I tipped my head to the side and grinned at him purposefully. “You’re the one Baekhyun and Kyungsoo’s talking about.”

“Yeah.” Jongin admitted, turning his head to the side to hide his embarrassed expression.

“I don’t believe it.” I heard myself saying.

“What is?” Jongin asked, turning back at me.

“You.” I said, returning his gaze. “You’re good at Literature. I remember that essay your wrote when we were in junior year.”

Jongin smirked. “You remember my essay?” he remarked.

“Only because you topped mine.” I countered but couldn’t help but smile. “What happened?” I asked seriously.

Jongin looked at me for moment. “I got distracted, I guess.” he said, running his hand through his hair. “I thought I could balance my academics but I was losing it.”

“Is that how it goes when someone’s debuting soon?” I asked, not really sure how to make my question sound exactly: serious or playful.

He didn't answer right away and stared at his sneakers for a few seconds. "I suppose." he said, shrugging. “Ms. Han told me to ask for your help to prepare for my make-up test next week. But if you’re busy, it's totally cool.”

I thought for a moment. Me and Jongin as study buddy for Literature. I mentally checked my schedule at school, at home, and at work. I glanced at Jongin who’s staring at the soccer field which was now empty. I know he’s waiting for my answer. “I’ll do it.” I said.

Jongin spun his head towards me, with surprised expression on his face. “You will?” he asked.

“Sure.” I said, nodding my head once.

“You don’t have to, Hana.” Jongin said after heaving a breath. “I know you’ve got your own thing—”

“Look,” I interjected, “I don’t know you well enough but I know Ms. Han. She’s not the type to apply the ‘halo effect’ on her students so I know she’s a very reasonable person. She’s giving you another chance on this make up test because she’s seen hope in you. You shouldn’t let it pass. And since she told you I can help you...I don’t think I’d want to let her down...”

“Thanks.” Jongin said after a brief moment and then he laughed awkwardly. “So when are we going start?”

I tipped my head to the side. “Hmm, if you’re not busy after school, we can start later.”

Jongin raised his eyebrows. “Really?”

I nodded.

“Well, then later it is.” he said and then bell for the afternoon class chimed the hallways.

We exchanged numbers and then we parted ways and agreed to meet by the school lobby after school. After my last period, I saw Min Jee standing outside my classroom, most likely waiting for me. My classmates started to exit our classroom and I was thinking of going along with them so I can walk past Min Jee. But she was still able to caught up with me and successfully cornered me in the hallway.

“Hana.” Min Jee said, gripping the straps of her back pack. “Can we talk? Please?”

I looked at my best friend, her eyes looked a bit puffy and she’s not wearing any lip gloss which was so unlike her. Min Jee never leave home without it. I glanced at my wrist watch. Maybe Jongin can wait for a minute or two, I thought. I nodded my head once and Min Jee led me to a quiet hallway.

“Hana,” Min Jee began as soon as we set