In the story: Myung Jaehyun: a mischievous same-age friend
It was nearing the end of lunchtime.
The classroom was still noisy, but I, sitting by the window, had my earbuds in and was quietly listening to music. The curtains swayed slightly in the breeze coming through the window, and the hair Iโd left on top of my desk fluttered along with it.
Then someone behind me tapped the edge of my desk twice.
"What are you listening to?"
When I turned my head, Myung Jaehyun was standing there with his chin in his hand.
"Music."
"I know that,"
Jaehyun let out a snort of laughter.
"Iโm asking what song."
"I donโt want to tell you."
"Why?"
"Just because!"
"Ah, now Iโm curious."
Jaehyunโs eyes widened as if he really was curious, and he pretended to think for a moment.
Then he naturally sat down in the seat next to me.
"Then Iโll just listen to it myself!"
"What?"
Before I could stop him, Jaehyun lightly took one of my earbuds.
"Iโll just listen for a second"
"Hey, who said you could just-"
"Shh."
Jaehyun brought his index finger to his lips and grinned teasingly.
The moment he put the earbud in his ear, the distance between us felt surprisingly close.
Our shoulders brushed, just slightly.
For an instant Jaehyun froze too, but he pretended nothing was wrong and focused on the song.
"....."
"....."
If it had been any other day, he wouldโve made at least one more joke, but this time it was strangely quiet.
After a few seconds, Jaehyun nodded.
"Oh... nice."
"Right?"
"Yeah. Better than I expected."
"Better than expected?"
"I thought that since youโre always listening to it, it had to be some super exciting song."
"When do I ever listen to it all the time?"
"You do, though?"
Jaehyun glanced to the side with a smile.
"During breaks, and on the way to school too."
"...You saw all that?"
"Yep!"
He answered so casually that I had nothing to say back.
Jaehyun looked back out the window and tapped the desk leg with his toes.
"But does this song make you feel better?"
"Yeah. A little"
"Then thatโs good."
"Good for what?"
Jaehyun smiled faintly.
"You looked like you were in a bad mood today."
"...Me?"
"Yeah!"
"How do you know?"
"I can tell just by looking."
His playful voice softened a little.
"So I was curious. What song you were listening to."
For some reason, those words made my chest feel a little fluttery.
A little later, when the song ended, Jaehyun took out the earbud and handed it back.
"All done."
"So?"
"I like it."
And after thinking for a moment, he added:
"Play it for me again tomorrow."
"Why?"
Jaehyun grinned.
"I feel better now."
"Wh- what"
"... the song."
A moment later, Jaehyun got up from his seat as if nothing had happened.
"Iโm going. Iโll be late for the next class."
"Oh... okay!"
After taking a few steps, Jaehyun suddenly turned back.
"Ah."
"What is it?"
"And!"
Jaehyun smiled mischievously.
"Next time, donโt listen with just one earbud. Listen together with me."
"....."
"What, you donโt like that?"
Before waiting for an answer, Jaehyun laughed and ran toward the front of the classroom.
Left behind, Sarak kept fiddling with the earbud for no reason.
The shoulder heโd touched earlier still felt a little warm.
+ Iโm bad at this kind of overly cringey stuff because I hate it ใ / I might post more if the reaction is good..
