It’s already been two months now that I’ve been living away from home and it’s been better than ever. The weather in Korea is still warm, but everyone knows it will only be getting colder. I still haven’t made many friends, but at least, I talk to people in my classes and have exchanged social media. My stay at the share home has been great too. I’ve gotten more comfortable with talking with everyone, especially the girls, since we all do have to share a bathroom. They’ve also all have surprised me with a birthday cake, which I’m very touched and grateful for. Sadly though, the room diagonally across from mine remains unknown. He hasn’t shown up to any of our dinners due to the excuses of working, seminars, work, and work. This man is sure a workaholic. I’m starting to pity his future wife and family if he keeps this up.

            Another sad thing is that I’ve haven’t got any time to explore the town again. School wasn’t that bad at first, but once we all gotten into the rhythm of lectures, notes, homework, and repeat then everything is zipping by very quickly and yet, everything seems so frustratingly tedious.

            It was finally the last class of the day and I was ready to go home and take a long nap. I stepped out and Chanyeol was already there waiting for me. We greeted each other and quickly made our way out to the quad towards the front gates of the school. Chanyeol wanted to make it a thing where he comes to pick me up from class. How cute is that? I too much about it and he told me he’ll chuck me in the recycling bin the next time I . Never happened so the teasing continues.

            “Hey, are you up to stopping by the café and pick up a couple of things?” Chanyeol asked.

            “I’m not sure, Chanyeol. I’m exhausted from class,” I explained.

            “Ah, it’s okay then,” Chanyeol smiled. “Oh, but did you hear that…”

            I was distracted for a moment as I heard a beautiful. melodious laugh. It sounded familiar but I couldn’t pinpoint where I heard it before. I turned to look towards the direction of sound and that’s when I saw him. He was gorgeous, some could say ethereal. He had caramel locks for hair, wearing a gray jacket over a lighter gray turtleneck; very fashionista like. He has light skin with a cute button nose with round spectacles sitting right on top. Overall, he looked like a cute puppy. I’ve never seen someone so beautiful and yet, so cute before in my life. Of course, there had been other guys that I’ve seen that were gorgeous, but not like this. He’s on a whole different aesthetic.

            He suddenly looked over and I swore we locked eyes for a second and I nervously stepped back in line with Chanyeol, who was still going off about something. To my disappointment when I looked back, this mysterious man had disappeared. 

            “And that’s how I got to put 15 puppies to sleep,” Chanyeol gently clapped his hands together.

            “Aw, that’s cute and that was a great story, Chan,” I smiled at him and nodded my head as if I was listening to his story the whole time without missing a single detail. After seeing this man, my heart was beating at a rapid rate that suddenly woke me up from my tired state. “Maybe I’ll be up for that trip to the café.”

             The next day was even more exhausting. I swear my teachers want me to keel over and die. It seems that the curriculum is the based on the ‘the need for speed’ because we start a lesson on Wednesday and my teacher is like “test is next week on Monday!”

            I’m on my break after my third class since my next class doesn’t start from another hour. Someone tell me why I decided to take 4 classes this quarter. I sighed. I thought I could do it since I took 6-7 classes a day in high school. Most of the classes are kind of random and stuff that I’m not able to take in high school. I have a friend that lives in America and he tells me a lot of the differences between the high schools like you can take college classes in high school and get credit for it, there’s a lot more electives and fun classes to take, or you can actually go to a college for your classes! I wish Korean schools had more options like American schools.

            Anyway, I’m on break, right? I decided to go to nearest coffee stand just to order a lemonade because coffee is gross, and caffeine makes me sleepy so I’m not sure how well my last class is going to go since I’m already exhausted. The stand was already busy at this hour with 8 other people already in line. I quickly made my way over to get my spot before someone else steps in line. Since I already knew what I wanted, I quickly open my wallet card and pulled up some bank notes. As I pulled it up, my student ID fell out as well.

            I looked down and was about to bend to grab it when I witness someone else’s hand reach down and pick it up. I turned around and my god! Mysterious man had reappeared before my eyes. I froze in my spot for a moment before he handed me my card back.

            “Thank you,” I said very quietly with a bow. Today, he wore a nice white dress shirt with light gray stripes and just some basic black slacks. It suddenly saddened me to see a teacher’s ID hanging out of his pocket.

            He bowed back. “You must be new. I’ve never seen you before.”

            “Yeah…” I responded, my cheeks tinting pink. Gosh, why am I being so shy? Come on, Seoul, woman up!

            “You also must be the new neighbor living with Mr. Ahn and Mrs. Ahn then. I would know because this town rarely gets new people living or even just visiting here and I live there too. I’m Byun Baekhyun by the way.”

            “That’s me! I’m Park Seoul.”

            “Ah, I don’t mean to jump on that bandwagon, but can’t help to mention how cool your name is,” he smiled.

            “Thanks,” I blushed.

            “Does it have any special meaning?” He asked. “Besides it being the name of the capital city.”

