giggled a bit. ".. But it's great just the same. I love what I do."
"You seem really nice. I'm so glad to meet you, Eunbi. I think we'll get along just fine. If you'd like to, maybe hang out some time?"
Thump. Thump.
My heartbeat was racing. Hanging out would be amazing!
"I'd love to! Becoming friends with someone I've welcomed.. Fuck, that's great!" I reached out for a handshake, but suddenly-
"Eunbi!" The voice was loud; a yell. An angry, yell.
My boyfriend.
My hair was tugged on as I was pulled back. "Don't talk to other guys."
"I was welcoming h-" Interrupted.
"Don't. Talk. To. Other. Guys."
I held back tears. He was bringing this to school? Really? I was used to him getting upset, but he always had acted so angeletic and kind to me at school.
"Minjoon! You're hurting me! Stop!" I tried pushing him away as I pulled myself back, but it didn't work.
My head stopped throbbing with so much pain as Minjoon let go after what felt like minutes.
Thank. God.
I heard the bell ring. Was that why he let go? Probably.

Walking home was okay. I had stood by and watched these two little girls play. It was kind of like my childhood friend..

     Climbing trees was one of the many things me and Yuna used to do.
"Are you coming, slow-poke?" Yuna challenged, laughing at her own comment.
"Oh come on, you're taller and stronger than me! It's hard for me to get up!" I whined, letting out some huffs of air as I struggled to my way up beside Yuna. She offered a hand, and I accepted it. "Thank you." I giggled. "It's so nice up here!"

     I felt tears welling up in my eyes, snapping back into reality. I hated my memories. It was painful to be reminded of things.

     Getting home, I didn't see my cat for a bit. Never thought much of it. He disappeared often. But I was suddenly scared. But.. I swore I heard the door open and close. When I went to check, nothing had happened. Just a normal closed door. "Strawberry?" I decided to call out to him. I heard the purr around the corner, and soon, my little four-legged buddy came wading around the corner with repeated, soft, little meows. "Hello, Strawberry baby~!" I scooped him into my arms and planted a kiss on his soft forehead. His unique freckle-styled muzzle parted as my cat let out a yawn. "Had you stayed up all day to wait for me, or have you slept to pass time to see me and only just woken up?" I giggled, sitting down onto the couch with him. I treasured my cat. If anything were to hurt him, I'd be furious. I don't know what I'd do.

     I heard a sudden ping from my phone. I opened it and felt tears threaten at my eyes again, and it won. Tears spilled and rolled down my cheeks. But I wasn't sad, I was scared.

<new message from: Minjoon.
"Hey baby, I'm sorry for what happened today. I want to come over on the weekend and spend a night with you, okay? ;)

     No, is what I wanted to say, but yes is what was typed. What. A. Dumb. Mistake...

... Fuck.