eleven

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soo ah.

It was after school when I finally realized what to do.

"I'm so sorry, but I can't go home with you today!" Ji Eun clasped her hands together and bowed her head at me, panicking and all. I gave her a smile. "It's because of club activities..." She scratched her neck and gave an awkward smile. "Sure!" I said, "It's fine... Really." I gave her an even wider smile and made her feel assured. "Are you sure you're gonna be okay?" Ji Eun asked worriedly, I then nodded. Before I went home, I waved at her and she waved back. I made a faint smile while walking away, staring at the sky.

It seemed bluer than normal. Everything was livelier.

My heart felt warm... I wonder what kind of feeling this is? I had no single clue and idea.

Maybe it was... Happiness? I didn't think so, the feeling seemed even more lighter than happiness itself. Life became more enjoyable in just that single moment, other than all the stares that were directing at me while I kept walking. They were few, so it was fine. I guess it was because it was quiet, and it made me feel at peace. That was it! I wish that this would last longer. I kept my head down low again, my hair covering half of my face. I grasped the strap of my bag and avoided everyone's stares... Even though I am not someone that is good with mingling with people, some approach me first instead, even though they know that I wouldn't - More like couldn't bring them any good. They wouldn't get merits if they talk to me. I then sighed and suddenly - 

"Umph!"

I bumped onto someone else's shoulder! I rubbed my red forehead, the bump was kinda hard... Maybe because I hung my head low too much and couldn't see what was in front of me? "I-I'm sorry..." I mumbled, keeping my head down. Please don't scold me...! I bit my lip and prepared for a shout like "Are you blind!? Watch where you're going!" I glanced upwards and saw his lips open a little. It's gonna come! Those scary words... I had expected a glare to face me, definetely! 

"...It's fine."

Wha...!

I looked up with a shocked expression and saw the face in front of me, he was smiling and it was so... Gentle. His face was refreshing, and his dimples were so deep. He was good looking, too. Somehow, I knew someone with that kind of attitude and looks...

"Ho... Hong Bin!?" I gasped and he blinked at me twice. "Heh, so you do remember?" He pointed at himself and chuckled, "It's nice meeting you again, Soo Ah."

We ended up in a cafe, sitting in front of each other. I kept on fidgeting, stiff and nervous. It had been long since I last saw Hong Bin. We knew each other in Middle School. We didn't graduate in the same class; I was a year ahead of him. We weren't too formal around each other. I took a peek at his uniform, "Another school, huh?" He smiled, "Yep. It's my parent's choice." "Oh..." I muttered and the whole situation was silent for a while. As expected, I was not good with conversations... 

He suddenly chuckled, "You didn't change, you were still that quiet and awkward girl; an anti-social and odd girl." He grinned at me and put his cheek on his palm. I blinked at him. He was right, nothing changed, I was always alone in my own world... I couldn't do anything to approach people myself.

"I..."

"I want to... Befriend someone."

Was that considered some kind of change...? I wish.

"Could you... Help me?"

I wanted to face every consequence that were ahead of me with my head up high.

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author.