Chapter 1: Crush
Nari POV
It was another typical early morning at school: students gathering together to gossip, horseplay or make plans for the weekend. No one in a rush to get to class, myself included. Being our senior year, we were anticipating finishing the year strong, but not wanting to waste our last year together.
I sat alone under a tree, reading a book. I'm usually early to school since my mother has to go to work early and it was either taking the bus or taking her offered ride. I ended up being an hour earlier than all the other students, including my two close friends, Soo Min and Mi Cha. My parents divorced when I was five and my father pretty much vanished from our lives. I don't remember much about that day, but Hoseok, my older brother, was left heartbroken. He doesn't talk about it, but I can sometimes see the sadness lurking behind his eyes. He's always smiling and joking around with his friends, but I know it bothers him.
Our mother remarried two years later, and even though he is a likeable man, he never really treats us like his own children. It often felt forced when we had to attend family gatherings. If it wasn't for our new cousins, Kim Namjoon and Park Jimin , we wouldn't feel that welcomed. They basically became my other brothers, and we were inseparable. Unfortunate for me, my brother and Namjoon graduated two years ago and Jimin didn't attend my school, having to attend a private school at his mother's request.
"Nari!"
I pried my eyes from my book to see who was calling me. I looked up into the smiling face of Kim Min-Jae. He grinned at the blank look which must look comical. Min-Jae was a popular athlete at our school, and it always made me speechless when he'd talk to me outside of our English class.
"I was calling you for a while," he chuckled, "What are you reading that you can block out your surroundings?"
I closed my book in embarrassment. I know I was probably blushing like an idiot, but that couldn't be helped. I was about to speak when I noticed he wasn't alone. Ae Ri, his off and on girlfriend, casually slid one of her arms through his. I wish I could say she was the typical high school bitch, but she wasn't. She was a decent person, and didn't know I existed until Min-Jae started greeting me in the halls or wherever he'd see me. She always smiled politely at me but never extended friendship. No matter how kind he was, I never let my hopes get the better of me. He was nice to everyone.
"Well, I better get to practice. See you around, Nari."
I smiled in answer and watched the couple walk towards the school. 'Nari, don't kid yourself. He smiles at everyone.'
"Ooooooo! Did your boyfriend come to check on you?" Soo Min teasingly said as she flopped down next to me.
"Soo leave her alone," Mi Cha chuckled.
"He just said hi and left," I shrugged acting as if his presence didn't cause me to internally hyperventilate.
Soo Min smirked at me, "I'm sure he did."
"He really did. He was on his way to practice so he didn't have much to say."
"I still say he has a secret crush on you," she sat back with her arms crossed. She has been this way ever since the day I began talking to Min-Jae last year.
*Flashback*
It had been our first day of English class and the teacher assigned us our seats. I was seated next to Min-Jae in the back of the class. I didn't know who he was or his popularity at school. It wasn't like I kept track of people outside of the two I spoke with. He introduced himself and I as usual, stumbled on my words. I didn't expect him to bother with getting to know me. We were working on an assignment to translate a speech into English when he tapped my shoulder to get my attention.
"I'm struggling with this. Could you help me out?" How could I tell him no? Not when he asks with that adorable smile with his dimples making an appearance. I agreed to help him.
After that first day, we talked often in class. He was very funny and had me laughing at the random things he'd say. When the teacher wasn't lecturing, we were goofing around while working together. Yet, when class ended, he'd go his way and I didn't have any interaction with him. I had Mi Cha for that class and she would tell Soo Min about our "flirting." Of course I denied it fully. We were just friends.
"He doesn't look at you like you're a friend," Mi Cha stated. She wasn't teasing either.
"He has a girlfriend," I pointed out. I was not going to break up a relationship, regardless if they were continually breaking up on their own. "He just needs help with English."
Soo Min began to giggle when I said that. Mi Cha and I exchanged looks of confusion.
"Nari, you do realize that Min Jae is ranked in the top ten of our class, right? Why would he need your help to keep his already A plus average?"
I had no words. I hadn't realized that he not only was an outstanding athlete, but was highly intelligent as well. I felt foolish...and confused.
The next day when he entered class, I waited for the opportunity to question him. Why would he lie about struggling? I was a B student helping an A honor roll student. It made no sense. It wasn't like he gained anything from this exchange. If anything he was wasting his time considering that he could translate the work faster than I ever could.
"Min Jae, can I ask you something?" I timidly asked. I wasn't sure how the conversation would go.
"Of course," he said, blessing me with one of his dimpled smiles.
'Lord, give me strength! Damn dimples!' I thought.
"You're an A student, and apparently have always been," I hesitated, not sure how to spring the question on him.
"Was that a question?" he chuckled.
"Why did you say you needed help with the assignment when it's obvious you probably could be tutoring me," I hurriedly asked. He crossed his arms on the desk and leaned forward taking me by surprise at how close he was.
"I didn't think you'd talk to me if you didn't have a reason to," he said softly. He gave a gentle smile in apology.
"Oh," I didn't know what to say. He laughed it off, and sat up straight.
"I'm happy that I did though. You're a really good friend. I honestly just wanted someone to talk to during class, but am glad we got along so well."
"You're a good friend too," I returned his smile. He is a good friend. "Let's get to work."
The topic was dropped and never mentioned again. Of course, when I told my friends about the discussion, they teased me relentlessly. They didn't care what I said and strongly believed that he meant so much more but wouldn't act on it for a variety reasons: his dysfunctional relationship, his popularity, focus on school or the differences in background. I didn't care and wouldn't think beyond our friendship.
*End flashback*
"Let's not revisit this," I sigh. Soo Min smiled in understanding. I didn't have to say it, I obviously like him. It's something I won't vocalize, but she's been my friend for years so she can read me well.
"Alright," she suddenly stands up, "The bell's going to ring soon. Let's go to class."
We gather our bags and begin walking to our class. I spot Min Jae walking by with a group of his friends. He must have felt my eyes on him because he glances my way and gives a friendly smile. He doesn't stop to talk or even greet me. 'I guess he doesn't want his friends to know we're friends.'
"Nari," Mi Cha interrupts my depressing thoughts, "Let's go to your house today. It's Friday! No studying or reading today!"
"Hoseok should be home today. Mom and Mr. Park are going out for a weekend trip, so he agreed to come home and keep an eye on me."
"Seriously? You're going to be eighteen in a month," Soo Min rolled her eyes.
"It's not like he's actually going to babysit me," I laughed, "He mostly wants to hang out. Plus he's bring Namjoon and Jimin with him! I love when they all come over."
Soo Min's eyes brighten at the mention of Jimin's name. Her infatuation for him began in middle school and has not died down.
"I'm down! Nari's house it is!"
I shook my head at my hopelessly love obsessed friend. With the excitement of seeing my brother and cousins this evening, I felt a little skip in my step. I had something to look forward to.
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
Sauce8
Sauce8 I just watched the Kdrama: "Dali and the Cocky Prince" so Min Jae ended up being my "crush." lol, his dimples inspired me.
I'm so happy to be back to writing.
Enjoy!
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