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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June 2 Thursday Year 1
"You did it. This is the first year that..." Mr. Jung clicks the next slide on his PowerPoint, "... All my students have completed their portfolio and passed final examination."
The class celebrates, and I let out a sigh of relief. I'm glad that means everyone - Jin, Jimin, Karin, Jiyoo, and Taehyung - have passed this course.
Mr. Jung quiets the class down. "You guys have also written great things for the prompt. You've all changed from the beginning of the semester, whether you believe it or not. While the future might be exciting, scary, or unclear, it'll be bright if you continue to carry the skills you've learned from your first semester at college. And not just from my class."
"I'm excited for next semester, are you?" Taehyung whispers.
I nod, except would we see each other as much?
"Let's pick an elective we can take together, if we can?" He suggests, taking the ends of my hair to play with.
Blushing, I nod. I could almost cry in relief, not realizing how big the fear that I wouldn't meet with him again was.
"... But one of the most important things I want you all to take away from this class is to enjoy the present. I see how many friendships came from this class. Enjoy your first two years with each other. Time will go by fast, so don't be in a rush to make it move faster.
Once you move on from this college and transfer to a university, you'll hardly have time for fun. Take my advice and don't have any regrets. Now get out of this class and enjoy your summer."
"We still have other final exams." Jin mentions without hesitation.
"Pass them and then enjoy your summer."
As everyone disperses, Karin waves everyone closer to where Taehyung and I are seated. "Picture, picture! For our group chat."
Taehyung huddles close to me and I feel my face flush from our closeness. We're almost cheek to cheek.
"Great! Now put our phones together so I can have everyone's contact info. I'll send us a message so we can bother each other all summer long."
"I'll be at Taehyung's all summer long," Jimin throws his arm over Taehyung's shoulder.
"Sorry, I'll be on vacation most of the time."
"Seriously? Where?" Jiyoo asks, fascinated. "Are you leaving the country?"
Taehyung's a traveler? I've never left the city, much more the country. I imagine myself surrounded by all new people in a country I'm not familiar with or can communicate with. The thought along makes me anxious that I'll be lost.
He nods. "I'll be flying out to France with... my family."
Everyone protests in jealousy.
"And I'll be traveling to Jeju Island-" Jin starts, but Karin interrupts him.
"Everyone goes to Jeju."
"I-i've never been to Jeju..." I tell him, hoping it'd make him feel better.
His eyes sparkle. "I'll take pictures for you, and you only."
Karin gasps loudly and pinches his arm. "Woman, you're crazy," Jin cries. "I'll send them in the group chat."
Mr. Jung approaches us. "I know I'm not supposed to have favorites, but you all were my favorite. Good job on your prompt responses. Jimin, can I talk to you for a moment."
All of our heads swivel to him, surprised.
Jimin rubs the back of his head and nods, "Sure. I'll see you all... later."
Taehyung picks up my bag, and helps me up.
Mr. Jung waves with his fingers. "I'll see you all throughout the semesters. Remember, whenever you need a little bit of hope, come find me."
His eyes lock with mine and I wonder if it's because of what I wrote in my prompt. Did I make him worry?
"Is that a threat?" Karin mumbles under her breath. Jiyoo snorts on her way out.
Taehyung walks beside me, and before I turn around I glance back at Jimin, stress written all over his face.
