JESSICA’S POV

After that confession of his, he became ever sweeter. He was one unpredictable guy. It’s like at first look, you can’t tell that he’s this “soft” of a person, you would think that he’s like a beast. I guess looks can really be deceiving. Take for example, Hae, at first you would think that he’s the sweetest and most innocent guy, but the truth is, he’s the exact opposite.

Maybe that’s the realization I should have. Maybe it’s not about guys being @$$hole$ but about learning how to decipher a guy.

If that’s the case, should I really give Taecyeon a chance?

That night, I didn’t really bother thinking about giving him a chance or not, I only concentrated on enjoying that night, with this setup as a product of all his efforts. We talked an laughed all night, as if I wasn’t hurt just hours ago. This is what I need. I want someone who could easily take away the pain I’m feeling.

‘Cause I’m sick of feeling hurt.

It was 20 minutes past 11 when he drove me home. The radio was on, and since it’s already late at night, mellow songs were played, mostly love songs. I was looking out at the window, admiring the view of a very quiet road, when a very familiar song played.

Someday, someone’s gonna love me.

The way I wanted you to need me.

Someday, someone’s gonna take your place.

Is this the sign I was looking for all night?

I heard him hum along the song. If this is really a sign, then I’ll take it. Maybe today is the someday I’ve been waiting for. Maybe Taecyeon is the someone I’ve been looking for.

I opened my closet to decide what clothes to wear today. I scanned along all the hanged and folded clothes but didn’t really feel satisfied. I closed the closet and saw the paperbags that had clothes I bought from yesterday. Oh. I forgot. I have to be daring.

I put on the clothes, it felt uncomfortable, so I added some cover-ups so that it wouldn’t look that revealing. It’s fashionably y, not y but still flauntable. Oppa just gave me an approved look and I headed to the door.

I was shock, but at the same time not shock when I saw the same car that fetched and drove me home last night. Do you get what I mean? I was expecting, and at the same time, not expecting to see him here, right now, this early in the morning.

“Uhmm. Good Morning. I uhmm... I just wanted to fetch you and drive to school together. Well, if that’s okay with you.”, he said while stammering and bowing his head, unable to look at me in the eye.

“Good morning also. Sure. I would love to. Let’s go?”, I smiled and walked towards him.

I don’t know if I’m hallucinating or something, but I think I saw a silhouette of a guy near the post across the street. It looked familiar. It really looked familiar. My heart is even telling me that I know that person, but my brain is having a hard time finding the face and the name that would fit the identity of that person. However, my subconscious mind tells me that I shouldn’t bother knowing who that person was.

Taecyeon opened the car door for me, and I entered. All this gestures of his is making my heart flutter because I never thought there is a guy in this world that would be as well-mannered as him. Yes, a lot of my guy friends are gentlemen, but not to this extent.

We drove our way to school while chatting about a lot of things, I don’t even know how we got to some topics. We just talked and talked about random things that would pop in our minds. This is what you call randomness, and as a matter of fact, I’m enjoying this. It feels like I don’t have anything to worry about.

When we arrived at the car park, I expected that everyone would be so shocked, and yes, I’m so right. They were all looking at us with questioning faces as I made my way out of his car. He offered his arms, and I took it. We walked along the corridors of the school with me holding his arms and him carrying my bag.

I didn’t dare try to reject his offer of bringing my bag for me. Rejecting him is like leaving a puppy in the middle of an unknown street, it breaks my heart.

Unfortunately, we have no subject that we’re in the same class in, but he said that our break times match, so he’s going to pass by here and we could have lunch together.

We already arrived at my classroom and he handed to me my bag and books. Everyone in the room were looking at us, by everyone, I mean every single one inside the classroom. We bid our temporary farewells and headed towards our destination—me to my desk and him to his room.

I just noticed that everything I’m expecting to happen this day just got real.

I expected that the girls would gather around me and ask questions like a machine gun, and yes of course, it got real. They were squeezing details out of me, seriously.

I waited for them to calm down and told them, “Can you please wait for my explanation later? I’ll introduce him to you at our lunch break.”

