Nicole’s POV

“What do they mean when they say ‘A normal single guy and a normal single girl can’t only be best friends? There will be more to it’?”

“Yah. Why do you suddenly ask this?” Ki Bum looked questioningly at me.

I shrugged.

“I don’t know. I mean, it doesn’t always work that way. Look at us; we are still best of friends up until today. We are not like dating or anything.”

“Are you saying you want to date me?” he raised an eyebrow at me.

I smacked him lightly on the shoulder.

“You’re not really my type you know,” I said in mock seriousness.

He pretended to be taken aback by my statement.

“Jung Nicole, you do have a type after all!” he said dramatically.

This time, I pushed him hard enough until he fell off the swing

“Yah! What was that supposed to mean?”

“In my whole life, I’ve never seen you being close to any other guy except for me. Or talk to me about any guys that you like. How was I supposed to know you actually have those kind of feelings?”

“This isn’t exactly something a girl would share with her guy friend.”

“Do you have any female friends then?” he asked, knowing he has got me this time.

“Fine,” I gave in. “Blame it on my boyish traits.”

Ki Bum chuckled in amusement.

“Why are you being like that? You make it sound like as if there’s something wrong with you.”

“Well, maybe there is. Perhaps that’s why no one has asked me out before,” I pouted.

“Why in the world are you worrying about this now? Don’t worry. Worst come to worst, I’ll marry you myself,” he gave me a sly smile.

“Yah! I’m being serious here!”

“Wae? Is it so bad marrying me?”

“Anyo!” I said quickly. “You know that’s not what I meant.”

“Okay. Tell me,” he leaned forward. “What kind of guys do you like?”

I thought about it for a moment.

“Cute, charming, funny, sweet...I don’t know. I guess I’ll know when I see him.”

“Nicole-shi, you’re looking at...” but he was interrupted by someone.

“Um, excuse me. Sorry for disturbing. But can I ask you something?”

I looked up at the source of the voice.

Standing there in front of us, was a guy probably around our age and had a big backpack on his shoulder; like he had just arrived from somewhere. He looked like he really needed help.

I stood up to hear him better.

“Nay?” I asked in a friendly tone. “How can we help you?”

“This is my first time here actually and I’m looking for this house. Do you know where it is?” he asked.

I looked down at the address he had written down on a piece of paper.

“Oh! Sure. This is really near my house. I can show you the way!” I smiled brightly at him.

“Really? That would be great. Thanks,” he returned my smile.

I wished he would take off his shades, so I could get a better look at him.

“Ahem,” I heard Ki Bum clearing his throat.

“Oh. Do you want to follow us Key? Or you can wait here for me.”

“I think I better follow you,” he glanced disapprovingly at the new guy.

I love Ki Bum with all my heart, but sometimes I wished he wouldn’t be so protective of me.

“Please let me copy your homework. I totally forgot to do it yesterday.”

“Anyo! This is already the fifth time you’ve forgotten,” Ki Bum scolded me.

“Argh!” I grunted. “Please please?”

“N.O, no. You should try to do it by yourself.”

“I hate you,” I stuck out my tongue.

He did the same.

“You still love me anyway.”

“You...” I started to say something but then the teacher came into the class.

“Class, can I have your attention please?”

Immediately, the whole class turned quiet and everybody was focused on her.

“We have a new student with us today. You can come in now,” she called out to someone who was standing outside.

I turned to look at the new student eagerly.

Why does he seem familiar?

“Annyeong haseyo,” he greeted. “I’m Lee Jae Jin. I hope we can get along well from today onwards.”

He took a look around the class and his eyes fell on me. The second our eyes met, he gave me a knowing smile.

Of course. That smile. No wonder he looks so familiar.

It was the same guy who had asked for directions a few days before.

“Jae Jin,” my teacher said. “You can take a seat there, next to Nicole.”

I felt my heart flutter in excitement as he made his way towards me.

I didn’t know why; but Jae Jin is the first guy ever to make me feel this way.