5:30 pm

In a frenzy, I hopped into the shower and emerged like a fashionista superhero, donning a majestic purple skirt, a pristine white top, and the legendary white Air Forces. With lightning speed, I snatched his English notebook and bolted towards the door, ready to conquer the world!

Whoa, hold your horses! This is getting out of hand... well, maybe I'm exaggerating a bit, but hey, it's my first time! I'm not exactly a café connoisseur, and now I'm about to meet a guy there. Naturally, I'll be a tad bit jittery.

I was about to leave but my mom stopped me.

"Yeha, where are you going?" My mom questioned me.

What on earth should I spill the beans to her? Ah, yes, that I'm off to rendezvous with my chum!

"I am going to meet my friend."

"Why?"

Is my mom secretly training to be a detective? I mean, who knew she had it in her to interrogate me about meeting a friend? Maybe she's been watching too many crime shows lately! Because she never asks me about whom I am going to meet and more.

"To give his English notebook back to him."

"Oh, where?"

"Mom!" I moved my shoulders down words.

"I am just asking." She replied.

"The Onion Cafe."

"Hmm, okay, bye."

"Bye, Mom."

Here's the first version without abbreviations:

I sashayed into the Onion Cafe at 6:04 pm on the dot. I'm seriously impressed with myself, to be honest. Punctuality isn't exactly my thing - I'm usually running behind, whether it's for school or hanging with friends on a Thursday. But today? I'm crushing it. No one's ever going to call me Fashionably Late Yeha again.

Was I punctual on my first day of school?

6:04 pm

There I was, thinking I was early and feeling all smug, only to find him sitting there, patiently waiting for my grand entrance. And let me guess, he's probably going to hit me with the classic "Why are you late?" line.

"Hey!" I called out, waving my hand to grab Seon Ho's attention.

He looked up, a hint of a smile on his face. "Hey!"

I handed him his English notebook. "Here, I found this in the bag."

"Thanks, Yeha!" he said, taking the notebook.

I was expecting him to tease me about being late, but he didn't say a word. My curiosity got the better of me. "Did I keep you waiting?" I asked, feeling a twinge of guilt.

Seon Ho chuckled and replied, "아니요", his eyes crinkling at the corners. (No)

I thought to myself, That's weird. He's usually all over me about being late. What's going on?

Did I time travel or did I just forget how to read a clock? I swear, whenever I'm near him, my brain turns into a scrambled egg.

"What's your order?" I asked Seon Ho.

"I should be the one asking you that, Yeha," he replied with a warm smile.

"I took your notebook by mistake, so let me get the bill," I said.

But Seon Ho was insistent. "No way, I've got this."

I thought, Aw, he's being super sweet. No need to make a fuss.

"Okay, thanks!" I said.

"So, what can I get you?" the barista asked.

"Cappuccino, please," Seon Ho replied.

I thought to myself, He's really going out of his way to be nice. Guess I can let him treat me this once.

Behold, the ultimate good Samaritan! This dude is literally saving me bucks, and now he's suggesting I go for the cheapest drink on the menu? Talk about chivalry 2.0! I'm low-key impressed. Guess I'll join the frugal squad too - "cappuccino for me, please!" Who knew coffee could taste sweeter with a side of kindness?

"Okay, ma'am, your order will arrive shortly."

"Thank you."

As I sat there, my eyes were immediately drawn to Nam Seon Ho, who was seated directly in front of me. It was as if a spotlight had been cast upon him, highlighting his incredible attractiveness. I couldn't help but confess to myself that his appearance was truly captivating, and it was further enhanced by his choice of attire, which I had never seen him wear before.

Nam Seon Ho effortlessly pulled off those stylish beige baggy cargo pants, the kind that exuded a sense of confidence and laid-back charm. The way they hung loosely on his frame, accentuating his long, lean legs, was nothing short of mesmerizing. It was as if the pants were tailor-made for him, perfectly complementing his physique and adding an air of casual sophistication to his overall look.

But it wasn't just the pants that caught my attention; it was the way he paired them with a simple white oversized t-shirt that truly made him stand out. The shirt, though seemingly basic, hugged his broad shoulders and draped loosely over his torso, creating a relaxed yet effortlessly stylish silhouette. The contrast between the loose-fitting pants and the slightly fitted shirt showcased his impeccable sense of fashion, making him appear like a genuine fashion icon.

While he was sitting in front of me, I was thinking about what to say.

"So, how's your day going?" I casually asked.

"Good," he answered in a cold voice.

I was itching to have a chat with him, but I had no clue what subject would tickle his fancy. I'm quite the conversationalist when it comes to the male species, especially with Seon Ho, Jesper, and Dohyun since they're my only guy friends. However, our friendship has taken a wild rollercoaster ride in the past few months. Jesper and Seon Ho are no longer on friendly terms, and ever since then, Seon Ho has been giving me the silent treatment in class too! It's like we're reuniting after a gazillion years apart.

Let's not forget the fact that we were best friends and we are best friends- just a Lil' uncomfortable- but not talking because of the entire fight situation that is going on between Jesper and Seon Ho.

"Would you like to order something else?" I asked.

"No, would you like to order something else?" he replied.

"No," I replied.

I am having the most dry conversation right now.

