“Noona.”

I was almost surprised to see Park Chanshik sitting at the back of the bus the next morning on my way to school. Usually, he would start following me right as I got out of the house. Anyway, my surprise was quickly replaced by annoyance. I still hadn't forgiven him for his teasing yesterday. So instead of going all the way towards the back of the bus like I usually did, I sat down at the middle, determined to ignore him for the rest of the trip.

I opened my bag to look for my earphones, and when I looked back up, I found Chanshik sitting beside me. Again, not surprised.

“What? Still jealous?” He was smirking again.

“I am not jealous!” I hissed, trying to be as discreet as I could to avoid the attention of other passengers. So much for ignoring him the rest of the trip.

“Oh don’t be shy. I mean, it’s perfectly understandable for you to—“

“You know I’m starting to question my decision to help you…” I interrupted him, fixing him with my most unamused look and Chanshik immediately stops talking.

“H-hey now. Don’t be like this.” He laughs nervously, moving his hands in a panicked fashion as if he didn’t know what to do with them, “You know I was just teasing you, right?” I had to exert all my effort not to laugh at the sudden change in his demeanor. It amused me to no end seeing him change from being a cocky jerk to complete puppy within a span of seconds. 

“I don’t know. Your words were pretty hurtful.” I put on my most convincing frown, then bow my head to hide the wide grin that was spreading on my face. I started convulsing in a fit of soundless laughter and I watched Chanshik visibly panic from the corner of my vision.

“Oh crap. Please don’t cry.” Hearing his voice break made me finally lose it. I cracked up complete with tears forming at the base of my eyes and I could see Chanshik’s expression change from surprise to realization to deadpan. He let me laugh a couple more seconds before pointing out, “People are staring at you.”

My eyes widened and I stopped laughing instantly. I subtly took a glimpse around my surroundings and sure enough, people were giving me weird looks. Crap. I need to think of something, fast! 

“Oh my gosh! You’re cracking me up, Jae-eun!” I made as show out of holding my phone out and laughing, pretending to be in the middle of a conversation on my mobile. Thankfully, the few people riding with me were gullible enough and soon they were turning away one by one, muttering complaints about keeping my voice down in a public vehicle. I bowed my head slightly several times in apology as I looked around the bus again.

Meanwhile, Chanshik was clapping exaggeratingly slow beside me in mock praise, “Wow. That was seriously the best acting I’ve ever seen in my entire existence. Have you ever considered a career in show business?”

I kept my head facing front but stuck my tongue out slightly at him. “I would, but I pity the actresses that would go out of business, you know what I mean?”

“No, actually. I don’t know what you mean.” Chanshik replied, sticking his tongue out right back at me.

I roll my eyes at him and get up, then I press the stop button and head towards the bus’ exit door.

A/N: And here we see a budding friendship between the living and the dead. XD What do you think about Paran and Chanshik?? :D :D

Also, I might upload the succeeding chapter within the next few hours, if I get motivated enough. Haha.