“Still haven’t found a partner for the prom? Great!
Hi everyone it’s me Han Jisoo. I am currently looking for someone to go with me to the prom. Well, if you don’t know me, I am the prettiest and iest girl from Food Engineering major. Just call me on my number below if you are interested ;)
xxx-xxxx”

My breath became short and shallow as anger bubbled up to my skull. I could feel my blood boiling and my chest rose up and down in resentment. People around me laughed on their stomach as they looked and pointed their fingers at me. I glared at them and tore that stupid paper harshly. Crumpling the paper in my hand, I immediately figured out who the person behind this advertisement was. My fist clenched tightly and I made an immediate run toward a specific class.

Students on the hallway that I met seemed to have known about the ads already. Few of them even dared to ask if it was still open.

“ off,” I hissed at them and they burst into series of laughter.

I could hear the loudness when I arrived in front of his class. I exhaled loudly through my nose and slammed the door open. My entrance earned the whole class’ attention. My eyes scanned the room and my breath stopped for a second when I found a particular person sitting leisurely with his legs crossed.

I made my way to him with nose scrunched in irritation. His face looked calm as ever and the corner of his lips twitched in amusement as he watched me. I kicked his desk hard that it bumped on him.

“What do you want Ong?” I asked him angrily; slamming down the table. People around us turned their attention and became our audiences.

“What do you mean?” he asked nonchalantly.
I threw the crumpled paper on him and it his face before landed on the floor near his feet. Seongwoo bent down and picked the paper. He smoothed it and smiled to himself.

He shrugged, “I’m helping you of course. What else?”
I grabbed the paper in his hand and waved it right in front of his face. “You call this helping? What kind of help is that you give me exactly?” I asked in irritation as I crossed my arms in front of my chest.

The more I spent my seconds with him, the more I got infuriated. Seongwoo’s face was always calm and he didn’t feel any guilty at all. He already ruined my name in front of the whole campus and he claimed that he was helping me. Was he out of his mind? Well, only if he had any.

Seongwoo nodded his head; eyes still locking with mine. “I figured out that my friend is going to be alone at the prom, so I want to be a nice friend and decided to help.”

I laughed in mockery. “What? You thought I am going alone?” he nodded like a puppy. In a dash, I grabbed his collar and brought his face close to mine. If it was normal condition, I’d be flustered at the closeness I just created and my boldness to create it. But I didn’t have the time for it now.

“Thanks for the useful help. But I’ll just let you know that I am not going there alone since someone had already asked me out,” I whispered lowly only for him to hear. I let go of his collar and pushed him back to his chair. Students seemed to be curious about what I was saying to Seongwoo that made him surprised.

With a last glare to him, I stormed out of the class and headed to the restroom. Entering one of the stall, I decided that it was a good time for me to cry it out.

--- 

Times flied so fast and now it was the most-awaited Saturday night. Ever since that stupid advertisement, I avoided Seongwoo as much as I could. When we bumped on each other accidentally, I’d just pretend that I didn’t see him and walked away. I could see that he was trying to make an attempt to talk to me. But hell no, no after what he did to me.

I honestly wondered when all of this started to go the wrong way. I have known Seongwoo ever since I moved to his school during 5th grade. Our houses happened to be close to each other and because my parents were busy, I usually went to school with Seongwoo and his father. We were quite good friend back then. Everything started to change when puberty slowly hit him. Seongwoo grew handsomely and he instantly became a hot topic when we first entered high school.

Seongwoo was still a friend to me but puberty didn’t hit me like how it hit him and his attitude slowly changed. He was not the usual cheerful Seongwoo. He became on of those cool high school guys. He suddenly loved to pull a prank on me. Making fun of me was one of his hobbies besides singing.

Seongwoo’s pranks were always tolerable; he never went this far up to crushing down my name. I’d still talk to him even he made fun of me. We’d still sometime chat if we passed each other on the corridor. But now, he already tested my limit. He already crossed the border.

I inhaled deeply as I checked my appearance on the mirror. I turned around. My backless floral midi dress looked beautiful honestly but my confidence was somehow lacking. I let my hair fall covered hall of my back and after examined my make-ups, I decided that it was my time to go.

