CHAPTER 6. Unexpected.
I went back to the staff room, entering my office I saw my colleagues:some were writing, others were chatting. I said hello to whoever cares to answer as I went to sit comfortable in my seat.
I browse through my phone. What am I looking for, I don't even know.
"Where have you been"? I heard Yejin question me.
"To the cafeteria of course, where else"… I stood up and began arranging the books on my table.
"Seems like you made a new friend? Yejin asked.
"No Yejin, he is our colleague and also your friend"… I replied to her as fast as I can.
"But is it weird you know her today and you two already had lunch" Yejin asked me, giving me that look of I can't believe you did that.
Silence reigned between us for a moment.
"I… I stuttered, unable to find the right answer. "Well let's say…hmm he was too friendly and too forward, and it was just a lunch, which he was the one that offered and insisted I join him" I blurted out.
"I was surprised you accepted it; you know, aside me, you never accept anything from anyone." She said with a furrowed face.
"I'm sorry"… I couldn't think of any other excuse to give, and I also felt bad about myself; she has already labelled me a glutton, what else was she expecting me to say. I'm sorry… I told her as I rested my head on my desk.
"You are really acting weird today" I heard her say and left. Although I was happy, she left, but I wasn't okay, "did she just called me a weirdo" I muttered.
Soon the bell came indicating school over for today; I gave out a heavy sign as I packed my books in my bag, I picked the ones I will be needing for tomorrow teaching, bidding my colleagues bye, I noticed Jimin was not back.
"What happened ?" I asked nobody in question; he said he won't take long, so how come.
Walking through the lobby, I heard students clapping and cheering.
"What is this all about" I muttered as I followed the sound to the students' hallway, only to see Jimin standing in the middle addressing the students.
"Wow" I said as I moved towards the staff stand to have a better view; I was beaming as I admired his structure, the way he composes his posture, his hand moving in Synchronization with his mouth, the way he smiles as he delivered his messages to the students everything about him is breathtaking.
He must have noticed my presence as he gave me a thumb cheer that sent chills down my spine; I opened my mouth in WOW as the thumb cheer took me surprised to catch it.
"He is really a good teacher" Mr. Ham-Yuk baritone voice whispered to my ears… "and he is going to bring the school it first Gold Medal" he said with that lingering smile.
I turned sharply at him wondering why he's telling me all this and why those smiles; not that he is bad, but ever since I got my job as a teacher here, the only one-to-one conversation we ever had was during my interview and intern training.
"Sure. He will".. I said.
Soon the gathering was over and Jimin approached me with a smile.
"Hey Bella, xup " he greeted with a handshake which I returned smiling boldly at him.
"I guess you had a nice heart-to-heart talk with your students" I said as we found our way through the lobby leading to the school gate.
"It was cool, you know… Did you enjoy it".
"Well I did, but since I don't understand Korea, I just have to say it's a nice talk."
"Ha.ha…ha." he chuckled as he faced his whole gaze on me.
"How did you know the talk was impressive since you don't understand Korea" he asked.
"Because I know you going to say something impressive to the students" I responded sharply, not wanting him to take me unaware with another question.
"Fine…fine… If you say so…hmm… so after school what else did you do" he asked as he looked at his watch.
"I love your watch "I responded, trying to divulge the question.
"Thanks Bella, but that wasn't the question" he said as he leaned closer to my face…."why do you love jumping questions you would rather not answer"…
"Nothing . Just that I do nothing at home, only read my books and jog around the vicinity"..I said as I took few steps back from him. this closeness gives me chills.
He stared at me give out a smile to saying catch in between lies.
I seriously don't know what to say again because there is nothing special about going home aside getting scold by my almighty Becky for leaving my lunchbox and expecting her to bring it for me or be told to do the dishes or any available house chores, same day, same talk, same work.
Looking up, I realized we were almost closed to our parting time.
"Okay Jimin" I need to go now." I don't want to be late, I have lesson note to write for tomorrow teaching" I said, trying to balance my words to make a memorable parting