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No matter how sweet the chocolates tasted, they could never lift Choi Namra’s mood. No matter if they are made by her own hand. (Courtesy of her mother who has done all the work, but you don’t need to know that.)
Not when she was angrily chewing and biting aggressively at the said chocolates. One look at her and someone would probably end up dead. Buried already six feet under. Never to see the light of day.
But Choi Namra was naturally an energetic person, so well-loved by everyone. Although today it seems that no one was ready to approach her. Unless they want to end up dead.
If you can’t tell it was valentine’s day.
The day of hearts. The day of chocolate and flower giving.
If it wasn’t clear, it is February 14 .
Onjo had been worried about her friend who was silently fuming at her seat.
“I think you should slow down, you'll cho—” And suddenly there was a loud choking sound resonating in the whole classroom.
The whole classroom looked at the coughing girl, and when she raised a thumbs up. They laughed and continued in their merry way.
Onjo could only pat down Namra at her back, who was desperately looking for her water bottle.
It was only 8:30 AM and Namra’s mood had already soured.
If only Choi Namra was faster at giving chocolates to her long-time crush, the person she admired the most, Lee Suhyeok . The Class 2-5’s President. Who was the complete package: handsome, smart, and rich. What more could you ask for?
People seem to be falling to his feet. Of course, who wouldn't? He is the Lee Suhyeok for fuck’s sake!
Damn freshmen and their aggressive approach! They’re faster than a cheetah prowling at their prey. She bit her finger in frustration. Namra had to fight harder to gain an ounce of Suhyeok’s affection if these were her competition.
But that wasn’t the only reason why Namra liked Suhyeok. That was just the bonus points that made her like him.
In fact, Namra wouldn’t like him this much if it wasn’t for a cursed/blessing group project. See, plural . Group Projects . And the classes they were in.
She would like to thank the heavenly saints and gods above, for providing her with these god-given gift of being a classmate of Lee Suhyeok. And placing her with him, in every possible group works.
As a matter of fact, they were opposites.
Yin and Yang.
Sun and Moon.
Day and Night.
Water and Land.
All that corny bullshit.
Namra could list down all their differences, in fact, she will:
I. Suhyeok was Smart and Namra is not.
- He was the type of person to answer a recitation full of details. His grades wouldn’t be below A. And most of all he was at the top of their class.
- Meanwhile, Namra, poor Choi Namra, if their list included ranking based on the smartest. She would probably place in the bottom line. Barely passing and grades hanging by a thread. Her mother would’ve disowned her if she failed, again.
II. Suhyeok was Quiet Person and Namra is not.
- Suhyeok is either shy or just really a quiet person, only talking when needed. He kept his conversation short. The only time he would talk would probably be in recitation. And he was never loud.
- Meanwhile, Namra could run her mouth a mile a minute. And this often leads to her getting in trouble. Ms. Park had already scolded her about her noisiness. And she had the knack for her voice to be roaring loud.
III. Suhyeok kept to himself, and Namra did not.
- Suhyeok list of friends was a mystery. No one seems to be able to get close to him. They respected him from a distance.
- Meanwhile, Namra was friendly with everyone in her class, even outside. She had friends from different sections, the cafeteria lady, the guard in their school, the two janitors who always caught her trying to sneak off. The list was endless.
IV. Suhyeok likes the undisturbed places and Namra does not.
- Suhyeok would probably be seen in the library, grabbing 5 - 10 academic books. If he wasn’t there, he would probably be hiding from the loud noises of the whole school.
- And Namra liked the noise, the chaos, and comfort it gave her. She likes to surround herself with people.
V. Suhyeok was rich, and Namra is not.
- Suhyeok was first seen riding a black sedan going to school. And he has those expensive wireless earphones and a brand-new iPhone every time it drops. Isn’t that enough proof?
- And Namra, well she isn’t necessarily poor. She was just average, with a family who could provide a roof over her head and food on her plate. They were living fine. Just not the insanely rich.
VI. Suhyeok was composed, and Namra is not
- Suhyeok would always be seen with a clean and pristine uniform, styled properly. Hair parted properly making him look more irresistible, it makes all the girls swoons. And he was always calm, and never showed any signs of nervousness.
- And Namra always forgets to wear her necktie. She misplaced it and she can’t find it anymore. And sometimes, in her hurry state, she forgot to brush her hair properly. Namra was jittery, she was always excited and on the move.
And yet with those six differences, it made her wonder why she liked him. Why in the first place her heart betrayed her and let it beat for someone so opposite of her personality.
The gods probably looked at her life as a form of entertainment when they decided to let cupid take his aim and place it on someone so unattainable and so fucking perfect.
Fuck you! But also thank you! For blessing me in this world where I get to live in the presence of the one and only Lee Suhyeok . She cursed in her mind.
For their 6 differences, there were also 6 reasons.
6 Reasons why Namra fell for Suhyeok, and here they are:
Reason 1: Suhyeok was Smart, and Namra is not
Namra had been dozing off this entire time in their social studies class. She slept late last night because she was too busy squealing over the new episode on the new series she was watching.
