I head to school, my breaths looking like fog in the frosty Korean air. Groups of university kids scattered around me, each going to their respective class. It was a normal day, but all I could think about was him. He just said a few words to me in the subway; why am I thinking about him so much? Dongwoo's face lingered in my mind, and I tried to get rid of the image before class.

I open the classroom door, and a warm gust of wind welcomes me. Thank God. I was dying outside. I go to my seat, next to one of my friends, Joo Won. As soon as he saw me, his face broke out into a grin. 

"_______-ah. How are you?" he greeted me, "Ready for the last day of school before winter break?"

Usually, I'm bubbly and excited around him, but my encounter with Dongwoo earlier had really shaken me up. What was wrong with me?

"Uh. Fine, fine. I'm definitely ready," I distractedly replied. Joo Won's eyes narrowed. 

"Something going on? You seem... Different today," he remarked. Of course he would notice. He was my childhood friend. The boy I grew up with. The boy I always played with at school. Our moms are best friends. We're practically family.

"Nothing's wrong. I swear," I fibbed but Joo Won saw through my white lie. 

"Really?" he questioned. 

I sighed. There's no point trying to get around him. Might as well tell Joo Won about Dongwoo.

"Well," I started, "I met this guy on the subway and-"

Thankfully, the professor came in and told us to get out our books. Joo Won groaned and told me to tell him about it later. I don't think I've ever been this happy to study. Ever. 

After class, I hastily grabbed my books and tried to leave before Joo Won could ask any more but he grabbed my backpack by the strap.

"Tell me. Now. Or I won't buy you lunch," he ordered. His six-foot tall body towered over me.

. I hate this kid sometimes. 

"Fine," I relented, and relayed the entire subway encounter to him. At the end of my story, he laughed. 

"I think you have a little crush," he said inbetween chortles, "I've never seen you act this weird around a guy before!"

"What! No I don't" I claimed, my face blushing.

"Oh my God, your face is turning red! Haha, I've never seen you like this!" he laughed, tears forming in his eyes, "Oh God, this is gold."

I punched his arm but he wasn't affected by it. 

"I wanna meet this guy. Dongwoo, right? I'm gonna tell him you want his babies," he guffawed.

Ugh. Boys will be boys.

After second period, we went to the cafeteria. Sounds of laughter and the typical college banter filled the room. Joo Won and I met our other friends, MinKyung and Siwon at our normal table, and we sat down to eat. 

"Hey, guys. Guess what? ______ has a boyfriend," Joo Won announced just as I dug into my mandu. 

"Ahh! Really? I wanna meet him!! Is he cute?" Minkyung shrieked, nearly knocking over her thermos full of soup. People turned to stare at her.

"I don't believe it. _____ would never date. She's too awkward," Siwon teased, lightly punching me on the shoulder.  

I never should have told Joo Won. That boy could never shut his mouth.

"I swear! She told me!" Joo Woo exclaimed, "didn't you, ______?"

I went silent, and concentrated on my food. These dumplings are really good. I should buy some more from that vendor. 

"______-ah has gotten a little shy. It's alright. You can tell me all about him when you come over to my house tonight," Minkyung said, patting my leg. Knowing Minkyung, she'll never stop asking about him.

"Mmmm hmmm," I grumbled with a mouth full of mandu. I hope it's a good enough answer to make them drop the subject.

Gratefully, Siwon sensed my discomfort and switched the topic of conversation to winter break plans. Good old Siwon. I owe him one.

After lunch, we resumed our classes. The day went by as a blur of assignments and homework. The professors for giving us homework during winter break but as long as it'll keep my mind off Dongwoo, I'm all for it. When the last bell dismissed us for school, I ran out and met Minkyung. We walked to her apartment, chattering about our day. Finally, the dreaded moment happened.

"So, who's this boy Joo Won was talking about?" she questioned, her big eyes full of curiousity. I won't deny her the story. She's one of my best friends, and we've been friends ever since the fifth grade. 

"Well," I began, "I met this guy in the subway. His name was Dongwoo. He's really attractive. He talked to me. That's it."

"______! There must be more! Did he say anything else?"

"He said such a pretty girl shouldn't be frowning," I replied.

"He thinks you're cute?!" she squealed. 

"I don't know. I guess. He said I'm pretty."

"_____, you have no idea how happy I am for you! Did you get his number? His full name?" she went on

"Uh, no. Sorry. I only know his first name. I didn't get his number."

She gently smacked me on the forearm.

"Such a waste," she sighed, "how will you guys talk again?" She looked distraught. "Hmmm. Well, I know this one guy. He's a teacher at my dance studio. He's a really nice guy, cute too. I think you guys should hook up."

My spirits lifted but went down again. I'm not going to hook up with some random guy. I just want Dongwoo. I sighed. We'll meet again. I hope.

Minkyung and I went into her apartment, and for the entire night, we watched dramas and ate ice cream. Ahh, I missed the luxury of not having school. In the morning, I went back to my dorm. My phone rang. I checked the caller. Minkyung? I just saw her. It must be something important. 

"_______! I forgot to tell you! Do you want to come to my dance class with me? They have openings," she said. 

"Sure, when is it?"

"Three o'clock," Minkyung answered. 

"Meet you there," I replied and hung up. 

At 2:30, I met Minkyung in her apartment, and we drove to the dance studio. People were stretching when we arrived, and I decided to do the same. Suddenly, the dance instructor clapped his hands.

"Okay, everyone! We're starting class," he announced, his loud voice booming through the studio. I turned to look at instructor, and our eyes met. My heart dropped. 

The dance instructor was Dongwoo.