HELIOTROPE ↻ NCT DREAM

thirteen

In the last few days, Ayeon spent her lunchtime with Saeri, bonding with her. Saeri was older than her by a few months, however, she feels as if she is younger than her. Seeing the pureness and innocence of the said girl just makes her want to treat her gently.

The first class for the day was about to start as the professor entered the room calmly yet his arms looked stiff. He was preparing the materials that will be needed for the lecture when the door opened causing the person to grab the attention of many.

There on the doorway stood Saeri who looked frantic. She was panting and catching his breath, her hands on her knees. "Good morning, sir! I'm sorry I'm late." Saeri was still catching her breath when she said those words, resulting in it not being clear.

Even though the professor may have a strict demeanor, he actually is patient and understanding which totally contradicts the aura that he radiate. He gave the young woman a tight smile and a nod before telling her to sit down.

When Saeri minced towards her desk, Ayeon's brows bumped together and her eyes squinted towards the band aids plastered on Saeri's palms upon seeing it. And when the girl sat down, another band aid close to her left elbow came into view.

Ayeon's lips pursed in a grim line. She was worried about what happened as she definitely did not spot those there the day before.

Saeri approached her cheerfully once the class ended. However she only squinted her eyes at her as her hands were on her hips.

"Woah, woah, woah! what are you on?" The girl chuckled awkwardly, stepping back upon seeing Ayeon's facial expression. She felt nervous even though there was no reason to be. Or maybe she felt like she was about to get scolded on.

"What happened to you? Why do you have so much band aid over you? You even look like you're limping while walking!" Ayeon bombarded Saeri. She demanded to know why.

"Oh these?" Saeri raised her palms, showing what Ayeon talked about. "I put these on before coming to class. Unfortunately, I collided with someone on my way here to school earlier." Saeri explained like it was nothing. "And no, I'm not limping. I just walk awkwardly when people are staring. It's like I forgot how." She chuckled to herself.

The new duo had finally made their way to the cafeteria which is known as the 'commons,' still chatting. The rhythm of their steps were slow and steady.

"How hard did you even collide with the person that you got bruises all over you?" Ayeon's voice raised, pointing towards the cuts and scrapes that covered Saeri's palms. "Did someone hurt you?"

"Oh, no, no one did! It's because the other person was riding a bi-"

"What? So basically, the person hit you with their bike?" Ayeon interrupted, looking as if she was fuming as her brows were bumped into a scowl. "Did the person even help you? Give me details. I need details!"

"It all just happened so quickly. One moment, I was jogging my way to gate 6, then in a split second there was a harsh impact that I found myself face planted on the ground. My hands and knees did prevent me from fully colliding with the pavement though." She explained while trying to put it into action. Her hands in the air, gesturing and putting into detail how she landed. Unfolding to Ayeon how it happened made Saeri look back at the unfortunate event as well. She remembered how she quickly picked herself up despite the pain on her knees and how she helped the boy who was struggling to stand back up as well.

"Then I heard the person behind me that had fallen from his bike grunting and looked in pain, so I helped him." Saeri shrugged. "Oh, we were both in a hurry but I tried to hand him band aids as well. He didn't take it though and just pushed my arm out of his way. He just sighed when I attempted to hand it again." The young woman added, showing Ayeon the ones that she put on which were designed with yellow stars. "I guess he was in a rush." Saeri shrugged.

Ayeon gently patted the older but shorter female's head. "Oh okay. But be careful next time though. Check your surroundings." Saeri gave her a small smile in response.

How cute. Ayeon thought.

The rest of the afternoon went by slowly. She dreaded their Economics class for the reason that the prof was so stern. He was knowledgeable about the subject and knew how to keep the students' attention on him which makes him indeed credible. The man looked as if he barely knows how to smile, and is indeed straightforward as though there's no filter. Although the professor was quite strict which results in all the students getting nervous or terrified when he's around, it seemed that he favored the specific class he had with the block. Perhaps it's because more than half of the students were scholars which reminded him of himself. And perhaps, it was because the students of Ayeon's class remembered his birthday and planned out a mini surprise for him, giving him his favorite cake.

Additionally, sarcastic remarks and comments may leave his mouth but students still liked him. He was knowledgeable about the subject and knew how to keep the students' attention on him which makes him indeed credible.

Ayeon was terrified of the professor but she loved the way he discussed the lessons. She really understood even the difficult ones.The girl would always study in advance in preparation for the lectures as the prof always gives out surprise graded recitation. She would always take notes during the class as well and would read it once she gets home.

Economics wasn't really her forte, hence she had to put in extra effort. It's all worth it though.

Once the 3-hour period was over, she received a text from her boyfriend who reminded her to meet them at their usual hang out place.

Hyuck had memorized Ayeon's schedule ever since he started walking the girl to her classes at the beginning of the year when they were just friends. Now, Ayeon had no escape with that. And she didn't plan to ditch them. Meeting Hyuck and spending time with him was her favorite thing to do after all.