"Generally, what are your food preferences?" he asked.

I was happy that he finally asked me a question.

"I usually prefer spicy Asian food. I crave '떡볶이' a lot." (Tteokbokkie)

"I know that. Anything else? Rather than 떡볶이?" He asked.

How? The memories of that day flood my mind, as I recall the time when Seon Ho, Jesper, Dohyun, Jamie, and I embarked on a trekking adventure. Our journey led us to a sacred mountain, known for its divine aura. Legend had it that if one were to shout their deepest desires from its summit, they would be granted. I can still hear Seon Ho's voice echoing through the air, "There should be a shower of 떡볶이 in Yeha's life!"
I laughed. (Tteokbokkie.)

He knows, He knows me.

The walls of my room bear witness to the countless hours I've spent pondering why Jesper and Seon Ho decided to sever their friendship. They used to be inseparable, but now they won't even exchange a glance. Could it be due to a mere disagreement? No, it can't be that simple, as they've had numerous fights before and always managed to reconcile swiftly. There's a deeper secret lurking beneath the surface, one that neither of them is willing to reveal.

"Ma'am, your order has arrived.' The waiter interrupted.

I looked at our cappuccinos and saw a heart made on mine. I was already so embarrassed. I looked up to see Seon Ho's face, but he had no reaction.

I snapped out of my thoughts as he moved a little and took a sip of the coffee.

"How is it?" I asked.

"좋은." (Good)

"Seon Ho, how have you been doing so well in academics?" I just had to ask that question because he is literally the top of every subject.

"Just academics?" He asked and raised one eyebrow.

"Ah, sports too!" I answered.

I was so stunned by the intense gaze he was giving me that I was practically rendered mute!

"I just practice a lot," he answered.

"좋아요," (Okay)

Seon Ho is like a secret agent, fluent in English but choosing to operate undercover in Korean most of the time. It's like he's hiding his language skills in plain sight!

It's also that he is more comfortable in Korean and he chooses to be comfortable over being fluent.

Suddenly, my phone buzzed.

6:33 pm.

"엄마 안녕하세요?" ( Mom, Hello?)

"안녕하세요 , 예하, when are you coming back home?" ( Hello, Yeha)

Something is definitely with my mom today.

"In 7 minutes."

"Good, come home fast as it's getting dark outside."

I knew it, she wanted me to return home.

Oh dear, should I just abandon poor Seon Ho in coffee land? He's still sipping away, oblivious to the impending doom. But alas, I have no choice in this matter. I suppose I must gather the courage to break the news to him.

"Seon Ho, my mom is calling me back home, so I have to go," I declared.

"But you haven't finished your cappuccino yet," he reminded.

"미안해, I have to go." (Sorry)

"Okay, see you tomorrow in school," he said.

Oh, he agreed? Great!

"Okay, then see you tomorrow," I replied.

I got up from my seat and turned to the right when...

my head banged into the waiter's head, and the matcha latte he was holding spilled on my clothes.

"Oh God! I was so done with this type of embarrassment. Why are my days like this, just so unique?"

"Are you okay?" Nam Seon Ho asked, worriedly.

"Yeah, it's just my clothes."

"Ma'am, I am extremely sorry. I didn't mean to spill this over your clothes. Please forgive me, ma'am," the waiter pleaded.

"I understand. It was my fault that I didn't see you passing by."

"Ma'am, please don't inform this to the manager, otherwise he will kick me out of this job," the waiter pleaded.

"Don't worry,I won't tell this to the manager," I assured him.

"Thank you, ma'am. Thank you, sir."

I look at Seon Ho, who just gave a nod to the waiter. I was surprised to see him like this. I could see him being concerned about me, which was definitely very unusual for me.

"Let me drop you home," he said.

Are you kidding me? The reason why I came here to this cafe and ruined my clothes is just because I didn't want him to visit my abode, and now he is asking me this.

"아니요, I will go by myself.
"Just look at your clothes, aren't you embarrassed to take a taxi?"
(No)

he was practically right.

"It's okay, I'll be fine."

"아니요, I won't let you go like this." (No)

"Okay, I guess," I agreed.

I had no other choice but to agree with him.

"Do you even know how to drive?" I asked.

"예," ( yes)

Actually, Nam Seon Ho and I are in the same class, but I am 17 and he is 18. I remember once he told me that when he was applying for admission to our school, there was no vacancy left in his grade, so he joined a grade below, and therefore had to repeat a grade.

I sat in his black Rolls Royce.

"Are you comfortable enough?" he asked.

"예," I replied. (Yes)

He started the car.

"So, we have never chatted like this before," he said, to which I nodded.

"Maybe, it's because we haven't had a conversation since last month!" I explained.

"Is there anything that you want to ask?"
Yes, why are you and Jesper not friends anymore?

"I remember that once you told us that you joined this school in 8th grade. Before that, were you in South Korea?" I asked.

"Yes, I was in a different school."

"Could you stop right here? I have to go somewhere else," I demanded.

"With these clothes?" he questioned.

"Don't worry, It's okay," I assured him.

"안녕, go home safely. Call me once you reach." I said as he nodded.

He stopped the car as I walked out. I didn't want him to visit my house, so I could have requested him to drop me off away from my house, or I could have lied to him that I was going somewhere else.