The Boy I Like
Mr. Chairman had provided us a car to go to school with, alongwith our very own chauffeur. But Hye Jin never made use of it as it would make her look obnoxious, as someone putting on airs and it would also curb her freedom greatly. So everyday we made use of the public transport much to the dismay of Madam Kang.
"Your eyes are puffy" Hye Jin stated on our way to school.
"Look who's talking. Your eyes are as puffy as mine" I replied.
Unlike any other day, we made our way to school in silence, neither knowing how to break the ice.
A long while later, Hye Jin finally looked up at me and began "Eun Su, lets not think about whats to come. Can we just enjoy these moments that we have right now?"
"You just said what was on my mind" I replied truthfully.
"So no more tears okay???"
"No more tears" I nodded firmly.
At school, classes went by swiftly without a hitch but at the end of the day, a commotion broke out in the hallway. Someone came into our class and shouted "Hey girls, lookout the window. Its Ji Hu Sunbae. He is right outside"
"Didn't he go to America? What is he doing here?" one of the girls queried.
"Well I don't know about that but he is here right now talking to Teacher Kim"
Hearing that, every girl in the room ran towards the window just to get a glimpse of him.
Ji Hu Sunbae, the most popular boy of Busan Higher Secondary School. He was the boy genius, the student every teacher likes to boast of teaching once in their lifetime. A model student with looks to kill for, making every girl swoon as he pass by and every boy green with envy. All the girls loved him and competed with one another vying for his attention but he never spared them a glance. He was Hye Jin's first love and he was secretly mine too.
He was two years our senior so we seldom had a chance to mingle. He was always a loner and cold as an ice cube. In all the years I had known him, I never saw him smile. No one really knew him though it was not because of lack of trying. He just kept everyone at arms length. It made me curious about him so even without my knowing I started noticing him more and more. I started learning little things about him and I hoarded them to myself as a miser. He was the first secret I kept from Hye Jin.
Things about Ji Hu Sunbae I noticed:
1. He dislikes sweets so he secretly threw away the chocolates the girls gave him when no one was looking.
2. He hated carrots. He'd sort out the carrots from his dishes at lunch everyday.
3. He spent most of his free time in the library not because of studies but because he likes peace and quiet and sleeps the hours away.
4. When he is annoyed or irritated, he always taps his index finger on the table.
5. He creases his eyebrows whenever he is angry though outwardly he appears calm and collect.
6. He pretends to be an ice cube but he is unexpectedly kind.
Every little thing I learn, I wanted to know more. I wanted to know his likes, dislikes, what makes him happy, what makes him sad but most of all I just wanted to see him smile once. But alas I'm just an ordinary girl, with no looks to boast of or the courage to confess my feelings, so I just contend myself with loving him from afar.
"Eun Su, he is so perfect isn't he?" Hye Jin said standing next to me as we watch Ji Hu Sunbae through the classroom window.
"Yes, he is" I sighed.
"I'm going to marry him one day" Hye Jin suddenly announced. Hearing her words, my heart plummeted as I stare longingly at the boy I could never hope to have.
"Ji Hu, how have you been?" Teacher Kim asked as he shook his hand.
"Good sir" Ji Hu replied.
"How's life as a university student in the states? Hope you are adjusting well" Teacher Kim said.
"It's an eye opener sir and I'm adapting well. I'm on my winter break for now" Ji Hu replied truthfully.
"Don't be a loner okay. Try to make some friends." Teacher Kim said in a concern voice.
"I'll try sir"
"Okay I have a class to attend so I'll leave you. Anyway best of luck" Teacher Kim bid farewell as he rushed to his next class. "And Ji Hu, don't be a stranger okay" he called out as he walked away.