Junhyung’s POV

“So, what do you usually do after school?” I asked her as we walked along the street, our ice cream despite the chilly weather.

“Work.” She said.

“Can you stop giving me one word answers?” I said feeling a little frustrated.

It’s been a few days since she acknowledge our friendship. Although she doesn’t ignore me like how she ignores me in the past, she still doesn’t talk much. Usually, I am the one talking, to the point I feel so irritated with myself. Her answers are usually short or sarcastic or both at the same time.

She looked at me and continued eating her ice cream.

“It’s the truth, I go to work.” She said.

“Besides that? Don’t you do anything else?” I asked.

“Oh. I create anti fan pages for Yong Junhyung.” She said with a straight face.

“AISH!!! WHY CAN’T YOU TREAT ME PROPERLY!?” I shouted.

Passer bys stared at my sudden outburst.

“Sorry sorry.” I bow in apology.

She looked down and giggled.

“Are you laughing?” I asked, looking at her.

“No.” She looked up with a straight face.

“Laugh! You look so pretty with that smile!” I said.

This is the first time I see her laugh. She looked so gorgeous with a smile. I wonder why she always kept that emotionless face of hers.

“Shut up.” She said.

“I’m serious! Smile more! You look good!” I said.

“You think I look good?” She asked.

“Yea!” I said.

“Does it make you happy?” She asked again.

“Of course!” I smiled.

“Then I am not smiling anymore. At least, not in front of you.” She said.

“Huh? Why!?” I was confused.

“Because it makes you happy. And I don’t want you to be happy. That’s like my new goal in life.” She said.

“That’s really mean.” I said, feeling hurt.

She shrugged her shoulders and continued walking.

“Where are we going?” I asked.

“We? What we? It’s just me. I am going to take a walk. I don’t know where you are heading.” She said

“When will you stop being mean to me?” I asked, stopping her.

“Mean? You call this mean? I’m being very nice already.” She said.

Haneul’s POV

He looked at me, obviously unhappy. Have I gone too far?

“True. You’re being very nice already. At least I am not being shoved to the corner.” He said, looking away.

‘Sorry.’ I wanted to say, but the word just wouldn’t come out of my mouth.

“Yea. Glad you know.” I said instead.

I saw his face darken. It was quite scary, I have to admit.

“I got to go for my schedule. Take care.” He said as he walked away.

“Oui.” I called out.

He turned back and stared at me blankly.

“Erm.. Will you come to the bookstore later?” I asked.

“I don’t know.” He said.

“Oh. I see. It’s okay.” I said.

“Why? Do you want something?” He asked.

“It’s okay.” I said.

He frowned at me.

“Wanted you to grab me a drink on your way, but its okay.” I said.

“What drink?” He asked.

“Green Tea Latte from Starbucks.” I said.

“Does it have to be Starbucks?” He asked.

“Not really. Why?” I asked.

“Because there’s another place that has nice green tea latte too.” He said.

“Yea. But I’m just saying. Don’t bother.” I said.

“I’ll be there.” He smiled.

“Orh..” I bit my lips.

“See you.” He smiled as he walked off.

We separated ways. I went to shop around before heading home to shower then headed down to the bookstore.

I sat at the counter, doodling on a piece of paper. My mind drifted off and I started thinking about Junhyung. What is wrong with me!?

“Skye, you crazy fellow!” I scolded myself and tore up the paper.

I went to organize the books to keep myself busy. I know the moment I let my mind go free, I would think about stuff I don’t want to think about.

I glanced up at the clock, it was 1AM already.

“Where is he?” I mumbled to myself.

“AHH WHAT IS MY PROBLEM!?” I shouted.

“What is your problem?” A voice behind me said.

My eyes widened when I saw him.

“Hi, Friend.” He smiled and waved with his both hands.

“Why is your face so red? Are you very hot?” Junhyung asked.

“Why do you care?” I scoffed and walked off.

“True. Why do I care? Come here, I got food for you.” He said.

I strolled to the table and sat down.

“Try this. It’s nice. I wanted to get you the hot one, but I guess the iced one is the right choice now.” He smiled as he handed me the drink.

I took a sip.

“How is it?” He asked.

“Nice.” I said.

“It’s good right!” He smiled.

“And here, Tiramisu, okay for you?” He asked.

“It’s 1AM.” I said.

“So? I bet you didn’t have dinner, right?” He said.

How did he know?

