Step By Step

Eleventh Step

The next day I was late for school and I couldn't concentrate at all during my classes. I was constantly bothered by what happened yesterday. I couldn't get over it or stop thinking about it. Even my classmates noticed that something was off with me but still I told them I was fine.

During my lunch break, I sat outside to catch some fresh air. I walked over to one of the lunch tables and sat down my stuff. I grabbed my lunch and placed it in front of me. As I looked at it, I thought to myself that I wasn't really that hungry. I pulled out my phone and unlocked it. I went to my messages and saw that there were some texts sent in the group chat. The group chat that we formed for the three of us: Pia, Yuna, and me. I smiled at the silly conversations they had. Then the thought of telling them about what happened yesterday crossed my mind. But then again, I don't want to bother them with it. Maybe I'll tell them another time.

As my phone buzzed, I got a message from someone I didn't expect, Ayumi.

"Can we meet up after school? Please?"

It seemed like she was begging me. Even though I didn't want to see her, it felt like I had to. Sooner or later I would face her anyway. I texted her back and told her that I'll be at the cafe near my college. I sent her an address and a time. I took a deep breath and an uneasy feeling filled my chest.

*

After I was done with my final class of the day, I was headed to the cafe. When I arrived at the scene, I saw Ayumi waiting for me next to the entrance. Before I walked over to her, I took a deep breath.

"Hana," she called out my name softly but loud enough for me to hear; she sounded a little down and I could read it from her face too. Once I stood in front of her, I noticed the plastic bag she was holding and she saw me peeking at it. She reached the bag out to me and I carefully took it from her.

"What is this?" I asked her as I scanned it. Her eyes became teary for some reason and it looked like she was about to burst any moment. All of a sudden she bowed down to me at a 45-degree angle. Her sudden movement startled me a bit.

"What the-"

"Hana I'm so sorry for causing a scene yesterday! And I didn't mean to hit you, I was just furious and I couldn't control my temper! As my friend, I hope you can forgive," she apologized to me and she couldn't hold back her tears no more. She was crying loudly which drew the attention of the people around us.

"Please get up, people are looking at us," she came back up and her face was a mess. Poor girl. I once again sighed and thought about what to do with her. Regret was all over her face and it felt like she was really sorry for what she did. When I thought about what happened, I shouldn't have lashed out on Hyunjin. Maybe I should apologize to him as well. I looked inside the bag and saw a few snacks and a little box of peach flavoured milk. I chuckled and grabbed the milk.

"I have to say, I should apologize as well, I shouldn't have lashed out like that to your boyfriend. You didn't hit me... if it weren't for the teacher though then you probably would've. And I didn't like the way you treated me in de bathroom, but that can be all forgiven." I reached her the milk.

"Here, I'm allergic to peaches. Do you want to go inside so we can talk about it?" I asked and she took the milk from me. She lowered her head and started to sniff again.

"I'm sorry but," she paused for a second and slowly lifted her head.

"Hyunjin and I broke up," she said brokenhearted. They did what now? "Will you excuse me?" She broke down in tears again and ran past me.

"Ayumi!" I called her but she ignored me and left me all alone.

They broke up? Was it because of me? No, that's stupid, I can't be the reason. I was left with so many questions and I don't know why but I started to feel guilty, this didn't feel right. I kind of stood there in shock, not knowing what do to next.

I realized I still had the plastic bag in my hand and I looked at it. I couldn't help but feel sad. I didn't want this to happen.

I pulled out my phone and decided to send Hyunjin a text, telling him that I would like to meet up. He replied sooner than expected.

"Where would you like to meet?"

I read his response. Before I even thought of an answer, he sent another text.

"Hana, did you have dinner yet? Let's meet at the SunRise Pub. I'll see you there."

I checked the time and then decided to go over there right away. While on my way, I was mentally preparing myself for our conversation.