Golden Child Short Stories

Let Me Help You

I felt like updating twice. I was in the writing spirit, so here's another one of my stories. Hope you like it.

"Open textbooks to page 151. We'll be continuing this unit for the rest of the week. Please, get with your partners, you have exactly 45 minutes, today."
That was the last thing my teacher said before I watched my classmate jump happily towards me.

I don't know what to feel about this kid.
Either, I feel the need to roll my eyes at his stupidity or laugh at his humor.
To be honest, I didn't even choose to be partnered with him.
I didn't want to be partnered with anyone. I'm fine working on my own.
Oddly, though, he wanted to be my partner, and I just couldn't decline, when he's done nothing to me, so, why turn him down?

He didn't deserve the rejection, even though, his comments and jokes in class are lame.
That's just how he is, and I appreciate his effort into making this boring class more of a circus.
At least, he puts a smile on my face, or when he's lucky, a giggle out of me.
After a few days of working on this project, I've gotten to know him truly. He's kind and is a sweetheart. I guess I should've studied closer to notice his generosity. I misunderstood him.

Ever since, we were partnered together, speculation has been going around.
And, I understand, why.
To think the polar opposites in the class chose to partner up.
Why would someone so loud, chaotic, and fun want to be with someone so...opposite? I also question it, sometimes.
Why, me? And why does he seem so happy around me?
I don't want to think of the worst. I don't want to bring those delusions in mind...so I decided to ask him about it today before this whole week ends, because then I won't be able to sit with him anymore.

"Sup, partner."
"Hey..." I barely let out as I watched him make his way over.
Did time suddenly stop once he started to smile at me?
Something about his smile always catches me off guard.
It's just too..happy, bright, and beautiful...?

I almost didn't even notice that he had already sat down and situated his things thanks to me malfunctioning.
I gaze at him as he flipped through his book to the right page, took out his pen, and ripped out a piece of college-ruled paper.

"Let's get this done quick, okay? Seems like we only have 2 days for this...weird." He says.
I puzzled at his statement.
"Time flew by so fast..sadly.."
I puzzled even more..'Sadly.' What does that mean? Because we aren't done, yet, or is it because...? No, no, no...

"Well, what were we working on?"
I snap out of my thoughts and refreshed his mind.
He mouthed an 'oh' and continued his work.
I stared again and contemplated if I should ask him about it.

Would he think of me any differently if I asked him that?
Should he? No, I deserve to know why. But, is it really a big deal?
It was too late, anyway. I couldn't stop myself once I've called his name.

"Jangjun~ah..."
He turned his head. He looked surprised.
"Hm?"
I froze, and couldn't think of how to put it. He stared intently, patiently waiting for me to say something.
I probably looked like a fool in front of him.

"I-I just..have a q-question..."
There goes my stuttering. Knew this would come.
"Sure.." He angled his body towards me, now. Giving his fullest and upmost attention.
This made me feel way more nervous than I should be.
It shouldn't be such a hard question.

"Do...you know w-why you wanted to be my..partner?
He pauses as he takes in my question. Then, a grin perked up.
"Why? Why the question?"
"Uh-uhhh...I just wanted to know."
"I knew you'd ask that..."
He looked again and leaned in his chair...playing with his pen..

"Just.."
I listened closely...I never thought I'd be so hopeful.
"Because you're quiet.." He scoffed and shrugged.
My shoulders fell and my face dropped. I probably looked so hopeful.
That definitely did not surpass my expectations.
"O-oh.."