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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September 7 Thursday Year 1
I wander the halls after class, debating whether I should go home or stay on campus to study. As I explore the hallways, I turn into new hallways I've never entered before. It doesn't take me long to get lost and panic as I try to find an atrium or lobby.
Finally, I walk in circles and up near the cafe. With a sigh of relief, I walk toward the center as I peek into the classrooms. In one of them, I see a ton of research books spread on the ground and a student hunched over as they take notes. I say student as if I didn't know it was Taehyung comfortably sitting on the ground, glasses on as he immersed himself in his studies. Butterflies bloom in my chest and I hold my necklace, trying to hold them back.
Taking a step back, I make sure that he can't see me. Guilt weighs heavily on me as I recall the dream. I was taking advantage of Taehyung's kindness. All Taehyung did was be the first person to reach out to me and be my friend. What does it say about my character if I like him because of that? I feel silly and ashamed when I place myself in his shoes. Imagine being nice to someone and they interpret your kindness as interest? How could I use him? It wasn't fair to him.
Closing my eyes, I sigh deeply, upset with myself. If Taehyung even had a hint of a feeling of how I felt, he might never talk to me.
You don't fall for your friends, Seolli.
My hands tremble at the thought of confessing to Taehyung. He wouldn't laugh at me, but the flash of distress on his face would haunt me for the rest of my life.
Luckily, Taehyung was really busy these days because I needed a lesson on boundaries. When I wake up in the morning, he's who I'm excited to meet on campus. I no longer try to make friends in any of my other classes either... Am I depending too much on him?
Footsteps down the hall, shake me from all thoughts. Taking an awkward step forward, I walk away from the door, hoping it wasn't obvious that I was lounging around.
A gentle hand is placed on top of my head and teasingly pulls me back. I let out a small yelp before glancing up at Jeon.
He grins while looking into the room. "What are we looking at?"
My cheeks burn at being caught. "I- the classroom is busy-and I..."
He blinks his eyes my way, surprised. "Do... you know him?"
Biting down on my lip, I glance at the clock behind him. "I.... am going to miss my bus home!"
Wanting out of this interaction, I turn to walk back toward the cafe so I can find an exit.
