26th June 2016

___________________

 

“So there will be a transfer student in your class?”

 

You nodded your head as the two of you made your way down the bus and towards the school gate, merging together with the other students who were also heading in. The class was informed of the new student last week, everyone was excited. Well, mostly the girls since everyone was told it was a male. The town was rather small, everyone literally knew each other since they were kids. It was pretty rare to have someone from outside move into the neighbourhood.

“It’ll be funny if the guy wasn’t as handsome as they said he’d be.” you giggled at the thought of it, “The girls would be so disappointed.”

 

Cha Haewon, you, was in your second year of high school. Aged 17. You lived with your parents as the only child in the family. There’s nothing special really, you’re content with the way your life currently is. You had never liked being in the spotlight, always blending in the crowds like a wallflower. You’re a cheerful carefree girl that only needs your small happy family and a few good friends...and Kyungsoo, definitely Kyungsoo.

 

Kyungsoo chuckled along and lead the way to your classroom before heading to his - a routine the two of you tend to do everyday. He handed your books back (he insisted on carrying) and grinned. “I’ll see you at lunch then? You can tell me all about it later.”

 

You stared at the boy in front of you - Do Kyungsoo. You have known him since forever; his family was always over at your house when you were kids. Your parents were practically best friends. The first time you saw him, you could vaguely remember telling him that you wanted to marry him. He never rejected nor accepted the idea. He simply gave you an adorable heart smile causing his chubby cheeks to look chubbier. Your parents thought it was cute. Right now, years later, he’s still as caring and as loving only that he grew more charming. His short black hair was making him look even matured rather than his long fluffy mushroom head in elementary school. Plus his body was starting to look muscular as the days pass ever since last summer when he took up a part-time job at the local gym. Though he was a year above you, he would still walk you to class and take care of you and maybe, just maybe, you might still want to marry him one day.

 

“Definitely,” You returned the grin and waved goodbye as you watched him took a few steps backward before heading to his own class a floor above.

 

Everyone in class was restlessly waiting in their seat as the final morning bell rang. There were still no signs of the new kid and everyone was starting to get agitated. Whispers were heard left and right. Who is this handsome prince charming? - as described by the vice president of the student council.

 

Suddenly, the door clicked open and instantly everyone’s heads turned. Their homeroom teacher, Mrs Jang strode into the room with her usual books and long ruler but the tall male tailing her caused a burst of gasps and squeals from the girls and had the guys rolling their eyes. Your own eyes widened at the male’s presence. His height was taller than average and his built was of an athlete - broad shoulders, slim waist and his uniform clung perfectly onto his upper body. He had the looks of a prince charming however his aura seemed too dark and mysterious to be one.  His expression was void of any emotions but there was something about his eyes that captured your attention.  

 

Mrs Jang slammed her long ruler on the teacher’s desk and glared, “Settle down.”

The soft murmurs and whispers quiet down and all eyes were on the male, eagerly waiting for the boy to introduce himself.

 

“As I mentioned last friday, we are having a new student in this class.” Mrs Jang said before turning to prince charming, “You may introduce yourself to the class.”

 

The silence was eerie as anticipation grew. You watched as his eyes scanned the room, looking at almost everyone before finally landing on you. Eyes locked causing your breath to hitch, momentarily forgetting how to breathe.. You felt goosebumps run down your spine. It was as though he was draining your energy but you couldn’t pull away. His gaze was so intense that everything else seemed to disappear from reality.

 

“My name’s Kim Jongin. I moved here last week, I hope we can get along well.” His deep voice rang in your ears. Almost everyone (the girls) broke out into cheers and gleefully clapped like seals. His eyes were still locked with yours and it was as though he was saying those words directly to you and only you.

 

There was a pat on your back and finally you managed to break the eye contact. “Hey, you feeling okay? You look pale.” Soojung, your seat partner, gave you a worried gaze. You shook the feeling off before finally nodding your head, “I’m fine.”

 

The girls started squealing and pleading about wanting the transfer student to sit next to them - since it was a small class, there were plenty of empty seats. It was starting to get rowdy.  Mrs Jang slammed her ruler on the desk once more, “Right. Now, Jongin, you may occupy the seat behind Haewon,” On cue, Mrs Jang looked at you, “Can you please raise your ha-”

 

But before Mrs Jang could even finished her sentence, Jongin was already walking towards your direction as if he had already knew who you were. Your eyes widened but you dare not look at him directly in the eyes again. You felt a soft brush against your arm as he walked past and settled down in the chair behind. The class went silent for a while before Mrs Jang cleared to gain everyone’s attention again.

 

“I expect everyone to help Jongin settle down in this new environment. Now, everyone take out your books we’re starting class after I take attendance.”

 

Groans and moans were heard but you could not help but feel as though someone was constantly watching your back the entire time.

 

 

 

*

 

 

 

The lunch bell rang and the class was dismissed. You could barely pay attention throughout the whole morning lessons. You took in a deep breath before packing your books into your locker. Maybe a little food would make me feel better you thought. The locker door slammed close with a loud pang before you your heel only to see the new kid across the hallway. Instantly your eyes locked again, his face still void of any expressions. That funny feeling came again...

