Chapter 5 – Waiting Together
After they finished eating, the group made their way back to the classroom. The hallway was buzzing with students, some rushing before the bell, others lingering to chat in small groups. The air smelled faintly of chalk dust and warm food drifting from the cafeteria.
Just as they were about to enter, a voice called out.
"Jason!" It was the basketball coach.
Jason turned immediately. "Yes, teacher?"
"Come with me. We need to discuss the competition."
Jason scratched his head, then glanced back at Sani. "Guess I've got to go. Wait for me, okay? We should go home together."
Sani nodded quickly. "Okay, I'll wait."
"Bye, guys!" Jason grinned, jogging down the hall after the coach.
The rest of the group headed into class. The lessons dragged on, every tick of the clock feeling slower than the last. Finally, after a few hours, the bell rang, releasing the students from their seats. The classroom filled with the sound of scraping chairs and chatter as everyone hurried out.
Sani, however, lingered by the classroom door.
Jiwoo tilted her head. "Are you waiting for Jason?"
"Yes," Sani said softly, clutching the strap of her bag. "I hope he's not too late."
Haneul smiled warmly. "We're heading off now, then. Don't wait too long, alright?"
"Bye, Sani!" Jiwoo and Haneul waved before disappearing down the corridor.
Now alone, Sani hugged her bag to her chest and glanced around at the quieting hallway. Most of the students were gone, the sun casting long golden beams through the windows. When will Jason come…? she wondered.
Suddenly, a familiar voice broke the silence.
"Jason hasn't come yet?"
Sani looked up quickly. Sean stood there, his calm eyes catching hers. For a second, her breath hitched.
"N-no… not yet," she answered.
"Then I'll wait with you," Sean said casually, stepping closer.
Her heart thumped so hard it almost hurt. "W–wait with me? Why?"
Sean shrugged lightly, his lips curving into a small smile. "Because… I want to go together."
Her cheeks burned instantly. She looked away, her mind scrambling to calm her racing heartbeat. "O-oh… okay…"
They stood side by side in silence, the air thick with awkwardness. Sani twisted the strap of her bag over and over, her palms damp. Sean kept his gaze forward, his quiet presence making her even more nervous.
Finally, Sean spoke, his voice breaking the tension. "Sani, do you and Jason… live together?"
Her eyes widened. "What??"
Sean chuckled at her reaction. "I mean—you and Jason seem close. Do you live in the same house?"
"Oh! No, no!" Sani shook her head quickly, waving her hands. "Our houses are just near each other. Our moms have been friends since childhood, so Jason and I grew up together."
"Ah, I see," Sean said, nodding thoughtfully.
Curious, Sani tilted her head. "What about you? Where are you from?"
"I'm from Thailand," Sean replied simply.
Her eyes sparkled. "Really? I thought you were Korean."
Sean laughed softly. "Everyone thinks that. My mom is Korean, and my dad is Thai."
"Wow… so how did they meet?"
Sean's smile turned more gentle. "My mom was a businesswoman. My dad was a chef. They met by coincidence, fell in love, and got married."
"That sounds like a drama," Sani said with a small smile.
Sean's expression softened even more. "Yeah. But now, I live with my grandfather. My mom asked me to take care of him… but honestly, he's the one taking care of me. He's so energetic, like a child sometimes."
Sani couldn't help giggling at the picture he painted. Her nervousness began to fade, replaced with warmth.
Just then, Jason's voice echoed down the hall. "Heeeyyy! What's so funny? Laughing without me?"
Both Sani and Sean turned to see him jogging over, slightly out of breath but grinning as always.
Jason didn't wait for an answer. "Listen, guys, one of our basketball team members transferred to another school. We're short of players. Sean!" He pointed dramatically. "You're perfect for our team. Join us, please!"
"Me?" Sean looked startled. "But I'm not sure if I can play well…"
"Please!" Jason clasped his hands in mock begging, eyes sparkling with hope. "We don't have anyone else. We really need you."
Sean hesitated, thinking carefully, then finally nodded. "Alright… let's see what happens."
Jason pumped his fist high in the air. "Yes! Tomorrow I'll introduce you to the whole team. We'll practice together." He turned to Sani with a wide grin. "What do you think, Sani?"
Sani smiled shyly, her heart still fluttering. "I think… you should play. You'll be good at it."
Jason laughed triumphantly. "See? Even Sani agrees! Haaa, yeahhh!"
The three of them laughed together, their voices echoing through the quiet corridor as the afternoon sun painted everything in a golden glow.