Her eyes were slowly dropping, and all sounds were nothing but a blur to her ears. It was after lunch; she was full of what she ate earlier. Making her drowsier.
Nearing the end of their lecture, their teacher called the class attention one last time with an unexpected announcement.
“There will be a surprise quiz tomorrow.” And everyone inwardly groaned. “Scope would come from our discussion today. Good luck and Goodbye Class 2-5.” Their evil social studies only smiled innocently.
“Attention!” Suhyeok stood up to bid their teacher goodbye. Everyone panicked and asked who took notes.
Namra almost hit her head face first in her desk and was rudely awakened by Onjo who is asking her for notes.
“Namra please tell me you wrote down some notes or you listened halfway throughout the lecture?” Onjo pleaded. But Namra only grinned.
“Nope! Not one bit.” She grinned mischievously. Onjo groaned.
“You’re a lost cause.” Onjo sounded distressed as she sat next to Namra who was finding a suitable position to bow her head to sleep.
“Hey don’t sleep! You go ask Suhyeok for his notes. We’re desperate, no one in this class seems to listen except for him.” Onjo grabbed Namra’s arm to shake her again.
“Why me? You know what, just sleep it off.” Namra's head slowly bowed to rest.
“You’ll probably be the only one who can approach him. Come on, don't give me that look you’re the most sociable person here!” Onjo defended.
“Fine! If he doesn’t give it to me, you try to ask him.” Namra stood up to walk towards the table.
He was scribbling down more notes when Namra approached him. At first, Namra was nervous; she felt the jitters all throughout her body.
No one tried to talk to Suhyeok, for notes. But Namra was known for having the balls of steel, she never backed down once she put her mind into it.
Suddenly everyone looked at her approaching him, waiting expectantly to see how the scene would unfold. Namra was sure he was a stuck-up and would refuse to give her his notes. And Namra was already preparing herself to be rejected.
“Hey, Prez!” She excitedly said, slowly he stopped writing in his notes to look her straight in the eyes. And Namra, the ever-competitive person she was, looked straight back.
“What?” He asked.
“Do you have the complete notes for the lecture earlier? I didn’t finish mine because the lecture was too fast.” That was a big fat lie, Namra didn’t take notes. She was busy trying not to fall asleep.
“Yes.” His answer was short and concise. And it didn’t look like Namra could ask a favor further.
But no, she wouldn’t give up.
“Can I possibly borrow some of yours later? I could take a quick picture. Please?” Namra placed her hands together in prayer and mustered the most puppy eyes she could give. (She was lowering her pride for this one, Onjo better be grateful) Namra wasn’t that desperate but when Onjo looked at her eagerly she could only comply.
Suhyeok didn’t respond, but only looked at his notes and to Namra once again. Then he opened another page to write. Clearly unbothered by her requests.
Not waiting for an answer, Namra replied.
“Oh, is that so? Thank you then.” She bowed and turned around to mouth the words: Told you so .
After that uneventful scene, most of their classmates groaned inwardly at her failed persuasion. If Namra, who was the friendliest person in their class couldn’t get it, then no one can.
By dismissal time, everyone was ready to head home with a defeated look on their faces. They were ready to fail. And Namra who was accustomed to barely passing grades was also pouting in failure. She was sure her mother would nag her for not being attentive.
Suddenly Suhyeok walked towards Namra’s desks. He placed a stack of papers in front of her. Everyone in the room was silent. Wondering what its contents might be.
“Here, it’s for you. The notes earlier.” He said nonchalantly. Her classmates’ breath hitched.
In her hands, was a full 6 pages of one of the most beautifully written notes her eyes laid upon. He had written the notes for her.
Namra almost squealed excitedly, her eyes brightening, and she took a deep bow to Suhyeok who stood in front of her.
“Thank you!” She expressed, and Suhyeok nodded. Ready to leave.
Her classmates were ready to jump on her to ask for pictures. And she immediately grabbed her bag and notes running towards the door, not before looking back at her classmates ready to pounce on her.
“Namra, wait!” “Hey Namra, may I take a picture please!”
“My notes! Mine.” She teased as she stuck her tongue out and ran towards the hallway.
Laughing as she did so. Turning around she saw Suhyeok giving her a small smile.
And Namra almost tripped to the ground. She thinks, that this moment was the catalyst.
The moment where it all went downhill and she started falling for Lee Suhyeok
Reason 2: Suhyeok was Quiet Person and Namra is not.
Namra’s energetic battery was limitless. Her bubbly personality was contagious, it affected everyone.
Except for one person, who rather talks in short sentences.
No matter what Namra did, it seemed like he was immune to her quirks and antics. But that didn’t stop her from at least trying to let him be more open and try being talkative. Namra was always the loudest person in the room, never missing a day where she would not talk.
Except once, Namra was so quiet that she couldn’t talk for a whole week when she was sick with laryngitis. And their music teacher was quite unforgiving, she liked to listen to them sing even if they were tone-deaf and couldn’t reach a high note.
It felt like they were in a musical whenever they were in class.
When she first walked into their classroom with a face mask covering her face, and talking only in hand signs and head shakes.
