The New Guy

~Na Ri~

I was late for school again today. Why? Because of the same dreams I've been having for months. I've already texted Uncle Moo Jin, and he's coming to pick me up at the bus stop.

I finished my breakfast, waved goodbye to Mom, and went outside. Luckily, Dad wasn't home to scold me for being late again.

As I walked toward the entrance gate, Chae Soo's mom, Kwon Jae Rim, came out of her house, likely to water her plants. She loves gardening, and in fact, some of the plants in our garden are from her.

Our homes, Chae Soo's and mine, are linked by a common gate that divides our front yards. It allows easy passage from one side to the other without having to open the main entrance gate.

Aunt Jae Rim greeted me with a wide, warm smile and a cheerful wave. I waved back, though I couldn't help but bristle, expecting her to be upset with me for missing the movie she asked me to join yesterday...

"Good morning, Aunt Jae Rim!" I wished.

"Good morning my Na Ri! Late for school again?"

She always calls me "my," a habit I've come to find endearing. We've been neighbors for years. Chae Soo's family had been here long before we arrived, which was when I was seven. From that point on, our families intertwined seamlessly—Chae Soo and I, my parents, and his.

Yet, despite our bond, things have changed between us— Me and Chae Soo. But we'd never let our parents know.

"Yes Aunt Jae Rim, but I am trying my best to be on time, just like your son."

"Yes, of course, you should be on time. That's why I suggest you and Chae Soo go to school together," insisted Aunt Jae Rim.

"It's okay, Auntie. I don't want Chae Soo to be late because of me," I interjected, hoping to steer the conversation elsewhere before she could press the matter further. "By the way, I'm sorry I couldn't join you yesterday. The cleaning duty took longer than expected. But let's make a plan soon."

"Ah, don't worry, I understand completely. I'm glad to see how responsible my Na Ri is. Anyway, you must be getting late. See you soon. Bye, have a nice day," she said with a smile.

I really was running late. Uncle Moo Jin wouldn't wait if he picked up a passenger. I waved her goodbye and hurried to the bus stop.

When I reached the bus stop, I spotted Uncle Moo Jin's car. As I made my way toward it, I noticed a student in the same school uniform climbing in.

Oh no! This means Uncle Moo Jin won't drop me today. I can't let that happen. I sprinted the remaining steps, reaching the car just as he was about to start the engine. I grabbed the back seat door handle and slid in quickly.

I was breathing heavily as I settled into the seat. Ignoring the passenger next to me, I quickly apologized to Uncle Moo Jin.

"I'm sorry, unc— I mean, sir, but I'm running late for school. I'll pay half of the fare. Please, start the cab."

I turned to the guy sitting beside me to apologize to him as well. But the moment I looked at him, I froze. Was I seeing this correctly? Was this real, or was I dreaming again?

The guy I saw in my dreams was sitting right next to me. I couldn't believe my eyes. This had to be a dream. To make sure it wasn't, I reached out and touched his face.

Oh my god! I could feel it, the warmth of his skin. Does that mean this isn't a dream and I'm actually touching this guy's face? Shit! What am I doing? Before I could pull my hand back, he shoved it away.

"I'll just take another cab," he said, leaving the car abruptly.

"What the hell did you just do, Na Ri? What's wrong with you? Are you even in your right mind?" Uncle Moo Jin's voice carried a mix of anger and regret.

I was just as confused about what I had done. He was wearing the same uniform, which meant he went to my school. How would I face him now?

"Ah, I'm so embarrassed. I really want to hide somewhere. What should I do, Uncle?"

"What are you saying? It's me who needs to hide from you, or else I won't make any money. By the way, why did you do that if you knew it would be embarrassing? I mean, I know he was a handsome guy, but still..."

"I know, I must be an idiot. Ugh... Why did I take this cab today? I should have just taken another one. Now, I'm even running late," I cried.

"For now, I'll just take you to your school. You can decide what to do and what not to there," Uncle Moo Jin advised, continuing, "Don't worry. It's the first time he's seen you; he won't even remember your face, I assure you."

"Are you sure, Uncle?"

"Yes, of course. Don't worry now. Let's go to school."

He might be right. I don't think he will remember my face.