They just gave me a look and went back to their chairs. I was sure that they were already in their seats and were already patient enough to wait for my explanation that they wouldn’t bother look at me anymore, but I felt a weird sensation. It was like a pair of eyes were still looking at me. And based on my experiences, this sensation is not something to just shrug off because I’m certain that what I’m feeling is real.

I scanned the whole room for pair of eyes that might me looking at me at that moment, and I told you, I’m right. Our eyes met and it took me a while to remove my gaze from him. He was looking at me intently and as if he was telling, I meant asking, me something. But I didn’t dare try to understand that look. Why would I even bother, right?

Instead, I focused my gaze into my phone and tried scrolling for relevant messages in my inbox. I saw none, so I put it back in my pocket and tried searching for another thing I could divert my attention to. Still, I could feel them eyes looking at me.

Why is the teacher taking so long anyway? Now that I’ve wanted her to be early, she doesn’t show up, but when I don’t want her to arrive, she pops up.

“Attention students of LMS High School. We are pleased to announce that all classes for today, for all year levels, will be cancelled due to an urgent meeting by the staffs and faculty. We are sorry to inform you this late, but we hope you’d have a great day.”, the speakers boomed through every classrooms and every hallway.

3

2

1

*shouts* *shouts* *shouts*

The shouts of the students echoed all throughout the school. Guess they’re happy about this, but unfortunately, I’m not.

I felt my phone vibrate, so I checked who texted me. It was Taecyeon.

            From: Taecyeon

                        Uhmm. So yeah. We no longer have any class. Mind if we hangout earlier that               planned?

I replied with a simple “Sure. Meet me at the cafeteria. There are a few people who wants to know you. :)”

I fixed my things went to the girls, “So this is what you’ve been waiting for. Let’s go to the cafeteria. You’ll meet him.”

They looked at me with an indecisive face, but still stood up and followed me. I texted Sunny that she should go hangout with us at the cafeteria, and she responded with a smiley.

Together with the boys, we walked through the hallways of the school like ramp models. Just like what we say every single day, students are treating us like we’re above them or something. Some even harshly pushes aside their friends for us. I look at them and whisper a “It’s okay. You don’t have to do that.” But I can see their eyes glitter while I’m talking to them, I’m pretty sure they didn’t understand a word I told them.

And again, like every day, we made it to the cafeteria easily because of our “power” over the rest of  the student body. When we entered, I saw the physique of a guy that proved to me that chivalry is far from being dead. I saw him smile at me and wave, seated in table that were only for two.

I went to him and told him, “I think it would be a good idea if we transfer to that seat.”, pointing at the seat where the gang usually seats. “I really don’t think we could fit in here.”, I chuckled.

He scratched the back of his head and smiled slyly, making me chuckle even more.

They were all already seated in our regular “formation”. It was kind of awkward for me, since I’m usually seated right beside Hae, but right now, I don’t think that’s a very good idea. I was thinking that I should sit at the last seat, but because Taec is really a gentleman, he told me that a lady shouldn’t sit there, and made me sit on the second to the last seat, which is still right beside Hae.

So it’s like I’m in between the two guys who made me feel different types of emotions just in a span of 24 hours.

The boys stood up and went to the counter, doing what they do most of the time, bring our food for us. During the span of time the boys were away, the girls started to ask me questions.

[A/N: The italicized words are Sica’s replies.]

“Who is he?”

“What’s his name?”

“He’s Taecyeon from Section 4”

“Is he the one you went out with last night?”

“Uhuh. That’s him.”

“What did you do last night?”

“Just hang out and enjoy.”

“Hang out? Enjoy? What did you specifically do?” “Did he do something to you?” “Did you go to the bar?” “Did he make you drunk?” “Did he bring you to a hotel or something?”

“Did you do it?”, that question cut off the question of the rest, and made them all look at the person who asked that awkward question, Sooyoung. “Why are you looking at me like that? I’m just asking.”, she just shrugged her shoulder and looked away.

“So? What did you do?”

“We just ate dinner outside. went to a beach and had a late night picnic. “

I got a mixed reaction from them—half of them looked so amazed, and the other half looked like they didn’t find it interesting. It was Sunny who looked totally amazed by what I just said. I could see her eyes glimmer.