She had already caught the attention of her classmates who asked her what happened. And when she talked, they laughed so hard because she sounded like a post-pubescent boy going through the stages of puberty.
So she had to improvise; Namra’s voice was weak, and she could only talk in whispers. And if she pushes herself enough, she’ll end up with only a hoarse voice and a dry cough.
During their music class, she was grouped with Suhyeok and four more classmates. And they all noticed that she was worse for wear. But no, their music teacher wanted to hear all of them sing. No one was excused .
Namra’s water bottle is already gone, and she can feel the itch to cough.
Suhyeok sat beside her in a circle, while her other groupmates tried to stay away from her. Afraid of infection and getting sick.
“It’s not lethal.” She tried to lighten the mood, but it ended up sounding raspy. Rolling her eyes, she tried to look for Onjo, wanting to ask her for water since hers ran out. Their group was planning on what folk songs to sing, on who would be the soprano, and all that.
Namra was desperately trying to get Onjo’s attention. She was thirsty, and her throat was running dry. And she knew Onjo carried a jug of water that could probably feed their whole class.
“Can you not sing?” Suhyeok asked. And Namra, shocked that he was talking to her, looked at him and nodded. “Okay.” He said and went back his way to listen.
But to no avail, Onjo’s mind was preoccupied with someone else. Curse Onjo and her crush on her best friend/neighbor .
Namra only leaned back frustratedly, waiting for her inevitable doom. The first thing in her mind was to head straight to the drinking fountain to refill her water bottle.
“Here.” Suhyeok pushed his water bottle towards Namra who looked at him gratefully. Her eyes expressed gratitude as she bowed her head in thanks.
She immediately gulped down the water in one gulp, thankful that it refreshed her a bit.
Thank you . She mouthed and Suhyeok nodded.
“You could pass as the bass Namra!” Woojin joked and she rolled her eyes to flip him off. “Come on, just do it! Miss would like it.”
“I’m supposed to rest, asshole.” She whispered-shouted. Looking annoyed at Woojin.
When it was time to perform. Namra was placed at the front, she tried to beg her teacher that she can’t do it. But alas her music teacher didn’t take her excuse as to why she couldn’t sing. It was because she didn’t have an excuse letter.
How was she supposed to know that? Namra could only comply.
Behind her was Suhyeok, who was shifting his feet left to right. Namra could clearly see he was uncomfortable and shy to sing in front of their classmates. Suddenly he leaned down to whisper: “Can you pretend to sing?”
Namra was confused, she wanted to ask him why. But the sudden tapping of a ruler on the desk made her snap her attention to the front.
Most of their class was waiting for her to sing, ready to laugh at her own predicament.
“Go Namra! I know our teenage boy could do it!” They joked.
“Ready? 3… 2… 1…”
Suddenly, the only voice she could hear was Suhyeok. Who sang loudly and might she add, he sang so well .
Their group was shocked but continued, and her classmates' attention shifted from her to Suhyeok, who didn’t look bothered one bit that there were eyes trained on him.
Namra pretended to sing. While looking at their music teacher whose eyes sparkle brightly at Suhyeok’s voice.
After their performance, the whole class applauded like there was no tomorrow. And their teacher graded them all with a high grade.
Her exact words were: What an exceptional performance! Well done, your group planned this well.
When they all went to sit down, most of her classmates congratulated Suhyeok. They didn’t make fun of him, instead, they were all impressed. After the commotion was done, Suhyeok suddenly bowed his head to rest.
Face covered by his arms. Namra could see the tip of his ears turn red.
She wasn’t sure if what he did was for her or for the grades but thanking him was probably the right call.
“Thank you.” She whispered in his ear.
Suddenly Suhyeok turned to face her.
“Welcome.” He replied flatly.
She couldn’t think of a witty comeback, so she turned around. Hands covering her face.
And Namra knew she was flustered and left speechless. It was for her.
Reason 3: Suhyeok kept to himself, and Namra did not.
Namra had two problems: Their English Subject and working with a partner.
English was her weakness, the only words she knew to pronounce properly were hello, hi, goodbye, good job, yes, no and I love you .
Meanwhile, working with a partner makes her uneasy. She can surround herself with groups of 3-8 or more. She was naturally a social butterfly; she attracted the attention of a crowd but being in a partnered work felt awkward for her. It felt intimate.
But combining both of those problems was a nightmare.
Their English teacher wanted them to reenact and pronounce words properly from a Hollywood film. And their list of films would be random. They must read the words from the script. Some were ecstatic it was a different kind of activity, and it would certainly help them to differentiate emotions portrayed while talking in English.
From movies such as The Godfather, Pulp Fiction, Casablanca, Forrest Gump … And many more Namra didn’t understand.
Most of the class went ooh with each title.
She was ready to pair herself up with Onjo, but no her friend had other plans. And so was the rest of the class. As much as they like Namra, they know she can’t do the subject English well. After all their class consists of even numbers, everyone is bound to have a partner.
And that partner was Lee Suhyeok, and it seemed like no one approached him yet. See Suhyeok was a very mysterious kind of person, the only thing they know is that he is smart and rich. That’s it.
