DISCLAIMER : contains curse words ; but not a lot :-) italised words are thoughts by the OC at the scene of the story :-)

I’ve never conversed. I mean not literally but I could never say things from the bottom of my heart to anyone straight to their face. Emotional apologies to parents, asking for permission from teachers, confrontations with a /bastard in school, confessing to a crush… you get the picture. I’m not weird or an introvert or anything.

I’m a coward.

But I’m working on it, I promise. As proof, there was a period of time where I went “ it” and did what I should and would be scared to do. In that duration of time, I’ve texted my ex-crush, saying hi after so long of not talking to him. I’ve also texted my current crush hi when I was alone, walking home from school. I felt quiet proud and accomplished, really. In actual fact, that’s just plain pathetic and menial. However, there’s a touch of contradictory going on in my life. I’ve come to notice that the guy I like actually reacts a certain way towards whatever I do. And the best thing is that it’s usually a good thing. He smiles, get’s a little shy or even acts protective. At least, that’s what I noticed. Maybe I’m just delusional. Yeah that’s it. I’m delusional.

I’ve been crushing on Jeon Jungkook for a year now, specifically 10 months. We’re in our second year in high school and both of us were the newbies of the sophomore year. The moment I laid eyes on him, I knew I’d get myself into trouble, that is falling in love developing feelings for him.

I remember the first day of school like it was yesterday. I walked in, heart thumping real hard from anxiety. I wanted to die right there, in my seat. I felt as if everyone else in the room was looking at me. Judging me. They don’t like me,I thought. I took out a book to read to occupy and calm myself down.

"It’s a metaphor, see: You put the killing thing right between your teeth, but you don’t give it the power to do its killing…"

I didn’t quite understand that sentence so I looked up from my book. My eyes met with the person that clearly explained the questioning sentence I just read. He later showed what it meant. How much one could hurt.

"Hey," I heard a real life barbie doll say except that she wasn’t calling for me. She was talking to the guy. She sounded flirtatious which left me to stare at her in pure disgust despite maintaining a  mutual expression. The guy looked lost, holding onto a piece of paper that he referred to constantly. I assumed that he was the other newbie and the paper he was holding was his class schedule. He looked rather decent. Cute actually. I examined the rest of the guys in the class already and he’s way above average in terms of looks.

Barbie, I mean Colbie, twirled her hair as she “helped” him out. I continued to mind my own business and returned to my book. I couldn’t help but eavesdrop on their conversation. Colbie seemed interesting. I’ve never seen anyone like her. People like her exists in movies. For example, Mean Girls. Colbie’s character would be Regina George. Both blonde, have flawless makeup on that makes them look plastic, flirtatious yet mean auras, with two wannabes that make up their posse.

"Need help?" I could see the coquettish grin on her face even though my nose was up a book.

"Yeah, actually I do. Is this Mrs Branigan’s math class?" It is.

"Mhm it sure is." The way she answers him is disturbing enough, what more her expression and actions. I hate her already.

With the corner of my eye, I saw him motioning towards two seats consecutive from mine. Colbie noticed and scurried to get her bag and settled in the seat behind him. Desperate much.

I should mind my own business.

Class started and of course, the new students were asked to introduce themselves to the class. Instead of taking turns introducing in front of the class, the teacher told us to both stand together and do it simultaneously just so to ‘“save time”. How does standing together and doing it simultaneously save time?

We did as we were told. Jungkook decided to take off his jacket thus revealing his t-shirt. I realised what shirt he was wearing while he jogged back to stand beside me. Coincidentally, we were wearing the same shirt. Well, kind of. He wore a black coloured version of a varsity t-shirt with the numbers 13 while I was wearing the white coloured version of it.

"Couple t-shirts!" wolf-whistled the delinquents of the class. Colbie’s expression turned sour after noticing our shirts and her eyes shot daggers at me after the guys whistled. I retrieved her death stare but shook it off in an instant. I took the first turn in introducing myself to the class before Jungkook or the teacher could say anything.

I cleared my throat and began, “I’m _____. I was from California and moved here to Albuquerque because my parents’ jobs required us to move here. I was born and raised in South Korea until I was 6 years old. On that note, I’m Korean-American and I like to draw a lot.” I stopped after not knowing what else to say and looked over at the teacher-in-charge for help.

"Well done, _____. You may proceed," she motioned for Jungkook to introduce himself. I couldn’t help but smile as he talked about himself. His thin lips curled into a smile every now and then when there were awkward pauses. Big twinkling eyes looked ahead towards the class. I could feel my cheeks blush after remembering that while it was my turn, he was paying close attention to me and bothered to fix his concentration on me as I spoke. The least I could do was return the favour and show my respect.

"My name is Jeon Jungkook and I’m from Busan of South Korea. I moved to the States a few years back. I learnt how to speak English since I was young although my pronunciation is a bit off at times. Sorry in advance if you can’t understand me or if my grammar’s really bad. Um, I dance and sing and sometimes rap but I enjoy singing the most. Nice to meet you all." He ended his introduction with a 90 degree bow like how all Koreans do it. He bowed too fast which made all of us jump a bit. He smiled so brightly after getting up and turned to me as I was staring at him the entire time. His sudden eye contact, made me look the other way really fast.

"Oh how nice. Both of you are Koreans-"

"Korean-American," we both corrected the teacher at the same time. We stared at each other for awhile, taken aback by the coincidence. I turned to look at floor as the awkward silence continued and so did Jungkook.

"Well, that’s enough coincidences for the day. Welcome to East Albuquerque High School," Mrs Branigan broke the silence with a big welcoming smile. We both proceeded to take our seats as the class began.

As soon as I sat down, I could feel Jungkook’s gaze. I felt uncomfortable so I turned to him, who was on my right which was a mistake. My eyes met his twinkling eyes and he was smiling ever so brightly. I couldn’t help but smile back before returning my attention back at the lesson. Colbie saw all this and I could feel her piercing gaze. I might’ve messed with the wrong people but I think I’m going to like it here…