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 26 pt II Thursday Year 1
As the day went on, the less courage I had to show Jimin that Taehyung wasn't someone to be cautious about.
What if Taehyung thinks I'm trying to do something else?
What was I going to do anyway?
My head was spinning and bouncing with doubts. By the time my last class hit, I decided to tell Jimin that I had to go home to help my mom.
I walk out of the lecture feeling lighter. One worry out the window, but another one slipping through.
Jimin mentioned someone named Cherry who Taehyung was caught with. My insides twist as I picture that moment.
A shared kiss...
Taehyung was drunk the night he accidentally placed his lips on my neck. Did he think for a moment that he was with her? Where did she go? What did she look like?
I trail my fingertips against my neck, the spot burning.
Why did I feel this sinking feeling? The same feeling of feeling so small?
"Hi, Seolli." Taehyung's voice startles me, and my blood runs cold.
He waves at a girl walking out of the lecture that he must've known from another class before turning his eyes back toward me.
"Hi," I croak out, breathing becoming a little tough.
Maybe he came to meet someone else?
The corner of his lip lifts and he walks over to gently take my backpack from me. "It looks heavy. Did you bring your textbooks today?"
I nod, biting down on my lip.
He slips my backpack over his shoulder. "Thank you, I needed a good workout."
Or for me?
He turns and starts walking toward the exit.
Is he walking me home?
"You're quiet today."
I look up at him with wide eyes.
He winks, "Joking."
A small puff of a chuckle escapes my nose.
He stops in his tracks having seen something then jogs toward the vending machine. "Look! A Hello Kitty Milkis!"
Digging into his pocket, he takes out his card and buys one.
"Here." He holds it out for me.
But what about him?
Tilting more into view, he smiles warmly. "I want you to have it."
I take it into my hand, feeling the bubbles in my stomach already despite not having a sip.
"T-thanks!"
He grins. "There's your voice! I was trying to be patient but I really missed it. Even though, I can read your mind."
"Hm?"
"Joking!" He cups his mouth and whispers into my ear. His little chuckle makes my heart flutter.
Before I realize, I've held onto his arm. The soft fabric of his shirt is pinched beneath my fingers as I wonder how little I can pull to have him move closer.
His other hand falls away from his mouth.
I'm too nervous to look up. I know that he's probably waiting for me to speak, but what if....?
What if?
My heart beats so fast that I truly have lost my voice this time.
If I take too long to explain, will he pull away?
He shifts closer, close enough for the linen scent of his clothes to make me light headed.
He slips my backpack off of him, settling it down next to my feet. With the side of his finger, he strokes the side of my cheek, coaxing me to look up at him.
I hold my breath, too nervous to move.
He watches me and I'm not sure how he can be so patient.
I start seeing dots everywhere and feel like the Earth is swaying beneath my feet.
"Seolli, anything you want? I'll give it to you..." He says it so full of care in a tone I've never heard from him before.
I gulp, my lips parting. And I catch him doing the same...
Something flickers across his face and it alarms me.
He lowers closer to my face quickly but then hesitates.
I close my eyes, about to faint.
Ding! Ding! Ding!
I catch my breath and open my eyes, wondering whose phone's going off. Taehyung's already looking at his, the back of his hand over his mouth.
I cool my cheeks with the Milkis as I look at mine.
Jimin: okay, I've seen enough 🤓 ☝️ Jimin: he's safe Jimin: silly me 🤪
I whip around to see where he was, not expecting him at all.
He's running toward another exit.
Taehyung's caught sight of him too and he leaps toward Jimin's direction. Quickly turning my way, he bites his lip.
"Sorry! I- were you trying to tell me something?"
I shake my head, embarrassed.
He shifts his eyes and apologizes again before he waves and runs after Jimin.
I watch him tackle Jimin outside, making him bow his head over and over.
I lean against the wall and calm my breathing. I'm going to need more space from Taehyung if I get this way every time he comes close to me.
