*NARRATORS POV*

  All eyes were on them. Neither of them knew how to start; this situation wasn't exactly normal. The silence only made it worse.

  "Okay.", Minji bursted. "I'll explain, but you have to listen. No questions or interuptions.", she pointed.

  Each member nodded. They were all anxious to know what was going on, Myungsoo being the most anxious. 

  "So this guy", Minji started.

  "The guy that walked past", Hoya informed. Minji stayed silent for a moment, trying to find a group of words that would be a good way to explain. After so much thinking, she decided; there was none. Well, at least none she could come up with in a matter of minutes.

  "I met him in third period yesterday. He's the teachers son.", she paused for a moment, examining the change in each of their facial expression.

  "I don't know why, but he was trying to make me go on a date with him.", she let out a big sigh. "Hoya somehow found me at that moment and had to pretend to be my boyfriend to get him to leave.", she finished. All of the boys dropped their arms from their crossed positions.

  "So he believes you two are dating?", Woohyun asked. 

  "Pretty much.", Hoya answered.

  All of infinite nodded to themselves, putting the pieces together. 

  "Ah, that's where I recognize him from!", Sungjong exclaimed.

  "Huh?", Everyone questioned.

  "That's my teacher's son. The one Minji TA's for. I knew he was a mean guy.", hw wrinkled his nose.

  "Mm. Kure?", Myungsoo walked towards Sungjong. "You better keep an eye out for him during that period then. It's your responsibility to keep Minji safe.", he pointed. Inside, he felt bitter for giving that responsibility to the maknae; it was Myungsoo's job to keep Minji safe after all. But in third period he couldn't. And normally, he wouldn't have too.

  But now that she had to be watched, Myungsoo had to find a way to monitor her, leading to the next logical person for the job.

  At least its not Hoya.

 

  Now that everyone knew the truth, all of Infinite was on high alert. They weren't necessarily going to beat the guy to a pulp if they saw him walking around the school, but if it came to that they would- but Minji would never let that happen.  

  The bell rang, ending recess and signaling the start of first period.

  

  Sitting in his first period, Myungsoo was nervous. Based on the schedule today, he had no more classes with Minji, Hoya was in class with her right now, and she'd be in third period at the end of the day. He felt that bad luck had struck him again. It's been like this a lot lately. He was shaking his leg, biting his nails and staring intently at his desk. He wasn't paying attention to class or anything else of that matter. He was stuck within his thoughts about Minji.

  In another room somewhere in the school, Minji and Hoya were working on yet another lab. Their chemistry teacher made them do labs quite often. Now mixing chemicals and what not, Minji and Hoya were actually being very calm about this- compared to the first lab they did.

  "You've progressed a lot. You're not dropping the beakers anymore.", Minji chuckled.

  "Yah, it was just because I was tired and unfocused okay.", he countered.

  "You were tired and unfocused for the first five labs we've done?", she raised her eyebrow.

  Hoya turned and just stuck his tongue at her, not knowing a way to attack her back. She chuckled, knowing she won the argument. Minji turned back to the lab, making sure to measure the chemicals correctly. Hoya was focused at his work at first, but his mind somehow drifted off to the figure beside him. He rested his hands against the lab desk, and turned to look at her.

  Her eyes were squinted and her complete focus was on the chemicals. As she carefully poured the chemicals into another beaker, Hoya couldn't help but smile; she was flawless.

  He felt that fluttering feeling he felt every time he took the time to look at her and admire her; which was a lot.

  As her focus was intently on the lab, Hoya couldn't help but wish he was the chemicals she was mixing.

  Its clique and very cheesy- he knew- but thats all he wanted; for Minji to just look at him.

  For her to look at him the way she focuses on school.

  For her to look at him like he was something she admired.

  For her to look at him the way she looked at Myungsoo. 

  At that very moment, Minji turned to Hoya- locking eyes.

  Hoya was caught.

  He averted his eyes, looking around the classroom.

  "Oppa, im tired.", Minji stated, not even acknowledging the fact that she caught him staring at her. That was simply because she didn't notice. Their eyes made contact, yes; but her first conclusion wasn't that he was staring at her. In fact, she hadn't concluded anything about the situation at all. 

  Minji was the type that rarely assumed things.If she did, it was very very rare or based on solid evidence. 

  "Oh, Kure? I'll finish the rest.", Hoya grabbed the beakers away from Minji. 

  "Chincha? You're the best Oppa.", she gave him a 'thumbs up' and smiled. 

  Thats when he saw it.

  The admiration.

  It was in her eyes and in her smile.

