partners ⁀➷ k.sw ✓

3

Sunwoo and I worked up all the way until 7, just after the sun had set. My mom went out because she had a night shift, so it left only Sunwoo and I in the house.

Things were definitely awkward between us, after that little conversation we had.. but that's good. That means we have nothing to talk about other than the work, and that's the only reason why I agreed to let him over my house.

Every now and then, I can notice him actually working and writing down useful notes. The most surprising thing, though, is that he actually took the time to read. I was absolutely shocked; for a typical popular boy like him, he sure does focus hard.

That doesn't mean he won't slack off any minute or week now. He can slack off any second, even if he's showing a crazy amount of effort and focus into this project. I'm not expecting much from him; I'm not expecting anything at all.

But maybe I'm just being too harsh. I should probably take it a little easier on him, the guy seems like he actually wanted to do work. I was already sleepy from all of these hours that we spent taking notes. It was already 7 anyway, and I think it was best if he went home now.

"We can continue this tomorrow." I say, closing my textbook.

I stand up from the floor and put all of my school things on my desk, walking to the door until he pulled on my wrist. I turn back around at him, glaring at him. He looks at me with anger at first, but his expression softens.

"Don't make me leave.." he muttered, almost muttering under his breath.

"What?" I furrow my eyebrows at him.

"It's 7. It's late, we've been working for hours. Don't you think it's time to leave?" I pull my wrist away from his grip.

"No, I- Jihyun.." he mumbled, not being able to make eye contact.

"Spit it out." I frown.

"I just can't go home right now." He whispers, loud enough for me to hear.

"What? Why?" I gulp.

"My parents.. they.. I.." he hesitated to speak any longer.

"Never mind. I'm sorry." He shook his head.

Now I just feel bad. For the first time ever in my life, I felt bad for someone like him. I don't know why I felt sad for him, I barely know him and I know who he is, and the type of person he is. Something about the way his eyes looked when he mentioned his parents showed such devastation and sadness that it made me sad too.

I watched him as he slowly began to pack everything in his backpack, until I stopped him. I can't believe I'm doing this, but I'm sure he's not lying when he says he can't go home. It's clearly something related to his parents, and I know how that feels. I'll let him stay a bit longer.

"You can stay.. but just for a little longer." I say to him.

He looks at me and his eyes cheer up a little. He gives me this smile; a smile I couldn't describe. It looked actually sincere and genuine, but my trust issues fucked it up and made me overthink. His smile made me almost think for a second that he could maybe be a good person.

"Thanks, Jihyun."

He suddenly embraces me into a hug, his arms wrapped around my shoulders. My eyes widen as my face is against his chest, due to the height difference. I tried moving away just a tiny bit, but he just hugged me tighter.

"H-Hey.. let go." I stutter.

Fuck, why am I stuttering? My heart is beating faster. Stop, Jihyun. Don't be so flustered over someone like him. Don't be dumb, not again.

"Sunwoo, l-let go.." I can feel my cheeks burning up.

He finally let go of me and he looks into my eyes, giving me another smile that looked genuine.

"Let's stop working on the project for today." I say, secretly fidgeting with my thumbs in my pocket.

"Okay.. good work. You take really nice notes." He flashed me a thumbs up.

I was taken aback by his sudden action. He definitely didn't seem like the rest, but I think it's just my heart and mind deceiving me. It's rare to find someone who wasn't stuck up and blinded by popularity. I ignored it and I nod, agreeing.

"My mom made seaweed soup. Have you eaten?" I look at him.

"No.." he shook his head.

"I'm sure there's enough for three of us."

I open the door, going downstairs as I can hear him following behind me. I directed him to sit at the dining table as I heated up the soup. While I was near the fridge, I grabbed two cans of milk tea.

I was wasting a perfectly good can of milk tea on him, but I felt a teeny bit nice today.

When the soup was hot, I scooped enough into two bowls each. I carefully brought the bowls over to the table, putting one in front of Sunwoo. I went back to the kitchen counter, getting spoons and also the cans of milk tea.

I walk back to the dining table, sitting next to him. I put one can next to his bowl, also giving him a spoon. His eyes light up at the sight of the milk tea, leaving me confused.

"Is this.. milk tea?! In a can?! Does it have boba in it??" His eyes widen in excitement.

"That's so cool! Where'd you get it? Was it expensive? Wow, that's so cool!" He ranted on and on, sounding like a four year old boy excited about legos.

"From the supermarket.." I mutter.

He notices my facial expression and he begins chuckling nervously, scratching the back of his head.

"Sorry, I don't have cans of milk tea in my house.. my parents-"

His eyes widen a little again, but he stops himself from speaking. His excited gaze and expression quickly turned into a sad one once he mentioned his parents.

There was obviously something going on between his parents, but it's none of my business.

"Sorry. I'm talking too much." He giggles bitterly, sipping on the soup.

What a strange boy.