V O I C E

1.8 C L A Y

In no time at all, a white Chevy Impala swerved into sight. They parked in front of me and showed me the phone. "Y/n?"

I nodded, and he smiled. He unlocked the car, and I climbed into the backseat. "So... A pottery studio, huh? Are you into hands-on art, then?" He questioned.

I nodded but didn't look him in the eyes, I just twiddled with my thumbs.

"Okay, quiet ride it is. If you don't like the music, just let me know." I glanced up to watch him mess with his phone, shift the car into gear, and pull away from the school. The music that he started playing was some kinda death rap. It was violent sounding, but I didn't mind it. It reminded me of the music my older brother would play.

When he pulled up outside of the building, I slid an extra tip into a little bin he had on his middle console. A quick and quiet thank you.

I rushed inside and waved at the cashier standing at the front. I went all the way into the back and found a clean spin table to put my things at. Once I had things settled, I turned to see my mom. She had a dirty apron on, and her hair was a mess. "Oh, honey! You're early. I just got done getting some broken pieces in to soak. What did you wanna do today?"

"Umm... what about a vase or bowl or something small? I want to have it at the dorm with me."

She nodded and gathered two small blocks of clay. "I closed off the workshop today. Is it okay if I join you?" She asked.

I rolled my eyes dramatically. "Wow, so you weren't originally? Of course, you can. Why do you think I requested it be here?"

The speaker on the shelves behind us played a gentle tune, the complete opposite of the ride here, and we got to work. My mother made a beautiful vase with a removable drain dish, and I made an average-sized vase with a wavy lip and large circles lightly carved around the sides.

"That's beautiful honey, and that's just going with the flow?" My mom praised. I gave her a large smile as a response and we carried our pieces to her kilns. Since the shop was closed we had more room, so she had to put her pieces in separately to bake.

I checked the time on my phone after we walked out, "I better get going now. Should I order another car?" I asked her, knowing she would offer to drive me back.

"Oh honey, save your money! I'll drive you back just let me close up the rest of the way and send the cashier home." I smiled and watched her go back into the shop. I gathered my things and waited for my mom by her car. After a few minutes, she was rushing out with her employee hot on her trail.

"Bye Mrs. Lim! Bye Y/n!"

"Goodbye, dear! I'll see you in the morning!" My mother called to her, I waved goodbye as she clambered in her truck and drove off.

My mom and I got in her car and she fiddled with her GPS before speeding off.

When she pulled into the visitor parking lanes at the dorm hall, she kept the doors locked. "Alright, I'm going to paint and glaze that for you, but you can't be mad at what I make!" My mom held out her pinky to me, "promise?"

I looped mine through hers, "I promise. I'll love whatever you make."

We kissed our thumbs and touched them together before giving each other an awkward hug. She unlocked the doors and I made my way into the dorm hall.

"Well, there you are! I was wondering if you got kidnapped on your way there!" Seokmin jumped up and shouted from her chair in the middle area. Everyone in the group was sitting around. They all turned to smile at me and wave; as I approached I saw cards on the table.

Everyone greeted me and I gave them a confused look.

"Did you wanna join the game? We can start again." Jeongin offered.

"Only cause you're losing and you want to cheat this time." Seungmin piped in.

I looked at the Uno cards in their hands. Seungmin had three while Jeongin had to split his into two hands. He pouted and I shook my head.

"Join us anyway! It's the weekend, let's bond!"

I nodded and sat at the table on the floor. There was an empty armchair to my right and some room next to me in the corner between the couch and chair. I watched them roll through the rest of the game, but the only thought on my mind was an obsession with how these people could just accept me into their lives without knowing a thing about me. I put my head against the table and smiled to myself. Right now it doesn't matter what they think of me, all I care about is the fact that I'm included.

I heard a shuffle next to me, and when I glanced over I watched Felix sit on the armchair, then I turned to see Hyunjin sliding to the floor on the other side of me.

Hyunjin smiled at me and patted my hand, then he focused his attention on the next round. When I glanced back at Felix, he was already looking at me. I stared at him for a few seconds longer, he looked like he wanted to say something. As I started to turn, I swear I watched him mouth the words "I'm sorry."

[chapter part finished: June 13, 2020]

[chapter part edited: August 14, 2024]

This was long, but I liked the way it turned out

IT WAS SO BAD BEFORE MY GOODNESS