I almost reached the front door when I heard a car’s honks outside my house. I smiled to myself. It must be him. My parents went out for dinner together knowing that I’d be out for the prom night. I locked the door and half-ran to the black car in front of my gate.

“Hi there beautiful,” Daniel stretched out his neck to the passenger seat and greeted me. I smiled shyly at his endearment. I opened the car’s door and got in. 

“Hi Kang Daniel,” I greeted back. He began to speed up the car with a smile on his handsome face.

“Thank you,” I said sincerely. Daniel looked at me briefly before focusing back to the road. “What for?” he asked in confusion.

“I am thankful that you still want to go to this prom with me after that shameful advertisement,” I confessed. I turned my head at him to see his reaction but he had nothing beside smile on his face.  I heard him chuckled and all of sudden, his hand was already holding mine.

“I always want to go with you. That advertisement means nothing. I know you aren’t the one who made it,” he said comfortingly as I felt his thumb my palm softly. My heart beat faster at the whole situation. I couldn’t think straight.

I was both glad and disappointed when Kang Daniel pulled his hand back to the steering wheel. My heart calmed and I looked out to the window, trying to hide my flushed face from him. In few minutes, we both arrived at our university. The parking lot was already full of four-wheeled vehicles. Daniel pulled the car on a vacant spot and we both got off.

“Let me,” he offered his hand like a gentleman. Smiling, I took his hand and he escorted me to the campus great hall. I could already hear the loud music from here. Some of the students were outside, either picking up their phones or just plainly chatting; looking for some peace.

Everyone greeted Kang Daniel as we walked. Being the social butterfly he was, Kang Daniel was popular and had so many friends. Everyone wanted to be friends with him; unlike me. I felt like a lump beside him. No one noticed me like how everyone noticed Daniel. Kang Daniel noticed my nervousness and he caressed my back softly.

The feeling of his warm big hand on my back totally distracted my mind. Having my dress backless was both a blessing and a curse. I shivered mentally under his touch. Daniel put his arm around my shoulder as he brought me closer to his side.

The hall was full of people and filled with pop music. Students were pilling in here and there, either dancing or simply chatting and drinking the beverages provided. Kang Daniel brought me to group of his friends.

“Hi,” I said with a bow. Daniel greeted his friends with their own way; fist and shoulder bumping.

“Oh! It’s Han Jisoo,” one of them which I knew named Bae Jinyoung said with a weird tone. I guessed he remembered about the advertisement. I only nodded at him with a forced smile. Suddenly it was awkward, at least for me. My embarrassment that caused by Seongwoo’s foolish act brought up again.

Daniel knew that I was uncomfortable. He circled his arm around my waist and dismissed himself from his friends, “Yeah it is Han Jisoo. We will go get something to drink. See you later.”

“Thanks,” I murmured.

“Don’t listen to anything they said. You are beautiful and there is nothing to be ashamed about,” he whispered to my ear. His scent hit my nose and I could feel myself blushed at the closeness. I turned slowly to face him and he was smiling.

“Wait here. I’ll get you something to drink,” he said before disappeared into the crowd. Daniel left me awkward all by myself. I only stood there, fidgeting with my fingers as I waited for Kang Daniel. Out of nowhere, someone grabbed my hand and dragged me out of the hall to one of a quiet corridor. I looked up to see who it was and found it was Seongwoo.

“What the heck Seongwoo!” I yelled as I squirmed under his grip. But it was no avail. Seongwoo’s grip was really hard on my hand. I winced and struggled but Seongwoo didn’t release my hand until we reached the place he desired.

“It hurts idiot!,” I vented at him, rubbing my red wrist and Seongwoo was unaffected by my rage. He stepped closer to me without saying anything.

My heart began to drumming against my ribcage and I became so nervous. I took a step back and my hit the cold wall; sending shiver down to my spine. I abruptly became self-conscious about Seongwoo. He was wearing a black suit and a matching tie. His hair was up-styled and he looked very handsome with that. Kang Daniel could come second after him.