“THAT. IS. SO. ROMANTIC!”, she shouted, attracting attention from the people sitting on the table beside us.

“What is?”, asked Eunhyuk. Oh. They’re already here.

With two trays on their hands, they sat on their seats. Oh. Wait. Each of them were holding two trays. Did Hae still buy food for me? OMG.

The boys one by one gave the other tray to the girls. I was waiting for hay to hand it to me, but a tray from the opposite side appeared. I took a look of the person who gave it to me, only to see that it was Taecyeon. I gave him a thankful smile, but something inside of me was still waiting for Hae.

However, it didn’t come. He gave it to Sunny. I would lie if I say that I didn’t feel a tinge of disappointment inside of me. I also feel guilty because.. i should be thankful towards Taec right now, right? My attention should be on him and not Hae.

I tried my best to not show any sign of my disappointment. I just forced myself to focus on Taec even though my brain is still focused on Hae.

“So what was that thing you were talking about earlier?”, asked Teuk when everything was already settled. And again, Sunny’s eyes were full of glitters.

“About Sica and Taec’s date last night.”, she enthusiastically said.

I bent my head and looked downwards just to hide my already red face. Why would she say that in front of everyone? Especially in front of Taec.

“What date?” “You had a date?”

I couldn’t answer myself, so I just continued to bow my head. I heard a of soft chuckle from Taec and he answered in a questioning tone a simple, “Yes?”

“Wow. That’s quite fast. How’d you do that?”, Kyuhyun started with a tinge of malice in his tone. What is he trying to imply?

“You can only do that if... you’re one of us. So, are you one of us?”, Siwon added with also a very questioning look on his face. Then, the two gave each other a look with a smirk forming on their lips. This is really driving me crazy right now. What are they trying to do? Are they really trying to do something or I’m just being paranoid again?

Are they having a mind game with me or something?

“Of course he’s not one of you. He’s not a playboy.”, saying the last word with emphasis. Trying to make a point to the both of them, and trying to indirectly implicate something to him. “So, stop it with your illogical accusations.”

“Oh sheesh. Calm down, Sica. We were just joking, no need to get mad and all. Chill, okay? Now, let’s eat!”, Kyuhyun said.

“Yeah. It’s alright, Jess. It’s a guy thing, so I understand. Come on, let’s eat, okay?”, Taecyeon said while smiling.

I smiled back to him, and started eating my food. It was a bit awkward for me to eat since, you know, he’s beside me. But I forced myself not to mind his presence, and fortunately, I got through. During the whole stay in the cafeteria, I diverted my attention to Taec and the rest, and not even pay a single glance of him, although it was a bit inevitable.

It was still too early for us to go home, we decided to go to the mall and hang out some more, and they wanted to know more about Taec (oh ow, he’s on the hot seat now.). Since I didn’t bring my car with me, I had to, again, ride the car with Taec.

I didn’t really bother. It’s better than me riding with the others because for sure, they’ll get intrigued and asked tons and tons of question, so I’d rather prefer being here with Taec. He’s the most comfortable person to be with right now.

We arrived at the mall’s parking area, and since Taec’s very of a gentleman, he opened the door for me, like he always does. I gave him a smile as a sign of gratitude.

“Yiiiee~” I heard a teasing voice shout from the right side of us. It was Sunny.

This girl is an energy pill, she’s like.. full of energy! Hahaha. So adorable, but her remark made me blush. I feel embarrassed in front of Taec.

While Sunny was giggling about the gesture made by Taec, the rest of the girls were giving us the eye. They were examining us and were showing no sign of happiness, just an expression full of displease.

I don’t get them. Before, when I was still stuck to my broken self, they would say that I should look for someone new, someone who’s make me happy. Now, that I’m trying to do what they told me, they’d act this way.

I just didn’t pay attention to them. I’ll deal with them later, but right now, I’d rather enjoy this situation. I don’t want to stress myself.

We strolled inside the mall together—window shopping at its very best. I know that Tiffany is having a hard time trying to control herself from snatching her credit card out of her bag, but the presence of the guys is stopping her from doing so. I’m pretty sure, she’s dying deep inside.

