Chapter 4

Almost Would Never be Enough

Flashback - 

          The first time you catch a whiff of smoke coming from a neighbor's chimney, you know fall officially arrives. It was years ago that Elle in Legally Blonde uttered the unsettling phrase, "Whoever said orange was the new pink is seriously disturbed" and Krystal thought she would be eating her words these days.

Where summers are too hot and humid, Springtime is unpredictable, and winter is way too cold for her taste, Fall, however, is perfect for Krystal. It's a sound and a feeling the girl doesn't think she has ever grown tired of, no matter how many times she has heard or felt it, there's nothing like the sound of leaves crinkling and breaking underneath her shoes.

It was one serene and comfortable morning to start a lesson with when her thoughts were wandering around the field outside the wide windows next to her, skipping through the numerous plans she has once the season break is around the corner.

          But as if God wouldn't let his human to be long-trapped in the comfort of their world, not long after, Professor Kim's heavy voice somehow interrupted when suddenly the door of the class burst open, revealing the notorious teenager looking very much common in her casual denim jacket and cracked-leather boots

"Sorry Professor Kim, I had some trouble on my way here", what's new? he probably thought the same. However, his gaze softened due to a particular reason, and she knew what was that about. 

Krystal can see her professor heaved a deep sigh, fixing his typical lecturer's specs which frame is a little too small for his face, "Have a seat now before I ask you to be outside", her grin was stretched wider. Krystal, however, ignored it, looking a bit more conscious than before

          The girl then walked casually to her seat which was two rows behind Jongsuk. Not a good spot for her to sit, she thought for Krystal will unintendedly look at her every time she turned her head to her right side. She didn't know why her whole being was just too sensitive. It's like her senses were multiplied as if telling her to be prepared of someone's remarks, her remarks, 

"Wow, nice hairstyle Lun", Krystal almost snorted upon the comment. Her seatmate just rolled her eyes and turned her focus on the girl who was wearing her stoic face, "Is it that bad? I look just fine, am I?",

The other girl was about to say that it was indeed, that bad. Yet, it was her best friend Luna that she was talking about, so she had no choice but to talk to her in a careful and more civil way

"I think, Uhm, you don't need to curl it that much, I mean-",

"Okay, I get it now", Luna cut her in, embarrassed to hear more about her new style's judgment from the honest girl. I should've listened to mom this morning, she hardly noted. She even remembered insulting her mom for her old-fashioned taste.

"I know how to fix it", she smiled to her seatmate, offering a problem-solving idea. Krystal was more than eager to help Luna with this one.

Luna looked at her curiously when she rummaged her bag, "I bring shampoo!", she rummaged her bag deeper while her tongue was out cutely, "and hairdryer, I mean in my locker because I wouldn't bring it here in class, obviously", she whispered, Luna soon grinned in relief.

"You know what, I'm glad that you're my best friend"

          See? this is the type of situation Krystal has always been looked up to. The other girl meant no harm with her words, if anything, Amber was the only one who can make Luna aware that her hair wasn't as good as she thought it is.

Her books and the blackboard was no longer get her attention for it wandered around followed by her gaze to her right side. There, she can find a pair of brown orbs looking back at her, supporting her chin with her hand before the latter widened her eyes and turned her head to Professor Kim. I see it, she caught her off guard actually, looking at how red the cheeks from where Krystal was.

Among the other students, surrounded by fall's distinguished scent she loved, the same curiosity persisted.

Krystal turned her attention back to the blackboard with a knowing smile as she subconsciously tied her hair, didn't realize that it became her habit whenever her heart feeling that itch.

"I will need someone's help, or two to bring me the books from my room", her lecturer's voice pulled her attention back, pointing to that notorious student, "Amber since you're late, you will take it for me"

"Who wants to accompany her taking the books?", the students were pretended to read their books right away, didn't notice that someone lifted her hand eagerly

"Nice, now you both off to go"

          Amber can feel her body fidgeting while she waited for the other girl to walk in the lift. She almost preferred to take the books by herself though, didn't expect at all that her classmate would volunteer to help her. The thing is, she never ever once imagine that the Jung was kind enough to volunteer herself. It was later then when Amber figured that maybe she has hurt her best friend that making the other girl would perhaps confront her, like what she done in the past

The walk was silent, with Amber swatted away the dry leaves falling to her head in a frown. The girl which left two strides behind looking at her in amused.

"You hate pretty much everything huh?", Amber stopped before she turned her body, she didn't look like she was about to confront her though. Amber scrunched her brows comically

"Not everything", she shrugged, that kinda brought a nerve rise up to Krystal's spine. She shook her head immediately, brushing away the weird thoughts

Nice, then now she will think that you're interested in her life. Krystal was lucky enough when the girl didn't respond to her any further. Saved from her own embarrassment, she walked silently behind that sturdy frame. That was before Krystal noticed that Amber slowed down her strides to walk beside her.

She can feel that itch then when she noticed just how clear her side profile was from there, along with the fallen leaves which continuously getting to her head. She's dangerous alright, but not to her. In fact, she didn't think she ever had a cuter friend in her life.

It was a fleeting moment that Krystal no longer could deny an undeniable fact: Amber is kinda attractive

She wondered why of all of the students, it seemed like she's the one who noticed it.

Everyone hates her, remember? she told herself. That did an unsettled feeling in her guts, but somehow in the most unexpected way, it also relieved her. 

With that, Krystal smiled and peeking at her profile, "Tell me what you like then"

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