“Yah.”

You winced at the tone he was using at you. One would think that you already got used to it; since he always used that tone ever since you both dated five months ago. He had never once addressed you with your name, opting to use a word that could only be considered as rude.

You shot him a curious look. He raised his eyebrow and asked if you were listening. You gave him a sheepish grin, making him roll his eyes.

“Yah. I’m going off. See you later.”

Without waiting for your reply, he walked away. This wasn’t something unusual; it happens most of the time.

You hadn’t minded his attitude, because Myungsoo was never good with talking. He was not very sociable, and is cold towards everyone. Despite his coldness, you know he cared about you deeply. So you didn’t mind it at first.

Not until you bumped into a group of girls during lunch break that day. Myungsoo mentioned something about ‘Sungyeol’, ‘soccer’, ‘dumb’, ‘headshot’ and ‘nosebleed’ beforehand, so he was off to the clinic while you were on your way back to your classroom. It was fifteen minutes before the bell rings when those girls stopped you.

“Are you really Kim Myungsoo’s girlfriend?”

You gulped, not really feeling scared but it felt awkward.

“Yes… Can I help you?”

“I don’t know what’s so good about you.” The tallest one said. “I bet he’s just playing with you since you look easy.”

“I saw the both of you the other day. Does he even treat you like a girlfriend?” The one who looked like the leader mocked, “He called you with “YAH”. Yah, that’s how I called my maid!”

They continued laughing annoyingly and taunting you, but you kept quiet about it. You did feel like your heart was stomped over again and again – after all you have been wondering for a while about the very issue they were talking about.

“Excuse me, girls, what are you doing?”

Hoya stood there, hands folded in front of his chest. Dongwoo, who was beside him, raised his eyebrows. They were both Myungsoo’s close friends, along with Sungyeol. The four of them were well known as the ‘face’ of the school, since they were handsome and all.

“O-Oppadeul!” The girls got nervous. “W-We are j-just chit chatting.”

“Oh. Really?” Dongwoo stared at them.

The leader gulped and stuttered, “A-A-Annyeong!” before running away, all her followers stumbled after her.

You let out a sigh as you face-palmed. “Thank you, Howon-ah. Dongwoo oppa.”

“Did they do anything to you?” Dongwoo asked, worried. After all, you were his best friend’s girl friend; it was only natural that he cared for you too.

“No, they were just talking to me.” You replied, smiling bitterly. “Don’t tell Myungsoo, ok?”

You could see that Dongwoo was about to protest, but Hoya stopped him. You thanked them again before leaving the scene, heading to your class as the bell rang.

*

“Yah.” He called you. “Kaja.”

You simply grabbed your already packed schoolbag and left the class, waving at a few of your classmates who were chatting near the door. Myungsoo was already strolling ahead – he never walked by your side. Nor has he ever held your hand.

Are we even dating? Does he even remember my name? I wouldn’t be surprised if he doesn’t, since he has never called me by my name before…

You were so deep in thought that you didn’t realize Myungsoo had stopped. You let out a small ‘oomph’ as you bumped into his back.

“Yah.” He turned towards you. “What are you thinking about? Stop daydreaming.”

Normally you will laugh it off, trying to make joke at how dumb you were. Myungsoo would normally rolled his eyes and continued walking, leaving you to entertain yourself. But this time, it was different.

You grabbed his sleeve – you could see him flinch but ignored it, although your heart did hurt – and looked at him in the eye.

“Myungsoo-ah.” You uttered, serious. “Can you call me by my name?”

Myungsoo seemed shocked by your request – you can tell since he did not retort straightaway like always. You waited for a second before he suddenly stepped back, slipping away from your grip.

“Yah.” Myungsoo started. “Don’t be ridiculous.”

Your heart shattered at his words and it was really, really difficult to convince yourself then that he only blurted it out because of his personality. Knowing that you wouldn’t be able to hold your tears back, you bit your lip and ran off, leaving Myungsoo there, frozen.

It hurts.