He radiated ready to murder energy. And he seemed unapproachable. And they were scared of him.
They didn’t know where he went after classes, does he hang out with cool rich kids like him? Does he perhaps have friends from other schools? Does he see the class 2-5 as a bother? Does he probably see their class as a bunch of nobodies that’s why he approached no one?
Whatever reason it was, they never asked him because they were all too afraid to breach the iron wall that he put up. He seemed far too implausible to befriend.
And he stood like a sore thumb, still looking for a partner. When he met her eyes, Namra had already been walking towards him.
“Prez, do you have a partner?” Suhyeok shook his head no. And Namra had pulled out a chair to sit beside him.
“Okay.” And Suhyeok let her. At first, Namra didn’t know what to say. How to start the conversation. This was the first partner work that she had with their class president. She was scared.
What if she fails and he’ll decide to do the work alone?
What if they fail because she couldn’t pronounce the words properly?
Suddenly their English teacher announced that they would draw lots for their scripts. Namra volunteered herself to be the one to draw.
Let lady luck be on my side, please let it be easy. She prayed as she slowly approached the front.
When she reached the front, she felt her heartbeat ready to leap out of her chest. Upon grabbing a paper, she immediately crumpled it to let Suhyeok be the only one to see.
But no, their teacher decided to be nosy. She wanted to see what every group has.
When Namra looked at the piece of paper in her hand. She was indifferent.
But when their teacher gasped and immediately gave her the screenplay of the movie. Pride and Prejudice , she didn't understand why her teacher could be this delighted.
She tried to read the hangul and English words written on the pieces of paper. Her English teacher looked excited, and it turns out she was romantic at heart. And Namra could already feel the high expectation.
“ Fuck .” She mumbled as she sat beside Suhyeok who was curious as to why she banged her head hard on the desk.
“I can’t understand anything!” She frustratedly shouted as Suhyeok still kept on reading the script.
“I can teach you how to say it properly if you want?” Suhyeok asked as he set the paper down to look at her.
“Okay partner… Are you available later? Maybe you and your friends would do something since it's Friday. I don’t want to disturb you.” Namra asked but Suhyeok shook his head no.
“I don’t.” He paused. “I don’t have friends…”
Namra gasped so loud that everyone looked at them both, she immediately covered her mouth. Namra felt sad, Suhyeok sounded so casual about it. That it seems like he was used to being alone.
“Starting today. I would not address you as a partner . But as a friend , I can’t believe you never had friends.” Namra whispered as she leaned closer to him.
“It’s fine.” He reassured her.
“No, it’s not! And besides, we must have chemistry for this project to work. So, shush and accept the friendship I’m offering.” Namra held her hand out for a handshake. “I don’t want you failing because of me.” She added.
Suhyeok looked at her outstretched hand. And took her hand firmly.
That was the moment they became friends (possibly acquaintances, Namra wasn’t sure).
In fact, they spent the whole week together, and Suhyeok was always patient with her. Teaching her the correct way to pronounce words, and most days she declined every invitation to hang out with her friends.
In return, she taught Suhyeok to act more openly to her. She reassured her that it was okay not to be shy because she wouldn’t mind. And Suhyeok only nodded at her requests.
She wanted this project to be perfect, and she didn’t want to disappoint Suhyeok. So she did her best.
On the day of the presentation, in the middle of them reciting the words in front of the class, who was eagerly waiting for them to act.
Suhyeok recited the lines of Mr. Darcy, but Namra caught on to his mistake. He misread the script. And the only mistake that he made but no one seems to catch on was:
“ I'm starting to like you. Most ardently.” Suhyeok said passionately. Namra gave a quirk of an eyebrow.
Suhyeok was supposed to say “ I love you. Most ardently .” It was the line they practiced together.
Everyone in their class squealed at Suhyeok acting as Mr. Darcy. But for the sake of professionalism and to not ruin the moment. Namra let him continue.
“Please do me the honour of accepting my hand.” Recovering from his mistake, she follows with one of Miss Elizabeth Bennet’s lines.
“Sir, I appreciate the struggle you have been through, and I am very sorry to have caused you pain. Believe me, it was unconsciously done.” And the show continued, without any further mistakes.
That day Namra got her first high grade in English.
Reason 4: Suhyeok likes the undisturbed places and Namra does not.
For Korean Sports day, all students must compete in various events, where they compete to win prizes. This year's grand prize was a VIP Card for Chicken Restaurant and 5+ points in their Physical Education grades. And Namra was competitive, she wanted to win.
The said fried chicken restaurant was Kyochon, one of the most well-sought restaurants. Since it opened their first-ever branch near their school people were lining up from day and night. And Namra who was always a broke student, and busy (doing nothing) could not even dine in or have it delivered to her home.
Her mother had already scolded her for all the food delivery she had ordered back then. In her own words, fast food wasn’t healthy, and they have food at home. She was motivated not only for the food but because it can help boost her grades. That was the reason.
Their class was associated with purple. Namra’s favorite color. Of course, it would make her more fired up. She was ready to punch her way, fight tooth and nail just for their section.
Just to taste one of Kyochon’s bestsellers.
