Chapter Text
It all commenced in September. My senior year of high school had already been in session for almost a month. The hot summer temperatures were dropping, accompanied by the empty azure skies finally congesting with thick, enormous gray clouds. The vibrant green leaves lining the roads were clinging desperately to life.
I was sitting complacently in the chilly guidance office, enthralled in a book, periodically sipping strawberry tea, and waiting patiently to be put to work by Mrs. Kim, the guidance office desk lady. Sixth periods were my one hour of quiet time in this cozy room, being the office assistant.
I heard a door creak open and sauntering out came a tall boy accompanied by a short woman and one of the guidance counselors. The boy had his hands clenched around an orange file of papers and a class schedule. His countenance showed anxiety and discomfort. The woman beside him, which I gathered was his mother, seemed flustered yet excited. The guidance counselor informed Mrs. Kim that this boy was a new student, enrolling tomorrow.
"Wonwoo, this is Mingyu, a new student. Would you show him around to all his classes?" Mrs. Kim kindly requested. I nodded politely and swiped the hall pass from the front desk.
"Mind if I see your schedule?" I asked nicely to the boy after clearing my throat, making eye contact with him. His sharp fawn eyes pierced through me, and I swiftly averted my eyes. He was actually quite handsome; much more so than most of the boys at this school. I attempted to look anywhere but him, taking the paper from his hands. I studied it intently, making a mental map of how I would give the tour. The last thing I wanted to do was make a fool of myself by not knowing where to go.
Once I was ready, I shuffled along the white tile floors of the school, showing Mingyu where to go for all of his classes, and mentioning all the clubs and sports he can join. It turns out we have two classes together: photography and AP calculus.
Through my attempts to make a good impression, I can only say for sure that his mom likes me, at least. And unlike her, Mingyu didn't speak one word until the end, when he muttered a silent "thank you" on his way out.
"See you tomorrow," I softly spoke, waving goodbye and whirling around to return to the office.
I hope he doesn't become popular, I thought to myself, trudging the silent, vacant hallways. Maybe we could be friends.
And with that initial interaction, a new chapter of my life began.