“haven’t i given enough?” / gilded lily

“You still have that extra pair of goggles, Jen?”

It’s a day like any other. Wake up, go to class, be pulled in whatever direction her social life takes her. Go home, sleep. Repeat.

All while smiling, always smiling.

“Ah, yeah. It should be in my bag, give me a sec.” She fishes around before finding the goggles hidden under a bag of crushed chips. She hands it toward the back to Jeongyeon who shows her gratitude with a smile.

“Thanks, you’re a life saver! I don’t know why I always forget these things before lab.”

“Don’t worry, Jeongyeon. The only reason I had an extra is because I had to buy a new pair after forgetting the first.”

Last week Jeongyeon borrowed her textbook. Next week she’ll probably need a lab coat.

The girl with short hair laughs before her expression changes quickly. Jennie hadn't spoken her thoughts out loud again, had she?

“Oh yeah, I almost forgot… Has Nayeon talked to you about the reunion?”

Oh. That.

“You know I don’t go to class reunions.” Jennie grumbles.

“C’mon, Jen, why not?” Jeongyeon reaches an imploring hand across the rows of desks. “Everyone wants to see you.”

The professor enters the room, Jeongyeon retracts her hand, and Jennie turns around. The short haired girl whispers they’ll talk later, but Jennie would prefer that they don’t. Jeongyeon has a historical inability to take hints.

Class ends with the same lack of fanfare it had begun with, and Jennie packs her things quickly. Her manicured fingers clutch at the straps of her bag as she moves out of the lecture hall, careful not to make prolonged eye contact with any of her classmates.

“Jennie Kim, right?” She hears her name called as she gets into the elevator. She recognizes him from the department but has never actually spoken to him.

The door closes behind him, leaving the two of them facing each other awkwardly.

She feels like she’s lived through this scenario before.

“Yeah, what’s up? Fell asleep and need the notes for lecture?” She jokes.

“You went to the same high school as Jeongyeon, right?”

Ah, plot twist.

“Yeah?” She confirms in confusion. He continues to face her rather than follow the societal rules set aside for elevator etiquette.

“But you actually started there and went all three years?”

“What is this about?”

“Sorry, I overheard you earlier. Actually, I’m trying to find someone who went to your school.”

The elevator dings and the doors open.

"What was your name again?"

“Hanbin.” He steps off, giving her room to do the same. “Kim Hanbin.”

Jennie walks out after him, accessing her options.

“And who exactly are you trying to find, Kim Hanbin?”

“My childhood friend, I lost contact with her in junior high but I heard she went to your high school. Her name is Lee Hayi.”

Jennie drops her books in shock. It’s been a long time since she’s heard that name. Hanbin helps her, scrambling for the loose papers, caught off guard by her reaction.

She thanks him as he