While waiting for further instructions on their own classroom, she sat agitated in her seat. She looked at her classmates who were bored out of their minds and didn’t show an ounce of interest in winning.
She looked at Suhyeok, their class president, looking at their schedule for today. While he sat at the front of the teacher’s table. He was supposed to be in charge. But he didn’t seem bothered by anything.
Namra walked towards him. After their English partner project, Namra was freely talking to Suhyeok. In fact, when their class needed something, they went to Namra instead and let her do the talking to their class president.
She wanted that first prize to be hers. With fire in her eyes, she stood in front of Suhyeok who only stared at her blankly.
“I want to win.” Emphasizing each word. Palms flat at the table while her eyes twitch in the fiery passion of winning.
Suhyeok sighed. “Fine.”
Tapping the board with a stick she found. Her classmates' attention went all to her. And Suhyeok let her talk.
“I know we’re all losing hope, and this road might be hard,” Namra shouted, he could see most of her classmates were suppressing their laughter. But one look at Suhyeok who held a serious look on his face with his arms folded across his chest they all quiet down.
“But we have to win!” She roared. “This is for us to have a full stomach later, and to raise our grades. So, I want to hear you scream.”
Never mind the embarrassment that she was having, she wanted to win. For the Kyochon VIP Card.
“This is for us! So, get motivated.” She shouted and Suhyeok turned around, clearly embarrassed by her antics.
“I’ll win this for us!” She added and suddenly loud cheers echoed throughout the room. All calling for her name and shouting in glee.
“For the 5+ in our card grades.”
“For the tasty and delicious fried chicken!”
They all hollered as they carry her on their shoulders, clearly, they were motivated by her idiotic motivational speech, but she had to, what she has to.
Turns out the first race was a 100m dash. And Namra had already volunteered herself to run for their class.
You can say she was skilled; she ran farther places before. And she had beat faster vehicles before. Outrunning a couple of people would be an easy job.
The first time she ran so fast someone had stolen her phone while she was walking home. It was either she got her phone back or got a beating from her mother, it was a brand new phone. One she has been asking for for months.
A phone safely back in her hands. Or a mother's beating.
She chose the former, and even when the snatcher was in his motorcycle, she tackled them.
At the starting line, she was placed beside tall people who had legs for days. And the prize for this event was a gift certificate worth 15,000 won for Starbucks. That would equal 3 drinks and possibly their delicious cake.
She mustered up the strength and prayed to the gods to give her the stamina to outrank everyone competing against her. She can hear the cheers of her classmates and them calling her name. So she gave them a thumbs up, smiling brightly as well.
When they heard the starting shot, she immediately ran. Not even looking back towards her opponents. She wanted that prize, so she will get it no matter what it takes.
And to their class’s surprise, Namra won. Even if she was a foot smaller than her opponents, she got her prize. Clamping her in her back when she presented them her hard-earned prize.
For the next two games, Namra competed for their section. But what they didn’t notice was that she was limping towards them at the end of their 3rd game of competitive skip rope.
She landed awkwardly from her last jump. When they were resting, she could feel the swelling pain it gave her. She almost bit her tongue in pain when she tried to rotate it. Onjo immediately saw that her friend was suffering so she sat beside her, checking what happened to her ankle.
“It’s a sprain.” Suhyeok announced, taking off the AirPods that he wore to silence the noise. Namra looked at him worriedly. She can’t win in this state.
“Come on, I’ll take you to the nurse’s office.” He held out his hand. Namra was contemplating on what to do. She sighed defeatedly when she tried to stand up but to no avail, the pain worsened when she tried to walk.
Suhyeok crouched down and patted his back. And Namra could only comply. Onjo followed them but Namra stopped her. She didn’t want to let her simple sprain ruin Onjo and her fun of joining the festivities.
“I’m okay, I’ll be fine after some ice packs.”
“But you’ll hate goi—”
“Just go, I heard Cheongsan would join.” Namra teased. In return, she got hit by a slap on her shoulder. Almost making Suhyeok stumble, who was still carrying Namra at his back.
“Take care of her Prez, she’s a klutz and a bit ditzy.”
“Hey!”
Suhyeok nodded. From their schoolyard to the Nurse’s office on the second floor, Suhyeok had carried her. The whole way the cheering of the students grew weaker as they went inside their building. The noise slowly drowns down, leaving Namra feeling guilty in the silence.
Namra wanted to lessen his burden, but he declined. Halfway she told him she can carry her own weight.
When they reached the nurse’s office. She was advised to rest for a while and not overexert herself.
She sat down in one of the beds in the nurse’s office, while Suhyeok helped look for an ice pack.
“Why did you want to win?” Suhyeok asked.
“Don’t laugh. . .” For a while, she was contemplating what to tell him but with him waiting for her response, she said.
“I wanted the VIP Card for Kyochon Chicken.” She admitted shyly. Bowing her head in embarrassment when she heard Suhyeok sigh.
“Okay.” Suhyeok gave Namra the ice pack. “Take a rest first, I’ll come for you once you’re fine.” Namra nodded.
