Tubattu Short Story Collection

[Taehyun] You leaning towards me

“Even if you don’t say anything, I know you’re watching me.”

It was spring.
The wind coming through the classroom window shakes the flower petals,
The sunlight was covering my half-open notebook.

“My lady.”
The voice calling quietly was Taehyun.
He was sitting next to me, calm as always.

“Did you fall asleep again?”
“…No.”
“Then why did you write your name three times with a ballpoint pen?”
His eyes pointed to my notes.
It was true. The name ‘Joo Yeo-ju’ was written three times, like a pencil mark.

“It’s a habit.”
“Should I try that habit too?”
"what?"
“The habit of using ‘lord’.”

Those words made my head turn white.
Taehyun wasn't the type to joke around much.
So, those words sounded more sincere.

“Taehyun, you… are acting a little strange these days.”
“It’s strange. I just became honest.”
He closed his textbook and leaned toward me.
“Every time I’m with you, I get quiet for no reason.
“I’m usually very talkative, but when I see you, I become speechless.”

I lowered my head, holding back laughter.
“So if it’s quiet, is it because of me?”
"huh."
“Then why is it so quiet during math class—”
“It’s because of you, teacher.”

They both laughed.
And for a moment, nothing was said.
We just made eye contact.
His eyes were clear, and his mind strangely became calm.

“Taehyun.”
"huh."
“When I’m with you, the world feels a little slower.”
“That’s good. I was like that too.”

A cherry blossom came in from outside through the window and landed on my book.
Taehyun lifted the petal with his fingertips and carefully placed it on my head.

“This is for today’s records.”
"record?"
“I put cherry blossoms on Yeoju’s head for the first time today.”
“…What kind of record is that?”
“Then what is it? It’s something in my heart.”

Taehyun said that,
I smiled slightly and looked out the window.

That day, I didn't say anything else
Those eyes alone were enough.
Love was beginning quietly but surely.