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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May 24 Tuesday Year 1
It's not your fault. Please don't blame yourself.
Taehyung had texted me over the weekend —after the incident with my father. Truth is I did blame myself. I was selfish and pressured Taehyung into staying over when he didn't want to.
Didn't I learn what being too selfish can lead to? I could've lost Taehyung like I lost Eunha.
I was so scared. I was scared for it to happen again.
And that Taehyung wouldn't talk to me again... Yet, why didn't I text him first?
Right now, our class was at a nearby art museum. Mr. Jung wanted us to get inspiration for our final creative writing piece to add to our end of the year portfolio. Taehyung had greeted me like nothing happened, sitting next to me on the subway while happily talking to the others about the weekend. He didn't mention coming over.
I fiddle nervously with the necklace I've kept hidden, walking around the display pieces. With a shy gaze, I peak over at Taehyung who is taking pictures of the one of interlaced hands.
I can't help but admire the fluffiness of his hair, some waves curling around his ears. The light scent of pineapples still lingers in my mind from when he was so close. My cheeks burn quickly, the memory of how he surprised me with his lips on my neck coming to surface.
With a small breath, I crouch down, holding the lily pendant tighter and tighter.
"Seolli? Are you okay?" Karin walks over and bends down.
"I-I'm fine." I turn more red. Not wanting to draw any attention, I stand, wobbling over.
Karin yelps as she reaches out for me. I find my balance and look at her apologetically.
"What?" Jiyoo scans the floor.
"S-sorry, I'm just tired." I feel the corners of the pendant digging into my hand.
"Ugh, same!" Karin tilts her head. "Hmm? Oh, is that new?"
My voice gets trapped. Taehyung glances over and we lock eyes, but he's the first to break it.
Maybe Taehyung didn't want me to tell anyone? What if they asked more questions. I hated lying, but I feel like I would end up having to tell more lies later in the road.
"It was a gift." I say softly, revealing it from my clutches.
Jiyoo smiles as she takes it in her hand. "My parents never give me anything like this. It's beautiful."
"What you need is a boyfriend." Karin points her eyes at Jiyoo. "You should just ask Taehyung out."
Jiyoo looks panicked, checking if he heard her. "Karin!"
My smile stiffens and I become awkward.
Karin laughs loudly, walking away to look at something else. Jiyoo trails after her, pinching her side urgently.
I feel a gentle poke and look over my shoulder to see Taehyung so close.
"I want to show you something," he smiles, eyes dropping to my necklace.
My heart skips. "Me?"
He laughs, a smile wide enough to make my heart flip some more. "You."
Following behind him, I realize how much taller he is than me. It somehow makes me feel so safe.
Entering the room, he jogs over to press a button. The lights turn on and the space fills with Van Gogh's Starry Night come to life.
I can't help but smile wide as I extend my arms out to find the painting on me. Every detail is so vivid and my eyes follow the strokes of colors... leading back to Taehyung standing at the center watching me.
My heart races and I want nothing more than to hide my face. But I don't.
I want him to see me.
"Seolli..." He calls my name in only the way he can.
"I'm sorry for this weekend, I hope I didn't ruin your birthday."
I shake my head in protest and he chuckles shaking his own.
"No, I'm really sorry. It wasn't the impression I wanted to make with your father. I thought I'd have more time before I met him..."
I tilt my head. More time?
"I also hope it doesn't change how you view me. There are things people don't know about me... but little by little I'll share them."
He looks pained and I believe these things about him are protected for a reason.
I walk closer and it's like he almost doesn't see me until my shoes bump into his. "That's okay! Take your time. Whenever you're ready, I'll listen."
His eyes soften and they glisten with the colors of the paintings projected on him.
He nods, bending down and resting his forehead against my shoulder.
Lifting my hand up, I place it on his back in a gentle hug.
And hope he can't feel how hard my heart is beating.