            “My parents never really told me anything, but supposedly from what I learned Miss Yoon is that since Seoul comes from the word for capital city, it means that I hold all central power and all that good stuff,” I explained.

            “Hm, that’s very interesting,” he spoke.

            It was finally my turn to order and the same boy, which I learned his name is Han Jisung after the 7^th time of coming here, who works here already knew my order and I just casually handed over my 5,000 won and he then proceeded to fill a cup with lemonade and slid it over. And this all happened wordlessly until finally I said some words of gratitude. I really only order like two things from this coffee stand which would be the lemonade and sometimes the peppermint hot chocolate if I’m feeling cold being in the air-conditioned building for too long.

            “Hey, it was really nice to finally meet you, Seoul,” Baekhyun said before I left back to my secluded table. And when I mean secluded, I really mean it. It only has one chair at it and it tucked in the corner by a bunch of windows.

            “Yeah, it was. Hope to see you at home,” I bowed to him before I walked away.

            Meeting my missing neighbor was quite the experience, at least in my head it was. He seemed so much more gorgeous seeing him face to face. Of course, I do this every time I see a super handsome guy; however, you must admit that you do it too. It’s just that I didn’t expect that after meeting him, I would see him everywhere. It was weird that I don’t ever see him at home and yet, I’m seeing everywhere on campus. Sometimes we would bump into each other as I walked to my classes or we would end up being in line next to each other for the coffee stand, even when I’m going to the bathroom.

            “You know I feel like I see you everywhere besides at home,” Baekhyun told me as we waited in line together.

            “It’s kind of weird since I’ve been here for a couple months already and I’ve seen you once and now I see you everywhere,” I answered. I stepped up to the front and smiled at Jisung who already set in my order.

            “Add an iced Americano to that order please,” Baekhyun moved closer behind me as he slipped the boy his debit card. Both Jisung and I looked surprised. Jisung still set in the order.

            “You didn’t have to,” I pouted as I took in a sip of my lemonade.

            “I know, but I felt like it. I also feel like we might be close friends. That just might be the superstitious side of me since we keep seeing each other so much,” Baekhyun chuckled. “There is that saying if you meet someone by chance more than once than there is something destined for the two.”

            “So, you believe in fate, Mr. Byun?”

            “You can say that,” he smiled to himself. “You don’t have to call me Mr. Byun just because I’m a teacher and older. Plus, I’m not your teacher either. Baekhyun is just fine as well.”

            And after that we found some time to hang out with each other, mainly during our breaks which, like Chanyeol’s schedule, fit well with mine where we had the same break times. I still don’t know much about Baekhyun, but he seems like a nice and fun guy to be around. When we talk, it doesn’t go into much detail about ourselves. It more just goes about talking random things like school or funny stories that have happened in our life. It’s only a few moments where those details of our personal lives go into those stories.

            “Oh, I didn’t I mentioned it yet, but I teach Korean literature. I teach mainly the older students here, so I wasn’t really thinking I’d see you anytime soon in my class,” Baekhyun mentioned. It’s been maybe a week or two since we indirectly made it a thing to hang out with each other during our break.

            “Ah, yeah,” I nodded my head. “I’m not into literature that much anyway and don’t think I’m going to take literature towards my major anyway.”

            He nodded as well. “Most of my students say the same thing about literature and yet, they’re going to graduate with literature degrees. What’s your major by the way?”

            “I haven’t thought about it yet. The university gave me a deal to figure out what I want to do during my first year and then the second year I have to know,” I explained. “I’ve been kind of leaning towards studying diagnostic ultrasounds.”

            “Ah, so is the first and second year paid for?”

            “Yeah, which I was shocked for them to give out that much money,” I stabbed my fork into my salad.

            “I can see Mr. Bae, the president of the school, to do that. He doesn’t do it with everyone, but when it does come to new people like you coming to live here and go to school then he would like you to enjoy your time and figure what you want to do with your life and be happy,” Baekhyun tapped his fingers against his cheek. “I was nearly in the same boat as you except, I’ve lived here for most of my life. I was born in Bucheon and lived there till I was like two and then my parents decided to move out here for a much better and quieter life.

            Ha, it makes it sound like my parents murdered someone, but they thought there was too much pressure and just too much going on in a big city life. They didn’t want my brother and I to go through all that. I’m quite grateful that they did do all that because when I read online articles, I always see that students are depressed, pressured over high expectations, and are committing suicide because of school and it’s just sad. Being here, it’s lively, which you wouldn’t expect being in a town that doesn’t have that nightlife or giant billboards that light up. It’s a different kind of city life. Everyone is like family and it’s just better to live your life.”

            “That sounds like a dream,” I stated.

            “Well, you’re here now, aren’t you?”