Leaving Namra alone in the silence, she can hear the muffled cheers from the schoolyard. As much as she wants to join and watch. Sleeping sounded good.
And when she closed her eyes to lay down, she didn’t realize that she drifted off to sleep.
Namra was dreaming. Dreaming of being laid down in the soft clouds.
When she woke up, she felt someone tapping her awake. She groaned to stretch and saw Suhyeok handing her a brown envelope.
“What?” She grabbed the envelope in hand and opened its content.
Inside she saw a card and a piece of paper. A certificate of congratulations for winning the grand prize. Slowly her senses started to wake up, and she screamed.
Hands shaking while looking at the VIP Card . She could almost cry. Looking at Suhyeok who was sweaty and still panting when he handed her the card.
Back then when Suhyeok and Namra were classmates who never talked and acknowledged each other, she knew that he never joined their sports festival. He would always watch from the sidelines, away from the crowd. This was probably the work of their section .
“Did we win?” She asked. And he nodded.
“I won it for you.”
Reason 5: Suhyeok was rich, and Namra is not.
It was dismissal time. And for the first time, it was raining hard.
While some students share umbrellas, Namra decided that she didn’t need one. Her last umbrella broke because she used it as a weapon, and she didn’t have the money to afford to buy one.
She didn’t consider it as need. So she spent all her allowance on the things she didn’t need but wanted. Like merch from her favorite band.
And Namra didn’t dislike the rain, she was fine in getting drenched from it. She likes the smell of it, and it makes her smile. It gives her a sense of comfort she couldn’t place.
Namra was ready to run her way home. But before she could do that. Someone had grabbed her by the collars making her stop.
“What?” She asked angrily, turning around to face Onjo.
“Hey, don’t you dare get reckless and run in the rain. And aren’t you supposed to be the one who’ll shop for our home economics?” Onjo scolded.
“I forgot about that.” Namra groaned. She wailed. Her plans of dropping by her favorite merch store were gone, instead, she was stuck with classroom duties.
She and Suhyeok were assigned to buy the ingredients for tomorrow since they all voted that her home was the closest to the school. And that it was Suhyeok’s responsibility to oversee what she would buy, in case she got distracted.
Namra wasn’t a child. She can handle herself but all of them had looked at her worriedly when she said: “I’m not going to spend it on other things.”
They were wary, she understood. I mean who wouldn’t.
“Suhyeok's waiting for you in the classroom.” Onjo reminded her and she groaned again.
“Fuck.” She muttered.
“You’re a lifesaver, Jo, I owe you one.” Namra waved goodbye and ran towards their room.
Namra felt guilty, Suhyeok had been slowly opening up to the class. He must have felt angry that she forgot their duty. Before she barged into their classroom, she stopped in her tracks. Ready to apologize, already planning a three-page apology script in her mind. She was ready to kneel for forgiveness.
“Prez…” A teary-eyed Namra opened the door, and Suhyeok immediately turned around to face her. Clearly shocked that she was crying.
“I’m sorry I forgot about home economics!” She wailed. And when she heard laughter, she saw that some of her classmates were still in the room. Laughing at her antics.
“Hey! We need that for tomorrow, Namra.” They reminded her and she nodded, bowing to them as an apology.
“I promise I’ll buy it!” Namra put her hand in a pledge, her bottom lip in a pucker, and eyebrows knitted together trying to stop her tears.
“It’s fine. Let’s go.” Suhyeok replied, grabbing his bag.
“Thank you so much!” She shouted.
Namra was so worried that Suhyeok would be angry, but he seems indifferent. And he didn’t seem bothered, as he handed her a handkerchief to wipe her tears. Subconsciously taking it from him.
Together they walked towards the school building’s entrance, but it had completely left Namra’s mind that it was raining hard. And she didn’t have an umbrella.
“It’s raining.” Suhyeok pointed out a frown evident on his face. Pulling out an umbrella from his bag.
“Do you hate it when it rains?” Namra couldn’t help but ask. Suhyeok nodded.
“We’re opposites, I like the rain.” She answered smiling as she felt the raindrops fall towards her hand.
“A pluviophile .” Namra turned around to look at him, wondering what he meant. “Someone who derives inner satisfaction from the things associated with rain.”
Namra nodded; this was the first time she heard it.
“I guess you can say that.” Namra nodded.
“Here.” Suhyeok said as he stepped closer towards her. Helping her under the umbrella. “You’ll get sick.”
Namra complied, together they walked towards the nearest local mart in their district. The whole way Namra didn’t talk, she listened to the sounds of the patter of raindrops in their shared umbrella.
She felt a blush spread towards her cheeks, it felt like a romance movie. She only saw these types of scenes on television. She refrained from talking, biting her lip in silence, and tried her best to set a distance between her and Suhyeok in case they brush shoulders. Namra didn’t want to make him uncomfortable.
Passing by a hypermarket, Suhyeok stopped and almost went inside.
“It’s cheaper if we buy in the local mart.” Grabbing him by his shoulders, Suhyeok nodded and followed her. Shopping and having groceries delivered were far more expensive, especially if you are a student. And Namra knew this based on experience.
When they reached the local market near them, the man behind the counter excitedly greeted Namra by her first name.
