06. At the library

It's Sunday today so I thought to get myself a new winter jacket from downtown. Downtown shops are much cheaper than the mall. I needed to get some books from the library. I'll just stop by after getting the jacket.

Mum was working on her laptop. I side-hugged her saying, "Mom I'll be back around evening. Call me if you need anything."

I kissed her cheek as she patted my hair lovingly and rested her hand on my cheek. I'm glad the swelling came down and the patch worked wonders.

"Sure Seo-ah. Take care of yourself", she said.

I shut the door and waited for the elevator.

I wonder if Jongsuk is okay... How did I forget to take his number? But I guess it's better if I don't contact him again. It'll only get him in trouble...

~~

I had nearly reached the library when I spotted Minseok. My eyes widened in fear. I tried to blend in with the crowd and pulled my cap down to cover my face. For once I'm glad that I'm not very tall.

No, no, no... Please don't notice me now. Not here, please...

The only thing I could think of was the library. I lowed my head and entered the library. Taking any random book I sat in the only empty seat and sighed in relief.

The stranger who sat in front of me eyed me for a second and returned to his book. I took off my cap thinking that the coast was clear.

Just then Cheng entered the library and I panicked. "Quick! Duck under the table", said the stranger in front of me.

I nodded and did as he said. Just then the stranger kept his bag on my seat.

Please don't come here! Please go away...

"Is this seat taken?", asked Cheng.

I opened my eyes and saw his legs. He was standing in front of me! I covered my mouth with my trembling hands as my body tensed on its own.

"Yeah, I'm waiting for my friend. Sorry", replied the stranger.

"Oh, alright."

With that Cheng went away. Thinking it was best to stay down for now I quietly continued sitting on the ground but this time a bit calmly. After what seemed like 15 minutes I heard the stranger say, "You can come out now. They're gone."

I sat back in my chair after returning the boy's bag. "Th-thank you...", I said opening my book but my head was still on what could've happened.

"No problem", said the stranger. "You're holding the book upside-down."

I quickly flipped the book and the boy giggled at my action. Looking at the book I saw that it was upside-down now!

"Aish...", saying that I lowered my head in embarrassment. "Thank you for helping me earlier. I'm Choi Junseo."

"It was no biggie. My name is Sehun", said the boy who was probably older than me, judging by his height. "It's alright now. I saw them leave in their car."

"Thanks but how do you know there was more than one?", I asked.

He only saw Cheng so how does he know there are more? Unless he's from the same school...

"Ahh... You're sharp. I'm from Delight High as well."

My eyebrows frowned as I asked, "You most likely know what going on in school... Are you sure you should even be seen with me here? What if someone saw us together?" I fiddled with my fingers and nervously bit my lower lip.

"Don't worry about that. Most students don't go to the 'public' library. And downtown is the last place they what to be seen at."

I hummed in reply still not convinced. "I still don't get why you would help me knowing how much trouble you could get in..."

Sehun sighed. "Listen, I don't mean to cause any harm to you. And I can't help you in school. This is all I can do for now. Standing up against Daejung is the last thing I'd do right now."

His aura suddenly became darker, "Do you know what happened last year? About Kim Seung?"

I shook my head and Sehun sighed before saying.