Seolli's a quiet classmate Kim Taehyung always noticed but never had the courage to approach. Fate leads them to the same college and Taehyung tells himself things will be different. He'll take the steps to reach her heart. All she has to do is stay...
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March 21 Sunday Year 1
The cherry blossoms are almost ready to be in full bloom.
I smile as I shield my eyes from the sun, admiring the very few that greet us early.
This morning, the hiking trail is busy with people excited about the next few weeks. Will they come early? When's the festival starting?
It has everyone talking.
My smartwatch vibrates and I see an incoming text from my mom asking me to pick up a couple of spices after my hike on the trail.
I plan to keep walking for another 10 minutes.
I'm not a fan of exercise, but I found that hiking is enjoyable. I get to breathe fresh air and see new people, all while enjoying the birds sing.
"What are you planning?" I ask my mom as I place the bag on the counter, leaning over to watch her jotting down notes on paper.
She pushes up her glasses. "This weekend, your aunts are visiting. I thought it would be nice if we could put that old grill to use. What do you think?"
Dad's grill.
Mom willing to use it is a good sign.
I'm happy for her.
"It's a good idea," I giggle. "This also means the house will be loud this weekend."
My mom laughs, "It will, won't it? Not only because of us, but you cousins will be seeing each other for the first time in years. I'm sure there's a lot to share with each other."
I nod, picking up an orange to peel. My mom and her sisters are blessed to be close in their hearts. I can't say it's the same with my cousins and I.
It's not on purpose of course, but they all live close in proximity in the countryside, while we live deep in the city.
"How about you invite your friend over?"
I lift my eyes in surprise. My friend? Taehyung?
"Oh... w-we're..."
I look at the orange slice in my hand, not sure how to tell my mom that we're closer to acquaintances. If I invited Taehyung, I'm sure that he'd say yes, but only because he's very polite.
What would we even talk about?
What would his real friends think?
My face turns red and I eat the slice to try to not seem flustered.
My mom looks up and steals a slice away from me.
"He might have other plans this weekend."
She shrugs with a smile. "But you aren't certain, right? It doesn't hurt to ask, Seols. I promise I'll make the best meat in town."
"I know," I say in a small voice.
She walks over and places a kiss on my head. "I understand your fear. I understand needing to put up walls and defenses. But why waste all that energy if nothing is coming? You might lose out on experiences that way."
I reach up and pat her. "You're right, mom."
I don't want her to start worrying about me.
I'll find the right time to ask.
And if he says no, then I'll thank him for his consideration.
