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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June 11 Saturday Year 1
Wake up.
Hold me.
Instead... hold me.
My eyelids flutter open. I fell asleep?
Mid-nap, I must've swapped the book I was reading for a fluffy pillow. I try to think about which pillow I'm holding as my eyes focus on the brightness.
I lock eyes with Taehyung, who's seated crisscrossed by my bed. I awaken in an instant.
A sound from the doorway makes me look over to find my mom stifling her giggle while shaking her head. "You have visitors, Seols."
I flush as I sit up and attempt to fix my hair discreetly. When I sleep, I toss and stretch. I can't imagine what I look like right now. I'm so embarrassed!
Before I can say something to her, she waves her hand goodbye and slips into the hallway.
Taehyung lifts his eyebrow at me with a growing smile. "Forgive us for intruding..."
Yeontan barks and I look down to find him under my hand. Oh!
"Tannie~" I whisper dreamily. His mouth hangs open while he waves his tail enthusiastically. He appreciates the attention.
Taehyung carefully watches me. When I glance back up at him, he holds my gaze. Lifting his hand up, he fixes one more strand of my hair.
"Y-you're always invited over." The words tumble out of my mouth.
He hums happily, his face lighting up. "Really?"
I shyly look down, responding, "Really, really."
Yeontan spins around in a circle before laying back down. "You too, Tannie." I bend down and tap his nose.
Taehyung leans forward, resting his arms on the bed. "If only I wasn't going to France, then."
I tilt my head. "Are you leaving so soon?"
"Tomorrow."
"And you don't want to go?"
He thinks about it before shaking his head. "Nah, I'd rather be here with everyone."
I study his face. I appreciate what he said, but I can't help but feel there's more to it.
From what I remember, Taehyung doesn't get along with his stepfather. If his whole family is going, I believe it means his stepfather is, too.
"We'll all be here when you get back." I try to cheer him up.
He nods, biting his lip. "Promise not to have too much fun without me?"
Easy. He's more than half the fun.
"I don't think we can beat a trip to France." I tease him, lightly.
Yeontan jumps into Taehyung's lap to comfort him.
He chuckles. "Come with me."
Hmm?
I know he's joking, but I can't help but take the thought seriously.
"I- don't have my passport." I bunch up some blanket in my hand. If only I did, then I could travel like Taehyung. Thinking about it makes me realize how small I really am in this giant world. It would do me some good to venture out of this town.
He plays with Yeontan, quietly telling me, "Next summer. I'll take you somewhere."
My eyes widen.
This time, the look he gives me tells me he's serious.
I slowly nod my head. Is that a promise he can keep?
"You'll tell me what I need to know... before I go?" My heart beats fast at the thought of going somewhere with him. It wouldn't be just us, would it?
"Mm... and what we don't know, we'll figure it out together."
How sweet.
"Since I can't take you with me... I'll bring my camera. I'll show you everywhere I go, and I'll have fun for your sake. I think that'll help me enjoy the trip," he confesses. "So, then, patiently wait for me until I come back home."
Tears brim my eyes, and I feel a little silly, so I hide my face by looking away. I'm beyond grateful that someone would do that for me. To even think about me while on a grand vacation is too much for me to ask for.