 

...like you were being pulled.

 

“Won-ah!” Kyungsoo’s voice rang in your ears and snapping you out of it, “I told Baek to save us a seat! Shall we go?”

 

You gave him a small smile and hummed, “Mhmm, let’s go…I’m starving.”

 

The cafeteria was packed (and noisy too) like any other day. Students filling the area up to the brim. After grabbing lunch from the queue, you and Kyungsoo spotted Baekhyun alone at the round table waving excitedly trying to catch your attention. Barely a second passed after the two of you sat down and Baekhyun was already throwing question after question regarding the new boy. Typical Baekhyun.

 

“So tell me is he cute? Or is Junmyeon just pulling our leg and being sarcastic? Though he isn’t the type to do that...What does he look like? Have you talked to him?” Baekhyun went on and on. You laughed when Kyungsoo rolled his eyes already at his limit though lunch had just begun.

 

“Let her eat Baek, we’ve only got an hour.” Kyungsoo snapped which caused Baekhyun to whine.

 

“But I want to know all the gossip! I need details!” He failed his arms dramatically like a kid. Though annoying to many, Baekhyun’s charms were simply cute and vibrant to you. You had met him through Kyungsoo upon entering high school and Baekhyun had instantly self-declared himself a friend. You simply couldn’t resist his contagious smile. Though Kyungsoo and him bicker a lot since they’re practically polar opposites, they still get along very well - being in the same classes and all that. They said opposites attracts, guess they really do.

 

You took a sip of your drink before answering to Baekhyun’s list of endless questions, “Uhm, he’s actually pretty good looking. He had all the girls in my class swooning that’s for sure. He’s definitely tall. Tanned skin, slim figure and...i don’t know, he has this gaze that captivates everyone” or maybe just me.

 

“He sounds pretty much like every girl’s wet dream.” Baekhyun chuckled. “So you talked to him?”

 

“Shut up Baek.”

 

Baekhyun didn’t seem to be affected by Kyungsoo’s glare and instead. “Aww don’t be a grumpy old man Kyungsoo. It ain’t good for your reputation.”

 

Kyungsoo simple threw a few pieces of corn from his tray and laughed, “I ain’t grumpy, you’re just annoying and I totally don’t need a reputation.”

 

The three of you laughed it off before you realized that Junmyeon wasn’t around. “Hey, is Junmyeon oppa not joining us today?”

 

“Probably giving prince charming a school tour.”

 

Kyungsoo raised a brow at this. “Isn’t the president supposed to be doing that? Not the vice-president?”

 

“Beats me. You know how Kris is, he won’t do .”

 

What followed after was an extremely cheerful Junmyeon popping out of nowhere with a ‘Hey guys!’ - embarrassing as always I might add. “Say hello to the new transfer student, you guys don’t mind him sitting with us right?”

 

At those words, your ears perked up and you had never looked up so fast before. Indeed, there stood Jongin holding his tray of food next to Junmyeon. He stared intently at you for a few seconds, though his gaze was softer than before. Was there something on my face? Suddenly there was a flash of yellow in his eyes and your brows pinched together. What was that? Am I crazy now? You shook your head a little before continuing your meal, not wanting to look up again. Baekhyun on the other hand was delighted to be meeting the new kid, “Holy Hyung! He really does look like prince charming - just like you said!”

 

Junmyeon eyes widened at the comment and Jongin laughed.

 

“Do I already have a reputation here?” Jongin spoke.

 

Baekhyun’s eyes widened at the word and turned to Kyungsoo, “Do you hear that Soo? He understands how I feel! Why can’t you be more like him!” Kyungsoo ignored him and hummed to himself.

 

“No-No! It’s nothing! He’s lying!” Junmyeon stuttered out of embarrassment before hitting Baekhyun on the head as a warning. Kyungsoo snorted all he wanted was a peaceful meal, “Sit down and eat. Don’t mind Baekhyun, he’s an overgrown kid.”

 

“Yah!”

 

Junmyeon sat down next to Kyungsoo and Jongin settled down beside him, directly opposite you. You cursed the table for being so small and continued to avoid his gaze, hurriedly trying to stuff food down your throat so that you wouldn’t need to say a word. Kyungsoo seemed to notice and stared at you while Junmyeon was busy introducing and explaining more about the school. You felt Kyungsoo’s gaze on your skin and directed your attention to him - who was still staring. You raised a brow in question. Then he reached out and brushed his thumb against the corner of your lips, wiping off some crumbs.

 

“Slow down, you’re going to choke if you do that.” He whispered only for you to hear. You felt your cheeks heat up but nodded your head anyways, Kyungsoo has always been your soft spot. You brought your own fingers to brush against your lips self-consciously and saw that Baekhyun was grinning at you. The little .

 

“Ah! Haewon-ah! Jongin’s in your class right? So I’m going to need you to be my little helper.” Junmyeon said while putting on his thinking face - the one where he stares at the ceiling and well, thinks. “Basically you’ll just need to help him adapt and make sure he’s not having trouble with the school work.”

