pen pal | yeonbin

one

soobin was sat in his class, listening and jotting down whatever mrs lim was talking about.

the school day was almost over and the bell was about to go but mrs lim had other plans.

"so class before i let you all leave i have something to announce. other schools around the world have decided to have a pen pal system in order to meet new people. our school has agreed to join and i want you all to pick out a random number from this box right here." she explained, picking up a white box from her desk.

most of the students weren't too keen on the idea, especially if they pull a international number because of how expensive it would be. soobin however liked the idea, finding it interesting and a good opportunity to possibly learn a new language and make a new friend.

"but mrs lim, what about the phone bills? they're gonna be so expensive." a classmate inquired, everyone agreeing.

"i understand that and the school has decided we would be glad to pay for it. you don't have to participate just give it a thought."

when the bell went, mrs lim had everyone line up in front of her to pick out a number. soobin stood near the back by his desk, moving forward whenever someone left the room. a short girl in front of him turned around to greet him.

"soobin-ah. are you gonna join in?" she asked shyly, looking up at him. he smiled and nodded. "i think it'll be fun." was all he said.

it finally got to soobin and he stuck his hand into the box, grabbing ahold of one of the small pieces of paper and pulling it out.

"i hope you enjoy your pen pal soobin." mrs lim smiled, the student returning it as he left the classroom to meet up with his friends beomgyu and kai.

"soobin!" beomgyu greeted him as he stepped outside the school building. "have you got a pen pal as well?" he asked, staring at the folded piece of paper in the elders hands.

"yeah have you two?" beomgyu nodded but kai shook his head.

"why not kai?" soobin asked, waking beside the boy. "i don't know just rather not share my number with a total stranger. doesn't sound safe to me." the younger explained, his opinion being overtaken by beomgyus.

"but it's gonna be so much fun kai! you get to interact with someone from another school! maybe befriend or date them it's gonna be so great!" beomgyu said enthusiastically, jumping as they walked down the pavement towards the bus stop.

soobin stared down the phone number on the paper. it was international which meant his mother will get mad at how much his phone bill went up but it was worth it.

he couldn't wait to see what his pen pal would be like.