Memories || Wonu ff

seven

Wonu

I went to the library to see that Seo Hyeon was working today. She greeted me with a smile that sent my heart fluttering instantly. After admiring her from afar for several weeks of visiting the library more frequently, talking about each book I had returned with her whenever I had the chance. We talked about bits we liked, little details we noticed, and our our interpretations on certain parts. It felt like we were growing closer as friends with each little book club conversation we had.

It felt so nice finding someone who had a similar taste in books, yet still introduced me to ones I would've ignored if not for her. While we were chatting about the book I recently finished, I noticed she was yawning pretty frequently as well as having dark circles under her eyes.

Concerned, I offered to buy her coffee only for her to decline. She insisted that she was ok and  that she would feel bad for me buying her coffee out of nowhere, however I explained that it was my way of saying thanks for book recommendations. She was trying decline further, but she ended up yawning mid sentence.

I couldn't help but chuckle and let her know that I would return with coffee for her. Before she could say anything else, I had already turned and walked out the door of the library. Though within seconds, she appeared behind me and caught up with me. She told me that because she knew I was going to get her coffee no matter what, she might as well join me for coffee.

I was caught off guard for only a moment, but I knew the opportunity to get finally know more about her finally fell into my lap! We found ourselves walking across campus and ended up at the popular coffee shop almost every student goes to for studying.

Upon entering, she went around to find a table for us to sit at while I went up to the counter to order our drinks. Once our drinks were made, I scanned the room for a moment before seeing her wave me over to where she was seated: a small table at the corner of the cafe. Joining her at the table, I hand her the mocha latte she asked for. There was a brief moment where our fingers brushed against each other, causing my heart jolt while I tried to play it cool on the outside.

She thanks me before taking a sip of her mocha, and I decide to start drinking my coffee as well. We made small talk and began getting to know each other, but sometimes the conversations would slowly fade into a silence. I began to panic a bit, worried that I would make her uncomfortable just by sitting here and saying nothing; as if she read my mind, she reassured me by saying "You don't need to worry about the awkward silence if you're unsure what to talk about next."

"Really?" I then realize that I said my thoughts out loud.

She giggles as she nods "If you're worried about me getting bored, you don't have to. I know we haven't really chatted that much, but I don't mind sitting in silence with you every now and again."

My heart started to beat faster, I feel a sense of relief knowing that she doesn't think I'm being weird or creepy just for sitting and saying nothing. 

Soon, we do fall into conversation again to get to know each other past our mutual love for books. I learned that she's currently studying towards a Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts and eventually moving forward into animation. I was surprised at first, but as I listened to her talk about how she wanted to tell stories with her art, I immediately loved the passion and dedication she had to her craft as she told me about the pieces of art that she showed me on her phone. She could talk for hours and I don't think I could ever get bored. 

When the topic of the conversation was flipped onto me, I hesitated. I told her that I was studying English and Literature and planning to become an English teacher. I really want to tell her that I wanted to become a writer, but every time I've told someone that, they look at me with such judgmental eyes and backhanded compliments- overall, they just tell me that my dream is nothing but a dead end.

Though when I look at her, telling her my dream didn't feel so dreadful. Taking the risk, I avoid eye contact as I mention to her that I true goal was to become an author rather than a teacher, and how I loved writing stories and coming up with these fantasy worlds I could get lost in. It didn't matter if I made a lot of money, I just want to put my work out there. 

She was silent, and it felt like a stab to the chest. 

I knew it was a bad idea!

As I look back so I could tell her to forget what I said, I was met with her eyes sparkling and full of excitement. I've never seen a reaction like hers.

"That's an incredible dream to have, Wonu." She tells me quietly before taking my hand in hers "I'd love to hear all about it- if that's ok with you."

I was shocked. No one- and I mean no one has ever been that happy to hear that I wanted to become an author before, and hearing her say that gave me hope.

"You really think so?" I ask.

She nods eagerly "Mhm! Starting today, I'll be your first fan and biggest supporter!"

My heart swelled and I was ever so thankful for a girl like her. Soon, we finished our coffee and left the coffee shop and walked back across campus to the library. Once we got to the front door, we bid each other goodbye.

"Thank you again for the coffee, Wonu. I really needed it."  She says for the millionth time as I brush it off.

"It was my pleasure, Seo Hyeon." I say, trying to be cool before making a promise to her "I'll be sure to show you my first draft as soon as possible."

"Well I look forward to it." She smiles and then heads inside, I then turn and head to my dorm.

I thought about what had just happened today while walking to my dorm, and it was safe to say that I was over the moon with joy. When we went to get coffee.. Would that have counted as a date?

Probably not, we just started to getting to know each other on a personal level today. I'm hopefully progressing towards becoming friends!

Although for a girl like her, I think I'd like to be more than friends with her...

Baby steps, Wonu.

One day, I'll gather the courage to ask her out on a real date.

.

.

.

Ji Young

My heart melted as I read it. It shifted away from weird vibes and into meet-cutes shown in romance movies. Though it did have me a little confused.

What happened to her? Did they end on bad terms?

Is that why there are no pictures of her anywhere around the house except the scrapbook?

Placing the journal back into it's rightful place on the shelf, I hear dad calling from the front door "Ji Young! Are you ready to go, sweet pea? We have to get there early so we can set up!"

Right. I promised I would help him at this book signing event.

Packing my things into my bag and grabbing the rest of the supplies we needed, I rush out of his study to join him "Coming dad!"