Chance

Sophomore year, September.

This isn't a good idea.

I wind past the lockers, trying to find your classroom. The hallways are empty since it's an hour before school starts, and I'm here hoping that there's no one in your classroom.

The dove keyring I'd sculpted for you the past weekend sits in my palm, my fingers nervously running over the curves lining it. It'd been a spur of inspiration I got seeing you at the school garden, the wilting flowers falling on your hair as your friend tried to get the white petals off. You looked so pretty I couldn't stop thinking of that scene, and it reminded me of the story you wrote. Since it's finals, I thought I'd make you a lucky charm.

What if it's not good enough for you? You got elected as next year's design head for the publishing group even though you'll be a junior only. I've seen the things you've made; they're all amazing. What if you don't like it?

I clench the keychain tighter, the small scroll between its beak. Good luck. Peeking into your classroom, I nimbly place it on your desk, staring at the dove for a moment.

I shouldn't do it. You don't even know who I am. I reach out to pick the keychain up when footsteps shuffle behind me. Instantly, I retract my hand and turn to see Hongbin and Yongguk.

"Hey, Daehyun," Yongguk greets with a cheery smile. Hongbin stares at me, puzzled.

"What are you guys doing here so early?" I ask with a nervous chuckle. Yongguk stretches his arms, the crack of joints echoing through the room.

"Changmin-hyung officially stepped down, so Yongguk-hyung's now the lead team captain. We're supposed to have a meeting to discuss new team dynamics but Jinyoung's late." Hongbin blinks, setting down his bag on his chair. "What are you doing in my class, Daehyun?"

He looks over to the dove on your table. I shift, trying to cover the object in question. Does he know you're sitting here?

Please don't ask about it. Please don't ask about it. Please don't ask about it.

"Did you put that on Youngjae's desk?"

I wince inwardly, mind spinning in a desperate attempt to formulate a response. Yongguk frowns, scrutinising me as I stammer incoherently.

"Uh-" I distance myself from your desk, acting as indifferent as possible. What do I say? I