Seongwoo had always been so handsome actually, but his attitude towards me made me forget to realize that he was actually a very handsome young man. I was annoyed too much to even bother about his looks. But now that he wasn’t the god-of-prank Seongwoo usually was, I had enough time to appreciate his good looks.

I gulped down a lump of saliva in my throat when Seongwoo put one of his hand beside my head; closing the space around us. His other free hand went to loosen his neck and I couldn’t help but to lose my breath at his action. I got flustered and tried to look up to meet his eyes; discovering the fact that Seongwoo had his eyes on me for the whole time.

“Han Jisoo,” he whispered lowly but loud enough for me to catch it.

My world suddenly was spinning. I couldn’t understand what was happening around me.  My heart beat like it was going to explode; my breath became short and rapid at the super close distance Seongwoo had created between us.

“What are you doing Seongwoo?” I hissed between my teeth. Seongwoo didn’t answer my question; instead he leaned even closer. His hot breath fanned my cheeks that made me blushed madly. I tried to push him away by the chest but Seongwoo was a lot stronger than me. He didn’t even budge.

Seongwoo suddenly buried his face on my hair. His actions sent shiver down to my spine and my knees wobbled. Thanks to Seongwoo’s grip on my waist that held me steady in my place. If not, I might have crumbled on the floor like a jelly.

“What are you doing Seongwoo,” my question came out more like a plea as he continued to bury his face deeper; taking in my scent here and there. I got embarrassed at myself.

“It’s ing hurt Jisoo,” was all he said, leaving me even more confused. My mind was unable to focus. Seongwoo was murmuring things I couldn’t comprehend as he nuzzled his nose in my neck softly.

“Seongwoo,” I called his name and I finally got his attention. He looked up to with his doe eyes which were so adorable. But there was more urgent thing here rather than buzzing over his puppy look.

“What are you doing?” I inquired again. Seongwoo sighed.

“Can’t you tell Jisoo?” He asked me. I looked at him, perplexed. Did he expect me to know about what he was doing when all he did was pulling me out of the crowd and suddenly nuzzled his face into my hair like a pup?

“I am taking you away from Kang Daniel,” he stated calmly. My eyebrows twitched together.

“And why exactly you are doing that for?”

Seongwoo smiled softly, not smirking like how he usually did. I missed his smile. He used to smile a lot during our middle school days. His smile was so pure and cheerful. But now, his smile was faked; as I could tell.

He brought up his hand to my cheek and it lovingly. Without me realizing, I leaned in into his palm and I was ashamed at my own action. Seongwoo’s smile got wider at my response towards his touch.

“I don’t like sharing the girl I like with someone else, especially with Kang Daniel.” My eyes grew wide at his statement. Did I hear him correctly? Did my brain started to deceive me now? Or did he decide to pull another prank on me?

“If this is one of your games, then quit it Seongwoo. It’s not funny!” I gritted at him and pushed him away once more. Seongwoo was losing his guard that he stumbled back a little but quickly regained his composure and moved close to me again.

Seongwoo’s face was annoyed at what I just said. “Game? I am not playing any right now baby. I like you and I am sincere with my feelings towards you,” he added. My cheeks flustered in embarrassment at his ‘baby’ and his words. But I was still not convinced. Just no.

I laughed in mockery. “Do you think I’ll believe you Ong? After everything you did to me? Hell no,” I emphasized with a glare. For a split second, I saw the hurt on his eyes but I couldn’t let myself waver. This boy in front of me could be serious now and then suddenly shout ‘April Mop!’ when he already got me under his skin. I had to be careful for the sake of my feelings.

“I am serious Jisoo. Why can’t you understand?” he half-pleaded, burying his face again to my neck. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath before shoving him away again.

“Ong Seongwoo,” I earned his attention. “Look, you bully me almost everyday. You pulled prank on me, you made fun of me, and lastly you tarnished my image and name in front of the whole campus with that advertisement of yours. And now you suddenly said that you liked me and expect me to believe you? Get some senses in your empty head, Seongwoo!”

Seongwoo’s hand and eyes dropped to the floor. I noticed the change in his emotion. “I am sorry Jisoo. I am sorry for making you feel that way,” he apologized. After years of knowing him, I knew that he was sincere with his apology. He really meant what he said to me.

