c h a p t e r 5

I made sure it was late enough before I went home so that I wouldn't be stuck having chit chat with my mother and her newest boy toy.

I tiptoed my way across the living room, silently praying that my mother did not hear me come in. When I was about to open the door of my bedroom, the lights of the living room flickered on. I muttered a curse before spinning around. "How was dinner?" I asked first, facing her.

"Miso," She sighed. "Why do you always avoid having dinner when I have guests over?" She asked, ignoring my question.

I pursed my lips already tired of the conversation. "I told you. I had to meet up with a classmate." I attempted to persuade her.

"You and I both know that's a lie." She snapped. "You do know why I'm doing this, right?" She asked, softly.

I had my assumptions. One would be that she was looking for someone well-off so we wouldn't be struggling as we are now.

I scoffed at that. "Really? Playing the 'I did it for you' card?"

"Miso." She said, sternly.

My hand was already by the door handle. "I have classes tomorrow. Can't this wait?" I did not wait for her to answer and just entered my room.

I threw myself on the bed hoping it was a pile of upright knives instead.

•••

Sliding the classroom door open, I wasn't surprised to see Bang Chan already by his seat. "Good morning!" He beamed. "You're early today." He checked his wrist watch.

Indeed I was. I left earlier than usual to avoid having to talk with my mother.

I nodded. "Yeah. Good morning." I muttered, walking to my desk which was a row and a seat behind him. Hanging my bag on the hook by the desk, I shot a look at Bang Chan who was turned to me with a smile. "What?" I asked, confused.

"Where did you learn how to swing like that?" He asked, still smiling. "Hyunjin can't get over it." He added, his head shaking with laughter.

"You know him?"

That wasn't surprising. He knew the dark haired squirrel. I've also seen Hwang Hyunjin around. He was almost always surrounded by people. He had always caught my attention yet I didn't know his name until yesterday.

"Yeah. We've been friends for ages."

"Careful. I hear stupidity is contagious." I deadpanned.

He laughed heartily. Don't his jaw hurt from smiling too much? "Forgive him. He's a fun guy beneath all those comments." He gave a closed-lip smile.

I rest my chin on my palm before turning away from him. "Color me shocked."

The classroom door slides open again and cue the music because the boy that I have had a crush on just walked in.

"Chan." His deep voiced echoed. He walked closer to Bang Chan, giving me a closer look at him. He had grey, almost white hair with the most beautiful pattern of freckles dusting his face. I realized that I had been staring so I quickly averted my gaze.

"What's up, Felix." Bang Chan greeted.

"Jeongin's asking if he could borrow your notes. We have a test coming up and he said yours were neater than his." His voice was so deep, I hadn't imagined it like that.

Then again, I've only been staring at him from afar for months. I didn't know a lot of stuff about him.

"Sure." Bang Chan rummaged through his bag. "By the way, would you like to meet the girl who handed Hyunjin his ass?" He chuckled.

No.

"Felix, meet Park Miso." He exclaimed.

I saved myself from the embarrassment that is my social skills and tried to seem indifferent when I met his eyes. We stared at each other, no one uttering a word. That was the day that my whole world lit up.

"So, you're the infamous Pororo." He breaks.

That was also the day that I died.

•••

With flushed cheeks, I left the room successfully making up an excuse without tripping on the way out.

I hate how my crush will remember me as the girl who wore Pororo shorts. My lips pursed in anger. This was all Hyunjin's fault! I massaged my temple, attempting to calm myself while I aimlessly walk through the hallway.

I bump into someone and before I could utter an apology, he spoke. "Damn, Pororo. What's the rush?" Hyunjin smiled.

"You!" I gritted my teeth.

"In a rush to see me?" He cooed, patting my head. "We just saw each other last night." He caressed my hair.

The black-haired rabbit, Jisung, according to his name tag, gasps dramatically next to him. "You were together last night?" His loud voice boomed, earning a few stares from the students.

I slapped Hyunjin's hand away. "Stop it." I hissed.

"That's not what you said last night." He pretended to think.

There was a crowd forming already.

"Quit it." I whispered.

"Make me." He whispered back.

I grabbed hold of his tie, bringing him to my level. "You don't want to go there." I spat angrily.

He chuckles darkly. "Trust me," He tucks a strand of my hair behind my ear. "I do."