 

You frowned at this and protested, “But Oppa, I’m already busy with the school fair preparations for the student council and plus homewor-”

 

“Nonsense, I’m just asking you to be a friend to him.” Junmyeon smiled, “Please?”

Before you could say anything else Baekhyun butted in, “Yeah then you can show off to everyone and all your friends that you’re friends with prince charming.”

 

“That’s not the point Baekhyun.” Kyungsoo sighed.

 

“It’s not really a problem. I’d do fine on my own.” Jongin spoke out.

 

Junmyeon however didn’t think that was acceptable. “Haewon’s a bright girl, she can help you if you’re stuck with school work. The two of you can get along well right?”

 

Hesitantly you stole a quick glance at Jongin and he didn’t seem as cold and mysterious as he did before. You watched as his lips twitched in attempt of a small smile and your lower lip jutted out into a pout, giving in. “Yeah, I can do that.”

 

“Brilliant!”

 

 

 

*

 

 

 

Turns out, Jongin didn’t really need help. He was smart, really smart. He managed to get his tasks done before majority of the class did and that made the girls swoon harder - because prince charming has not only the looks but the brains too.  Perfect. After Junmyeon explained his thoughts and plans to Mrs Jang, you ended up having to abandon the title of being Soojung’s seat partner and changed it into Jongin’s seat partner. It had caused a lot of whines when Mrs Jang announced it after lunch but they were all ignored and classes began.

 

“Sorry” you had told Soojung with a puppy look

 

Soojong gave a smile and pinched your cheeks, “You’re just sitting behind me stupid.”

 

Classes went by but Jongin and you barely spoke a word to each other. He seemed to be pretty capable in taking care of himself. His presence made you a little stiff and you were so close to each other that you could practically feel his body heat radiating against your side. You couldn’t help but steal a few quick glances of his side profile. He was truly a masterpiece. An artist would want to sketch his every detail. You stared a little too long at his strong jawline when he turned abruptly. He raised a brow and you brought your attention back to the lesson.

Smooth Haewon, real smooth.

 

For last period, it was homeroom, Mrs Jang came in and briefed the class regarding the school fair that was coming up and the class had to contribute to it. That was when Jongin spoke to you for the very first time since class started.

 

“What’s the school fair about?” He spoke softly as his body leaned slightly against yours.

 

It caught you off guard but you tried your best explaining it to him anyways, “It’s this annual event to help raise funds for the local orphanage and elderly in the village. Every year, each class has to contribute something that is related to the theme.” You couldn’t help but realize how close he was. The sleeve of his uniform was brushing against yours.

 

A genuine smile tugged on his lips and he looks oh-so-handsome. “Sounds fun. What’s this year’s theme?”

 

You gulped before stuttering out, “H-Halloween.”

 

Just then a voice perked out, “How about a photo booth? We can buy props and set up a tent or table, a background. We can take turns being photographers and Minsoo has those instant photo printers. Right Minsoo?” The boy named Minsoo nodded his head while scratching his head.

 

Mrs Jang seemed to be taking it into consideration “Does the class agree with this?”

Everyone kept silent but it didn’t seem to be bad suggestion. People loved taking pictures to capture memories. “It’s settled then you have this week and next week to prepare, I expect everyone to take part and Haewon, can you update the student council for me?”

 

“Yes ma’am.” You half groaned.

 

A second later, you jerked in your seat when you felt your phone buzzed in your pocket. Stealthily (after years of experience) you pulled it out and unlocked it.

 

I’ve got club committee meeting today.

Won’t be taking the bus with you back today. Sorry :(

-Kyungsoo

 

Your shoulders dropped in disappointment before texting a quick reply back.

It’s okay Oppa, I’ll see you tomorrow then!

 

Looks like it would be a lonely bus ride home today….

 

 

 

*

 

 

 

School ended half an hour later, with the bell ringing so loud and everyone sighing in relief - another dreadful school day was over. You did your usual routine of packing your bag, bidding goodbye to everyone (including Jongin, surprisingly), stopping by your locker before heading out of the school premises to the bus stop across the road. You plugged in your earpiece planning to have music chase the lonely feeling away.  

 

The bus came sooner than expected and you boarded it without a second thought. It wasn’t until 10 minutes into the bus ride that you spotted Jongin in the same bus. He was standing near the door at the middle of the bus with his own earpiece and eyes glued to his phone in his palm. You started to wonder where he moved to. There weren’t much land in the town anyways since half of the area was surrounded by the forest.

 

The remaining bus ride was spent staring and wondering about the transfer student. Where did he live before? Why did he move? Why choose to move into a secluded village? The bus stopped and you realized Jongin was alighting - it was the same stop you were alighting at.

 

Weird.

 

It wasn’t like you were following him but he was simply heading the same direction. Curiosity kept growing each step you took. He didn’t seem to notice you following behind and kept walking. Finally he took a turn to cross the narrow street and you continued down the path, occasionally turning to check if he was still there at the other side of the road while keeping a few steps behind him. Your house was located at the end of the road near the forest. By the time you had arrived at your front door, you realized Jongin was standing at the front door across yours - the only other house at the end of the road.

 

He's the new neighbour?