It was time for you to attend school in Jeju. You were nervous to enter the new school full of new people. With a long breath, you pushed open the school's front doors. Everyone was already crowded in their cliques and friend groups. You felt so out of place.

For lunch, you walked straight to the library instead of the cafeteria. Just today, you thought. I can't isolate myself forever.

Your fingers slowly traced the spines of the books in your favorite genre. All the different sizes and colors were appealing to your eye. Libraries are quite soothing.

A particular book caught your attention. You pulled it toward you to read the summary, but another hand reached past you, pushing the book back into place. Confused, you turned around.

Haechan was there, still looking at the book he just stopped you from getting. His eyes fell to yours with a mischievous glint. You began to blush with his arm still stretched out past you.

You weren't surprised to see him at your school, but it did shock you a little to come into contact with him.

"You don't want that book," he told you. "Everyone dies."

You pursed your lips in disappointment that he spoiled the book for you. "You didn't have to ruin it for me, but it's not like you're going to stop me from reading it."

"Even though no one is alive in the end?"

You shrugged. "Isn't death a part of life? People live with a purpose, and die with that written in their name."

Haechan narrowed his eyes, studying you while suddenly leaning a little closer. Out of nerves, you shuffled away just a bit. Your back pressed against the bookcase.

"Interesting." He had a gleam of amusement in his eyes. "(Y/n), why aren't you at lunch?

You didn't want to tell him that you were too nervous about not being able to find somewhere to sit. Instead, you shrugged your shoulders. "I'm not hungry, and I wanted to check out the library."

"You should eat," he told you. His words sent your heart into flutters, but Haechan seemed so intimidating.

   Also exciting.

Covering up half your blushing face with your hands, you softly asked, "Why aren't you eating?"

This smile was genuine. A soft one that brightened his face. "You got me again," he chuckled. "If I walk to the cafeteria right now, you have to promise to come with me."

"What is this? A lunch date in the school's cafeteria?" you joked, causing a nice laugh from Haechan. The librarian sent a shush in the direction of you both.

He slowly let out a breath to calm down his laughter. Then, Haechan bowed, motioning you to the door. "Ladies first."

That night, there was no escaping the constant repeating of the first day at school. The way that Haechan would talk to you so easily. How he smiled. It was impossible to erase.

At lunch, he picked a small open table next to the wall to sit in. You weren't sure if he was serious about you sitting with him, but Haechan nodded his head for you to join him. It wasn't a bit awkward since he could pull questions and topics out like it was the most simple thing. You asked him if he sat with any certain people at lunch. He pointed out a group of six other boys at a table, telling you that he usually hangs around them.

   "Why aren't you now?"

   Haechan pushed his food around with his plastic fork. "What can I say? I enjoy trying new things."

As you tried to fall asleep, you imagined scenarios of Haechan in your head. It was obvious that you liked him, and the way he acted around you gave you hope that maybe...

   Maybe.

Haechan could like you back.