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

14

Danielle's POV

Haerin kept shifting and moving in her sleep. I started to worry if she was uncomfortable sleeping beside me. I grabbed a pillow and placed it beside her to prevent her from falling off the bed.

I watched her sleep peacefully, she muttered something in her sleep.

"Hmmm I don't want to lose you" she said. I wonder who she was dreaming about. I refused to assume that it was me, but the mere thought of it caused a pain in my chest.

I decided to push those thoughts aside and focus on getting some rest. Tomorrow was going to be a fun day because our next destination would a farm.

.

We're now feeding the chickens, I feel embarrassed as they approached me. My friends laughed at my jumping and I glared at them, feeling foolish.

"Don't be afraid, chickens are cute and kind" Haerin said, laughing along with the others. She seemed to be enjoying herself, feeding the chickens with a smile on her face

I took out my phone and snapped a picture of her, capturing her precious smile. She looked so happy, so carefree. A thing that I could rarely see

"Do you want some water?" I asked her, noticing the sweat on her forehead.

"Yes, thank you" she replied, gratefully accepting the water bottle I handed her.

I wiped the sweat off her forehead with a towel, feeling the usual heat rising in my chest.

Why did the simple act of touching her make me feel this way over and over again?

Suddenly, she pointed towards the nearby pond.

"Look, there are geese!" We rushed over to see them, marveling at their beauty.

"Do you know that geese are faithful, mate for life, and mourn when their partner dies?" she said, her eyes shining with wonder. Wow, they're more loyal than people.

" Is it possible for them to love other goose after loosing their first love?" I asked a dumb question, I'm just curious.

" Hmm there are some goose that usually finds another mate within the same breeding season" ohhh, not all.

" But I prefer those geese who only mates with one goose, mourning for your true love is better than finding someone new. Loving once is the best feeling." She added

I nodded in agreement, but my mind was elsewhere. Was she still talking about the geese?

" Right" I said, no words left to say.

"Let's go there" Haerin said, pointing towards our schoolmates in the distance.

Out of nowhere, Hanni called my name. I left Haerin with the group and went over to see what she wanted.

"What is it?"

"Are you two a thing?" she asked, and I laugh a little. It was thrilling to have someone ask about our relationship.

"Maybe? A little more push" I said, unsure of my answer.

"Guard your heart" she warned me and I was taken aback. What did she mean? Was it because everyone said she was Aromantic? But when she was with me, I could tell that she was capable of something. Or maybe she was just too kind and concerned towards me.

"What do you mean?" I asked, trying to understand.

"I'm just saying. I think that I should tell you that" she said with her voice serious.

"Don't worry about me. If I get hurt, then that's karma, I guess, because I hurt so many people in the past" I said, trying to sound confident. But deep down, I knew that I didn't want to get hurt again.

"Wow, you're getting mature, huh? I guess Haerin is a good influence. You're even ready to get hurt, unlike before when your hobby was hurting other people's feelings" Hanni said, and I feel a little embarrassed. But it was true. Haerin had changed me, and I was grateful for that.

"That comes naturally. I just realized some things" I said, trying to explain myself.

"Ehem" a voice interrupted us, and I jolted. I turned around to see Haerin standing behind us, looking a little confused.

"Are you hungry?" she asked, and I nodded, relieved that she hadn't heard our conversation.

"Let's eat first" she said, and I followed her back to the group, feeling a little more cautious about my heart than before.

.

We're now heading back home, I fixed all my things. I'm idiot for bringing unnecessary things. Haerin already arranged her stuffs.

" Just wait on the bus, I'll take care of your things" she offered me a help when she noticed that I'm having a hard time carrying these.

I hesitated for a moment before responding, "No, let's carry these together." I knew my response had a double meaning.

Haerin and I managed to put all our stuff in the compartment and made our way back to our original seats. As we sat down, she touched my bracelet, which I was still wearing.

"You still wearing the bracelet huh?" a small smile creeping onto her face.

"I'll always wear this" I said genuinely.
"I'll treasure everything from you."

Her question caught me off-guard. "Danielle, what if time will come that I hurt you but it's not intentional?" she asked.

I feel curious about the obstacles we were bound to face.

"Depends on the situation" I responded. "But I'm sure that I'll always find a way to forgive and accept you" I touched my bracelet, feeling as though it gave me some sort of power.

"Are you free tomorrow night?" she asked.

"Yes, I'm always free for you" I replied, feeling excited about what the night might bring.