  This gave Hoya's heart a soft feeling, but not the satisfaction. 

  Yes, there was admiration, but not the type he wanted. 

  She saw him as a brother; not a man.

  This ached his heart a bit but sent Hoya a urge of strength.

  You'll see me differently, someday.

 

 

  *MINJIS POV*

  Somehow the day had passed by in a blast and third period had come.

  Now in my seat next to Jaehwa, i worried about what would happen. In class, I could handle him but after class, maybe not. Without his mom around, he did what he wanted. 

  "Can you two just grade these test sheets? This is the answer key here.", Mrs. Lee handed them the paper. She set a pile of tests on their desk and they immediately started. 

  

  On the 11th paper I could already feel my head nodding off; This was a mental battle. My mind was fighting against my physical state. Jaehwa on the other hand, seemed to be wheezing through each test corrections like nothing. He took a look over to me and grabbed my pile, leaving only two papers.

  "Just do those two. Ill finish the rest". I couldn't tell wether I should've been thankful or not.

  "I can't figure you out. You do these mean things but you always help me too. What are you trying to pull?", I questioned while finishing the last test in my pile.

  "Im not trying to pull anything. That's just how I am. But this'll cost you though.", he tapped on the piles of papers with a pen.

  "Huh?"

  "Whats the love story between you and your boy toy?", he smirked.

  "He's not my boy toy.", I hissed.

  "Whatever. What's the history between you two?", he leaned in.

  The wheels in my head turned as I tried to recall what Hoya had said at the mall.

  "We met through Myungsoo, my childhood bestfriend. Eventually we fell for each other.", she concluded. 

  "First kiss?"

  "At the theatre, while watching a scary movie."

  "Favorite date?"

  "At the mall."

  "Mm, Kure? Alright."

  Something in the way he smirked made me feel he knew something I didn't know. 

  Could he already tell we weren't actually dating?

 

  Third period ended peacefully. Sungjong hadn't had to do much, Jaehwa hadn't tried to do anything.

  As I walk out of class, ahead of Sungjong, my mind was purely set on one thing; getting on the bus before Jaehwa could catch me.

  The thought then occurred to me that maybe it would've been safer to stay with Sungjong. As I turned around to look for him, it was too late. 

  Jaehwa was towering over me now. 

  Well. That was a big mistake.

 

  *NARRATORS POV*

 

  Rushing out of class, Myungsoo ran out the door. His eyes frantically searched the halls, in hopes of being the one to find her first. He continued to walk forward when something tugged on his wrists. He turned to check who it was; Haeun.

  "Myunggie, want to go eat with me?", she asked. Myungsoo's heart softened at her sweet tone of voice but he was more determined to find Minji.

  "Mian, I can't today. Something came up.", he pulled his wrist away. "Another day okay?"

  He ran through the hallway, away from Haeun.

  As myungsoo searched the Hallway, He found sungjong; without Minji.

  "Yah, Sungjong. Where's Minji?", he panted.

  "Hyung, Mianhe. She ran out of class ahead of me.", he pleaded.

  Myungsoo wasn't mad at Sungjong. Instead, he was just worried and anxious. Running faster, he searched the hallways and found her

  Standing

  With

  Jaehwa.

  Something in Myungsoo changed hi demeanor; Anger.

  He made his way to the two, finding Jaehwas hand on Minji's wrist. As soon as he got close enough, Myungsoo pulled Minji out of his grasp.

  "You sure do have a lot of saviors, huh princess?", Jaehwa chuckled.

  "Bastard", Myungsoo cursed under his breath. 

  Now behind him, Infinite stood and a crowd was gathering around. 

  "Oppa, lets just go.", Minji whispered, tugging on Myungsoo's wrist.

  He turned to look at Minji, his anger disappeared. 

  She was scared. She was desperate.

  Without argument, Myungsoo began walking away.

  Filled with Humiliation and anger, Jaehwa did what he thought was best; he pushed Myungsoo from behind.

  The force flew him forward, but didn't cause him to fall. Myungsoo turned back around. 

  His stare was deadly. Myungsoo had almost reacted with violence, but decided against it after thinking about Minji. It isn't worth it.

  He turned back around to walk away.

  "You can't do anything for her. Face it. None of you can.", Jaehwa chuckled. 

  This made all of Infinite angry. Myungsoo twirled back around.

  "Listen here, I don't give a damn if you intend to hurt me, but if you ever hurt Minji, I will make you pay.", Myungsoo spat out the last couple words with more force than the others.

  "Oh, really?", Jaehwa took a step forward.