Once I reached school, I went straight to my classroom, eager to avoid any chance of running into him if he was indeed here.

As I approached my class, I found Chae Soo standing in the doorway, blocking my way.

"Get aside, quick!" I demanded.

"What if I don't?" he asked, a smirk playing on his lips.

"Well, in case you don't remember, let me remind you that I'm the class president. So don't try to mess with me," I warned, locking eyes with him. "Yesterday, I was the one swamped with work, but next time, it could be you."

"Oh, so are you trying to threaten me?" he asked, closing the distance between us. We were mere inches apart, our breaths mingling. He was close enough to make my heart flutter, but I refused to let him see that he had any effect on me.

I shoved him in the chest, and he staggered back. The entire class turned to us, their faces a mix of shock and curiosity. Yu Mi dashed over to my side.

"Oh, Na Ri, did he do something again? Seriously, Chae Soo, just stay away from her if you want her to avoid you. Why do you always have to act like such a jerk?" Yu Mi scolded angrily.

"Let it go, Yu Mi. I'm sure he's learned his lesson," I said, dismissing the issue. "Anyway, I have something important to tell you. Let's head to our seats."

Chae Soo said nothing and just walked toward his seat, leaving me puzzled by his sudden sulkiness.

"Stop staring at him. I know his behavior is odd and it worries you, but it's probably best to just leave him be," Yu Mi said, sensing my concern. "Now, what was the important thing you wanted to tell me?"

I hadn't realized I was still watching Chae Soo. Yu Mi was right; I should let him be. I then recounted everything that happened earlier that morning in Uncle Moo Jin's car. Yu Mi's eyes widened in shock as she listened.

"How is this even possible, Na Ri? I think you might have met before—maybe you just don't remember it, but I'm sure you've seen each other before, or at least you've seen him," Yu Mi speculated.

"Is that what you think?" I asked.

"Yes, of course. Oh, and remember the dream I told you about the neighbor's dog? I had a similar dream later that night after discussing it with you.

Earlier, I mentioned that you might have seen him in a show or movie, but maybe you've actually seen him around your neighborhood."

"Could it be? Ugh! I don't know. I'm just too confused. All I want is to go up to that guy and ask him," I stood from my desk and, without realizing it, said aloud, "Hey, have we met before?"

Yu Mi called out, "Hey, what are you doing? Look around. You're making a fool of yourself," she said in a low voice.

I glanced around and saw everyone staring at me again. In just one day, I've managed to embarrass myself twice. I must really be going crazy.

"Oh, who would our class president be asking that to?" teased Tae Seon, my classmate.

"Well, she was talking about some guy," answered Ha Min, my other classmate, who was sitting behind us. "She must be asking him, right, Na Ri?"

"What are you guys saying? It's nothing like that," I protested, feeling the heat rise to my cheeks as I faced my curious classmates.

"Exactly, how can she have a guy in her life? I mean, she is so boring," said Chae Soo with a short laugh. A few other students joined in, their laughter echoing through the room.

Great. Now it's the third time that I've been embarrassed.

I couldn't stay quiet any longer. "Look who's talking! The guy who has a girlfriend he's hiding," I snapped back bitterly.

His girlfriend has already shared their relationship news with her friends, but Chae Soo hasn't told anyone yet. I'm curious why, but it doesn't really matter to me. 

Everyone erupted with a chorus of "What?" and "When?" Some students started peppering Chae Soo with questions, demanding to know if it was true.

Now, it was my turn to smirk.

Chae Soo remained silent, brushing off our classmates' prying questions with an air of indifference. It was odd—why was he so unwilling to talk about his girlfriend? The thought lingered in my mind for a moment, but I quickly pushed it aside. It wasn't my place to wonder.

Minutes later, the sound of footsteps filled the room as Ms. In Na, our homeroom teacher, entered, followed closely by another student. Ah, this must be the new transfer student she had mentioned to me yesterday.

Curiosity nudged me, and I turned to get a look at him. The moment my gaze fell on his face, I froze.

It was *him*.

The same face that I saw in my dream. The same face I'd caught a fleeting glimpse of in the taxi this morning.

My heart sank as a chilling realization washed over me.

I was doomed.

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