We were already at the far end of the mall, which means that it’s already an area for the arcades. It may not seem possible, but me and the rest of the girls are fond of going to these type of places. We may seem girly, but deep down, we’re boyish—we prefer doing guy things rather that girly things.

Due to excitement, me and the girls ran as fast as we can to the nearest arcade, leaving the boys behind. Automatically, we went to our favourite game and swiped our playcards, me playing the zombie shooting game. We had our own cards, fyi.

Not long after, the boys caught up with us. They were shocked and, at the same time, amazed because of our sudden behavioural shift. But, naaah~ We don’t really care, we’re in our own paradise right now.

Taecyeon was standing beside me, looking like he’s still trying to absorb the current situation. I paused my game for a bit and faced him, “Sorry. Hahaha. I bet you’re still shocked about our behaviour right now.”

“A-ah. Anniyo. I’m not shocked, I’m just so.. amazed. It never came to mind that you like these type of things.  I mean like, I was scared moments ago that you I might get a bad image if you knew that I’m an arcade addict, but this is so surreal.”

“You’re fond of going here too?”, he gave me and nod in response. “OMG! We should come here together more often.”

Me and Taec shared a good laugh while we were so immensely indulged in the game that we were playing. We were like kids playing around-- shooting while posing like those cool action stars and then laugh even more.

We didn't bother about the people eyeing us, well who's attention will we not get when we're this noisy anyway? Hahaha. Moving on and not caring about the people around us, we just continued playing like ex-mental hospital patients.

There wasn't a minute when the both of us weren't laughing like crazy. Honestly, it's been quite some time since I felt this much happiness.

By the time the rest called us to go grab some food, the two of us were tires, but were really enjoying.

"It seems like you're enjoying the company of one another.", said in a monotonous manner. It was from someone who I least expected to talk to me right now, someone that never came to mind for the span of time I was with Taec-- Hae.

I felt my heart being stabbed by a sharp, thick knife.

Trying to avoid showing signs of my pained heart, I smiled at hm and said, "Of course we are."

We decided to go to our favorite restaurant in the mall. This is where we usually eat when we're around this area. I can't even believe that this resto is owned by Sunny's Aunt? Well, believe it, 'cause when we entered, her Aunt saw Sunny and they greeter each other, the time for us to know that they're actually related, closely related.

With this, her Aunt told us to order anything and "It's on the house." *O* Well, what reason do we have to decline this marvelous offer. This is like hitting the jackpot.

But the tables were only able to cater four people, so.we had to group ourselves.  Of course, we decided that Taeyeon and Leeteuk would take the one table where it's going to be the two of them who's going to occupy it.

1st Table: Taeyeon and Leeteuk

2nd Table: Hyoyeon, Eunhyuk, Sooyoung and Yuri

3rd Table: Seohyun, Kyuhyun  Tiffany and Siwon.

4th Table: Me, Taecyeon, Sunny and Hae.

I'm not truly comfortable with this arramgement, but I have to act like I'm not bothered by it. Acting skills 101 ↖(^ω^)↗

The atmosphere at our table was waaay way beyond awkward. But again, I’m acting like I’m not bothered, just laughing carefreely (does this word even exist?),talking casually, and etc.

Actually, I’ve already adjusted to the awkward situation between me and him, but what’s creeping me out right now is the way Sunny is staring at me and Taec. Is she... is she fangirling or something? She looked like she’s spazzing with herself in her mind. She had this sparkling eyes that’s full of amusement.

When she noticed that I noticed her, she gestured mouthed a “Don’t mind me. Just continue doing what you’re doing.” and continued with her self-spazz.

Taec’s face came closer to me and he whispered, “Am I the only one amused by her expression right now?”, and ended up laughing. I looked at Sunny and realized that her expression was as amusing as how she seemed to be amused by us, and ended up laughing with Taec, all the more making her more amazed.

Our laughter was put to a halt when an abrupt cough came from the last remaining person who’s been quiet all this time. We all looked at him, but it was only Sunny who reacted. “OMG are you alright?”

I redirected my gaze, and fortunately, Taec was able to find a new topic for us to talk about. It was a day full of fun for me, and a day full of avoidance.