Ki Bum’s POV

Classes had ended half an hour ago, but I still haven’t got the chance to catch a glimpse of Nicole. She was always waiting for me outside of the classroom, so it made me wondered if anything had happened to her.

Just as I was about to turn around and leave, I saw her walking down the hallway. I started to wave happily at her but the smile faltered on my face when I saw the guy who was walking beside her.

They were talking and laughing together that she didn’t notice my presence in front of her.

I cleared my throat to get her attention. She stopped in her tracks and looked up startled.

Her smile widened when she saw me.

Oh, so she was happy to see me?

“Ki Bum! Have you finished classes?”

“School ended 30 minutes ago Nicole, in case you’ve forgotten,” I said dryly.

“Ah! Nay! Um, so are you heading home now?”

“I thought we were supposed to get a present for Ji Young? For her birthday?” I reminded her.

“Oh!” she smacked her forehead. “Did we plan it today? I totally forgot about it. I’ve promised Jae Jin I’d go out for lunch with him,” she said sheepishly.

“Jung Nicole, you promised me,” I said pointedly. “And isn’t Ji Young one of your close friends? Her birthday is this weekend.”

“Hey, it’s okay,” Jae Jin interrupted. “We can do it another day. You can go ahead with Ki Bum.”

“But...are you sure you’re okay with it?”

He gave her an assuring smile.

“Don’t worry about it okay?”

“Or why not you tag along with us?” Nicole suggested. “It would be fun. And besides, you can help us pick out a present too.”

“Ah. Do you think that’s a good idea?” he asked, looking straight at me.

I pretended not to notice and turned the other way.

“Nay. Key, you don’t mind do you?” she tugged at my arm.

That’s the thing with Nicole. No matter how irritated I am, I can never stay mad at her for too long.

“Fine. Let’s just go.”

She might as well just go ahead with Jae Jin in the first place. I felt like I’m the odd one out with them. Nicole seems to give all her attention on him, and forget about me; her supposed best friend.

I don’t know why I’m feeling this way. Perhaps it’s because, I’ve never seen Nicole close with any other guys before except for me. I’m not used to sharing her with anyone.

Or maybe...

I’ve fallen for her.

The feeling I get whenever I see her with Jae Jin, isn’t just simply anger; it’s jealousy.

I’m jealous of how happy she seems to be whenever she’s around him. I’ve never seen her smile like that when we spend time together.

Could it be possible, I love her more than a friend?

No.

I can’t.

I can’t ruin our friendship.

I can’t love Nicole that way.