First Impression

                                    

                                          
CHAPTER 3: 

Haerin's POV
After my strange conversation with Hyein, I went back home and decided to eat something. My mom now thinks that Hyein and I are friends, and she likes that; my mom says that friends are good for you. Anyway, what Hyein said left me intrigued. Was there someone across the street watching me? Well, that's what she said, or it could just be one of that girl's hallucinations. Then again, after my weird experience in another dimension, I can't judge anyone for being strange.
The next day at school, I arrived earlier than usual. There were few students and many empty classrooms. I went to my class and sat down. To my surprise, after some time sitting there, Minji entered through the door and made direct eye contact with me. She approached and sat in a chair next to me.
- How's my favorite researcher doing?
She started taking her notebook out of her backpack, and I just replied:
- I'm not a researcher.
- Whatever. I just wanted to make small talk with you, but you're never up for it, even though we're friends now.
I raised a confused eyebrow.
- We're friends?
- Of course, and you didn't even text me. I gave you my number, remember?
- Oh, right, I remember. Sorry, I must have forgotten before.
Lie, the truth is I spent the whole night staring at Minji's number, but I was too shy to call. After all, what would I say without sounding weird?
Suddenly, my train of thought was cut off when a girl nearby said:
- Well, well, if you haven't made a friend, haha, and another weirdo too.
I looked towards the voice, and it was Hanni Pham. She's been at the same school with me for a long time. She doesn't bully me, but she doesn't seem to like me much and always makes stupid jokes.
I stayed silent, but Minji responded:
- Leave us alone, Hanni. Why don't you go find your friends?
Hanni didn't like that and stood up from her desk, walking over to us with an irritated look.
- I do what I want, Kim.
Minji stood up, and I also stood, trying to calm her down.
- Let it go, Minji. She's always like this.
- I'm not a weirdo, and neither are you. Mind your own business, Hanni.
Things didn't seem good. Hanni looked like she was going to push Minji when the class representative approached.
- Enough, everyone. Let's calm down, okay, or I'll report you all to the principal.
It was Danielle Marsh. She had a smile on her face and seemed as calm as ever. Hanni saw Danielle, narrowed her eyes at me, and went back to her seat. Minji let out a sigh and sat down.
- It's only the first days of school, and you all already want to give me trouble.
Danielle added, and I sat down again.
Silence hung in the room as Danielle returned to her seat.
- What's Hanni's problem? She doesn't even know us.
Minji said after a while.
- People are usually like that, they judge without knowing. But I think she just wanted to draw attention to herself.
I replied, looking at Minji, who still seemed a bit angry.
- Even so, I don't want anyone calling you weird. You're the one who's going to help me...
She didn't finish speaking, but before I could ask, more students arrived, and the teacher entered, starting the classes.
Throughout the lesson, I saw Hanni exchanging irritated glances with Minji, and Danielle whispered for them to stop, throwing a paper ball when the teacher wasn't looking.