“Well, if it isn’t my favorite customer, Namra!” The old man at the counter waved at her. And Namra bowed.
“Good evening Gi-hun!” Namra replied with equal enthusiasm. Gi-hun was her neighbor, and sometimes when Namra wasn’t busy, she would often babysit his daughter who excelled in ballet. That’s why she was considered a special customer.
Namra whispered while she grabbed Suhyeok towards the baking section. “You go find what we need here, I’ll get the fresh produce.”
Suhyeok checked their list and grabbed the first thing that he saw.
Meanwhile, Namra meticulously looked at the prices, looking for the cheapest and placing it in their basket.
Reaching the counter together, Gi-hun looked at them with a suspicious look in his eyes.
“Is he your boyfriend?” He asked as he scanned every item. Namra almost choked at the bluntness.
“He’s my classmate!” She immediately explained. Suhyeok stayed silent.
“I see…” Gi-hun nodded. “A piece of advice. Don’t take her to somewhere expensive, she wouldn’t like it. She likes to buy the low-priced items here!” Laughing as he did so.
“Hey! Don’t expose me like that! At least I buy here.” She defended. While Gi-hun finished packing, he announced the price.
Namra looked at the class funds given to her, 24000 won .
“It would be 28,000.” Namra's eyes widened. If she gave her allowance, she couldn’t buy the new merch she had been planning to buy.
“Do I have a discount for today?” She asked Gi-hun shyly. Gi-hun sighed but Suhyeok already pulled out his own wallet, giving him 30,000 won. And he pointed towards the umbrella for sale in the back of the counter.
“Would you please add that umbrella behind you, sir?” Suhyeok instructed. Gi-hun turned around and placed it on their paper bags.
“And also, please keep the change,” Suhyeok added. Gi-hun was mildly impressed. While Namra hid in shame for trying to bargain.
“Here’s your receipt! And please come again!” Gi-hun excitedly said as he placed the change in a piggy bank in front of the counter, titled “ For Ga-Yeong’s Costume ”.
Namra felt guilty. And placed her extra allowance allotted for useless things towards the Gi-hun’s daughter's funds.
Grabbing their paper bag, Suhyeok gave her the umbrella he bought. Namra looked at him and took it. Grabbing the class funds and placing them in his hand.
“Take it.” Namra said but Suhyeok only placed it back on hers and closed it tightly.
“It’s fine. I don’t mind.” Suhyeok shook his head and slowly let go of her hand.
Reason 6: Suhyeok was composed, and Namra is not
If they describe Choi Namra, she was naturally charming. Everyone is drawn to her attention. She gives this large ball of energy that makes everyone happy.
Namra was known as the bubbliest person in their class, always seen smiling and laughing. Always entertaining everyone around her. Trying her best to make all of them laugh and smile in her simple gestures.
But some days, Namra gets tired.
And yet she doesn’t show it. Namra kept it bubbled inside her. Hidden in a bottle, ready to be thrown to the sea.
Because who else could make other people smile?
So when Namra feels tired, she pretends everything is fine. And no one is any wiser.
“ Will you all just shut up? ” Namra shouted.
It’s the first time she was genuinely upset, but most of her classmates thought that it was maybe one of her antics to quiet them down.
Today while preparing for their competition, Namra was in charge to oversee the production. The same reason she was put into that position was that her home was closer to the school and that she could bargain to lower the prices.
And Namra could only agree. At first, she was fine; happy to contribute something to their class. But whenever they worked, she was always left alone in assembling the needed materials. And there are days when she just sees most of them lazing around, not helping at all.
She didn’t mind that. But sometimes she was often overlooked, and never taken seriously. She can’t help but overthink.
Am I a joke to them? Am I important at all?
She was too exhausted. Too drained that her emotions that she bottled overflowed.
“Aw, are you going to cry?” They teased. Now Namra could only hear laughter. Everything else was white noise.
What they didn’t know was that for her every small thing was a big deal. Everything was becoming overwhelming that she couldn't take it.
“You all are not taking me seriously!” She defended. But they still continued to laugh, leaving her to walk out of their room.
Everything was piling up, and she couldn't take it.
From their workload to her having breakdowns in little things that she normally wouldn’t cry on. Namra felt stupid.
Stupid for crying.
Stupid for bursting out her emotions and throwing it at them.
Stupid for getting angry in the slightest things.
Stupid for not handling such a simple job.
Stupid for not getting high grades and barely passing.
Stupid. She felt stupid.
She walked until she could only hear her sniffled cries.
What will I say when I get back?
I’m sorry I was just joking, don’t mind it.
It's nothing.
Holding her breath, she tried to calm down her nerves. She tried to erase what happened in her mind as she exhaled. Only that it came out as a shaky sigh.
Now she was full-on crying on their school rooftop. Finding it difficult to breathe, she clutched her own hand tightly.
Stop crying. Repeating it like a mantra.
