My life is very simple — go to school, go home, study, and repeat.No parties, no hangouts, no big friend groups. I don't really have friends. The people I talk to are just classmates — temporary companions. I've never had someone I truly call a friend... maybe because I'm not that friendly.
That's me — Kim Ae-cha. Just a simple girl. Not as pretty as others, but not plain either. I guess you could say my beauty is simple, quiet, and ordinary.
One afternoon, I was sitting in class. Our teacher hadn't arrived yet when my phone suddenly vibrated.
"Hi."
Who could this be?
"Who are you?" I replied.
"Can I be your friend?"
"But... who are you?"
"You'll find out soon. I'm always at the cafeteria — you'll know me when you see me."
I frowned. Who is this mysterious person? Do I even know him?Before I could think more about it, the teacher arrived. I'll just check the cafeteria some other day, I thought.
That night at 7 p.m., another message came from the same unknown number.
"Can I court you?"
"I don't accept suitors."
What the—? I thought, rolling my eyes. He wants to court me? He hasn't even met me yet!
"If you have time this Sunday, can we meet? So you'll know who I am."
"Okay... where?"
"At the cafeteria near your school."
"Hi, I'm Lee Jinho."
When I saw him, I was shocked. So this is the guy who's been texting me?I couldn't deny it — he was handsome. But the "gangster" vibe was there.
He reached out his hand for a handshake, but I just stared at it. He awkwardly lowered his hand and smiled nervously.
Because of his nervousness, he blurted out,
"So... now that you've seen me, is it okay?"
"What?" I said sharply, glaring at him. Then I stood up.
"NO!"
"Don't waste your time," I snapped.
"I only came here to tell you that I don't entertain arrogant guys like you."
Then I walked out, leaving him speechless at the cafeteria.
That night, my phone buzzed again.
"Hi, good evening."
Oh no. It's him again. The arrogant one. Didn't I already tell him not to waste his time? What part of "no" didn't he understand?
"Why don't you like me?" he texted again.
Seriously?
"Do you really want to know?"
"Yes."
"Because I don't like tough guys. You look like a gangster — like a troublemaker."
And it was true. He did look like one... but why did he have to be so handsome?Ugh, annoying! Why does he have to be cute too? Whatever — he's not my type. Not at all. Maybe if he didn't look like a gangster, I'd consider it.
"Ah, I understand," he replied.
"I won't force you. You're not the only girl out there, and I won't chase you."
"Wow. Really?" I replied sarcastically.
"You think you're that handsome?"
"Hey! Don't ever message me again. And delete my number, okay?"
"Okay..."
I was walking when my phone beeped again.
What!? I frowned as I saw his number flash on my screen.He really thought I wouldn't recognize it? Sure, I deleted it, but I still remembered the last four digits.
Great. Just great. Here I am, enjoying a picnic with my classmates, and this gangster guy decides to text me again.
"Hi, new boyfriend?"
"Didn't I tell you not to text me again? Didn't I say delete my number? Why is it still saved?"
"I didn't delete it. Can you please not be mad at me anymore? I'm sorry for how I acted the first time we met. I know I came off as arrogant. Can we forget about that? Can we be friends?"
"Okay..."
Oh no.Why did I say okay? Why did my heart suddenly soften?He's different now — the way he texts isn't arrogant anymore.
My friend and I were walking together when I suddenly saw Jinho.
Oh no, why is he here?Just the sight of him made my blood boil. I could feel irritation bubbling up inside me.
So that's why he texted me "Hi, new boyfriend?" — because he must've seen me with John.
But seriously, he got it all wrong. John isn't my boyfriend.He's just my friend. Sure, I know he likes me, but I only see him as a friend — nothing more.
We were standing outside John's car, just talking, when I noticed Jinho walking toward us.Oh great. I immediately went inside the car, pretending to be busy.
He walked past — his usual confident, almost arrogant stride. Why does he always walk like he owns the place?
Then he approached John. They started talking, but I couldn't hear what they were saying.After a few minutes, Jinho walked away.
I didn't bother asking John what they talked about.It probably wasn't about me, right?If it was, John would've said something.
"Cha, I'll go ahead. I have somewhere to be," John said.
"Ah, okay. I'll wait here for a ride," I replied.
After John left, I turned around to head back to the car—And there he was. Jinho.
My heart skipped. I didn't know what to do. My hands went cold. We were getting closer… closer… and then—
He just walked past me.
Like I didn't even exist.
What!?
He didn't even look at me!
I could feel anger rise in my chest. So he's been texting me nonstop, apologizing, asking to be friends… and now he pretends not to know me?
Unbelievable. That guy really knows how to get on my nerves.
– Jinho's POV –
Ahh... why did I walk past her?I didn't even look at her. What will she think of me now?
"Jinho, seriously," I muttered to myself. "You're such a coward!"
I ruffled my hair in frustration, still replaying the moment in my head. When I finally got far enough, I turned around to see if she was still there — but she wasn't.
My eyes scanned the place until I found her sitting at a cottage with her friends, laughing softly. I just stood there, watching her from a distance.
She looked so calm, so simple, but something about her made it impossible for me to look away.
When she finally left with her friends, I whispered to myself,Next time we meet, I won't be afraid to approach her anymore.
End of Chapter 1
Author's Note:Please don't forget to vote, comment, and follow me for more updates on my story! 💕