“Although we have just officially became friends, but it’s almost a month since I met you, and I know how you always skip dinner. It’s bad for your stomach you know.” He said, handing me a fork.

“Speak for yourself.” I said.

“I don’t have the time.” He said.

“I don’t have the company; it’s about the same thing.” I said. Why did I even say that to him?

“Does that mean if you have company, you would eat?” He asked.

I didn’t answer him. I poked into the cake and took a small bite.

“Answer me.” He said.

“Depends.” I said, not looking at him.

“I can eat dinner with you every day if company is all you want.” He said.

“What? Do you pity me now? I’m not a puppy by the roadside.” I said.

“Of course you’re not a puppy. Puppies aren’t that fierce.” He said.

I glared at him and he smiled.

“You’re my friend.” He said.

“Not again.” I mumbled and rolled my eyes.

“I’m serious, if company is all you need to eat dinner, I can do it for you. Every day.” He said.

“We’ll see.” I said.

“Is it nice?” He asked.

I nodded. It was indeed yummy.

“The weather is getting colder but it’s kind of warm in here. Why are you wrapped in a blanket?” He asked.

“Now you even want to control what I wear?” I said.

“I am just asking.” He mumbled.

“I hate the cold.” I said.

“Really? Well, I don’t exactly like it. But I think its okay. Why do you hate the cold?” He asked.

“Why do I have to tell you?” I said.

“I am just curious.” He mumbled.

I kept quiet and ate the cake.

“Thank you for the food.” I said as I finished the last bite.

I got up and went back to the counter. He grabbed my hand.

“How many times must I say not to touch me?” I said harshly.

He let go of my hand and looked down.

“I’m sorry if I offended you.” He said.

“Don’t be.” I said, walking off.

“I just hope we can be closer friends.” I heard him mumble.

He finished his share of food and walked to the counter. I handed him the basement keys but he didn’t take it.

“I have to get back to work.” He said.

“Work? You aren’t off work?” I asked.

“No.” He smiled slightly.

“Then why are you here?” I asked.

“I promised to buy you the drink.” He said.

I felt bad all of a sudden. He came all the way here just to get me a drink that I casually mentioned but I treated him harshly. Why do I always regret after being mean to him? I never seem to regret it when treating other people like this.

“You didn’t have to.” I said.

“I promised you.” He said.

“You sure you don’t want to take a nap or something?” I asked.

“Why? Are you concerned?” He smiled widely.

“I’m simply asking.” I said.

“Oh~” He smiled.

“Go. Get out.” I pushed him slightly.

“Aww. If you want me to stay, I would.” He said.

“No. Without you it’s just better. It’s peaceful without your voice.” I said.

“Do you hate me that much?” He asked.

“You’ve asked this ten thousand times. It’s the same answer.” I said.

“The last time I asked, I remember you said you don’t hate me.” He smiled.

“Just get out.” I pushed him out.

“Don’t stay here alone. No one apart from me comes at such timing anyway. Close up and go home.” He said.

“It’s none of your business.” I said.

“Of course it is. I don’t want to lose my friend.” He said.

His phone rang and he frowned at the caller. He signaled me to wait while he answered the call.

“Yea Hyung. I’m coming back. Yes, I am on my way. Yes. Yes. Okay. I’ll be quick. Yes. I’m coming. Bye.” He hung up the call.

“Go.” I said.

“Really. Go home okay? I don’t feel safe leaving you here alone.” He said.

“I’ll think about it. Just go.” I said.

“Call me if anything happens.” He said.

“Are you cursing me now?” I asked.

“No. I’m just concerned. Oh, you don’t have my number. Shall we exchange numbers?” He asked.

“No.” I said.

He looked surprised and a little embarrassed as well at my answer.

“Erm.. Then.. Just at least keep mine? Just in case? Please.” He said.

I sighed and took out my phone. I let him key in his number before keeping it back into my pocket.

“See you in class.” He said.

“You should get some sleep.” I mumbled.

“What did you say?” He asked.

“Nothing.” I said.

“Tell me!” He whined.

“I asked you to get out of my sight now.” I said.

He made a face at me.

“You’ll miss me when I am gone.” He said.

I watch him walk off before going back into the store. He looked so tired even from the back. In front, he just looks like he has not slept in ages. His face is pale and his dark circles cast like shadow under his eyes. He seemed to have lost a bit of weight too. Aish! Why am I even observing him!?