Those days - txtzy

part 1: 三

It seemed that Yeji was always late. Yet again she found herself rushing down the empty hallways, her eyes scanning the signs hung outside the room in search of her class. She was not watching her way, and immediately slammed into someone. Books and papers spiralled down the corridor, Yeji herself landed on her arms rather painfully, then she heard an "Oh god, I'm so sorry, are you okay?" She looked up and there stood the busker from that day. The two looked at each other in surprise, having not expected that they were from the same school. "Hey," Yeji said softly, "You-you're that busker, that I gave a bottle of water to?"

The boy laughed, "Yeah, that's me." They stared at each other awkwardly before the boy stuck out his hand, "I'm Yeonjun. Choi Yeonjun." "Huang Yeji," Yeji returned, shaking her hand shyly. They were really feeling the moment before a teacher stalked up to them and said, "Get to your classes, now. And that's detention for both of you."

-

"Detention again, Yeonjun?" Taehyun snickered, "That's like, the second one this week, and school just started." "Yeah, well, you're being a great friend considering you are the reason I got my first detention," Yeonjun bit back, annoyed.

-

"Huang Yeji, in detention?" Ryujin couldn't help but burst into a fit of giggles, "That's...that's got to be some record. Oh man, we should have an award. No, wait, Jisu, we should have bet on this." Jisu rolled her eyes and shook her head, "It's fine, Yeji, it's normal. Uh, kind of. But you'll be fine." Yeji huffed but stayed silent.

-

When the class was dismissed, Yeji trudged to the detention room, her head filled with thoughts and ideas for the next day. She planned to spend her detention time studying until the grumpy old science teacher allowed them to leave.

To much of her surprise, she was greeted with an empty classroom, with only Choi Yeonjun folded into one of those tight small chairs with a small extension meant to act as a table. "Hi," The boy said after a long period of pause, "Mr Lee is sick today, and no one else could cover, so pretty much everyone went home."

"And you didn't?" Yeji chuckled, slipping into the nearest seat, feeling exhilarated at the attempt to be extroverted. Yeonjun simply shrugged, "I wanted to be rule-abiding." Yeji raised an eyebrow then they both burst into a fit on uncontrollable giggles.

"Why...why are we laughing?" Yeonjun choked through his wheezing.

Yeji swiped away a tear of laughter, "I just...I just don't see you as a rule-abiding person, I guess."

The older male feigned hurt, holding his hand before his chest as he dramatically announced, "I am no longer your friend. Begone, stranger."

Yeji's smile faded slightly, in confusion. "I'm...I'm your friend?" She squeaked out softly.

Looking mildly perplexed, Yeonjun replied, "Well, aren't we?"

Relief and joy washed over her face, and Yeji managed a laugh, "Wow...just...wow. I don't...have many friends, to be honest, so...thanks."

With a brilliant smile, Yeonjun then said, "Wanna learn how to play the guitar? I need to practice since I'll be performing again next week."

Shifting slightly in her chair, Yeji bit her lip nervously, "I...don't really know how to play-"

Cutting her off with a quick click of his tongue, Yeonjun awkwardly bent to fetch his guitar case that lay forgotten on the ground and proudly displayed his worn guitar.

"A birthday present from my parents," He explained, his attention immediately focusing on the guitar, still in playable condition.

"Let's hear it, then," Yeji suggested, feeling strangely confident.

Not willing to disappoint, Yeonjun stood and strode over to the teacher's table, where he swept the papers and pens to aside and took a seat. As Yeji relocated, Yeonjun tested the keys carefully, wondering what song to play.

Light fingers strum over guitar strings, producing gentle vibrations that sent butterflies tumbling down her spinal cord. Yeonjun, oblivious, gave a goofy grin and suggested, "Why don't you try?" Yeji immediately brought her hands before her to refuse, "No, it's fine, I prefer to watch you."

"Whatever floats your boat," Yeonjun replied, playing yet another cool tune. Yeji let the chords wash over her, taking some time to observe how Yeonjun's hand moved ever so slightly to press a different string, then closed her eyes as Yeonjun started a song.

And just like that, something fluttered in her heart.