Boy, this is going to be difficult. Remember what I said about avoiding Soobin? To be as faaaaaaaaar as I could away from him? Well, it's been a month, and Soobin's officially my library-lunch-buddy.
As it turns out, Soobin's a softie. During the past two years of not talking to him, I thought he was cold and tough and distant and all that, but he's really not. Oh, and he really likes books. A lot. Sometimes he would trade my sandwich with his meals, because it's easier to eat and read, so I would put a little extra effort in making them. Today is one of those days.
If I could go back and tell the month-younger me that the view I've been admiring for two years is now right in front of me, I would've smacked myself. I watch Soobin as his eyes move left to right, immersed in the book he's reading. The Little Prince.
I use the chopsticks to tear a small piece of egg and some rice. I guess I was right. The more time I spend with Soobin, the more I fall for him. And seeing how he's latched on to me for the past month, can you imagine how deep my feelings are for him now?
Soobin looks up from his book, and he tilts his head. "What's the greatest dream you want to achieve?"
I raise an eyebrow. "What's this? A game of 11 questions?"
"Just answer it."
"Fine." I set my chopsticks aside. "My, um, Dad wants me to study engineering, but I secretly want to study fashion. Oh— and be a designer, too. Your turn."
"I want to be able to write my own songs, sing them even— I just want to show the whole world what I'm capable of." He looks up at the ceiling. "You think I could become a celebrity?"
"With those looks of yours? 1000%!" I didn't notice it's been so long, until I've realized how comfortable I was complimenting him. A month ago, I would blush if I so much as admitted he was handsome. A small laugh escapes from his lips and he continues reading.
Damn, these random heart-to-heart talks aren't helping either. To him, it's just common best friend talk, but to me... learning things about him. These out-of-the-blue information are forever stored in my mind.
Like how he think puppies are the most adorable beings in the world, how he loves watching movies, how much he idolizes BTS— see, I know them all.
"There's actually something I need to tell you..." He speaks up, snapping me out of my daydream. "Don't freak out."
I lean slightly forward. This is new. My heart and mind starts racing. He bites his lower lip, hesitating whether he should tell me or not.
"What is it?"
"I've been meaning to tell you this for weeks..." He admits, his hand traveling to the back of his neck. "I was scared that things would get weird between the two of us— I don't want you to view me differently after this."
I secretly hold my breath. What's this? What's going on? My eyes narrow, curious about what he's implying. Is he saying that he—
"I auditioned for BigHit Entertainment!" His eyes lights up. "I got in!"
My face falls a bit. Okay. That's totally not what I was expecting. But as the information sinks in, I clap for him, and end up earning a sharp SHHHH! from the librarian.
"Wow, really?" I scurry beside him. I lower my voice, but surprise is still noticeable in my tone. "When will your training start?"
"Right after this school year ends." He proudly states. "But you shouldn't tell this to anyone! I auditioned with the guys, they got in as well!"
Wow. Squad. Goals.
Although, I can't imagine the quirky Beomgyu I know acting oh-so-cool. I laugh at the thought. My eyes linger on him for a little too long. Seeing Soobin's eyes form into pretty crescents in front of me makes me want to hug him.
And I surprise myself as I did.
He doesn't pull away. Instead, he returns it by wrapping his arms around my waist. This is my very first ever physical contact with Soobin eveeeeeer! Why didn't I thought of this during the dare? Jk, I wasn't that advantageous.
Soobin pulls away, but his hand is still on my side. "I'm glad you're here to support me. You're such a great friend."
Friend. Oh. Of course.
I force a smile and went back to my seat opposite his direction. Recognition ceremony is about a week away and by the time Soobin starts training I know he'll get less and less in touch. I'm really happy for him, but I can't help but feel sad too. Suddenly, a crazy idea pops into my mind.
But Soobin beats me to it. "I know that look. Tell me."
"Let's ditch classes this afternoon!"
"No. I have Music and you have Arts."
I roll my eyes. "Come oooooon. It's just one afternoon. And it's for a good cause, too! Once summer starts, you'll be so busy that I won't get to contact you anymore! I just want to spend the remaining days with you. Please?"
He looks at me like I'm crazy, but he looks up, which means he's thinking. And when he's thinking it always ends up with a...
"Fine. Let's do it."
Before we go, we change out of our uniforms into our normal clothes. Classes were already starting by then so the hallways are empty. We chose the path with less CCTVs. We pass by the gate without being caught, thankfully, or else we'll be in big trouble.
Adrenaline rushes into my blood as we ride the bus. I've never done this before! I mean, the two of us are Honors students and we've always maintained a good reputation, but this is honestly so worth it.
Soobin looks at me, "Where are we going?"
"Wherever destiny takes us." I answer, laughing. But he narrows his eyes at me. "Okay. Fine, fine. Amusement park, you promised before, remember?"
"Meh, maybe, somewhere less noisy."
"How about the mall?"
"That's more like it."
"Then mall it is."
The nearest one is at least thirty minutes away. I sit beside Soobin, as always. I stare outside the window as we move from one street to another. I was just so tired from the schoolwork, that looking at the road actually felt therapeutic. I leaned back to my seat, not noticing my eyelids closing.