Stop crying. Stop crying. Stop crying. Stop crying. Stop crying. Stop crying. Stop crying. Stop crying. Stop crying. Stop crying. Stop crying. Stop crying. Stop crying. Stop crying. Stop crying. Stop crying. Stop crying. Stop crying. Stop crying. Stop crying. Stop crying. Stop crying. Stop crying. Stop crying. Stop crying. Stop crying. Stop crying. Stop crying. Stop crying. Stop crying. Stop crying. Stop crying. Stop crying. Stop crying. Stop crying. Stop crying. Stop crying. Stop crying. Stop crying. Stop.
Namra told herself. Repeating until that’s the only words she could remember.
In her crying state, she didn’t hear the soft patter of footsteps. And someone slowly patted her shoulder in comfort.
Onjo must’ve followed her. But in her dazed state of crying, the only thing she could hear was muffled talking.
Namra turned around to see Suhyeok, looking towards her in concern. Still patting her shoulders.
“ It’s okay, just let it out. ”
—
And those were the 6 reasons why.
But to be honest, Namra just wanted to give him a gift. A gift of thanks. Not a form of confession. Not that she didn’t have the slightest/biggest admiration towards him. Nope, it wasn’t that at all.
She was grateful for him. For all the things he had done.
Thanks for the notes.
Thanks for saving her during Music class.
Thank you for being her partner in English Class
Thank you for winning the grand prize for her.
Thank you for the umbrella.
Thank you for letting her cry her heart out.
She wanted it to be simple, just to give him the 6 pieces of chocolates that she made. But now in her angry state, there was only 1 left.
Namra was tempted to just eat it. And possibly wait for another moment where she can give him something more suitable. Something he would like.
She could only sigh in defeat. It wasn’t even lunchtime and multiple freshmen had been asking for Suhyeok’s presence since this morning. She couldn’t find the time to give it to him.
Ever since he joined the sports festival, he had gathered the attention of multiple girls. Namra couldn’t be jealous; she doesn’t have the right to dictate his life and his personal relationship.
So she let him be, she would find the right time to give it to him.
But from what she heard, Suhyeok’s schedule wouldn’t be clear until dismissal. Since it was packed tight with confessions left to right.
It wasn’t supposed to be this hard right? Just give it to him. Don’t make it a big deal. You faced scarier problems before.
Looking at Suhyeok who sat peacefully at his seat, with a bunch of paper bags containing chocolates. She almost keeled.
They were probably expensive and tasted better than what she had made. Slamming her head on the desk hard, she didn’t expect that it would hurt this bad.
“Fuck!” She muttered, touching the pain coming from the middle of her forehead. Namra rubbed the pain. Embarrassing herself once again.
Just like a light bulb had lit on her head as soon as she hit her forehead, she conceived a plan. A plan of just putting the 1 piece of chocolates along with the others. She wouldn't have to face him and explain herself. A brilliant idea.
For someone so talkative she was left speechless when it comes to thanking Suhyeok.
Unless the gods decided to mess with her some more.
She decided that during their break when Suhyeok would go towards the restroom or be called upon by someone. When no one was left inside the room except for her. She would sneak it inside. And her worries would be soon lifted. Mentally patting herself in the back for such a smart plan.
Turns out it was hard to get rid of her classmates without it being suspicious. While half were in the cafeteria, the other half decided to stay and just chat it out. Now Namra was panicking, if she gave it during dismissal, she might miss him, and this was the only open time.
“There is a promo in the cafeteria!” She feigned remembrance. Shouting to let them all hear.
“I heard the Melon Bread is back! And it’s 2 pieces for the price of one!” She exclaimed, Onjo confusedly looked at her. But Namra gave a hint in her eyes.
Just go along with it.
“Oh yeah! Come on Namra! We have to buy them all!” She dragged Namra towards the door. And suddenly an influx of their classmates started running and doing the same. Namra stopped herself at the door and let Onjo go.
“I’ll just do something really quick!” She exclaimed, and Onjo nodded.
Walking towards Suhyeok’s desk. She tried to hide it deep beneath the handful of boxed chocolates. Namra heard the door open, ready to scold Onjo and tell her it was nothing.
But no.
The heavens really like to make Namra’s life a living hell.
In front of the door was the Lee Suhyeok, looking at her with shocked and confused eyes.
“Hey… Prez” she said slowly taking her hand out of the paper bag. “I swear I’m not stealing anything…” She feigned laughter and stepped away.
“What is it?” Suhyeok asked.
Namra already knew she was caught red-handed. She deeply sighed and walk towards the paper bag.
“I wanted to give this to you.” Grabbing the chocolate, she made. And placing it on his hands. “To thank you.”
Now Namra was truly embarrassed, she could feel the heat rising on her cheeks. Just one piece of chocolate couldn’t compare to the paper bags on his desk. She was ready for the ground to swallow her whole.
Suhyeok turned his head to his right shoulder. Namra blinked at him.
“ Thank you. I was waiting for you.” He mumbled, and Namra saw that his ears were reddening with every passing moment.
Was he blushing?
—
For White Day,
Namra received a box of chocolates, a bouquet of sunflowers,
Notes for their quizzes next week,
Medicine for sore throat,
A book named Pride and Prejudice,
Her favorite candies,
And a dainty necklace in the shape of a raindrop.