Sorry, I'm an Anti-Romantic (DAERIN)

13

Danielle's POV

Today is the day of our field trip, and I can hardly contain my excitement. Travelling and exploring different places is something I've always loved, and I couldn't wait to embark on this adventure with my friends, classmates and with her. The day got even better when Hanni informed me that Section 1 and 3 would be together.

Lately, I've been spending a lot of time with Haerin. I can't explain it, but she has a certain effect on me that no one else does. Every interaction with her seems to deepen what I feel for her, and I feel incredibly lucky that she's been making time for me despite being the consistent honor student and school president.

Kang Haerin
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: U ready? I'll pick you up. I know you brought so many stuffs even though we'll just stay there for only 2 days

How did you know? 😭 you're right. Perfect timing, our driver is sick.

: Okayy wait for meee

Be carefullll

: Where's my kiss?

Why would I kiss you on chat? When I can do it personally😏

Like this, she knows how to flirt on chat and I'm just flirting back. Small things that making me fall harder.

As I got ready for the trip, my mom informed me that Haerin had arrived. I went downstairs to find her laughing and chatting with my mom.

I could feel a little embarrassed when my mom started telling stories about my childhood antics, like how I used to kiss my friends and pee my pants a lot.

"Mom, we're going to be late" I interrupted, eager to get going.

Haerin helped me with my things, and we made our way to her car. I felt safe and secure with her by my side as we drove to school.

When we arrived, the school buses were all lined up, with students buzzing with excitement about their respective destinations. Our destination was an art museum and a farm the next day, and I knew I was going to have a blast with her by my side.

We loaded our belongings onto the bus. I noticed Minji staring at me, but she quickly looked away when Haerin came to my side.

"Let's go inside" she said, and we waited for the other students to board the bus.

"Lean your head on my shoulder if you get sleepy" her concern making me feel cared for and protected.

No one has ever made me feel this way before.

"Haerin" I suddenly feeling the need to say her name.

"Hmm?" she replied, looking at me.

"W-what are we?" I blurted out without thinking

Omg, why does that automatically comes out from my mouth.

"Just wait" she replied, leaving me even more confused. Was I missing something?

I leaned my head on her, and she intertwined our hands. I couldn't help but rub her finger, cherishing this moment.

"PLEASE, PUT ON YOUR SEAT BELTS" the bus driver announced, jolting us back to reality.

We fastened our seat belts, and the bus engine started. I stay awake, fascinated by the cars, buildings, and people passing by.

I noticed that Haerin was slowly closing her eyes, looking sleepy and cute. I put her head on my shoulder, and she was the first one to fall asleep. I lean my head on hers, feeling my eyes getting heavy too. This was going to be a great field trip.

I could feel a slight tap on my shoulder and loud noises. I was in deep slumber and the sudden voice startled me.

"Danielle, we're here" the woman beside me said with her soft tone. I rubbed my eyes and looked outside the window. We were in front of a hotel.

Our teachers had instructed us about our rooms - 2 to 4 students per room.

"Do you want someone with us?"

"Up to you" I replied, still groggy from my nap. I had no decision of my own.

"Ok, I'll pick the room with one bed" she said with a smirk.

Before we could even settle in our room, Sir announced,
"AT EXACTLY 1 PM WE'LL GO TO THE ART MUSEUM."

We left our bags in the room and headed out to eat before the museum visit.

As we entered the museum, the facilitator explained the meaning of each painting. Each piece was distinct, with its own style and representation. Art is healing, though we can't touch it, it touches our hearts. I could imagine how much painters dedicated their life and effort to create masterpieces.

One painting caught my attention - 'Embrace'. It depicted a man and a woman passionately embracing each other, even though they were separated by a barbed-wire fence. The landscape behind them appeared somewhat out of joint in terms of iconic logic, but the artist intentionally imitated an immature expression.

I interpreted the painting as a representation of the power of love - that nothing can stop it, not even a harmful fence or hindrances.

" That painting is amazing" I didn't realize that she's beside and that we're staring at the same painting.

I nooded as response and continued to wander around the museum.

" Danielle" she called me, breaking my trance.

" Hmmm?"

" Do you trust me?" She asked making me think on what she's pointing on.

Why she's suddenly ask me that question, of course I do trust her.

" Of course, Haerin" I responded and face her, she's staring at my soul. Her eyes is the most beautiful thing I could see right now next to the paintings. It is shaped and colored perfectly.

" Can you promise me one thing?" She continued making me feel nervous, what is it about?

" Trust me as long as you can" She blurted out

" I promise" I said, she intertwined our hands and kissed the back of my palm.

I hope that I was thinking wrong. Because, truth be told, I already like her

I don't know if this is still 'like', it was something deeper closer to love.