            “Yeah, but I wish I could have lived without all the pressure and all the depressing things that controlled my life. It’s like most of these days, they think all the students want to be idols or celebrities so they make us work harder on subjects and cut out things that might make us go that route. And if you didn’t want to go to any of the prestigious schools like Seoul National University or didn’t want to be a doctor, lawyer, or anything that makes the grandest amount of money then you’re a disgrace. It’s hard trying to live up to the standards of being the smartest student in school just to take that one test that decides where we go to university. I already had to take a test to know if I can still stay in my own high school! I lost a couple of my friends because they only wanted to keep the striving students. I was lucky enough to barely make that standard and be able to stay.” I took a moment to breathe. “Sorry, I’m usually not this opinionated about these things. If it’s brought up though, I will give you my opinion about it. Most of the time, I just don’t care.”

            “It must have been rough,” Baekhyun patted my shoulder. “I think you’re in a better place now; away from all the negativity and all that nasty stuff that has been festered inside of you and now you can let them all go and finally be free and be yourself.”

            “Thank you,” I smiled at him. “I’m not too sure of being free, but I’ll get there somehow.”

            “Of course! You know, it’s not bad to not be that opinionated either. It’s not bad nor good that you are neutral about things. It just shows that at least you care for some of that controversy.

And if you need anyone to talk to, you can trust me. I can be the oppa that you can talk about anything to, okay?”

            “I don’t know about everything, but I can try,” I responded.

            “Do you pinky promise?” He held out his pinky towards me. I nodded my head and linked my pinky with his and then lifted our hands to push our thumbs together. “There now we have sealed the promise by the stamp of our thumbs.”

            He looked at me once more with a gentle smile. “You know it’s weird that we’ve only known each other for such a short time and yet, I feel very comfortable with you. Many people say I’m very social and friendly, but I have some trust issues. With you, though, I like you.”

            After talking for a couple more minutes, we had to depart for our classes.

            I quickly scurry out of my last class to head home as quickly as possible. As much as I like school, my room is my safe haven. Luckily, with my profound speed walking abilities, I made it home in five minutes instead of the usual ten. I unlocked the front door and was immediately greeted by Jongdae, who I assume went into the kitchen for a glass of juice and was bringing it back to his room, but only because he had the glass in hand and would only be coincidently by the front door if he were returning to his room.

            “I see that the princess is back at home,” he gently curtesy with the cup in hand, trying to not spill all over the floor.

            “Should I take that as a compliment or an insult?” I furrowed my eyebrows together.

            “A compliment because I don’t think that you think that you’re better than everyone or a spoiled brat. I think it’s because you glow so brightly and you resemble one,” he winked at me before heading upstairs.

            I rolled my eyes at his silliness and heading upstairs as well. “You flirt too much.”

            Once dinner rolled around the corner and the dinner bell was rung, everyone walked down the stairs towards the dining table. It’s been a while since everyone has sat together for a meal. Someone would be missing (besides the usual Baekhyun) because of schoolwork or work in general. Sometimes, I would be gone because Chanyeol took me to the café and I was still full of that or I would be busy working on a project so someone would bring me up my dinner, which was usually Jongdae. He would also sit with me so I wouldn’t eat by myself and he’d offer to help work on homework when I needed help.

            We all settled down at the table ready to eat when the front door opened. Everyone started to look at each other anxiously as to who has entered the house. There was only one seat left at the table.

            “Is that Hyunnie?” Mrs. Ahn questioned Jongdae. He shrugged.

            “What? No way! The workaholic is home for dinner sounds so absurd,” Joy shook her head.

            “Has to be him because he’s the only one missing,” Joohyuk mentioned.

            And soon enough, he stepped inside the dining room. All eyes on him, his eyes found mine first. He smiled at me before looking at the others. “Hi, guys.”

            “Wow, it’s been months since I’ve last seen you coming home like this,” Jieun waved her hands around dramatically at Baekhyun.

            “Yeah, this feels like the moment when your uncle that you’ve rarely see and you rarely communicate with and then all of sudden, he comes to visit because he needs money,” Jisoo crosses his arms. “Typical soap opera moment.”

            “Okay, okay that’s enough, my children,” Mrs. Ahn stood up. “Welcome back, Hyunnie. Please sit down. I’ll get you a plate and then we can start dinner all together.”

            “Thank you, Auntie,” Baekhyun made his way over and sat down in front of me.

            “Ah, so I’m sure you haven’t met our new neighbor yet,” Changkyun told Baekhyun and pointed towards me.

            Baekhyun looked over at me and smiled. “Hi, I’m Byun Baekhyun. It’s finally a pleasure to meet you at home.”

            “I’m Park Seoul. Nice to meet you too,” I tipped my head down for a small bow.

They finally met!!! Eeeeeek the story now begins~~~ No one asked by this story originated from a dream I had nearly 3 year agos?? And I still vividly remember to it this day. So, I've been maybe writing this for a year or 2 now??? I just know I've been working on it this for a while now (and yet, it's still not that good *cries*)

Also, just like my other fic We're Not Dating (which you should check out *wink wink*) I'm not super sure if it was Baekhyun that was in my dream, but definitely someone that was very similar to him.

Anyway, LOTS OF LOVE and I'll see you in the next chapter!