026

Chapter twenty six

When I wake up for school, the warmth is still there, the warmth from two nights ago, at the convenience store— its lingering like a memory that hasn't been fully erased

For the first time in what feels like forever, I don't dread walking into school

I walk into the classroom early, just like always, but this time I have a smile on my face, I expect the same routine

Sitting down, and having a brief conversation of what happened over the weekend with Jiwon

But something stops me cold

There's a drink sitting on my desk, my heart flutters as I realise what it is— peach milk

Chilled, untouched and no note

I don't need a note though, I'm positive it's from him

A small, stupid smile tugs at my lips as I glance around the room— then I see him

Heeseung— sitting at his desk, hood up, head down, he's completely still

Something shifts in my chest

Wouldn't he want to see my reaction to him leaving a drink for me?

I take my seat slowly, fingers brushing the condensation on the bottle, my hearts beating faster now, I'm confused

Is this him trying to say something? Is this him reaching out in the only way he knows how?

Or am I just imagining it?

"You got a secret admirer, do you?" Jiwon gently hits my shoulder, an excited smile on her face

"I think I know who it is" I admit with a smile and her face lights up even more, didn't even know she could do this

"Oh my god! Who?!" She exclaims shaking my shoulder, aching for an answer

Just as I'm about to speak the bell rings, the home room teacher enters the room and everyone scurries to their designated seats

"I'll tell you later" I whisper, putting the milk at the edge of my table as I reach for my books under my desk

The bell rings for break time and I turn to look at him but he's already walking out the door

"I'll be back in two minutes, I gotta do something" I quickly inform Jiwon before sprinting out of the classroom

"Heeseung" I finally reach him and stand out in front of him, hands on my knees panting for oxygen

He doesn't even flinch, just stops in his steps

"Did you leave that drink of my desk" I manage to choke out in between my fast breaths

"No" He replies, glancing around the hallway, avoiding eye contact with me

I blink confused, "Come on, you're the only one that knows—"

"I said it wasn't me" He snaps and his eyes finally meet mine, his voice is sharper now, not angry, just cold— and distant

"But—" I try to protest but his arm collided with my shoulder as he shoves past me and walks away without looking back

I debate on running after him, but once he's already turned a corner, I know I've lost my chance

I slowly make my way back to class, not telling a soul about who I thought the drink was

My chop sticks twirl my food around, I've barely touched it. Jiwon's sitting across from me, quietly watching my unravel, and I know she worried

I mean I told her everything the night I came to her house unannounced, and she was there for me

But I need to figure out exactly what's going on before I can tell her

So I do

I walk up the brunette boy, leaning against the gym wall, his jumper slung over his shoulder, sipping juice

"Jake" I greet him, my voice comes out shakier than I would've liked it to

He straightens up immediately as his eyes lay on me, "Hey, are you okay?"

I pause, "Can I ask you something... about Heeseung?"

"Sure" His brows furrow as he waits for my question

"Has he said anything to you? Maybe why he's kinda avoiding me at all costs?"

Jake looks genuinely taken aback, "He's avoiding you?"

I nod, swallowing the tightness in my throat before speaking up again, "Did he tell you how I've been staying at his?"

"You've been staying at Heeseungs?!" He practically jumps up but I put my hand over his mouth incase anyone hears

"So he hasn't said a word?"

Jake scratches the back of his neck, visibly confused, "Honestly? I don't know, he's been kinda distant lately, but from past experiences, it means he's in his thoughts"

"He's not the best at dealing with... feelings, or even people, he shuts down when things get complicated"

I frown, disappointed. Me and him are complicated?

"He's done it to me before too" He informs me

"So he's running?" I ask trying not to sound bitter, "From what?"

Jake looks at me quietly for a moment, "From himself, probably"

I bite the inside of my cheek, and nod, "Thanks"

"But listen, I can try and see if he'll talk to me about you, I mean he has before—"

"No don't!" I practically yell at him, "Just don't mention anything to him, please"

"Okay, but if he says anything to me, I'll tell you?" He suggests

"Okay" I nod, relieved I might at least get some insight on why I'm getting ignored

I begin to walk away when Jake calls my name again, "Haerin, crazy idea, but wanna bleach my hair?"

"When and where?" I smile at him

"Today, my house" His smile is wider than anyone's I've ever seen, "We can distract ourselves from the... love interests?"

"Heeseung isn't a love interest, Jake! Anyways, I'll meet you after school!" I call out to him, walking away with a chuckle

The rest of the day blurs together in a mess of unanswered questions and aching silence

He doesn't look at me

Doesn't say a word

Doesn't explain

I feel invisible again — what happened in the past two days?

After school, I gather my things slowly, hoping he might stop me. Say something. Anything.

But when I turn around, he's already gone

I stand there in the empty classroom, staring at the drink still on my desk. Unopened. Untouched. A memory sealed in plastic.

And when I finally step outside, the sky is gray again

Not storming

Just... quiet

Exactly like him

I spot Jake, his hand shoots up in the air— waving at me like he's been waiting all day for this— eyes bright, smile so wide it lights up his entire face

"Someone's happy to damage their hair" I playfully joke as I jog up to him

OMFG IM ALMOST AT 1000 READS ??

HELLO?! Thank you so much!!!

-K