Stranger | Yang Jeongin

15.Middle School pt.2

Jaehwa POV

Study Time

"Jaehwa~" Hyunjin called as he walked through the door.

I looked over to see him walking with two cartons of milk in his hand.

"Why do you have two?" I asked.

"I brought one for you of course," he said as he held one out to me.

"Ah, thanks but Seungmin just brought me one," I said as I held it up.

"Oh.."

"I'll take it," Jeongin said as he took the milk from Hyunjin's hand.

"Where's Eunhee?" I asked.

"Right here," she said as she walked in. "I got some news too," she continued as she sat down.

"What is it?"

"I think we're close to finding out who Stranger is."

"How?"

"On my way back from the restroom I walked past your locker and saw this in front of it. I mean anyone could've dropped it but you never know," she said, placing a pin on the desk.

I picked it up and examined it.

"It looks familiar."

"Right, I feel like we've seen it somewhere."

"Isn't it Jeongin's?" Seungmin asked.

"That's right, isn't this the pin Hyunjin gave you?"

"Yeah, you always keep it on your backpack," Eunhee added.

"It must have fallen while I was walking through the hall this morning," he said as he nervously took it from me.

Hyunjin and Jeongin started talking about something and Seungmin was taking a nap. I was about to get up and throw the trash away until Eunhee stopped me.

"Oh right, I forgot. Are you busy this weekend?" she asked.

"No, why?"

"Beomgyu and I are going to the amusement park and I was wondering if you could come?"

"And third wheel, no thanks."

"Noo, invite Jeongin," she whispered.

"Do you think he'd go?" I whispered back.

"It's worth a shot right, good luck," she smiled.

"Wait-"

"Hey Hyunjin, come with me to buy some bread," Eunhee said as she stood up and dragged Hyunjin out the door.

"What was that all about? They can't even stand a minute without arguing," Jeongin said as he sat down.

"I don't know.."

I stared at my desk and fiddled with my fingers before mustering up the courage to ask.

"Hey, Jeongin. Let me ask you something."

"What is is?" he looked at me.

"Are you free this weekend?"

"Yes, why?"

"Do you..maybe want to go to the amusement park with me?" I asked softly.

"J-just us?" he stuttered.

"No! Beomgyu and Eunhee are going," I panicked.

"Oh..yeah sure, I'll go," he smiled.

"Really? "It's settled then," I smiled back.

"So does this count as a date?" he asked suddenly.

A date? How could he ask that when my heart is already beating so fast.

"I guess you could say that," I mumbled.

I looked up as Jeongin was about to say something, but saw Jisung walk in.

"Jaehwa, it's been a while hasn't it," he said, walking over.

"Why are you here?" I asked.

"I came to drop this off and congratulate you for having such an amazing person in your group."

I rolled my eyes.

"So what does your little birdie have for me today?" I asked.

Something quite special," he winked as he handed me the envelope.

I raised an eyebrow before proceeding to open it.

-

Jaehwa,

Did my first hint confuse you? Heh, well here's your second hint. In middle school, I thought I was crazy for liking you since you were my friend. Don't get me wrong, we're still friends now. That's all for today! Good luck :)

Stranger

-

"Middle school?" I questioned.

That's when I started liking Jeongin. How am I supposed to keep track of anyone else? What if it's really Dowoon...

"What's that?" Seungmin asked as he woke up.

I handed it to him and let him read it. I looked to my left and realized Jisung was still there.

"Why are you still here?"

"I'm just curious what you're thinking," he shrugged.

Could it be Jisung? He might be using this messenger role as a disguise.

"I'm thinking it might be you."

"Woah there, I like you too my friend, but not like that," he shook his head.

"Then give me a hint."

"A hint? Hm.."

"He's really clumsy," he said after a minute.

Clumsy? The only people I know like that are Jeongin and Hyunjin, but it's obviously not Hyunjin.

I turned my head and studied Jeongin. He stared back at me in confusion.

"I'll help you," Seungmin said suddenly.

I switched my attention to him as he handed the paper to me.

"Today, after school, my house. We're going to figure this out," I said to him.

"Sounds like a plan," he nodded.