  Minji, witnessing the whole scene, couldn't just stand and watch. Anger had stirred within her too. As Jaehwa took another step forward, Minji stepped in.

  Standing between Myungsoo and Jaehwa, Minji felt her anger turn into confidence.

  "Don't you dare disrespect them like that. Do you honestly think you're any better?", Minji spat out.

  "Mm, a little.", Jaehwa smirked.

  "Stop putting up this bad boy act. Do you honestly think a girl would truly like you for that?"

  "Oh, but a girl would like a wimp like him?", he chuckled, gesturing  to Myungsoo.

  "He has already accomplished more than you ever will in your whole lifetime.", she spat out, taking a step forward.

  Her sudden boost of courage had even cooled Infinite off. Somehow, they felt she had it handled.

  "Before you even try to compare yourself with him, at least make yourself a decent competitor.", she finished. This statement had even shocked Myungsoo. Minji was never the type to say something awful and mean it. Well, not much anyway.

  Jaehwa chuckled, but inside his pride was hurt. A girl had just called him pathetic. Soaked in anger, he did what he thought was best; attack her pride as well.

  An eye for an eye.

  "Seems like you care more for him than your boyfriend.", he chuckled. 

  This had put a hole through Minji's wall, but it didn't break it down.

  "Leave.", she forcefully commanded. Those words had affected her. She didn't know how much longer she could keep up her facade. 

  Satisfied with his last statement, Jaehwa backed off and walked away. 

  But they all knew the war wasn't over quite yet.

 

  "Minji-ah, you are seriously something.", Woohyun praised.

  The whole ride home the boys oo-ed and ah-ed about the way Minji stood up to Jaehwa. 

  Despite the almighty feeling she was afraid of what was to come the next time she saw him. 

  At least she didn't have third period tomorrow.

  They all hopped off the bus- tired. 

  All of infinite wanted to just take a nap. 

  "You guys want to do something?", Minji asked. She didn't have practice for another month since she was off season. 

  "We're a little tired today. Tomorrow maybe.", Sunggyu spoke for all of infinite. 

  As the trudged along home, Myungsoo silently stayed behind. He didn't want infinite to change their mind if they realized he'd stayed behind. When they were out of sight, he chased after Minji.

  "Hey! Minji! Let's do something.", Myungsoo called. 

  Minji turned around to find Myungsoo. 

  "Oh, Oppa", she smiled cheekily. She was glad it was just her and Myungsoo, it's been a while. 

  "Don't you have a date with Haeun?", she asked.

  "Ani. Since i'm free today, lets go out.", he linked his arms with her. Somehow, he felt this action was appropriate. It showed their closeness.

  "Where to?", Minji asked.

  "Mmm. What about a walk down memory lane?", he suggested.

 

  Now walking up the pathway to their old school, Myungsoo and Minji was enjoying their time.

  "Do you remember those three girls that used to stare at you like eagles?", Minji chuckled.

  "Yeah, what happened to them?", he asked.

  "I think they transferred", Minji tried to recall. "Im sure they're huge inspirits right now.", she chuckled. 

  They silently continued walking until they reached their old elementary school.

  They walked through the whole thing, reminiscing the time they spent together. They were inseparable. 

  After walking through most of the school, Myungsoo and Minji decided to take a rest.

  They made their way to the middle of the school where a flower bush was grown. Around that flower bush, a small wall was built around it, small enough for someone to easily climb over.

  On top of that wall,  sign read:

  DO NOT CLIMB

  Of course, Myungsoo and Minji never paid attention to that sign. As kids, when they needed time away from reality, they'd secretly climb behind the wall and into the flower bush.

  From the outside you couldn't tell, but there was a clear pathway made inside of the flower bush. It lead to the very center of the flower bush. The center was clear, with only grass underneath and the clear sky above. Of course, the space wasn't that big- but it didn't need to be. It only needed to fit two elementary students, after all. 

  "Let's go", Myungsoo climbed in first.

  "Yah, wait up!", Minji called following closely behind.

  They crawled through the familiar pathway.

  "Wah, this space seems much smaller than I remembered", Myungsoo said after arriving to their destination.

  "Well our bodies are much bigger than they used to be.", Minji said arriving right after.

  "We don't have room to lie down.", Minji pouted. 

  "Well one of us can", Myungsoo said.

  "Its not wide enough."

  "We can make room."

  "How do we do that?"

  Myungsoo didn't know what, but something told him to do what he did next.

  He laid his head on her lap.

  "Yah, what are you doing?", she scolded, trying to hide her cheeks. 

