Distant Sky

9

Moving Forward

Taehyung was back in the unused club room, which had now become his regular hang out while waiting for Bogum to finish up his campaigning duties. His class had ended early today and he was here, sitting on the window, listening to music, debating whether to wait for Bogum or not.

Bogum had his driver drop and pick him up daily, and Taehyung got a free ride everyday. Which was a much better and convenient option according to him, than having to use the school bus.

He was looking out the window at the school grounds, wondering if he should just take the bus today, which wasn't looking very appealing at the moment, when suddenly, he senses someone entering the room. He turns his head and there she was. Bae Joohyun. Standing in the doorway, just like that time.

He wonders whether his eyes were playing tricks on him. Has he been thinking about her too much lately....recalling their first meeting too many times, that he has finally lost his mind and started imagining things?

He blinks once. Then blinks again. She was still there. He squints his eyes. It looks like she was saying something. She seems to be hesitating, standing close to the door, as if ready to make a quick escape.

Then, before he could comprehend what was happening, he was already on his feet, rushing towards her.

Here he was now at the moment, looking at his hand holding hers firmly, wondering how it got to this. The last thing he remembers thinking before he acted this way was, She's gonna run away again.

"Um..", she says gesturing towards his hand gripping hers. "Oh, sorry", he says releasing her. "Thought you were going to run away again." Did he just say that out loud? Judging by the look on her face, he surely did.

"W-well, Bogum asked me to give you this", she says motioning towards a book. "He also said to tell you to leave without him. He said he might be late." Then, she makes a move to leave.

"Wait!" She jumps at his loud voice. Ok, he needs to calm down. He needs to stop scaring her if wants to have a normal conversation with her. Right now, she looks like a scared little rabbit, with big eyes wide with fear, ready to bolt.

"Joohyun right?", he tries again. This time, his voice soft and toned down. By now, he had abandoned all his pretenses of wanting to stay away and not wanting to get involved. He was way too curious about her to keep denying it anymore. This was a perfect opportunity for him to get to now her story. He can't afford to blow it.

"Yes", she answers finally, so quietly that he almost misses it. She then gives him a small hesitant smile. The smile somehow transforms her whole face, her delicate features suddenly shine bright, somehow making her look more beautiful than he thought was possible. Ok, stop. This is not the time to be admiring her looks.

"Taehyung", he says, mustering up a smile and extending his hand towards her. "I know", she says, gently placing her hand in his. He wraps his hand around her small one, amazed by how delicate and tiny it looks compared to his.

"You are not in a hurry today, are you?" He waits for her answer anxiously. After a moment's hesitation, she shakes her head. He breathes a sigh of relief. He then gives her a wide smile and slowly tugs at her hand, pulling her along with him. She follows without any resistance.