Unforgettable Memories

14

As we walked toward the classroom, I found myself glancing at him, my thoughts in disarray. There was something different, something unfamiliar stirring inside me.

He looked so calm, so peaceful. A small smile tugged at my lips before I even realized it.

"What?" he asked, his gaze meeting mine with curiosity. His brow lifted in question.

I shook my head quickly, looking down at the floor. Calm down, Somin, I scolded myself internally.

The teacher entered the room, bringing the class to order.

"For this semester," Mrs. Choi began, "I want you all to learn cooking. It's a project. You'll work in pairs. One member will explain the ingredients and method, while the other will execute the dish. The presentation must be clear and organized, and you will be judged on both the quality of the presentation and the dish itself. This session will be held next week, so start preparing."

I felt the panic rise in my chest. Cooking? I could barely manage boiling water without risking a kitchen disaster. And I needed an A in this class.

I glanced around as everyone began pairing up and discussing their plans. Why did I even choose home economics? With a sigh, I turned my gaze toward Jimin, who was surrounded by his friends. They were pestering him about whether he had a partner. When he shook his head, his eyes landed on mine.

I quickly turned around, fidgeting with my fingers. He was the only person I knew well enough. Might as well ask him, I thought.

I waved him over, and he responded with a confused look.

Just come here, I mouthed, my eyes wide with urgency. He excused himself from his group and took the seat next to me.

"What's up?" he asked, settling in.

"I need your help," I said, meeting his eyes.

His face lit up with exaggerated shock. "Whoa! The great Somin is asking me for help? Am I dreaming? Pinch me!" He leaned toward me, taunting.

I didn't hesitate, pinching his arm harder than necessary. He yelped, rubbing the spot.

"Be serious, Jimin," I said, rolling my eyes.

"Alright, alright. What do you need help with, Missy?" he asked, grinning mischievously.

"I don't have a partner for this project, and I don't know anyone else in the class. So... will you be my partner?" I asked, trying to sound as nonchalant as possible, though I could hear the plea in my own voice.

Jimin choked on air, making a dramatic scene out of it. I rolled my eyes again, giving him a light shove on the arm.

"Me? As your partner? In your wildest dreams," he teased, crossing his arms.

"Jimin!" I exclaimed, exasperated.

"I'll consider it, but only if you say the magic words," he smirked, leaning in closer.

I looked at him, confused for a moment. Then, with a sigh, I resigned myself.

"Fine. Please, Mr. Park Jimin, would you be my partner for this project?" I said, emphasizing every word as dramatically as I could.

He chuckled, clearly enjoying my discomfort. "Still not quite convincing enough."

"Jimin, please..." I added, this time with an extra touch of pleading in my voice.

"Alright, alright! Yes, I'll be your partner," he finally laughed.

I let out a relieved sigh. "Why are you so idiotic?" I muttered, giving him a look of disbelief.

"Missy, I'm helping you. Don't forget that," he said, feigning seriousness but barely hiding his amusement.

"Fine. Let's get back to the point. I... I don't know how to cook," I admitted, feeling my cheeks warm with embarrassment.

He blinked at me, genuinely taken aback. "Wait, what? You don't know how to cook at all?"

"Shh!" I hushed him quickly. "I'm terrible at it, and I really need an A in this class," I whispered, my voice barely audible. "Please, Jimin, I don't want to fail."

He stared at me for a moment, processing what I said, before finally nodding. "Okay, fine. I'll help. But you have to promise to work hard."

"I will. I swear," I nodded eagerly.

"So, how are we going to do this?" he asked.

"Well... you could come over to my house. We can practice there," I suggested, flipping through the home economics book absentmindedly.

He leaned in with a smirk. "You're inviting me over to your house? You know what that means, right?"

I smacked his chest playfully, giving him a glare. "I live alone, okay? Besides, your parents wouldn't want us practicing in your kitchen, disturbing everyone."

An awkward silence followed. I internally cringed for revealing that I lived alone. I hoped he wouldn't pry further.

Jimin broke the tension with a playful grin. "True. No one will be around to disturb us, then." He waggled his eyebrows, making it clear he was still teasing.

I rolled my eyes. Such a flirt. Despite myself, a small smile crept onto my face.

The rest of the day passed quickly, filled with classes and the usual banter. Before I knew it, the final bell rang, signaling the end of the school day.

"Hurry up, let's get going!" I called out to Jimin and his friends.

Namjoon oppa turned with a grin. "Alright, let's head out."

As we walked home, it was just me, Jimin, Taehyung, and Jiyeon left.

"So, how was your day?" Jiyeon asked, breaking the silence.

"It was alright," I replied.

An awkward silence settled over the group again. I nudged Jimin to say something, but he just shook his head, making a face.

Taehyung cleared his throat. "Actually... Jiyeon, we wanted to apologize," he said, his voice serious.

Jiyeon looked at them nervously.

"We're sorry for everything. For hurting you," they both said, their voices filled with sincerity.

I smiled softly and nodded toward Jiyeon, who sighed deeply.

"I won't lie; it's hard to forgive you after everything that's happened. But... it'll take time. I just hope you won't repeat those mistakes," she said, her voice tight with emotion.

Taehyung gave her a sudden hug. Jiyeon stood there, stiff and shocked by the gesture.

Jimin watched, a smile tugging at his lips. "Maybe things will work out with Jungkook too," I whispered to him.

"Maybe," he agreed, turning to look at me. Our eyes met, lingering for a moment too long.

"Are you two done staring, or is there more?" Taehyung teased, breaking the moment.

Jiyeon smirked while I quickly changed the subject. "It's getting late. We should head home."

As we continued on, I could hear Jimin and Taehyung whispering and teasing each other behind me. I couldn't help but giggle.

After Jiyeon and Taehyung left, it was just Jimin and me walking in comfortable silence. We finally reached my house.

"Well, bye then," I said, turning to unlock the gate.

Before I could react, Jimin pulled me into a sudden hug. I froze, feeling the warmth of his arms around me. His breath brushed against my neck.

"Bye. See you tomorrow," he whispered softly, patting my head before pulling away.

I stood there, watching him walk off, my mind spinning. My hand unconsciously touched my face.

What just happened?

4o