He took few steps back and leaned his back on the wall. For the first time in these minutes, I felt myself able to breath after being suffocated by Seongwoo. He took some air and shoved his hands inside his pockets. Seongwoo closed his eyes as he rested his head.

“I like you Jisoo. I like you a lot. The reason for me to make fun of you is because I can’t bring myself to not nervous in front of you. I want to be close to you but I don’t know how to do it without embarrassing myself or revealing my feelings for you. By making fun of you, pulling some pranks on you, I felt like I could finally see you without shaking.”

My mouth fell agape at his words. I knew I looked ridiculous but I was too stunned with the whole situation. Seongwoo liked me?

“I still can’t believe you,” I admitted, hanging my head low. “If what you said is real, that you liked me, you wouldn’t go far as putting that advertisement Seongwoo. With that, you really hurt me.”

I heard Seongwoo sighed. “I know. I am sorry. It was late for me to realize that it was bad idea. All I wanted was that you have no partner because everyone is too ashamed to be with you and then I could be your partner for tonight’s prom. It is ridiculous I know. I was so childish and selfish. I am sorry,” he said again. His voice was shaking and I thought he was about to cry.

He walked up to me and buried his face on my shoulder. “I am so sorry Jisoo. I wish we could go back to the old times before I ruined everything. I am sorry,” he pleaded and pleaded. I looked away, blinking back my own tears that were threatening to fall.

Oh God.. Why this was become so emotional?

“It is okay Seong Woo. I forgive you.” I said as I brought his head up. Seongwoo looked at me with unreadable expression.

“For real?” he asked like a lost baby; eyes searching something in mine.

I nodded my head with a small smile. “For real.”

Seongwoo smiled and to my surprise, without any warning, he pressed his lips on mine. At first he was only made our lips pressed against each other but soon enough, he escalated things up by and biting my lower lip. He skillfully parted both of my lips and made his tongue to join our heated kiss.

Seongwoo’s hand held me by my waist and the other one cupped my cheek. My hands circled around his shoulders and my fingers automatically played with his black hair. Seungwoo growled from the back of his throat and I knew he liked my response. I began to kiss him back, and Seongwoo smiled into the kiss.

He pulled away to give us some time to take some fresh air. But the stupid-me decided to make myself embarrassed by giving a shameful reaction. My lips looked out for his when we parted away. Seongwoo enjoyed my reaction and he gladly kissed me again.

“I like you Jisoo. I like you a lot that it’s ing hurts. I was hoping you will have no partner and I could go with you but then you said you already have someone to go with you and you showed up today with Kang Daniel,” he said when we pulled away breathlessly.

I was sure my ears were red at his confession. But I didn’t know how to respond so I just stood there in silence. Seongwoo rested his forehead on mine and nuzzled his nose softly on my face. 

“You look absolutely gorgeous tonight Darling. And I hate myself for letting you go with Daniel, letting Daniel touched you like that. I should have be man and asked you out but I was too coward for that.”

I smiled to him. “Now, would you man up Ong Seongwoo?” I challenged him. Seongwoo’s eyes darkened and he smirked in response.

He pressed a soft kiss on my lips before said, “I already did, didn’t I?”

I laughed. “Please date me Jisoo.” He straightforwardly said. I was taken aback by his words.

“What did you say? I can’t hear you,” I .

Seongwoo didn’t respond instead he kissed me again. “Date. Me.” He said between his kisses. My heart squealed and butterflies were flying inside my stomach, making myself felt weird; weird in a good way.

I pulled away and made more space for myself. I looked at him in amusement while he looked at me in adoration. “Let’s date then,” I decided. Seongwoo’s eyes lit up hearing my acceptance. I nodded and his smiled again; this smile was the brightest smile I’d ever seen in my life.

“Yeah let’s date but,” I stopped my sentence; earning confused look from Seongwoo. “I have another date tonight. And it is Kang Daniel,” I playfully said and freed myself from his hold. Seongwoo was dumbfounded and tried to digest my words.

“You will pay for ditching me Jisoo,” Seongwoo half-yelled at me.

I turned around with a smile on my face. “I like you too,” was all my reply before I ran away.