ID Chat

Knowing that Hana had gone to the school clinic after slipping in the toilet, I quickly rushed to check on her, not even bothering about my bag still left on the bench by the field.

When I arrived at the clinic door, I opened it a little too forcefully, causing a screeching sound and making the clinic's windows vibrate slightly. The people inside pulled back the curtains and shot me a glare full of annoyance. Ah, forgive me. I just wanted to check on my best friend. I had no intention of disturbing anyone, truly.

I immediately bowed my head and apologized with my hands pressed together in front of my chest. Shortly after, Hana pulled back the curtain and called me over with an overly sweet, exaggerated tone. Ugh, it made me want to gag. Her face looked pitiful as she held her head. I closed the door and approached the bed where Hana was lying.

"Yaaakk, I told you to drink some water to regain your energy before going to the toilet," I scolded her while scanning her body to make sure she wasn't seriously hurt.

"Narin, what should I do?" Hana asked weakly.

"Why? Are you hurt anywhere?" I gently turned her shoulders to check for any injuries.

"My Chat ID," she replied faintly.

"Your Chat ID? Hana, look at your condition! You shouldn’t be worrying about something so unimportant right now!" I snapped, frustrated that she could still think about other things when she clearly hadn’t recovered yet. I was starting to wonder if something was wrong with her head.

"No, it’s important. This is a matter of the heart. I have to get back to the field right now. Or... could he have already returned to class?!" Hana exclaimed, attempting to climb out of the bed.

Watching her actions, I could only rub my temples. I knew this was about love, but her condition didn’t allow for it at all. In fact, it was this “matter of the heart” that landed her in this state. All I could do was stop her and make sure she rested first. She was absolutely infuriating at the moment. What was I supposed to say if the director asked? Should I tell him that his sweet, beloved daughter neglected her health for the sake of love? That would be ridiculous!

"You can’t leave now. You need to rest!" I warned her firmly, pointing my finger as a reminder.

"But I need that ID today," she pouted. Then, suddenly adopting a serious expression, she said, "Hmm, how about this instead?"

I began to grow suspicious of what she was about to say. Don’t tell me... oh no. Please don’t let it be that. I really can’t do it.

"Since you won’t let me go, how about you…"

"No, no, no. I know what you’re about to say." I quickly cut her off.

"Narin, please. Or do you want me to go instead?" Hana threatened as she moved to climb off the bed again.

"Isn’t there another way? You could ask him tomorrow, right?" I tried persuading her. I really didn’t want to deal with Do Hwan.

"Fine. In that case, I’ll just go myself," she said firmly, getting ready to leave.

"Okay, I’ll get the ID for you," I blurted out spontaneously. Oh no! I couldn’t believe I actually said that. She hadn’t changed her mind at all, and now I was the one who had to do it. This was far more troublesome than any punishment from Mrs. Cover.

How on earth was I supposed to ask him for his ID?

***

I walked slowly towards the classroom, my mind occupied with how to start a conversation with the troublemaker. Although he had the image of a handsome and friendly guy, I still wasn't used to someone like him. Let alone starting a conversation by directly asking for his ID. It felt like asking a grandmother you meet at a zebra crossing for money_totally unreasonable.

Caught up in my thoughts, I accidentally bumped into someone in front of me because I wasn't paying attention. I was startled and almost fell, but luckily I managed to keep my balance. You know how shocking that can be, right? I’m sure you’ve experienced it too.

I slowly lifted my head, which had been lowered. And there he was, the troublemaker, the one who was almost driving me crazy just for a Chat ID.

I stood frozen, staring at the perfect figure in front of me. Not because I was captivated or anything, but because I was trying to come up with the right words to ask for his ID. But how? What should I say? Ugh, this feeling was driving me crazy.

"What's wrong? Did I do something wrong?" he asked with a small smile, tilting his head in confusion.

"Ah... no. I mean... hm," I stuttered, suddenly feeling like a nervous wreck.

"I think you want to say something. Let's talk over there," he said casually, putting both hands in his pockets.

He led me to a small park beside the football field. I just followed him like a chick not wanting to leave its mother. From behind, I noticed how tall he was. I couldn’t even reach his shoulders! In that moment, I decided I needed to start exercising. But, well, you know, that determination lasted about two seconds. I had no time for anything like that.

When we arrived, he motioned for me to sit first, and then he sat next to me. I was still unsure of what to say first, but I gathered my courage. I needed to get this over with. Hana, you will pay for all of this suffering.

"Hm. Since you probably already know what I want to say, I’ll get straight to the point. I want to ask for your ID," I said, turning my body to face him.

"For you?" he asked, looking into my eyes.

"No, for my friend."

"Ah, so she’s your friend. You two seem really close," he said casually, turning back to face forward again.

"So?" I asked, unsure, as it seemed like he had forgotten the topic.

"I didn’t bring my phone," he replied nonchalantly.

"What? Didn’t you promise to give Hana your ID?"

I was getting irritated. What was he trying to do? Teenagers nowadays can't live without their phones. But him...?

"I said later. Right now, I don’t have my phone with me, and I don’t remember my ID," he said calmly, as if it was no big deal.

How could I be dealing with this half-angel, half-devil? His behavior was so annoying, but his face... oh, so handsome. I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself. I had to speak calmly with him.

"I think you should go get it from class now," I said, forcing a smile. I was sure he had left his phone in his bag.

"I didn’t bring it to school," he said flatly.

"Hah?" I was speechless. Fine. He didn’t bring his phone, right? So, what was I even doing here?! I stood up, ready to walk away, but...

"Your phone," he said, extending his hand toward me.

"For what?" I asked, confused.

"You want my ID, right?"

Without thinking, I handed him my phone. He held it and seemed to be calling someone. After a moment, the connection was cut off without a word spoken. He handed me my phone back with a sweet smile.

"I have my own way. You’ll get it later," he said as he stood up and walked away.

***