  Her heart was furiously beating. 

  "We're best friends. It's ok.", Myungsoo shrugged off. He used this excuse quite often. It may sound unconvincing, but it was true. Plus, he couldn't find any other reason to explain why he did certain things. 

  They stayed that way for a couple minutes, soaking in the scent of the flowers. Soon enough, Minji's thighs became numb. 

  "Yah, Oppa. You're heavy! My thigh is numb!", Minji complained.

  "Well, where else can we go?", Myungsoo asked, trying to persuade her to stay. 

  "The tunnel."

  All the way up the bike path, past the school, a tunnel stands. It leads to more houses. Past the tunnel, beautiful homes were set. With fancy garages and mailboxes, only the richest people lived there. But that wasn't what was so significant about the tunnel. No. It was the top of the tunnel that was special. 

  The way the tunnel is built allows kids to easily climb to the top; kids such as Myungsoo and Minji.

  Some days, they rode their bike up to the tunnel and climbed to the top. When they laid on top, they had a clear view of the sky. Nothing blocked it. The view was almost as if you were in the sky. 

  Now racing there, Minji and Myungsoo felt a sense of nostalgia. The way the wind blew their hair back, the familiar indications in the ground, even the sweat beading down their faces as they ran seemed almost exactly as it was when they were kids. 

  "I win!", Myungsoo touched the side of the tunnel.

  "Yah, is that something to be proud about? tsk. Beating a girl.", Minji pouted.

  Myungsoo chuckled and began climbing the tunnel with Minji right behind.

  He reached the top first and pulled Minji up. The breeze blew their hair out of their faces, cooling them off after their tiring run.

  "I haven't come here since you left.", Minji confessed, while laying her head against her arm. 

  Myungsoo felt a sense of dread. To know she hasn't been here for years hurt his heart. Especially when she had the opportunity to.

  "Wae?", he asked a bit sad.

  "I dont know. I just figured it wouldn't feel the same alone. Especially without you.", she sighed.

  Myungsoo could only imagine how lonely she felt. Yes, he was without his best friend too- but he had s. 

  "Mianhe. You must've felt lonely without me."

  "Oppa, I told you before I wasnt. At first it was lonely, but it got better.", she sighed. 

  "Ara, ara.", he replied. "I just- i dont know.", he sighed.

  They laid there for a moment in silence. 

  "Minji, it's getting da-". Myungsoo turned his head to find her sleeping peacefully. 

  Suddenly he heard a soft beat.

  Thump Thump

  He didn't know why, but he liked the way she looked as she was sleeping. She seemed peaceful and without worry.

  Let's just stay like this for a bit longer

 He thought.

  

  As the sun began going down, Myungsoo decided it was time to wake her up. He lightly shook her shoulder.

  "Minji-ah. Get up."

  "Mm.", Minji opened her eyes. As soon as she figured out where she was, she shot up.

  "Aish, its getting late. Why didnt you wake me?", she began to panic.

  "Yah, calm down. I just thought you needed the rest.", he tried to calm her.

  She slowed down her breathing and calmed down. 

  "Okay, lets go then.", she slid of the tunnel. Her hair sashayed behind. 

  Myungsoo then heard the sound again.

  Thump thump

  He slid down too, following Minji behind.

  As the sun began to set, the air became colder. Minji was getting cold. She rubbed her arms for warmth. 

  Myungsoo couldn't help but chuckle.

  He grabbed her hands and breathed into them then rubbed them. 

  "You were always sensitive to the cold. I should've brought a jacket for you.", he chuckled.

  "Ah, Oppa. Im okay.", Minji pulled her hand away. Could he possibly hear her heart beating?

  "Pabo, you're going to freeze!", he grabbed her hands again. 

 "Oppa, people are going to assume something.", she tried to argue.

  "Assume what? There aren't people around anyway.", he brushed off. Giving up, Minji went along with it. His breath felt warm anyway.

  As they reached her home, Myungsoo was still rubbing her hand. 

  "Im home already, stop.", she chuckled.

  Myungsoo dropped her hands, feeling a slight sadness.

  "Go inside.", he assured.

  "Alright. Goodnight Oppa", she smiled.

  "Goodnight", he finished. 

  He watched as she walked into her home, the sound now being very distinctive.  

  Thump Thump Thump

  As her figure disappeared behind the closed door, he touched the left side of his chest.

  Thump Thump Thump

  He located the sound.

  He stood there for a moment, analyzing wether he was correct or not. 

  The sound,

  Was the sound of his heartbeat.